Clinton County is a county located in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 42,018.[2] Its county seat and largest city is Wilmington.[3] The county is named for former U.S. Vice President George Clinton.[4] Clinton County comprises the Wilmington, Ohio Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Cincinnati-Wilmington-Maysville, OH-KY-IN Combined Statistical Area.

Clinton County
The Wilmington Commercial Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places listings in Clinton County
The Wilmington Commercial Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places listings in Clinton County
Flag of Clinton County
Official seal of Clinton County
Map of Ohio highlighting Clinton County
Location within the U.S. state of Ohio
Map of the United States highlighting Ohio
Ohio's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 39°24′54″N 83°48′30″W / 39.41498°N 83.80838°W / 39.41498; -83.80838
Country United States
State Ohio
FoundedMarch 1, 1810[1]
Named forGeorge Clinton
SeatWilmington
Largest cityWilmington
Area
 • Total
412 sq mi (1,070 km2)
 • Land409 sq mi (1,060 km2)
 • Water3.6 sq mi (9 km2)  0.9%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
42,018 Decrease
 • Density102.7/sq mi (39.7/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district2nd
Websiteco.clinton.oh.us

History

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Clinton County was formed on February 19, 1810, from sections of Highland County and Warren County, with the law creating the county taking effect on March 1 of that year. It was named after George Clinton, a soldier, politician, Governor of New York, and Vice President of the United States.

Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 412 square miles (1,070 km2), of which 409 square miles (1,060 km2) is land and 3.6 square miles (9.3 km2) (0.9%) is water.[5]

The entire county lies within the Little Miami River watershed, with the exception of extreme eastern areas, which are within the Scioto River watershed. Clinton County lies within the till plains physiographic region, and is somewhat flat or gently rolling. The northern two thirds of the county were covered with an ice sheet during the Wisconsinan Stage, while the southern third was covered by ice sheets during the much older Illinoian Stage. Because of such a history with ice, glacial features are readily found on the landscape, such as moraines and kames.

The general elevation of the county is roughly 1,050 feet (320 m) above sea level, and there are few areas in the county that deviate from this by more than 200 feet (61 m).

The climate of Clinton County can be classified as humid continental. It is one of the coolest and wettest counties in southern Ohio, although differences between it and other southern Ohio counties are usually very slight. Clinton County averages 42 inches (1.1 m) of precipitation per year, including 30 inches (0.76 m) of snow (Note: one inch of snow does not equal one inch of precipitation). Average July high temperatures reach the mid and upper 80s F although temperatures above 90 F are common, while lows are typically in the 60s F. January high temperatures typically reach the low and mid 30s F, while lows generally bottom out in the 10s F, although lows in the single digits and even below 0 °F or −17.8 °C are common.

Adjacent counties

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note
18102,674
18208,085202.4%
183011,43641.4%
184015,71937.5%
185018,83819.8%
186021,46113.9%
187021,9142.1%
188024,75613.0%
189024,240−2.1%
190024,202−0.2%
191023,680−2.2%
192023,036−2.7%
193021,547−6.5%
194022,5744.8%
195025,57213.3%
196030,00417.3%
197031,4644.9%
198034,60310.0%
199035,4152.3%
200040,54314.5%
201042,0403.7%
202042,018−0.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[6]
1790-1960[7] 1900-1990[8]
1990-2000[9] 2020 [2]

2010 census

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As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 42,040 people, 16,210 households, and 11,364 families living in the county.[11] The population density was 102.9 inhabitants per square mile (39.7/km2). There were 18,133 housing units at an average density of 44.4 per square mile (17.1/km2).[12] The racial makeup of the county was 94.7% white, 2.2% black or African American, 0.5% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 0.5% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.3% of the population.[11] In terms of ancestry, 26.4% were German, 15.4% were Irish, 12.0% were American, and 11.9% were English.[13]

Of the 16,210 households, 33.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.9% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 29.9% were non-families, and 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.99. The median age was 38.7 years.[11]

The median income for a household in the county was $46,261 and the median income for a family was $56,208. Males had a median income of $42,134 versus $31,380 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,163. About 11.2% of families and 14.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.6% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.[14]

2000 census

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As of the census of 2000, there were 40,543 people, 15,416 households, and 11,068 families living in the county. The population density was 99 people per square mile (38 people/km2). There were 16,577 housing units at an average density of 40 per square mile (15/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 95.99% White, 2.19% Black or African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.20% from other races, and 0.97% from two or more races. 0.66% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 29.3% were of American, 22.2% German, 12.1% English and 10.9% Irish ancestry according to 2000 census.

In 2005 94.7% of the county's population was non-Hispanic whites. Latinos were 1.3% of the population.

There were 15,416 households, out of which 34.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.40% were married couples living together, 10.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.20% were non-families. 23.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.40% under the age of 18, 10.20% from 18 to 24, 29.10% from 25 to 44, 22.10% from 45 to 64, and 12.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 96.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $40,467, and the median income for a family was $48,158. Males had a median income of $34,448 versus $23,846 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,462. About 6.40% of families and 8.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.90% of those under age 18 and 11.60% of those age 65 or over.

Politics

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Clinton County is a strongly Republican county. Since 1856, the only Democrat to win a majority in the county has been Lyndon Johnson in 1964, and he did so by only 432 votes.

