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Meigs County, Ohio

Coordinates: 39°05′N 82°01′W / 39.08°N 82.02°W / 39.08; -82.02
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Meigs County
County
County courthouse in Pomeroy
County courthouse in Pomeroy
Flag of Meigs County
Flag
Official seal of Meigs County
Seal
Map of Ohio highlighting Meigs County
Location within the U.S. state of Ohio
Map of the United States highlighting Ohio
Ohio's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 39°05′N 82°01′W / 39.08°N 82.02°W / 39.08; -82.02
Country United States
State Ohio
FoundedApril 1, 1819[1]
Named forReturn J. Meigs Jr.
SeatPomeroy
Largest villageMiddleport
Area
 • Total433 sq mi (1,120 km2)
 • Land430 sq mi (1,100 km2)
 • Water2.9 sq mi (8 km2)  0.7%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total22,210 Decrease
 • Density51/sq mi (20/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district2nd
Websitewww.meigscountyohio.com

Meigs County (/ˈmɛɡz/ MEGZ[2]) is a county located in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 22,210.[3] Its county seat is Pomeroy.[4] The county is named for Return J. Meigs Jr., the fourth Governor of Ohio.[5]

Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 433 square miles (1,120 km2), of which 430 square miles (1,100 km2) is land and 2.9 square miles (7.5 km2) (0.7%) is water.[6] The Ohio River forms the eastern and southern boundaries of the county, the other side of which is located in West Virginia.

Meigs County lies in the Appalachian Plateau physiographic region of the Appalachian Mountains. The landscape is considered to be anywhere from gently rolling to rugged, typical of a dissected plateau. Elevations range from 1,020 feet (310 m) asl (above sea level) in the southwest to about 535 feet (163 m) asl in the far south central part of the county along the Ohio River. The majority of Meigs County is drained by two subwatersheds of the Ohio River, Shade River and Leading Creek. Another stream of note is Raccoon Creek, which flows through a small area of the northwestern corner of the county.[7]

Coal mining, both strip and underground, has been an important industry in Meigs County since the late 19th century, although mining of all types largely ceased by the 1990s. The effects of mining are still readily seen on the landscape today. Features such as high walls, spoil piles, and irregular topography are still prevalent. Many tributaries in the Leading Creek basin are plagued by acid mine drainage and sedimentation.[citation needed]

In 2009, Gatling, Ohio LLC invested $75 million to open a new coal mine and coal prep plant near Racine. It is capable of employing 120 to 150 miners, and is capable of producing 3.5 million marketable tons of coal per year.[8][9]

Climate

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Meigs County's climate is considered humid continental, with warm to hot, humid summers and cool to cold, wet winters. Precipitation averages 41" annually, spread evenly throughout the year. High July temperatures average in the upper 80s F, while lows average in the low to mid 60s F. Temperatures above 90* F in the summer are common. January highs average about 40* F, with lows in the lower 20s. Temperatures around or even below 0* F occur during most winters. Snowfall averages 20–25", falling between late November and the first week of April.

The Ohio River creates a microclimate in its valley where temperatures tend to be moderated by the river, hence resulting in longer growing seasons compared to the rest of the county. Other microclimates, known as frost hollows or frost pockets, exist throughout the county in small isolated valleys. Nocturnal temperatures are often several degrees colder than the surrounding terrain.

Adjacent counties

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State protected areas

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18204,480—
18306,15837.5%
184011,45286.0%
185017,97156.9%
186026,53447.6%
187031,46518.6%
188032,3252.7%
189029,813−7.8%
190028,620−4.0%
191025,594−10.6%
192026,1892.3%
193023,961−8.5%
194024,1040.6%
195023,227−3.6%
196022,159−4.6%
197019,799−10.7%
198023,64119.4%
199022,987−2.8%
200023,0720.4%
201023,7703.0%
202022,210−6.6%
U.S. Decennial Census[10]
1790-1960[11] 1900-1990[12]
1990-2000[13] 2020 [3]

2000 census

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As of the census[14] of 2000, there were 23,072 people, 9,234 households, and 6,574 families living in the county. The population density was 54 people per square mile (21 people/km2). There were 10,782 housing units at an average density of 25 units per square mile (9.7/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 97.73% White, 0.69% Black or African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.10% Asian, 0.25% from other races, and 0.96% from two or more races. 0.60% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 9,234 households, out of which 31.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.90% were married couples living together, 10.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.80% were non-families. 25.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.90% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 27.70% from 25 to 44, 25.20% from 45 to 64, and 14.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 94.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $27,287, and the median income for a family was $33,071. Males had a median income of $30,821 versus $19,621 for females. The per capita income for the county was $13,848. About 14.30% of families and 19.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.30% of those under age 18 and 14.50% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

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As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 23,770 people, 9,557 households, and 6,698 families living in the county.[15] The population density was 55.3 inhabitants per square mile (21.4/km2). There were 11,191 housing units at an average density of 26.0 units per square mile (10.0 units/km2).[16] The racial makeup of the county was 97.4% white, 0.9% black or African American, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 0.5% of the population.[15] In terms of ancestry, 25.1% were German, 14.3% were Irish, 13.9% were American, and 9.6% were English.[17]

Of the 9,557 households, 31.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.6% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 29.9% were non-families, and 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.91. The median age was 41.2 years.[15]

The median income for a household in the county was $33,407 and the median income for a family was $42,653. Males had a median income of $41,850 versus $27,271 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,003. About 16.7% of families and 20.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.9% of those under age 18 and 12.3% of those age 65 or over.[18]

Politics

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Owing to its history as a settlement of the Yankee Ohio Company of Associates, Meigs County was reliably Republican for the first century following that party's formation. Meigs County voted Republican in every Presidential election between 1856 and 1960. It was won four times by Democrats between 1964 and 1996 (although Bill Clinton who carried Meigs twice did so only with pluralities) but has become powerfully Republican again since 2000. Barack Obama reached 39% in this county despite his statewide victories in 2008 or 2012, but Donald Trump reached a record 72.8% in the county in 2016 owing to his strength in rural counties nationwide.

