Athens County, Ohio

Athens County, Ohio
The Athens County Courthouse in Athens
Location within the U.S. state of Ohio
Coordinates: 39°20′N 82°03′W / 39.33°N 82.05°W / 39.33; -82.05
Country United States
State Ohio
FoundedMarch 1, 1805
Named afterAthens, Greece
SeatAthens
Largest cityAthens
Area
 • Total
508 sq mi (1,320 km2)
 • Land504 sq mi (1,310 km2)
 • Water4.8 sq mi (12 km2)  1.0%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
62,431
 • Estimate 
(2024)
63,218
 • Density120/sq mi (46/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district12th
Websitewww.co.athensoh.org

Athens County is a county in southeastern Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 62,431. Its county seat and largest city is Athens. The county was formed in 1805 from Washington County. Because Ohio's first state university, Ohio University, was established here in 1804, the town and the county are named for the ancient center of learning, Athens, Greece.

Athens County comprises the Athens, OH Micropolitan Statistical Area.