Washington County
View a map of Washington County
View the 2025 U.S. Census demographic profile for Washington County
Washington County — County Seat: Marietta
2026 Population Estimate: 58,179 | Official Website: https://www.washingtongov.org/
Washington County is a historically profound southeastern Ohio county centered on Marietta — the first permanent American settlement in the Northwest Territory, founded in 1788 and one of the most historically significant cities in the Midwest. Marietta was named for Marie Antoinette (to honor French support during the Revolution) and was laid out with classical precision atop ancient Hopewell earthworks. The city's extraordinary collection of Federal-period architecture and its meticulous preservation have made it one of the best-preserved 19th-century small cities in America. The Ohio River Museum and the iconic Campus Martius Museum are national treasures of early American history. Marietta College — a respected private liberal arts institution — has educated students since 1835. Major employers include Belpre City Schools, and Marietta Memorial Hospital, and manufacturing operations including Eramet Marietta (titanium and aluminum alloys).
▸ Key Industries & Major Employers
Healthcare, manufacturing, chemical production, and agriculture.
Major employers include Memorial Health System (Marietta), Peoples Bancorp, Ohio University Washington Campus, WE Ohio (formerly Peoples Services), and BASF (specialty chemicals plant). Marietta is Ohio's first permanent settlement and an Ohio River heritage city.
▸ Notable Economic Development Initiatives
Washington County Economic Development works with OhioSE to attract manufacturing and support existing employers. Marietta's historic downtown and Ohio River access support heritage tourism and small business. A 2024 riverwalk and downtown improvement initiative received state Main Street grant funding. BASF's continued chemical operations support high-wage employment.
▸ Infrastructure & Investment Highlights
I-77 connects north. SR-7 (Ohio River corridor) provides river access. The Marietta Airport supports business aviation. The Ohio River barge system serves BASF and other industrial users. Broadband expansion is ongoing in rural townships.
