Your Guide to Putnam County, Ohio
Looking for trusted businesses, services and local resources in Putnam County, Ohio? FindItOhio.com helps residents and visitors discover local companies, professionals and community information across Putnam County, including Ottawa, the county seat.
Quick answer: Putnam County is one of Ohio’s 88 counties. Its county seat is Ottawa, it was established in 1820, and it has an estimated 34,380 residents as of 2025.
At a Glance
- County seat: Ottawa
- Established: Apr 1, 1820
- Formed from: Shelby County
- Named for: General Israel Putnam (1718 to 1790), a Revolutionary War officer
- Estimated population (2025): 34,380
- Total area: 483.87 sq mi
- FIPS code: 39137
About Putnam County
Putnam County is a county located in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 34,451. Its county seat is Ottawa. The county was created in 1820 and later organized in 1834. Its name is in honor of Israel Putnam, a colonial officer in the French and Indian War, who served as a general in the American Revolutionary War. The Blanchard River, which passes through the county, was a key transportation route for early European American settlers.
Cities and Villages in Putnam County
Villages
Belmore, Cloverdale, Columbus Grove, Continental, Dupont, Fort Jennings, Gilboa, Glandorf, Kalida, Leipsic, Miller City, Ottawa †, Ottoville, Pandora, West Leipsic
Find Local Businesses in Putnam County
Browse the FindItOhio.com business directory to find restaurants, contractors, professional services, shops and more serving Putnam 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 Putnam 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 Putnam County, Ohio?
Ottawa is the county seat of Putnam County, Ohio.
When was Putnam County established?
Putnam County was established on Apr 1, 1820. It was formed from Shelby County.
Who or what is Putnam County named for?
Putnam County is named for General Israel Putnam (1718 to 1790), a Revolutionary War officer.
How many people live in Putnam County, Ohio?
Putnam County has an estimated population of 34,380 as of 2025.
What cities are in Putnam County, Ohio?
Putnam County has no incorporated cities. Its communities include Belmore, Cloverdale, Columbus Grove, Continental, Dupont, Fort Jennings, Gilboa, Glandorf.
Where can I find local businesses in Putnam County?
Search the FindItOhio.com business directory to find local businesses and services in Putnam County, Ohio.
How do I list my Putnam 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 Putnam County, Ohio, available under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0 license.