Your Guide to Washington County, Ohio
Looking for trusted businesses, services and local resources in Washington County, Ohio? FindItOhio.com helps residents and visitors discover local companies, professionals and community information across Washington County, including Marietta, the county seat.
Quick answer: Washington County is one of Ohio’s 88 counties. Its county seat is Marietta, it was established in 1788, and it has an estimated 58,389 residents as of 2025.
At a Glance
- County seat: Marietta
- Established: Jul 27, 1788
- Formed from: One of the original counties
- Named for: George Washington (1732 to 1799), commander of the Continental Army, president of the Constitutional Convention, and future President of the United States
- Estimated population (2025): 58,389
- Total area: 635.15 sq mi
- FIPS code: 39167
About Washington County
Washington County is a county located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 59,711. Its county seat is Marietta. The county, the oldest in the state, is named for George Washington. Washington County comprises the Marietta, Ohio Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Parkersburg, Marietta, Vienna, WV, OH Combined Statistical Area.
History of Washington County
Washington County, originally about one half the territory now included in the State of Ohio, was established by proclamation of Gov. Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, on the 26th day of July, 1788. Events which led up to this establishment were due to the perseverance of two great men, Gen. Rufus Putnam and Rev. Dr. Manasseh Cutler, the formation and function of the Ohio Company and the passage by the Continental Congress of the Ordinance of 1787. Settlement at Marietta on April 7, 1788 grew out of the appropriation of lands made by Congress in 1776 to officers and soldiers of the army. In 1783 the Newburgh Petition of 285 Continental Army officers was presented to Congress asking for western lands to be located in the country which is now approximately the eastern one half of the State of Ohio. Following this Gen. Putnam and Gen. Benjamin Tupper founded the Ohio Company which met in Boston, March 1, 1786 when they decided to raise funds in continental certificates for buying western lands in the Western Territory and making a settlement. Rev. Dr. Manasseh Cutler, one of the Directors of the Company, was employed to purchase land for the Company and in July 1787 went to Continental Congress. He helped to frame the Ordinance of 1787, which allowed for the purchase of 1,500,000 acres located on the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers.
Cities and Villages in Washington County
Cities
Belpre, Marietta â€
Villages
Beverly, Lowell, Lower Salem, Macksburg, Matamoras
Find Local Businesses in Washington County
Browse the FindItOhio.com business directory to find restaurants, contractors, professional services, shops and more serving Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington County, Ohio?
Marietta is the county seat of Washington County, Ohio.
When was Washington County established?
Washington County was established on Jul 27, 1788. It was formed from One of the original counties.
Who or what is Washington County named for?
Washington County is named for George Washington (1732 to 1799), commander of the Continental Army, president of the Constitutional Convention, and future President of the United States.
How many people live in Washington County, Ohio?
Washington County has an estimated population of 58,389 as of 2025.
What cities are in Washington County, Ohio?
Cities in Washington County include Belpre, Marietta †.
Where can I find local businesses in Washington County?
Search the FindItOhio.com business directory to find local businesses and services in Washington County, Ohio.
How do I list my Washington 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 Washington County, Ohio, available under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0 license.