Williams County, Ohio

County in Ohio, United States

County in Ohio

Williams County

County

The Williams County Courthouse in Bryan.

Flag

Seal

Location within the U.S. state of Ohio

Ohio's location within the U.S.

Coordinates: 41°33′54″N 84°35′04″W﻿ / ﻿41.564959°N 84.584324°W﻿ / 41.564959; -84.584324
Country|  United States
State|  Ohio
Founded| April 1, 1820 (created)
February 2, 1824 (organized)
Named after| David Williams
Seat| Bryan
Largest city| Bryan
Area

• Total

| 423.092 sq mi (1,095.80 km2)
• Land| 420.660 sq mi (1,089.50 km2)
• Water| 2.432 sq mi (6.30 km2)  0.57%
Population

(2020)

• Total

| 37,102

• Estimate

(2024)

| 36,554
• Density| 86.894/sq mi (33.550/km2)
Time zone| UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)| UTC−4 (EDT)
Area code| 419 and 567
Congressional district| 9th
Website| williamscountyoh.gov

Williams County is a county located in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 37,102,[1] and was estimated to be 36,554 in 2024.[2] The county seat and the largest city is Bryan.[3]

## History

[edit]

The county was created on April 1, 1820 and later organized on February 2, 1824.[4] It is named for David Williams, one of the captors of John André in the American Revolutionary War.[5]

## Geography

[edit]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 423.092 square miles (1,095.80 km2), of which 420.660 square miles (1,089.50 km2) is land and 2.432 square miles (6.30 km2) (0.57%) is water.[6] It is the 53rd largest county in Ohio by total area.[7]

### Adjacent counties

[edit]

* Hillsdale County, Michigan (north)
* Fulton County (east)
* Henry County (southeast)
* Defiance County (south)
* DeKalb County, Indiana (southwest)
* Steuben County, Indiana (northwest)

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1830| 387| | —
1840| 4,465| | 1,053.7%
1850| 8,018| | 79.6%
1860| 16,633| | 107.4%
1870| 20,991| | 26.2%
1880| 23,821| | 13.5%
1890| 24,897| | 4.5%
1900| 24,953| | 0.2%
1910| 25,198| | 1.0%
1920| 24,627| | −2.3%
1930| 24,316| | −1.3%
1940| 25,510| | 4.9%
1950| 26,202| | 2.7%
1960| 29,968| | 14.4%
1970| 33,669| | 12.3%
1980| 36,369| | 8.0%
1990| 36,956| | 1.6%
2000| 39,188| | 6.0%
2010| 37,642| | −3.9%
2020| 37,102| | −1.4%
2024 (est.)| 36,554| [8]| −1.5%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]
1790–1960[10] 1900–1990[11]
1990–2000[12] 2010–2020[2]

As of the fourth quarter of 2024, the median home value in Williams County was $150,917.[13]

As of the 2023 American Community Survey, there are 15,455 estimated households in Williams County with an average of 2.32 persons per household. The county has a median household income of $61,834. Approximately 11.1% of the county's population lives at or below the poverty line. Williams County has an estimated 61.6% employment rate, with 14.2% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 91.4% holding a high school diploma.[2]

The top five reported ancestries (people were allowed to report up to two ancestries, thus the figures will generally add to more than 100%) were English (96.3%), Spanish (2.4%), Indo-European (0.7%), Asian and Pacific Islander (0.6%), and Other (0.1%).

The median age in the county was 41.8 years.

Williams County, Ohio – racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.

Race / ethnicity (NH = non-Hispanic) | Pop. 1980[14] | Pop. 1990[15] | Pop. 2000[16] | Pop. 2010[17] | Pop. 2020[18]

|
|
|
|
|

White alone (NH)  | 35,544
(97.73%) | 35,934
(97.23%) | 37,338
(95.28%) | 35,283
(93.73%) | 33,483
(90.25%)
Black or African American alone (NH)  | 9
(0.02%) | 20
(0.05%) | 278
(0.71%) | 358
(0.95%) | 323
(0.87%)
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)  | 49
(0.13%) | 44
(0.12%) | 77
(0.20%) | 65
(0.17%) | 55
(0.15%)
Asian alone (NH)  | 63
(0.17%) | 125
(0.34%) | 199
(0.51%) | 212
(0.56%) | 198
(0.53%)
Pacific Islander alone (NH)  | — | — | 3
(0.01%) | 7
(0.02%) | 0
(0.00%)
Other race alone (NH)  | 30
(0.08%) | 7
(0.02%) | 12
(0.03%) | 14
(0.04%) | 92
(0.25%)
Mixed race or multiracial (NH)  | — | — | 232
(0.59%) | 313
(0.83%) | 1,089
(2.94%)
Hispanic or Latino (any race)  | 674
(1.85%) | 826
(2.24%) | 1,049
(2.68%) | 1,390
(3.69%) | 1,862
(5.02%)
Total | 36,369
(100.00%) | 36,956
(100.00%) | 39,188
(100.00%) | 37,642
(100.00%) | 37,102
(100.00%)

