Your Guide to Paulding County, Ohio
Looking for trusted businesses, services and local resources in Paulding County, Ohio? FindItOhio.com helps residents and visitors discover local companies, professionals and community information across Paulding County, including Paulding, the county seat.
Quick answer: Paulding County is one of Ohio’s 88 counties. Its county seat is Paulding, it was established in 1820, and it has an estimated 18,727 residents as of 2025.
At a Glance
- County seat: Paulding
- Established: Apr 1, 1820
- Formed from: Darke County
- Named for: John Paulding (1758 to 1818), captor of spy John André during the Revolutionary War
- Estimated population (2025): 18,727
- Total area: 416.26 sq mi
- FIPS code: 39125
About Paulding County
Paulding County is a county located in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 18,806. Its county seat is Paulding. The county was created in 1820 and later organized in 1839. It is named for John Paulding, one of the captors of Major John André in the American Revolutionary War.
History of Paulding County
The Ottawa tribe of Native Americans were the prevalent occupants of the region before Europeans arrived in North America following the 1492 expedition of Christopher Columbus. By 1750, however, there were Miamis, Prankaahaws, Delawares, Shawnee, Kickapoos, Muscounteres, Huron, Weas, Wyandotts and Mohawks.
Under the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, the Continental Congress opened what is now Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin to settlement. However, the Treaty of Paris that ended the American Revolution in 1783 allowed the British to remain in the Northwest Territory until matters were resolved with the Indians. General Washington sent General “Mad” Anthony Wayne to subdue the native population. He built a series of forts, including Fort Brown, located between Charloe and Melrose. In order to defend against Indian ambush, he cut a swath of woods a mile wide, known as the Wayne Trace. His campaign culminated in a decisive 1794 victory by the Legion of the United States against Indians led by Chief Little Turtle of the nearby Maumee, Ohio in the Battle of Fallen Timbers, and signing of the Treaty of Greenville in 1795.
Cities and Villages in Paulding County
Villages
Antwerp, Broughton, Cecil, Grover Hill, Haviland, Latty, Melrose, Oakwood, Paulding †, Payne, Scott
Find Local Businesses in Paulding County
Browse the FindItOhio.com business directory to find restaurants, contractors, professional services, shops and more serving Paulding 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 Paulding 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 Paulding County, Ohio?
Paulding is the county seat of Paulding County, Ohio.
When was Paulding County established?
Paulding County was established on Apr 1, 1820. It was formed from Darke County.
Who or what is Paulding County named for?
Paulding County is named for John Paulding (1758 to 1818), captor of spy John André during the Revolutionary War.
How many people live in Paulding County, Ohio?
Paulding County has an estimated population of 18,727 as of 2025.
What cities are in Paulding County, Ohio?
Paulding County has no incorporated cities. Its communities include Antwerp, Broughton, Cecil, Grover Hill, Haviland, Latty, Melrose, Oakwood.
Where can I find local businesses in Paulding County?
Search the FindItOhio.com business directory to find local businesses and services in Paulding County, Ohio.
How do I list my Paulding 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 Paulding County, Ohio, available under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0 license.