SE Ohio Counties
Perry County
Perry County, Ohio, is a community built on resilience, hard work, and a spirit of innovation. Once known for its deep coal mining roots, the county has transformed into a hub for small business growth, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable agriculture. Its proximity to Columbus provides access to major markets while allowing businesses and residents to enjoy the advantages of a rural, close-knit community.
Rich in Appalachian heritage, Perry County is home to scenic destinations like Burr Oak State Park, the Tecumseh Theater, and the historic Somerset Square. Whether you’re looking to invest, grow a business, or find a place that values both progress and tradition, Perry County is ready to welcome you.
Connect with the Perry County Economic Development Organization
Scott Owen, County Commissioner
scott.owen@perrycountyohio.net(614) 783-0309
Perry County Commissioners
212 South Main Street, Lower Level
New Lexington, Ohio 43764
http://www.perrycountyohio.net/agencies-and-offices/perry-county-commissioners
A Snapshot of Perry County
County Seat:
New Lexington
Local resources:
Perry County Chamber of CommerceDiscover Perry CountyPerry County ConnectNearest Airport(s):
Perry County Airport: 1.8 miles
John Glenn Columbus International Airport: 58 miles
Highways:
US 22, OH 13, OH 37, OH 93
Workforce:
166,544 within a 45-minute drive
Population:
35,388 live in the county
GDP:
$2,509,835,806 in Gross Regional Product
Primary Industries
Metal Fabrication
Logistics & Distribution
Railways:
Norfolk Southern Corp, Ohio Rail Development Commission, Ohio Southern Railroad
Higher Education:
Hocking College - Perry Campus
Median Household Income:
$58,513
Median Home Value:
$188,943
Cost of Living Index:
87.7
Major Employers
Utilities
Electricity Providers:
Columbus Southern Power
Guernsey-Muskingum REA
Licking REA
Ohio Power
South Central REA
Natural Gas Providers:
Columbia Gas
Foraker
Southeast
Telephone/Internet Providers:
AT&T Ohio
UTO (dba CenturyLink)
Frontier North
Windstream Ohio
Top attractions in Perry County
Southeast Ohio is the kind of place that surprises you—where you stumble upon a town that feels like it was pulled from a movie set, enjoy one-of-a-kind, locally owned shops, or discover a hiking trail that becomes your new favorite. It’s the largest, yet somehow least talked-about, region of Ohio, and that’s part of its charm. It’s a place where you can slow down, look around, and see that life’s greatest adventures are right in front of you.
Little Cities of Black Diamonds
The historic coal town mining communities of the Appalachia region in southeast Ohio.
Downtown Somerset
A great small rural town at the gateway of the rolling Hocking Hills region.
Black Diamond Tavern
A casual dining establishment serving its own Black Diamond Beer.
Backwoods Fest
Live music, great food, over 300 vendors.
Strong & Co.
World-class, family-owned restaurants in Somerset.
Ohio's Winding Road Marketplace
Artisan goods from local, Appalachian makers.
Related stories about Perry County
Perry County Manufacturer Announces Expansion
Schmelzer Industries, in conjunction with JobsOhio and Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE), today announced it will invest more than $850,000 in its Perry County facility, creating four new jobs. Founded...
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Historic Investment Announced in the Village of Shawnee
A downtown revitalization project in the village of Shawnee designed to foster small business and economic development growth was announced today. Black Diamond Development LLC, in collaboration with JobsOhio and...
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