Meigs County, Ohio

Climate

Meigs County's climate is considered humid continental, with warm to hot, humid summers and cool to cold, wet winters. Precipitation averages 41" annually, spread evenly throughout the year. High July temperatures average in the upper 80s F, while lows average in the low to mid 60s F. Temperatures above 90* F in the summer are common. January highs average about 40* F, with lows in the lower 20s. Temperatures around or even below 0* F occur during most winters. Snowfall averages 20–25", falling between late November and the first week of April.

The Ohio River creates a microclimate in its valley where temperatures tend to be moderated by the river, hence resulting in longer growing seasons compared to the rest of the county. Other microclimates, known as frost hollows or frost pockets, exist throughout the county in small isolated valleys. Nocturnal temperatures are often several degrees colder than the surrounding terrain.

Adjacent counties

• Athens County (north)
• Wood County, West Virginia (northeast)
• Jackson County, West Virginia (east)
• Mason County, West Virginia (southeast)
• Gallia County (southwest)
• Vinton County (west)

State protected areas

• Forked Run State Park
• Shade River State Forest

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 22,210. The median age was 44.6 years. 21.2% of residents were under the age of 18 and 21.3% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 99.3 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 97.3 males age 18 and over.^[15]

The racial makeup of the county was 95.7% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% Asian, <0.1% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 0.4% from some other race, and 2.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 0.8% of the population.^[16]

12.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 88.0% lived in rural areas.^[17]

There were 9,204 households in the county, of which 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 48.1% were married-couple households, 19.9% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 24.4% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.^[15]

There were 10,649 housing units, of which 13.6% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 77.4% were owner-occupied and 22.6% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.7% and the rental vacancy rate was 7.8%.^[15]

Racial and ethnic composition

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 23,770 people, 9,557 households, and 6,698 families living in the county.^[27] The population density was 55.3 inhabitants per square mile (21.4/km²). There were 11,191 housing units at an average density of 26.0 units per square mile (10.0 units/km²).^[28] The racial makeup of the county was 97.4% white, 0.9% black or African American, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 0.5% of the population.^[27] In terms of ancestry, 25.1% were German, 14.3% were Irish, 13.9% were American, and 9.6% were English.^[29]

Of the 9,557 households, 31.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.6% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 29.9% were non-families, and 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.91. The median age was 41.2 years.^[27]

The median income for a household in the county was $33,407 and the median income for a family was $42,653. Males had a median income of $41,850 versus $27,271 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,003. About 16.7% of families and 20.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.9% of those under age 18 and 12.3% of those age 65 or over.^[30]

2000 census

As of the census^[31] of 2000, there were 23,072 people, 9,234 households, and 6,574 families living in the county. The population density was 54 people per square mile (21 people/km²). There were 10,782 housing units at an average density of 25 units per square mile (9.7/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.73% White, 0.69% Black or African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.10% Asian, 0.25% from other races, and 0.96% from two or more races. 0.60% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 9,234 households, out of which 31.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.90% were married couples living together, 10.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.80% were non-families. 25.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.90% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 27.70% from 25 to 44, 25.20% from 45 to 64, and 14.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 94.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $27,287, and the median income for a family was $33,071. Males had a median income of $30,821 versus $19,621 for females. The per capita income for the county was $13,848. About 14.30% of families and 19.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.30% of those under age 18 and 14.50% of those age 65 or over.

Villages

• Middleport
• Pomeroy (county seat)
• Racine
• Rutland
• Syracuse

Townships

Census-designated place

• Tuppers Plains

Unincorporated communities