Your Guide to Ottawa County, Ohio
Looking for trusted businesses, services and local resources in Ottawa County, Ohio? FindItOhio.com helps residents and visitors discover local companies, professionals and community information across Ottawa County, including Port Clinton, the county seat.
Quick answer: Ottawa County is one of Ohio’s 88 counties. Its county seat is Port Clinton, it was established in 1840, and it has an estimated 39,481 residents as of 2025.
At a Glance
- County seat: Port Clinton
- Established: Mar 6, 1840
- Formed from: Erie, Sandusky, and Lucas Counties
- Named for: Named for the Ottawa Indians; Ottawa means “trader” in their language
- Estimated population (2025): 39,481
- Total area: 254.95 sq mi
- FIPS code: 39123
About Ottawa County
Ottawa County is a county located in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 40,364. Its county seat is Port Clinton. The county is named either for the Odawa (Ottawa) Indigenous peoples who lived there, or for an Indigenous word meaning “trader”.
Ottawa County comprises the Port Clinton, OH Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Toledo, Port Clinton, OH Combined Statistical Area.
History of Ottawa County
On September 10, 1813, during the War of 1812, nine vessels of the United States Navy under Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, decisively defeated six vessels of Great Britain’s Royal Navy in the Battle of Lake Erie near Put in Bay. This action was one of the major battles of the war.
Ottawa County was formed on March 6, 1840, from portions of Erie, Lucas and Sandusky counties. It was named after the North American Indigenous tribe of the Odawa.
The county is notable in presidential politics for being a recent bellwether, having continuously voted for the winning candidate for thirteen elections from 1964 to 2016.
Cities and Villages in Ottawa County
Cities
Port Clinton â€
Villages
Clay Center, Elmore, Genoa, Marblehead, Oak Harbor, Put in Bay, Rocky Ridge
Find Local Businesses in Ottawa County
Browse the FindItOhio.com business directory to find restaurants, contractors, professional services, shops and more serving Ottawa 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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa County, Ohio?
Port Clinton is the county seat of Ottawa County, Ohio.
When was Ottawa County established?
Ottawa County was established on Mar 6, 1840. It was formed from Erie, Sandusky, and Lucas Counties.
Who or what is Ottawa County named for?
Ottawa County is named for Named for the Ottawa Indians; Ottawa means “trader” in their language.
How many people live in Ottawa County, Ohio?
Ottawa County has an estimated population of 39,481 as of 2025.
What cities are in Ottawa County, Ohio?
Cities in Ottawa County include Port Clinton †.
Where can I find local businesses in Ottawa County?
Search the FindItOhio.com business directory to find local businesses and services in Ottawa County, Ohio.
How do I list my Ottawa 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 Ottawa County, Ohio, available under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0 license.