Your Guide to Monroe County, Ohio
Looking for trusted businesses, services and local resources in Monroe County, Ohio? FindItOhio.com helps residents and visitors discover local companies, professionals and community information across Monroe County, including Woodsfield, the county seat.
Quick answer: Monroe County is one of Ohio’s 88 counties. Its county seat is Woodsfield, it was established in 1813, and it has an estimated 12,994 residents as of 2025.
At a Glance
- County seat: Woodsfield
- Established: Jan 29, 1813
- Formed from: Belmont, Washington, and Guernsey Counties
- Named for: James Monroe (1758 to 1831), Secretary of State when the county was organized and future President of the United States
- Estimated population (2025): 12,994
- Total area: 455.54 sq mi
- FIPS code: 39111
About Monroe County
Monroe County is a county located on the eastern border of the U.S. state of Ohio, across the Ohio River from West Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,385, making it the second least populous county in Ohio. Its county seat is Woodsfield. The county was created in 1813 and later organized in 1815.
History of Monroe County
Monroe County was formed on January 28, 1813, from portions of Belmont, Guernsey and Washington counties. It was named after James Monroe, the U.S. Secretary of State when the county was formed, and later fifth President of the United States. When organized, the county’s eastern border was with the state of Virginia. This portion of the state seceded from Virginia during the American Civil War, being admitted to the Union as the state of West Virginia. The largely rural county reached its peak of population in the 19th century, before urbanization drew people into and near cities for work and other opportunities. It is still a center of Amish population and farms.
In 1891, West Virginia’s Sistersville Field was discovered to extend into Monroe County. By 1901, 300 wells near Woodsfield, Ohio, were producing 55,000 barrels of oil a month.
On or about December 20, 2011, ExxonMobil, a New Jersey petroleum company, via its subsidiary XTO Energy, acquired 20,056 acres of Monroe County Utica Shale gas leases from Beck Energy.
Cities and Villages in Monroe County
Villages
Antioch, Beallsville, Clarington, Graysville, Jerusalem, Lewisville, Miltonsburg, Stafford, Wilson, Woodsfield â€
Find Local Businesses in Monroe County
Browse the FindItOhio.com business directory to find restaurants, contractors, professional services, shops and more serving Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe County, Ohio?
Woodsfield is the county seat of Monroe County, Ohio.
When was Monroe County established?
Monroe County was established on Jan 29, 1813. It was formed from Belmont, Washington, and Guernsey Counties.
Who or what is Monroe County named for?
Monroe County is named for James Monroe (1758 to 1831), Secretary of State when the county was organized and future President of the United States.
How many people live in Monroe County, Ohio?
Monroe County has an estimated population of 12,994 as of 2025.
What cities are in Monroe County, Ohio?
Monroe County has no incorporated cities. Its communities include Antioch, Beallsville, Clarington, Graysville, Jerusalem, Lewisville, Miltonsburg, Stafford.
Where can I find local businesses in Monroe County?
Search the FindItOhio.com business directory to find local businesses and services in Monroe County, Ohio.
How do I list my Monroe County business on FindItOhio.com?
Visit the free business listing page on FindItOhio.com and submit your business name, address, phone number and website.
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County background adapted from the Wikipedia article Monroe County, Ohio, available under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0 license.