Elections

Fulton County, OH, had approximately 29,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, with recent turnout around 65% for presidential cycles. Main polling locations include local schools and community centers—covering 27 precincts. In the 2020 election, 68% voted Republican, 30% Democrat. The Board of Elections oversees administration, with key parties being Republican and Democratic. Ballot issues often address school levies and local funding; in 2023, a school bond issue passed with 53%. Voter registration can be done online, by mail, or in-person at county offices.

Education, Employment and Housing

Fulton County, OH, has around 8 public high schools serving approximately 2,500 students, with a high school graduation rate of about 94%. Roughly 19% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Schools score an average of 7/10 in state rankings. Adult education is supported through local community colleges and vocational centers. School safety is prioritized, with low incident rates reported. Educational programs include advanced placement, dual enrollment, and STEM initiatives to enhance student preparedness and community engagement.

As of 2023, Fulton County, OH has an employment rate of approximately 62%. The largest industries are manufacturing (26%), healthcare and social assistance (12%), and retail trade (10%). Leading occupation types include production (18%), office/administrative support (14%), and management (10%). Most employed residents (about 73%) commute by car, with an average travel time of 23 minutes; 28% work outside the county, primarily commuting to Lucas and Henry Counties. The workforce totals around 21,000, reflecting the county’s strong manufacturing and healthcare presence.

Fulton County, OH, has a homeownership rate of approximately 78%, with a median home value of around $180,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is about $850/month. The county features primarily single-family homes, with housing growth steady at 2% annually. Key neighborhoods include Wauseon, Archbold, and Swanton. Property values have risen by 7% year-over-year, reflecting a stable market. Property tax rates average 1.42% of assessed value. The county offers a mix of suburban and rural lifestyles, attracting both families and retirees.

County Crime & Safety

Fulton County, OH, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. According to the latest data, the county reported a violent crime rate of 1.2 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 8.7 per 1,000 in 2023. Most incidents involve theft and burglary, with no significant rise in violent offenses. The Fulton County Sheriff's Office actively encourages community reporting and participates in neighborhood watch programs, enhancing local safety awareness. Law enforcement solves over 60% of reported crimes, reflecting effective crime response and prevention measures.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Fulton County, Ohio, had a population of 42,713. The median age was 40.2 years. The gender split was roughly equal: 49.5% male and 50.5% female. Racially, the county was 90.1% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% Native American, and 5.7% from other races; 3% identified with two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents made up 8.8% of the population.