### 2024 estimate

[edit]

As of the 2024 estimate, there were 36,554 people and 15,455 households residing in the county. There were 16,624 housing units at an average density of 39.52 per square mile (15.3/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.1% White (91.1% NH White), 1.4% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, _% from some other races and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 5.6% of the population.[19]

### 2020 census

[edit]

As of the 2020 census, there were 37,102 people, 15,262 households, and 9,858 families residing in the county.[20] The population density was 88.2 inhabitants per square mile (34.1/km2). There were 16,561 housing units at an average density of 39.37 per square mile (15.2/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 92.08% White, 0.90% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.77% from some other races and 4.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 5.02% of the population.[21]

### 2010 census

[edit]

As of the 2010 census, there were 37,642 people, 15,075 households, and 10,260 families residing in the county. The population density was 89.4 inhabitants per square mile (34.5/km2). There were 16,668 housing units at an average density of 39.59 per square mile (15.3/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 95.95% White, 0.96% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.57% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.08% from some other races and 1.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 3.69% of the population.

In terms of ancestry, 46.1% were German, 12.0% were Irish, 10.7% were English, and 7.8% were American.

There were 15,075 households, 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.0% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 31.9% were non-families, and 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.93. The median age was 40.7 years.

The median income for a household in the county was $44,538 and the median income for a family was $52,975. Males had a median income of $40,658 versus $29,064 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,381. About 9.1% of families and 11.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.6% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.

## Politics

[edit]

Williams County is a Republican stronghold county in presidential elections. The last Democrat to win the county was Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964.

United States presidential election results for Williams County, Ohio[22] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies)

|
|
|

No. | % | No. | % | No. | %
2024 | 13,461  | 73.50% | 4,644  | 25.36%  | 209  | 1.14%
2020 | 13,452  | 72.12% | 4,842  | 25.96%  | 357  | 1.91%
2016 | 11,939  | 68.98% | 4,358  | 25.18%  | 1,011  | 5.84%
2012 | 10,047  | 56.74% | 7,266  | 41.04%  | 393  | 2.22%
2008 | 9,879  | 53.70% | 8,174  | 44.43%  | 343  | 1.86%
2004 | 12,040  | 64.60% | 6,481  | 34.77%  | 118  | 0.63%
2000 | 9,941  | 62.45% | 5,454  | 34.26%  | 524  | 3.29%
1996 | 7,747  | 49.67% | 5,524  | 35.41%  | 2,327  | 14.92%
1992 | 7,614  | 43.60% | 4,862  | 27.84%  | 4,988  | 28.56%
1988 | 10,782  | 69.18% | 4,666  | 29.94%  | 137  | 0.88%
1984 | 10,804  | 74.11% | 3,624  | 24.86%  | 150  | 1.03%
1980 | 9,146  | 64.31% | 4,015  | 28.23%  | 1,060  | 7.45%
1976 | 7,596  | 59.52% | 4,920  | 38.55%  | 246  | 1.93%
1972 | 9,083  | 66.76% | 4,278  | 31.44%  | 244  | 1.79%
1968 | 8,059  | 59.76% | 4,456  | 33.04%  | 970  | 7.19%
1964 | 5,653  | 42.83%  | 7,547  | 57.17% | 0  | 0.00%
1960 | 10,319  | 71.84% | 4,044  | 28.16%  | 0  | 0.00%
1956 | 9,784  | 75.21% | 3,225  | 24.79%  | 0  | 0.00%
1952 | 9,888  | 74.65% | 3,358  | 25.35%  | 0  | 0.00%
1948 | 6,784  | 64.79% | 3,662  | 34.98%  | 24  | 0.23%
1944 | 8,738  | 71.89% | 3,417  | 28.11%  | 0  | 0.00%
1940 | 9,463  | 69.95% | 4,065  | 30.05%  | 0  | 0.00%
1936 | 7,050  | 53.00% | 5,628  | 42.31%  | 624  | 4.69%
1932 | 5,459  | 43.34%  | 6,860  | 54.46% | 278  | 2.21%
1928 | 8,138  | 71.81% | 3,136  | 27.67%  | 58  | 0.51%
1924 | 5,802  | 56.41% | 2,795  | 27.18%  | 1,688  | 16.41%
1920 | 7,000  | 61.75% | 4,183  | 36.90%  | 153  | 1.35%
1916 | 3,132  | 45.57%  | 3,552  | 51.68% | 189  | 2.75%
1912 | 1,145  | 17.85%  | 2,875  | 44.81% | 2,396  | 37.34%
1908 | 3,625  | 50.84% | 3,329  | 46.69%  | 176  | 2.47%
1904 | 3,827  | 57.91% | 2,565  | 38.82%  | 216  | 3.27%
1900 | 3,416  | 51.70% | 3,049  | 46.15%  | 142  | 2.15%
1896 | 3,191  | 47.16%  | 3,530  | 52.17% | 45  | 0.67%
1892 | 2,745  | 46.76% | 2,583  | 44.00%  | 542  | 9.23%
1888 | 3,071  | 48.99% | 2,977  | 47.50%  | 220  | 3.51%
1884 | 2,907  | 48.62% | 2,897  | 48.45%  | 175  | 2.93%
1880 | 2,881  | 50.92% | 2,596  | 45.88%  | 181  | 3.20%
1876 | 2,701  | 51.26% | 2,546  | 48.32%  | 22  | 0.42%
1872 | 2,213  | 59.84% | 1,419  | 38.37%  | 66  | 1.78%
1868 | 2,280  | 55.69% | 1,814  | 44.31%  | 0  | 0.00%
1864 | 2,154  | 60.27% | 1,420  | 39.73%  | 0  | 0.00%
1860 | 1,713  | 56.52% | 1,180  | 38.93%  | 138  | 4.55%
1856 | 1,327  | 55.34% | 1,022  | 42.62%  | 49  | 2.04%