United States presidential election results for Meigs County, Ohio[19]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 8,316 75.83% 2,492 22.72% 159 1.45%
2016 7,309 72.79% 2,260 22.51% 472 4.70%
2012 5,895 57.69% 4,027 39.41% 296 2.90%
2008 6,015 57.80% 4,094 39.34% 298 2.86%
2004 6,272 58.23% 4,438 41.20% 61 0.57%
2000 5,750 58.70% 3,674 37.51% 371 3.79%
1996 3,622 38.27% 4,275 45.17% 1,568 16.57%
1992 3,916 38.07% 4,226 41.08% 2,144 20.84%
1988 5,486 59.14% 3,699 39.88% 91 0.98%
1984 6,307 63.52% 3,549 35.74% 73 0.74%
1980 4,911 53.56% 3,827 41.73% 432 4.71%
1976 4,942 47.76% 5,262 50.85% 144 1.39%
1972 5,961 70.69% 2,335 27.69% 137 1.62%
1968 4,759 56.29% 2,921 34.55% 775 9.17%
1964 3,973 43.63% 5,133 56.37% 0 0.00%
1960 6,976 66.77% 3,472 33.23% 0 0.00%
1956 6,593 70.32% 2,783 29.68% 0 0.00%
1952 6,700 66.76% 3,336 33.24% 0 0.00%
1948 5,564 60.52% 3,595 39.11% 34 0.37%
1944 6,401 65.32% 3,399 34.68% 0 0.00%
1940 7,239 59.23% 4,983 40.77% 0 0.00%
1936 6,464 51.51% 6,085 48.49% 0 0.00%
1932 5,964 53.04% 5,105 45.40% 175 1.56%
1928 6,580 70.65% 2,661 28.57% 73 0.78%
1924 4,864 57.28% 1,944 22.89% 1,684 19.83%
1920 6,541 63.36% 3,606 34.93% 177 1.71%
1916 3,184 52.79% 2,628 43.57% 219 3.63%
1912 2,129 36.39% 1,738 29.71% 1,983 33.90%
1908 4,108 62.05% 2,225 33.61% 288 4.35%
1904 4,304 68.45% 1,708 27.16% 276 4.39%
1900 4,545 65.59% 2,237 32.28% 147 2.12%
1896 4,696 64.27% 2,536 34.71% 75 1.03%
1892 3,959 59.37% 2,415 36.22% 294 4.41%
1888 3,989 60.41% 2,413 36.54% 201 3.04%
1884 4,177 60.39% 2,630 38.02% 110 1.59%
1880 4,103 59.51% 2,749 39.87% 43 0.62%
1876 3,962 58.68% 2,773 41.07% 17 0.25%
1872 3,501 65.81% 1,812 34.06% 7 0.13%
1868 3,548 63.64% 2,027 36.36% 0 0.00%
1864 3,522 70.68% 1,461 29.32% 0 0.00%
1860 2,689 58.30% 1,699 36.84% 224 4.86%
1856 1,998 50.65% 1,603 40.63% 344 8.72%

Government

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Education

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Communities

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Map of Meigs County, Ohio with municipal and township labels
Meigs County Courthouse

Villages

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Townships

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Census-designated place

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Unincorporated communities

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Notable natives and residents

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Ohio County Profiles: Meigs County" (PDF). Ohio Department of Development. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 21, 2007. Retrieved April 28, 2007.
  2. ^ "E.W. Scripps School of Journalism Ohio Pronunciation Guide | Ohio University". www.ohio.edu. Ohio University. 2016. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  3. ^ a b 2020 census
  4. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2021.
  5. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 204.
  6. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on May 4, 2014. Retrieved February 9, 2015.
  7. ^ Ohio Atlas & Gazetteer. Yarmouth, Me.: DeLorme. 1991. pp. 79–80, 87. ISBN 0-89933-233-1.
  8. ^ "Pomeroy Daily Sentinel – Gatling investing million in mine facility". Mydailysentinel.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved June 1, 2010.
  9. ^ "Coal Ties / Meigs County producing coal once again " Entangled Citizens". Spurse.org. May 18, 2009. Archived from the original on July 28, 2011. Retrieved June 1, 2010.
  10. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 9, 2015.
  11. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved February 9, 2015.
  12. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 9, 2015.
  13. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved February 9, 2015.
  14. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  15. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  16. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  17. ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  18. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  19. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  20. ^ "James Edwin Campbell". Remarkable Ohio. Ohio History Connection. Retrieved September 12, 2017.

Further reading

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  • Thomas William Lewis, History of Southeastern Ohio and the Muskingum Valley, 1788-1928. In Three Volumes. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1928.
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39°05′N 82°01′W / 39.08°N 82.02°W / 39.08; -82.02

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