Your Guide to Delaware County, Ohio
Looking for trusted businesses, services and local resources in Delaware County, Ohio? FindItOhio.com helps residents and visitors discover local companies, professionals and community information across Delaware County, including Delaware, the county seat.
Quick answer: Delaware County is one of Ohio’s 88 counties. Its county seat is Delaware, it was established in 1808, and it has an estimated 242,032 residents as of 2025.
At a Glance
- County seat: Delaware
- Established: Apr 1, 1808
- Formed from: Franklin County
- Named for: Delaware Indians
- Estimated population (2025): 242,032
- Total area: 442.41 sq mi
- FIPS code: 39041
About Delaware County
Delaware County is located in the central portion of the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 214,124. Its county seat and largest city is Delaware. The county was formed in 1808 from Franklin County, Ohio. Both the county and its seat are named after the Lenape (Delaware) people. It is a frequent placeholder on the List of highest income counties in the United States; Delaware County was listed as the 35th wealthiest county in the United States in 2020. Delaware County is included in the Columbus, Ohio, metropolitan area. U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes was born and raised in Delaware County. It is also home to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
History of Delaware County
The area including Delaware County was once home to numerous Native American tribes. In 1804, Colonel Moses Byxbe and Henry Baldwin, among others, migrated to central Ohio from Berkshire County, Massachusetts, and built a town on the west bank of the Olentangy River. On February 10, 1808, the Ohio government authorized the creation of Delaware County. Following the War of 1812, settlers began to arrive in the county and settled down in Delaware. The town was incorporated in 1816, being the first incorporated town in the county. Powell, originally named Middlebury, was founded in 1801, but was not incorporated until 1947. Sunbury was founded in 1816. Ohio Wesleyan University, a liberal arts college, was founded by Methodists in 1842.
Delaware County had Northern sympathies during the Civil War, and abolitionists brought the Underground Railroad through the area. A local road, Africa Road, derives its name from the era. Camp Delaware was one of the few Civil War camps that deployed African American soldiers. The Civil War played an important part in Delaware County’s growth, bringing railroad business and technology. By 1900, Delaware had its first electric streetway, and an electric interurban railroad connecting Marion and Columbus ran through the county. The Little Brown Jug race was founded in 1946, and is one of the races in the Triple Crown of Harness Racing for Pacers.
Cities and Villages in Delaware County
Cities
Columbus ‡, Delaware †, Dublin, Powell, Sunbury, Westerville
Villages
Ashley, Galena, Ostrander, Shawnee Hills
Find Local Businesses in Delaware County
Browse the FindItOhio.com business directory to find restaurants, contractors, professional services, shops and more serving Delaware 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 Delaware 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 Delaware County, Ohio?
Delaware is the county seat of Delaware County, Ohio.
When was Delaware County established?
Delaware County was established on Apr 1, 1808. It was formed from Franklin County.
Who or what is Delaware County named for?
Delaware County is named for Delaware Indians.
How many people live in Delaware County, Ohio?
Delaware County has an estimated population of 242,032 as of 2025.
What cities are in Delaware County, Ohio?
Cities in Delaware County include Columbus ‡, Delaware †, Dublin, Powell, Sunbury, Westerville.
Where can I find local businesses in Delaware County?
Search the FindItOhio.com business directory to find local businesses and services in Delaware County, Ohio.
How do I list my Delaware 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 Delaware County, Ohio, available under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0 license.