Morrow County, Ohio is a peaceful and well organized county located in the heart of the state. It is known for its strong agricultural roots, small communities, and reliable county level public services. This detailed guide is written to help users clearly understand Morrow County’s location, history, size, population, administration, and other important facts in a simple, professional manner.
Location of Morrow County, Ohio
Morrow County is located in north central Ohio, making it a geographically balanced county within the state. It lies approximately 40 miles north of Columbus, the capital of Ohio. Because of this location, the county enjoys a rural lifestyle while still remaining connected to major urban areas.
Why the location matters:
- Easy access to Columbus for jobs and services
- Ideal for agriculture and residential living
- Part of Ohio’s central development region
Bordering Counties (All Sides)
Morrow County is surrounded by five counties:
| Direction | Neighboring County |
|---|---|
| North | Crawford County |
| Northeast | Richland County |
| Southeast | Knox County |
| Southwest | Delaware County |
| West | Marion County |
These borders help define Morrow County’s administrative, economic, and transportation connections.
Establishment & History
Morrow County was officially established on March 1, 1848. It is considered one of the newer counties in Ohio. The county was created from portions of Knox, Marion, Richland, and Delaware counties.
The county was named after Jeremiah Morrow, a former Governor of Ohio and U.S. Senator. Before modern settlement, the land was used by Native American tribes, particularly the Shawnee, for hunting and seasonal activities.
Historical highlights:
- Formed for better local governance
- Developed mainly through farming communities
- Strong courthouse centered administration since the 1800s
Total Area & Geography
Morrow County covers a moderate land area with very little water coverage, making it ideal for farming and rural housing.
| Category | Size |
| Total Area | 407 square miles |
| Land Area | 406 square miles |
| Water Area | 1.1 square miles |
The county landscape includes farmland, open fields, small forests, and gently rolling terrain.
Size Comparison Within Ohio
Ohio has 88 counties in total. Compared to other counties:
- Morrow County is smaller than average
- Not among the largest counties
- Not among the smallest counties
This places Morrow County in a balanced position suitable for controlled growth and efficient governance.
Population & Demographics
Morrow County has experienced steady population growth while maintaining a small town environment.
| Census Year | Population |
| 2020 Census | ~34,950 |
| 2024 Estimate | ~35,900 |
Population Rank in Ohio
- Ranked around 68th–69th out of 88 counties
- Lower population density than urban counties
- Ideal for residents seeking quieter communities
Cities, Villages & Communities
Morrow County does not contain large incorporated cities. Instead, it is made up of small villages and unincorporated communities, each serving local residential and agricultural populations. Below is a clear population focused breakdown for user understanding.
Incorporated Villages and Population
| Village | Estimated Population |
| Mount Gilead (County Seat) | ~3,500 |
| Cardington | ~2,200 |
| Edison | ~440 |
| Marengo | ~280 |
| Fulton | ~250 |
| Chesterville | ~200 |
| Sparta | ~120 |
Mount Gilead is the largest village and functions as the administrative, judicial, and service hub of the county.
Townships in Morrow County (With Population)
Morrow County is divided into 16 townships. Townships manage local services for residents living outside village boundaries. Population figures below are based on recent census estimates and provide users with a realistic understanding of settlement patterns.
| Township | Estimated Population |
| Bennington Township | ~2,300 |
| Canaan Township | ~1,100 |
| Cardington Township | ~2,600 |
| Chester Township | ~1,400 |
| Congress Township | ~1,300 |
| Eden Township | ~1,200 |
| Gilead Township | ~2,000 |
| Harmony Township | ~900 |
| Lincoln Township | ~1,100 |
| North Bloomfield Township | ~1,800 |
| Perry Township | ~1,500 |
| Peru Township | ~1,200 |
| South Bloomfield Township | ~1,700 |
| Troy Township | ~1,400 |
| Westfield Township | ~1,000 |
| Washington Township | ~1,300 |
These townships reflect Morrow County’s low density, rural character, with populations spread across farmland and residential clusters.
County Government & Offices
Morrow County operates under Ohio’s county government structure with elected officials responsible for public administration.
Key County Offices
- Board of County Commissioners
- County Auditor
- Treasurer
- Recorder
- Clerk of Courts
- Sheriff
- Prosecuting Attorney
- Engineer
- Coroner
- Municipal & Common Pleas Courts
Additional Departments & Services
- Board of Elections
- Job and Family Services
- Veterans Services
- Public Health District
- Emergency Management Agency
- Soil & Water Conservation District
- County Park District
These offices ensure transparency, public safety, property administration, and community welfare.
Economy, Land Use & Parcel Information
Morrow County’s economy is primarily agriculture based, with farming being the dominant land use.
Main economic activities include:
- Crop farming (corn, soybeans, hay)
- Livestock and dairy farming
- Small businesses and local services
Parcel & Property Information
- Total Parcel Count: Approximately 28,328 parcels
- Land parcels are mostly rural and agricultural
- Residential parcels are clustered around villages
- Property records and valuations are maintained by the County Auditor’s Office
- Parcel data supports taxation, ownership verification, and land planning
Community Life & Attractions
Morrow County offers a calm lifestyle with natural and cultural attractions.
Notable features:
- Mount Gilead State Park
- Historic county courthouse
- Amish farming communities
- County fairs and seasonal festivals
- Parks, trails, and outdoor recreation
Quick Facts Summary
| Feature | Details |
| County Name | Morrow County |
| State | Ohio |
| Established | March 1, 1848 |
| County Seat | Mount Gilead |
| Total Area | 407 sq miles |
| Population (Est.) | ~35,900 |
| Total Villages | 7 |
| Total Townships | 16 |
| Largest Community | Mount Gilead (~3,500) |
| Total Parcel Count | ~28,328 |
| Government Type | County based elected offices |
Conclusion
Morrow County, Ohio is a well structured and vibrant county, offering a perfect blend of rural charm, agricultural prosperity, and efficient local governance. With a total population of approximately 35,900 and around 28,328 parcels, the county ensures organized property management and community services. Its villages, townships, and administrative offices provide reliable resources for residents and property owners. Morrow County’s strategic location in north central Ohio, combined with its historical significance and natural attractions, makes it an ideal place for families, businesses, and researchers seeking accurate county level information and a high quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Morrow County located?
Morrow County is in north central Ohio, about 40 miles from Columbus. Its central position allows easy access to urban centers while offering a peaceful rural environment suitable for farming and residential living.
When was Morrow County established?
The county was established on March 1, 1848, formed from parts of Knox, Marion, Richland, and Delaware counties, and named after Governor Jeremiah Morrow.
How many parcels are in Morrow County?
Morrow County has approximately 28,328 parcels, mainly agricultural and residential, managed by the County Auditor for property and tax purposes.
What is the population of Morrow County?
As of 2024, the population is around 35,900, reflecting a low density, rural community ideal for families and small town living.
How is Morrow County governed?
The county is governed by elected officials including commissioners, auditor, sheriff, and other key departments managing services, public safety, and property administration.
What are the main attractions in Morrow County?
Popular attractions include Mount Gilead State Park, Amish communities, historic courthouse, seasonal fairs, and outdoor recreational activities such as hiking and park visits.