Your Guide to Allen County, Ohio
Looking for trusted businesses, services and local resources in Allen County, Ohio? FindItOhio.com helps residents and visitors discover local companies, professionals and community information across Allen County, including Lima, the county seat.
Quick answer: Allen County is one of Ohio’s 88 counties. Its county seat is Lima, it was established in 1820, and it has an estimated 100,881 residents as of 2025.
At a Glance
- County seat: Lima
- Established: Mar 1, 1820
- Formed from: Shelby County
- Named for: John Allen (1771/2 to 1813), a War of 1812 colonel
- Estimated population (2025): 100,881
- Total area: 404.43 sq mi
- FIPS code: 39003
About Allen County
Allen County is a county located in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Ohio. Its county seat and largest city is Lima. The county was created in 1820 and organized in 1831. The county is named in honor of Colonel John Allen, who was killed leading his men at the Battle of Frenchtown during the War of 1812.
Allen County comprises the Lima metropolitan statistical area, and as of the 2020 census, the population was 102,206. Allen County also comprises the entirety of the Lima, OH media market.
History of Allen County
Under the terms of the Treaty of Greenville signed in 1795, northwestern Ohio was reserved for Native Americans. Thus the area now comprising Allen County was off limits to European settlement until the Treaty of Maumee Rapids in 1817. Under the terms of this treaty, the Shawnee tribe was assigned reservations at Wapakonetta and at their “Hog Creek” settlement along the Ottawa River which comprised most of what is the present day Shawnee Township. The latter treaty opened the way for the Ohio Legislature on March 1, 1820, to create fourteen counties, including Allen, which was defined as Ranges 5 through 8 east and Towns 3 through 6 south.
The first permanent settlement within Allen County’s present day bounds took place in 1824, when Christopher S. Wood and his family settled in section 7 of Bath Township. The organization of Bath Township predates that of Allen County, with its first township meeting held on March 2, 1829. On February 12, 1829, an act of the legislature set aside land for a “county town”. Wood was appointed commissioner to determine the location of this “seat of justice” for Allen County. This was done on March 3, 1831, with Wood appointed as Town Director. He laid out plots of land to be sold in section 31 of Bath Township, and the plat was filed April 20, 1831, creating what was the beginning of the city of Lima.
Cities and Villages in Allen County
Cities
Delphos, Lima â€
Villages
Beaverdam, Bluffton, Cairo, Elida, Harrod, Lafayette, Spencerville
Find Local Businesses in Allen County
Browse the FindItOhio.com business directory to find restaurants, contractors, professional services, shops and more serving Allen 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 Allen 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 Allen County, Ohio?
Lima is the county seat of Allen County, Ohio.
When was Allen County established?
Allen County was established on Mar 1, 1820. It was formed from Shelby County.
Who or what is Allen County named for?
Allen County is named for John Allen (1771/2 to 1813), a War of 1812 colonel.
How many people live in Allen County, Ohio?
Allen County has an estimated population of 100,881 as of 2025.
What cities are in Allen County, Ohio?
Cities in Allen County include Delphos, Lima †.
Where can I find local businesses in Allen County?
Search the FindItOhio.com business directory to find local businesses and services in Allen County, Ohio.
How do I list my Allen 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 Allen County, Ohio, available under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0 license.