Van Wert County Public RecordsOhio

Van Wert County, OH, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. As of 2023, the violent crime rate is approximately 1.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to the U.S. average of 4.0. Property crime is also below average, with about 8.5 incidents per 1,000 residents yearly. Local law enforcement actively encourages crime reporting via non-emergency numbers and online platforms, ensuring high clearance rates for reported offenses. Overall, Van Wert County is considered safer than 65% of U.S. counties, contributing to a secure community environment.

As of 2023, Van Wert County, Ohio, has a population of approximately 28,500. The median age is 41.6 years, with 22% under 18 and 19% aged 65 or older. The gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.2% female and 49.8% male. The racial makeup is predominantly White (94.2%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (3%), Black or African American (1.2%), Asian (0.5%), and those of two or more races (1.1%).

Van Wert County, OH, has 10 public schools, including Van Wert High School, with a graduation rate of ~97%. About 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Schools score average to above average on state assessments; Van Wert High’s overall score is 68.6/100 (2023). The county offers adult education through Vantage Career Center. School safety initiatives include security staff and cameras. Educational programs feature career tech and college credit options.

Van Wert County, OH, had an unemployment rate of approximately 3.7% in early 2024. The largest industries by employment are manufacturing (22%), health care and social assistance (15%), and retail trade (10%). Major occupation types include production (16%) and office/administrative support (13%). Most residents (83%) commute by car, with a mean travel time of 20.5 minutes; about 75% work within the county, while others commute primarily to Allen or Mercer counties.

Van Wert County, OH, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with median home values near $125,000 as of 2023. Rental occupancy stands at around 25%, with median rents at $700 monthly. The county’s housing market remains stable, showing modest appreciation of 3% year-over-year. Most homes are single-family detached houses, with some duplexes and small apartment complexes. Notable neighborhoods include Van Wert city center and rural Crestview. Property taxes average 1.2% of assessed value, among the lower rates in Ohio, making the area affordable for both owners and renters.

Van Wert County, Ohio, has about 19,900 registered voters as of 2024 (out of a population of 28,931). Elections include primaries, general, and special elections, with key results such as 76% support for Republican candidates in the 2020 presidential race. The Board of Elections administers 19 polling locations across the county. Key issues have included school levies and local tax proposals. Major parties are Republican and Democrat. Voter turnout was 71.8% in November 2020. The Van Wert County Board of Elections oversees voter registration, ballot distribution, and election integrity.