Your Guide to Scioto County, Ohio

Looking for trusted businesses, services and local resources in Scioto County, Ohio? FindItOhio.com helps residents and visitors discover local companies, professionals and community information across Scioto County, including Portsmouth, the county seat.

Quick answer: Scioto County is one of Ohio’s 88 counties. Its county seat is Portsmouth, it was established in 1803, and it has an estimated 71,365 residents as of 2025.

At a Glance

  • County seat: Portsmouth
  • Established: May 1, 1803
  • Formed from: Adams County
  • Named for: Scioto River; Scioto is a Wyandot Indian word meaning “deer”
  • Estimated population (2025): 71,365
  • Total area: 612.27 sq mi
  • FIPS code: 39145

About Scioto County

Scioto County ( sy OH tÉ™) is a county along the Ohio River in the south central part of the U.S. state of Ohio. At the 2020 census, the population was 74,008. Its county seat is Portsmouth. The county was founded on March 24, 1804, from Adams County and is named for a Native American word referring to deer or deer hunting. Scioto County comprises the Portsmouth, OH Micropolitan Statistical Area. It is at the confluence of the Scioto and Ohio rivers.

Cities and Villages in Scioto County

Cities

Portsmouth †

Villages

New Boston, Otway, Rarden, South Webster

Find Local Businesses in Scioto County

Browse the FindItOhio.com business directory to find restaurants, contractors, professional services, shops and more serving Scioto 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 Scioto 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 Scioto County, Ohio?

Portsmouth is the county seat of Scioto County, Ohio.

When was Scioto County established?

Scioto County was established on May 1, 1803. It was formed from Adams County.

Who or what is Scioto County named for?

Scioto County is named for Scioto River; Scioto is a Wyandot Indian word meaning “deer”.

How many people live in Scioto County, Ohio?

Scioto County has an estimated population of 71,365 as of 2025.

What cities are in Scioto County, Ohio?

Cities in Scioto County include Portsmouth †.

Where can I find local businesses in Scioto County?

Search the FindItOhio.com business directory to find local businesses and services in Scioto County, Ohio.

How do I list my Scioto 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 Scioto County, Ohio, available under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0 license.