## Government

[edit]

See also: Ohio county government

Williams County has three county commissioners who oversee the various county departments. Current commissioners are: Brian Davis, Lewis Hilkert, and Terry Rummel.[23]

## Communities

[edit]

Map of Williams County, Ohio with municipal and township labels Williams County touches the states of Indiana and Michigan.

### City

[edit]

* Bryan (county seat)

### Villages

[edit]

* Blakeslee
* Edgerton
* Edon
* Holiday City
* Montpelier
* Pioneer
* Stryker
* West Unity

### Townships

[edit]

* Brady
* Bridgewater
* Center
* Florence
* Jefferson
* Madison
* Mill Creek
* Northwest
* Pulaski
* St. Joseph
* Springfield
* Superior

### Census-designated places

[edit]

* Alvordton
* Kunkle
* Lake Seneca
* Nettle Lake
* Pulaski

### Unincorporated communities

[edit]

* Berlin
* Bridgewater Center
* Columbia
* Cooney
* Hamer
* Lock Port
* Melbern
* Mina
* West Jefferson
* Williams Center

## See also

[edit]

* National Register of Historic Places listings in Williams County, Ohio

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
2. ^ a b c "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Williams County, Ohio". www.census.gov. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
4. ^ "Ohio: Individual County Chronologies". publications.newberry.org. The Newberry Library. 2007. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
5. ^ "Williams County data". Ohio State University Extension Data Center. Retrieved April 28, 2007.[dead link]
6. ^ "2024 County Gazetteer Files – Ohio". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
7. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Williams County, Ohio". www.census.gov. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
8. ^ "County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024". Retrieved June 1, 2025.
9. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
10. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. 2007. Archived from the original on December 12, 2009. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
11. ^ Forstall, Richard L. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 19, 1999. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
12. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
13. ^ "County Median Home Price". National Association of Realtors. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
14. ^ "Williams County, Ohio — Population by Race". CensusScope. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
15. ^ "1990 Census of Population: General Population Characteristics Ohio" (PDF). www.census.gov. October 6, 2022. p. 20. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
16. ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Williams County, Ohio". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
17. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Williams County, Ohio". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
18. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Williams County, Ohio". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
19. ^ "County Population by Characteristics: 2020-2023". www.census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
20. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
21. ^ "How many people live in Williams County, Ohio". USA Today. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
22. ^ "Williams County Election Results". Williams County Board of Elections. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
23. ^ "Williams County Commissioners". Williams County Ohio Homepage. Archived from the original on July 16, 2012. Retrieved October 11, 2012.

## External links

[edit]

* Williams County – official website
* https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheWilliamsCountyOhioVirtualMuseum/ The Williams County, Ohio Virtual Museum on Facebook

Places adjacent to Williams County, Ohio

|  | Hillsdale County, Michigan |

|
|

|  |
Steuben County, Indiana |

Williams County, Ohio

| Fulton County
|  |
DeKalb County, Indiana | Defiance County | Henry County

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Williams County, Ohio, United States

County seat: Bryan

City|

* Bryan

Map of Ohio highlighting Williams County

Villages|

* Blakeslee
* Edgerton
* Edon
* Holiday City
* Montpelier
* Pioneer
* Stryker
* West Unity

Townships|

* Brady
* Bridgewater
* Center
* Florence
* Jefferson
* Madison
* Mill Creek
* Northwest
* Pulaski
* St. Joseph
* Springfield
* Superior

CDPs|

* Alvordton
* Kunkle
* Lake Seneca
* Nettle Lake
* Pulaski

Unincorporated
communities|

* Berlin
* Billingstown
* Bridgewater Center
* Columbia
* Cooney
* Hamer
* Lock Port
* Melbern
* Mina
* Primrose
* West Jefferson
* Williams Center

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