Elections

Hocking County, OH, had approximately 20,200 registered voters for the November 2023 general election. Voters participate in primary, general, and special elections, selecting officials and deciding on local issues such as school levies. In the 2022 general election, Republican candidates typically received over 70% of the vote. There are 19 polling locations managed by the bipartisan Hocking County Board of Elections. The county mainly supports Republican and Democratic parties. Recent issues included local infrastructure levies. Voter registration and election results are overseen by four Board members, equally split between parties.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Hocking County, Ohio, had a population of 28,050. The median age was approximately 43.6 years, indicating an older population. In terms of gender, the ratio was nearly balanced, with about 49.7% male and 50.3% female. Racially, the population was 96.4% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.7% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents comprised about 1.0% of the population.

Education, Employment and Housing

Hocking County, OH, hosts about 6 public schools, including Logan High School, serving over 2,700 K-12 students. The high school graduation rate is approximately 89%, while only 13.8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average test scores in Hocking schools rank around the state average. School safety initiatives include anti-bullying programs and collaboration with local law enforcement. Educational programs feature career tech options, Advanced Placement, and special education services, with adult education available via the Hocking College branch in nearby Nelsonville.

As of 2022, Hocking County, OH, had an employment rate of approximately 55.5%. The largest industries by employment are Health Care & Social Assistance (15.6%), Retail Trade (13.2%), and Accommodation & Food Services (11.9%). Top occupations include Office & Administrative Support (12.8%) and Sales (10.3%). A majority (about 74%) of workers commute outside the county for employment, with Lancaster and Columbus being common destinations. The average commute time is around 29 minutes. The county’s unemployment rate stands at about 4.2%.

Hocking County, OH, has a homeownership rate of around 76%, with median home values near $195,000, up nearly 10% over the past year. Median gross rent is $850 monthly. Housing types include mainly single-family homes, with some cabins and mobile homes, especially near Hocking Hills. Logan is the largest town, while Laurelville and Rockbridge offer rural neighborhoods. Property taxes average 1.04% of value, lower than the national average. The market remains competitive, appealing to both residents and investors seeking vacation rentals.

County Crime & Safety

Hocking County, OH, has a crime rate lower than the national average. According to recent FBI data, the violent crime rate is approximately 2.1 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate is about 12.5 per 1,000. Local law enforcement maintains regular reporting, and most incidents involve theft and burglary rather than violent offenses. Community policing and active neighborhood watch programs contribute to a steady decrease in crime rates, making Hocking County relatively safe compared to state and national levels.