RANK #210 / 996 · POP 57,994 · OH
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.0%
Along the Ohio River, Lawrence County is Ohio's southernmost county, bordering Kentucky and West Virginia. Ironton, the county seat, was founded on the iron industry and is known for its historic architecture. The county offers access to the Wayne National Forest and Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, providing opportunities for hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Commutes are generally manageable, with US Route 52 connecting to Interstate 64 for travel to nearby cities like Huntington, WV, and Ashland, KY. The community maintains a small-town feel, with local parks and events like the annual Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade.
Life in Lawrence County offers a balance of natural scenery and community living. The area is attracting new residents, including families and remote workers, due to its lower cost of living. Education is supported by several local school districts, including Fairland, Symmes Valley, and Chesapeake Union. The economy is experiencing growth in manufacturing and data center infrastructure, with new investments creating jobs in these sectors. Healthcare and education also remain significant employers in the county.
Below national median (4.7x)
Contracting economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.4x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
AI Data Center Campus
Strata Expanse
|
$500M | Under Construction |
|
Advanced Battery Chemicals Production Base (Lithium-ion Electrolytes)
Capchem USA
|
$75M | Under Construction |
|
Chesapeake Bypass Phase 2
Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Chesapeake Landing (Senior Affordable Housing)
Ironton Lawrence County Area Community Action Organization
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Manufacturing Facility Expansion (Thermal Chain Technologies for AI Data Centers)
Vertiv Corporation
|
$49M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Lawrence County has a Boom Town Index score of 79/100, ranking #210 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.2% and a median household income of $51,846, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Lawrence County is $127,900 with median rent at $806/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4054, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -1.0% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.2%. Home values changed +4.8% in the past 12 months.