United States presidential election results for Clinton County, Ohio[15]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 15,984 76.59% 4,633 22.20% 253 1.21%
2020 15,488 75.32% 4,697 22.84% 378 1.84%
2016 13,838 73.74% 4,066 21.67% 862 4.59%
2012 12,009 66.05% 5,791 31.85% 383 2.11%
2008 12,409 64.16% 6,558 33.91% 375 1.94%
2004 12,938 70.26% 5,417 29.42% 59 0.32%
2000 9,824 65.19% 4,791 31.79% 455 3.02%
1996 7,504 51.68% 5,303 36.52% 1,714 11.80%
1992 7,290 47.37% 4,638 30.13% 3,463 22.50%
1988 8,856 69.74% 3,746 29.50% 97 0.76%
1984 9,603 73.77% 3,332 25.60% 83 0.64%
1980 7,675 61.90% 3,967 31.99% 758 6.11%
1976 6,597 56.21% 4,959 42.25% 181 1.54%
1972 8,140 74.08% 2,709 24.65% 139 1.27%
1968 6,265 56.56% 2,982 26.92% 1,830 16.52%
1964 6,082 48.29% 6,514 51.71% 0 0.00%
1960 8,464 65.30% 4,498 34.70% 0 0.00%
1956 7,919 70.07% 3,382 29.93% 0 0.00%
1952 8,191 67.83% 3,885 32.17% 0 0.00%
1948 6,009 61.32% 3,758 38.35% 32 0.33%
1944 7,200 65.98% 3,713 34.02% 0 0.00%
1940 7,027 58.60% 4,964 41.40% 0 0.00%
1936 6,265 51.66% 5,785 47.70% 77 0.63%
1932 5,953 52.37% 5,252 46.20% 163 1.43%
1928 7,150 72.98% 2,603 26.57% 44 0.45%
1924 5,954 67.08% 2,496 28.12% 426 4.80%
1920 6,947 65.61% 3,598 33.98% 43 0.41%
1916 3,520 56.58% 2,602 41.83% 99 1.59%
1912 2,916 48.68% 2,010 33.56% 1,064 17.76%
1908 4,107 61.45% 2,464 36.87% 112 1.68%
1904 3,937 65.79% 1,826 30.51% 221 3.69%
1900 4,149 62.09% 2,394 35.83% 139 2.08%
1896 4,144 60.18% 2,657 38.59% 85 1.23%
1892 3,491 58.88% 2,076 35.01% 362 6.11%
1888 3,816 59.53% 2,305 35.96% 289 4.51%
1884 3,864 61.21% 2,284 36.18% 165 2.61%
1880 3,937 64.29% 2,167 35.39% 20 0.33%
1876 3,500 62.30% 2,048 36.45% 70 1.25%
1872 3,105 62.65% 1,786 36.04% 65 1.31%
1868 2,922 64.92% 1,579 35.08% 0 0.00%
1864 2,771 66.55% 1,393 33.45% 0 0.00%
1860 2,483 61.58% 1,464 36.31% 85 2.11%
1856 2,117 60.02% 1,170 33.17% 240 6.80%

Government

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The Clinton County Courthouse was built in 1915 in Wilmington. The courthouse is located at 53 E. Main Street.

The Wilmington Public Library of Clinton County serves the communities of Clinton County from its administrative offices and main library in Wilmington and its Clinton-Massie branch in Clarksville. In 2005, the library loaned more than 161,000 items to its 17,000 cardholders. Total holdings as of 2005 were over 64,000 volumes with over 90 periodical subscriptions.[16]

Education

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The following school districts have territory in Clinton County. Those primarily in Clinton are in bold, those primarily in other counties are in italics. The county a district is primarily located in is bolded.

Recreation

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Clinton County is home to Cowan Lake State Park, where outdoor recreationalists enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, bicycling, camping, and wildlife viewing. The northwestern border of Clinton County is formed by Caesar Creek Lake, which is part of Caesar Creek State Park. Fossil hunting is popular here, in addition to similar activities enjoyed at Cowan Lake. Wilmington College in Wilmington has several NCAA Division III athletic programs, whose events can be attended by the public. The city is also the home of the Clinton County Corn Festival.

Transportation

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Interstate 71 crosses the northern third of the county, trending northeast to southwest and connecting Clinton County to Columbus, Ohio and Cincinnati. Clinton County is part of the Cincinnati-Middletown-Wilmington Combined Statistical Area, although there is little true urban activity in the county. U.S. Route 68 is the major north–south route through the county, while U.S. Route 22 runs east–west. Several other state and local highways serve the residents of Clinton County. Clinton Field is a public use airport located four nautical miles (7 km) northwest of the central business district of Wilmington.

Communities

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Map of Clinton County, Ohio With Municipal and Township Labels

City

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Villages

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Townships

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Unincorporated communities

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Ghost town

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Ohio County Profiles: Clinton County" (PDF). Ohio Department of Development. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 21, 2007. Retrieved April 28, 2007.
  2. ^ a b 2020 census
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. ^ Taylor, William Alexander (1899). Ohio Statesmen and Annals of Progress. Press of the Westbote Company. pp. 244.
  5. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on May 4, 2014. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
  6. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
  7. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on August 11, 2012. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
  8. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
  9. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
  10. ^ "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  11. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  12. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  13. ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  14. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  15. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  16. ^ "2005 Ohio Public Library Statistics:Statistics by County and Town". State Library of Ohio. Archived from the original on September 24, 2006. Retrieved October 3, 2006.
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39°24′54″N 83°48′30″W / 39.41498°N 83.80838°W / 39.41498; -83.80838