Although Champaign County's number one business is agriculture, you would be wrong to assume that farming is the only game in town. In our county you will find a lot of business being conducted in such diverse industries as: aerospace lighting, plastics, auto parts manufacturing, machining,
Fast Facts
Champaign County is conveniently nestled in the heart of west central Ohio.
- Established in 1805
- 30 miles from Columbus or Dayton; 10 miles from Springfield
- Serviced by U.S. Routes 68 and 36; within 15 miles of Interstates 70 and 75
- Blend of service, retail, manufacturing and agricultural businesses
- Miles of bike trails, hiking trails, rivers and wooded area wind its way through the county
- Population approximately 39,800; 428 square miles
- Quaint shopping, dining and art/antique shops
- Home to Warren Grimes the "father of aviation lighting"
- Well-known Champaign Countians include: William Saxbe, Clancy Brown, Johnny Appleseed and A.B. Graham
- Airport: Grimes Field (General Aviation)
- Home to Urbana University
- Destinations: Simon Kenton recreation trails, Cedar Bog, Ohio Caverns, Johnny Appleseed Museum, Mad River, Champaign County Fairgrounds, Kiser Lake State Park
restaurants/retail and tourism.
Fast Facts
Champaign County is conveniently nestled in the heart of west central Ohio.
- Established in 1805
- 30 miles from Columbus or Dayton; 10 miles from Springfield
- Serviced by U.S. Routes 68 and 36; within 15 miles of Interstates 70 and 75
- Blend of service, retail, manufacturing and agricultural businesses
- Miles of bike trails, hiking trails, rivers and wooded area wind its way through the county
- Population approximately 39,800; 428 square miles
- Quaint shopping, dining and art/antique shops
- Home to Warren Grimes the "father of aviation lighting"
- Well-known Champaign Countians include: William Saxbe, Clancy Brown, Johnny Appleseed and A.B. Graham
- Airport: Grimes Field (General Aviation)
- Home to Urbana University
- Destinations: Simon Kenton recreation trails, Cedar Bog, Ohio Caverns, Johnny Appleseed Museum, Mad River, Champaign County Fairgrounds, Kiser Lake State Park
Demographics
Although still considered a rural county, Champaign County has enjoyed steady but manageable population growth over the past half century. The county has trended over the last decade much as the State of Ohio has with neglible growth. Local leaders are embarking upon a multi-pronged approach to attract and retain recent college graduates and growing families.
The all important 25 to 54 year old segments
Champaign County and Ohio have been fighting similar battles regarding keeping young, educated workers in the county and state; "brain drain" is a real concern as college graduates flee to areas of the United States where jobs in fast growing fields are seemingly more plentiful and the lifestyle is appealing to those in their mid 20s. Still, initiatives to enhance and promote the area's job opportunities, quality of life offerings and stategic advantages are in full force.
Companies desiring quality employees, retailers wanting to locate near consumers with need and disposable income, as well as civic organizations looking for prospective members, all look for individuals and families in the 25 to 54 age range with the hope of filling making meaningful connections.
As mentioned with the macro population numbers, the county has experienced modest growth to-date in the 25 to 54 subset, but projections show a decline in those numbers over the next decade as workers chase job opportunities...unless we show them otherwise. We believe we have a compelling, persuasive story to tell.
at a glance...
For a quick look at some basic Champaign County business, community and demographic information, click here