RANK #244 / 996 · POP 76,957 · OH
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.8%
Chillicothe, the county seat of Ross County, holds the distinction of being Ohio's first state capital. Located in south-central Ohio, approximately 40 miles south of Columbus, Ross County offers a blend of historic charm and natural beauty. The community maintains a conservative feel, with many residents owning their homes. The area is characterized by wooded hills and the Scioto River Valley, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation across five state parks and a national park. Commutes to nearby cities like Columbus are facilitated by major highways such as US 23, US 35, and US 50.
Life in Ross County often involves a connection to its natural surroundings and a focus on community. Families have access to several school districts, including Chillicothe City Schools and six county school districts, along with private options. The economy is diverse, with a manufacturing base that includes automotive and paper production. Recent economic developments have seen investments in energy sectors, contributing to job creation. Healthcare providers like Adena Health System are also significant employers.
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.9x — 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 →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Yellowbud Solar, LLC
National Grid Renewables
|
$274M | Operating |
|
Ross County Solar Project
National Grid Renewables (formerly Geronimo Power)
|
$120M | Under Construction |
|
Kenworth Truck Plant Chassis Department Expansion
PACCAR, Inc. (Kenworth Truck Company)
|
$25M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Ross County has a Boom Town Index score of 76/100, ranking #244 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -1.2% and a median household income of $58,048, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Ross County is $153,500 with median rent at $827/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3782, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.3% year-over-year. Job growth: -1.2%. Home values changed +2.1% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.21% of Ross County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.