Your Guide to Erie County, Ohio
Looking for trusted businesses, services and local resources in Erie County, Ohio? FindItOhio.com helps residents and visitors discover local companies, professionals and community information across Erie County, including Sandusky, the county seat.
Quick answer: Erie County is one of Ohio’s 88 counties. Its county seat is Sandusky, it was established in 1838, and it has an estimated 73,296 residents as of 2025.
At a Glance
- County seat: Sandusky
- Established: Mar 15, 1838
- Formed from: Huron and Sandusky Counties
- Named for: Erie Indians
- Estimated population (2025): 73,296
- Total area: 254.88 sq mi
- FIPS code: 39043
About Erie County
Erie County is a county in the northern portion of the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 75,622. Its county seat and largest city is Sandusky. The county is named for the Erie tribe, whose name was their word for “wildcat”. It was formed in 1838 from the northern third of Huron County and a portion of Sandusky County.
Erie County is included in the Sandusky, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Cleveland, Akron, Canton, OH Combined Statistical Area.
History of Erie County
Erie County was created in 1838 from a portion of Huron County. A few subsequent changes to Erie County’s boundaries occurred shortly after its initial formation.
Cities and Villages in Erie County
Cities
Bellevue, Huron, Sandusky †, Vermilion
Villages
Bay View, Berlin Heights, Castalia, Kelleys Island, Milan
Find Local Businesses in Erie County
Browse the FindItOhio.com business directory to find restaurants, contractors, professional services, shops and more serving Erie 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 Erie 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 Erie County, Ohio?
Sandusky is the county seat of Erie County, Ohio.
When was Erie County established?
Erie County was established on Mar 15, 1838. It was formed from Huron and Sandusky Counties.
Who or what is Erie County named for?
Erie County is named for Erie Indians.
How many people live in Erie County, Ohio?
Erie County has an estimated population of 73,296 as of 2025.
What cities are in Erie County, Ohio?
Cities in Erie County include Bellevue, Huron, Sandusky †, Vermilion.
Where can I find local businesses in Erie County?
Search the FindItOhio.com business directory to find local businesses and services in Erie County, Ohio.
How do I list my Erie 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 Erie County, Ohio, available under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0 license.