Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Ohio County, Indiana had a population of 5,940. The median age was 45.6 years. About 49.5% of residents were male and 50.5% female. The racial makeup was predominantly White (96.5%), with small percentages of Black or African American (0.4%), Asian (0.3%), two or more races (1.7%), and Hispanic or Latino of any race making up 1.2% of the population.
Education, Employment and Housing
Ohio County, Indiana, served by the Rising Sun-Ohio County Community Schools district, has one elementary school and one combined junior-senior high school. About 86.9% of adults have at least a high school diploma, while 15.7% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district’s schools score an average of 6/10 on statewide assessments, indicating above-average performance. School safety is a priority, with recent investments in secure entrances and resource officers. Educational programs include dual-credit college courses and STEM initiatives, supporting college and career readiness for its approximately 900 students.
As of 2022, Ohio County, IN reported an employment rate of approximately 57%. The leading industries are manufacturing (22%), health care and social assistance (16%), and retail trade (14%). Most employed residents work in office and administrative support (15%), production occupations (14%), and sales (10%). About 79% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 23 minutes; over 40% work outside the county, with many commuting to neighboring Dearborn and Boone counties.
Ohio County, IN, Indiana’s smallest county, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with a median property value of approximately $162,000 as of 2022. Median gross rent is around $755 per month. The market has seen moderate value growth of 5% annually. Housing is primarily single-family homes, with fewer apartments and rentals. Notable neighborhoods cluster around Rising Sun, the county seat. Property tax rates are roughly 0.67% of assessed value, among the lowest in the state. The community features a rural, close-knit atmosphere with affordable, stable housing costs.
Elections
Ohio County, IN, with around 4,400 residents, has approximately 3,200 registered voters as of 2023. Voters participate in primary, general, and special elections, with Republican and Democratic parties fielding candidates. In the 2020 general election, 72% voted; 65% favored the Republican presidential candidate. Polling locations include the County Courthouse and Patriot Firehouse. Issues often center on local taxation and infrastructure. The County Clerk’s Office administers elections, ensuring compliance with Indiana law. Voter turnout remains high compared to state averages, reflecting strong community engagement in both partisan and nonpartisan local races.
County Crime & Safety
Ohio County, IN, reports one of the lowest crime rates in the state, averaging 7.2 crimes per 1,000 residents annually, compared to Indiana’s average of 21.1. Violent crime remains rare, with fewer than 5 incidents per year, primarily property-related crimes being reported. Local law enforcement attributes safety to strong community engagement and regular patrolling. The county encourages residents to report suspicious activities, contributing to a 98% incident clearance rate. Overall, Ohio County is considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below national and state averages.
Popular names
- Barbara Smith
- Bonnie Bovard
- Kevin Rohrbach
- Pamela Bovard
- Paul Sheets
- Peter Wendt
- Sherry Combs
- Anthony Bailey
- Blaiz Niccum
- Branden Lucas
- Brian Johns
- Darrell Meisberger
- David Wilson
- Deb Thompson
- Derek Stahl
- Deron Radcliff
- Dora Kibble
- Elizabeth Miller
- Gary Walton
- Jacob Lind
- Jake Cunningham
- James Mcdaniel
- Jamie Lambertson
- Janet Lawless
- Jennifer Poling
- Jessica Hicks
- Jessica Martin
- John Miller
- Judy Wright
- Kaelee Mosley
- Kasie Short
- Kimberly Jones
- Lindsay Williams
- Maricris Monton
- Meghan Lamkin
- Monte Denbo
- Nancy Cone
- Peter Weiss
- Ralph Walton
- Richard Keith
- Rita Jones
- Robert Bailey
- Robert Browning
- Sarah Fleenor
- Shirley Koons
- Shirley Thies
- Sondra Beall
- Stella Fish
- Stephanie Brett
- Teresa Ehling
- Thomas Mckay
- Timothy Cook
- William Gould
- William Thies
- Aaron Hopkins
- Abby Friend
- Abby Wilder
- Adam Bowling
- Adam Fox
- Adam Vogt
Other Counties in Indiana
- Adams
- Allen
- Bartholomew
- Benton
- Blackford
- Boone
- Brown
- Carroll
- Cass
- Clark
- Clay
- Clinton
- Crawford
- Daviess
- De Kalb
- Dearborn
- Decatur
- Delaware
- Dubois
- Elkhart
- Fayette
- Floyd
- Fountain
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Gibson
- Grant
- Greene
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Harrison
- Hendricks
- Henry
- Howard
- Huntington
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jay
- Jefferson
- Jennings
- Johnson
- Knox
- Kosciusko
- La Porte
- Lagrange
- Lake
- Lawrence
- Madison
- Marion
- Marshall
- Martin