Your Guide to Belmont County, Ohio
Looking for trusted businesses, services and local resources in Belmont County, Ohio? FindItOhio.com helps residents and visitors discover local companies, professionals and community information across Belmont County, including St. Clairsville, the county seat.
Quick answer: Belmont County is one of Ohio’s 88 counties. Its county seat is St. Clairsville, it was established in 1801, and it has an estimated 64,434 residents as of 2025.
At a Glance
- County seat: St. Clairsville
- Established: Sep 7, 1801
- Formed from: Jefferson and Washington Counties
- Named for: French for “beautiful mountain”
- Estimated population (2025): 64,434
- Total area: 537.35 sq mi
- FIPS code: 39013
About Belmont County
Belmont County is a county located in the eastern end of the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 66,497. Its county seat is St. Clairsville, while its largest city is Martins Ferry. The county was created on September 7, 1801, and organized on November 7, 1801. It takes its name from the French for “beautiful mountain”.
History of Belmont County
Belmont County was authorized in September 1801 by the Northwest Territorial legislature, with area partitioned from Jefferson and Washington counties. The county would be organized two months later with St. Clairsville being named as the county seat in 1803. Its area was reduced in 1810 when area was ceded for the formation of Guernsey County and again in 1813 for the formation of Monroe County. It has retained its boundaries unchanged since 1813. Belmont is the French toponym meaning “beautiful mountain”. Settlers migrating westward followed Zane’s Trace through the county. Later, the National Road was built through the county. Quakers were among the county’s first settlers. Many of these people would become outspoken critics of slavery, including famous abolitionist Benjamin Lundy.
Some of the earliest settlers in Belmont County were the Vernons, Williamses and Thomases from Georgia; the Starbucks from Nantucket; the Pattersons, Bundys, Stantons, Edgertons, Doudnas, Boswells, Outlands, Halls, Middletons and Hansons from North Carolina; the Baileys from Southeastern Virginia, and the Smiths from Pennsylvania.
Cities and Villages in Belmont County
Cities
Martins Ferry, St. Clairsville â€
Villages
Barnesville, Bellaire, Belmont, Bethesda, Bridgeport, Brookside, Fairview, Flushing, Holloway, Morristown, Powhatan Point, Shadyside, Wilson, Yorkville
Find Local Businesses in Belmont County
Browse the FindItOhio.com business directory to find restaurants, contractors, professional services, shops and more serving Belmont County. Own a business here? Add your free business listing so local customers can find you.
Background Checks, Process Serving and Private Investigations
Residents and employers in Belmont County can get BCI and FBI LiveScan fingerprinting, FD-258 fingerprint cards, process serving and licensed private investigations from these Ohio providers:
- Ohio Security & Investigations, Youngstown: licensed private investigations and fingerprinting. Call (888) 341-6960 or visit ohioinvestigators.com.
- 10-8 Protective Services, Columbus: investigations, fingerprinting and process serving. Call (800) 949-8521 or visit 10-8protectiveservices.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the county seat of Belmont County, Ohio?
St. Clairsville is the county seat of Belmont County, Ohio.
When was Belmont County established?
Belmont County was established on Sep 7, 1801. It was formed from Jefferson and Washington Counties.
Who or what is Belmont County named for?
Belmont County is named for French for “beautiful mountain”.
How many people live in Belmont County, Ohio?
Belmont County has an estimated population of 64,434 as of 2025.
What cities are in Belmont County, Ohio?
Cities in Belmont County include Martins Ferry, St. Clairsville †.
Where can I find local businesses in Belmont County?
Search the FindItOhio.com business directory to find local businesses and services in Belmont County, Ohio.
How do I list my Belmont County business on FindItOhio.com?
Visit the free business listing page on FindItOhio.com and submit your business name, address, phone number and website.
Looking for another county? Explore all 88 Ohio counties on FindItOhio.com.
County background adapted from the Wikipedia article Belmont County, Ohio, available under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0 license.