About Athens County

As a 'rural-cosmopolitan' community, Athens County offers the best of both worlds: big-city amenities wrapped in small-town hospitality. The rolling hills of southeastern Ohio draw people from all over the world who wish to live and work in this pastoral, yet progressive, county.

Maps may be picked up by visiting the Chamber of Commerce's office at 449 East State Street.

The Ohio Department of Development has a PDF of some great information about Athens County. Please take a look.

Athens County Regional Planning Commission

The Board of Commissioners of the Athens County Regional Planning Commission conducts monthly meetings to review subdivision requests, floodplain development requests, and to develop land use plans for Athens County.

Read the Athens County Comprehensive Plan.

Athens County 2-1-1

211athenscounty.org is a free, searchable database of volunteer opportunities, donation opportunities, health and human services, over 200 agencies and 1500 programs where Athens County can Get Help and Give Help. Local schools and all types of services from animal rescue to support groups are listed.

Athens County 2-1-1 Community Resource Directory

Connecting residents in Athens county with comprehensive and up-to-date information about social, health and government services.

The City of Athens and Ohio University

In 1805, the city of Athens was designated the county seat. The year prior, the Ohio General Assembly chartered Ohio University, making it the first institution of higher learning in the Northwest Territory. Today, Ohio University boasts over 20,000 students at its main campus in Athens. With students from every state in the nation and about 100 other countries, Ohio University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees, as well as a four-year program in osteopathic medicine.

Operation CleanSweep

Working together to transform Athens into one of the cleanest college towns in America! The article and linked PDF document can be found here.

Hocking College

Founded in 1968, Hocking College in Nelsonville offers 2-year programs in culinary arts, industrial ceramics and adventure travel, e-commerce, forestry, back country horsemanship, correction, interpretive services and compressor technology, to name a few. Special events held on campus include the Timber & Outdoor Show at Hocking College, which draws over 60,000 visitors, and the International Bow Hunter Challenge, which attracts more that 2,500 shooters a year.

Employment Opportunities

Athens County, once a thriving coal community, now offers diverse employment opportunities. Ohio University, Hocking College, O'Bleness Hospital, Doctor's Hospital, Diagnostic Hybrids and Global Cooling are just a sampling of the larger employers. The county also prides itself on the numerous entrepreneurs, including artists, specialty food producers, researchers, consultants and contractors, who have established thriving small businesses.

Tourism

Perhaps what entices people the most to Athens County is the scenic beauty. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the area features a national forest, state parks, and a 19-mile paved recreation path that connects the cities of Athens and Nelsonville. Recreation opportunities abound, including hiking, bicycling, boating, fishing, camping, hunting, and canoeing on the Hocking River and surrounding lakes.

The slower pace of Athens County, along with its cultural activities and scenic charm, make it a great place to visit, and an even better place to live!