RANK #449 / 996 · POP 66,554 · OH
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.9%
Belmont County, Ohio, named for its "beautiful mountains" in French, is situated in the Appalachian foothills along the Ohio River, bordering West Virginia. The county seat, St. Clairsville, is a charming town, while Martins Ferry stands as the largest city. Interstate 70 runs through the county, offering connections to larger cities, though the average commute time for residents is around 25 minutes. The area is characterized by rolling hills, picturesque farmland, and mature woodlands, providing a backdrop for outdoor recreation. Dysart Woods, a 50-acre tract, features 400-year-old oak trees and is the largest remaining old-growth forest in southeastern Ohio. Barkcamp State Park offers camping, boating, fishing, and hiking around Belmont Lake.
Life in Belmont County often reflects a close-knit, small-town community feel, with many residents owning their homes. The economy is driven by manufacturing, healthcare, and a notable presence in the oil and gas sector, creating diverse job opportunities. Recent economic developments include expansions at an industrial park and new business growth in towns like Bellaire. Educational institutions include Ohio University's Eastern Campus and Belmont College. The county also boasts a lower violent crime and property crime rate compared to the state average, contributing to the overall quality of life.
Contracting economy
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.1x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Belmont County has a Boom Town Index score of 55/100, ranking #449 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -1.8% and a median household income of $56,943, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Belmont County is $130,200 with median rent at $754/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4374, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.8% year-over-year. Job growth: -1.8%. Home values changed +2.8% in the past 12 months.