County of hamilton
ohio
History & Founding
Located in southwestern Ohio, this county holds a pivotal place in the state's history and boasts a vibrant, diverse population. Established in 1803 from territory previously belonging to Hamilton and Montgomery counties, it was named in honor of Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury and a significant figure in the early American republic. The area had long been inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Shawnee, Miami, and Delaware, before European settlement. The county's early development was closely tied to the Ohio River, serving as a crucial transportation route for trade and westward expansion. An interesting anecdote from this era recounts a daring attempt by settlers to build a canal across the Little Miami River using only manpower and rudimentary tools, showcasing the determination and resourcefulness of the early pioneers. Its strategic location facilitated the growth of Cincinnati, which quickly became a major commercial hub and a gateway to the West.
Geography & Landscape
The county sits within the rolling hills of the Ohio River Valley. Its terrain is characterized by a mix of flat river bottoms and gently sloping hills, a result of glacial activity during the last ice age. The Ohio River forms the county’s southern and eastern borders, providing a vital waterway and contributing to the area’s fertile soil. Numerous creeks and streams, including the Little Miami and Symmes Creek, weave through the landscape. While not mountainous, the hills offer scenic vistas, and the county experiences a humid continental climate with distinct seasons, including warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The Great Miami River, now largely canalized, played a critical role in the county’s early industrial development.
Economy & Communities
The county is dominated by Cincinnati, its largest city and county seat, but also includes 54 other cities, towns, and villages, creating a patchwork of urban, suburban, and rural communities. The economy is diverse, with a strong presence in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and technology. Major employers include Kroger, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Procter & Gamble, and GE Aviation. While agriculture remains a component, particularly in the more rural areas, the county is largely defined by its urban and suburban character. Historically, industries like brewing and meatpacking were significant, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s culture and economy. The area is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and attracts a skilled workforce.
Points of Interest
The county offers a wealth of attractions and points of interest. Numerous parks, including Eden Park and Ault Park, provide recreational opportunities and stunning views. Historic sites, such as the Over-the-Rhine district and the Cincinnati Music Hall, showcase the county’s rich architectural heritage. The Cincinnati Art Museum and the Taft Museum of Art offer world-class artistic experiences. The county is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, hosting numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati, the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the United States. Notable residents have included Pete Rose, a legendary baseball player, and William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States and former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The county's population makes it the most populous in Ohio, reflecting its enduring significance to the state and the nation.
Information
- State
- ohio
- Type
- County
- Population
- 845,303
- Land area
- 407 sq mi
- Capital
- Cincinnati
- Time zone
- UTC-5
- FIPS
- 39061
54 Cities
| City | Population | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati | 331,285 | 683 ft (208 m) |
| Norwood | 21,675 | - |
| Forest Park | 19,463 | - |
| Sharonville | 13,804 | 589 ft (180 m) |
| Finneytown | 13,492 | 900 ft (274 m) |
| White Oak | 13,277 | - |
| Blue Ash | 12,513 | 850 ft (259 m) |
| Loveland | 11,677 | 584 ft (178 m) |
| Reading | 11,292 | - |
| Northbrook | 11,076 | 820 ft (250 m) |
| Forestville | 10,978 | 822 ft (251 m) |
| Springdale | 10,563 | - |
| Montgomery | 10,163 | 840 ft (256 m) |
| North College Hill | 10,082 | 840 ft (256 m) |
| Cheviot | 9,015 | 900 ft (274 m) |
| Madeira | 8,923 | 772 ft (235 m) |
| Wyoming | 8,261 | 800 ft (244 m) |
| Northgate | 8,016 | - |
| Dent | 7,612 | 810 ft (247 m) |
| Harrison | 7,487 | 528 ft (161 m) |
| Kenwood | 7,423 | 800 ft (244 m) |
| Groesbeck | 7,202 | 850 ft (259 m) |
| Mount Healthy | 7,149 | 855 ft (261 m) |
| Dry Run | 6,553 | - |
| Covedale | 6,360 | 890 ft (271 m) |
| Deer Park | 5,982 | 870 ft (265 m) |
| The Village of Indian Hill | 5,907 | 750 ft (229 m) |
| Pleasant Run | 5,267 | 744 ft (227 m) |
| Silverton | 5,178 | 840 ft (256 m) |
| Turpin Hills | 4,960 | 700 ft (213 m) |
| St. Bernard | 4,924 | 537 ft (164 m) |
| Pleasant Run Farm | 4,731 | - |
| Cherry Grove | 4,555 | 880 ft (268 m) |
| Lincoln Heights | 4,113 | - |
| Greenhills | 4,103 | 800 ft (244 m) |
| Golf Manor | 3,999 | 700 ft (213 m) |
| Fruit Hill | 3,945 | 750 ft (229 m) |
| Sherwood | 3,907 | - |
| Lockland | 3,707 | 575 ft (175 m) |
| Mount Healthy Heights | 3,450 | - |
| Amberley | 3,425 | 803 ft (245 m) |
| Mariemont | 3,408 | 590 ft (180 m) |
| Evendale | 3,090 | 584 ft (178 m) |
| Woodlawn | 2,816 | 586 ft (179 m) |
| Cleves | 2,790 | 496 ft (151 m) |
| Elmwood Place | 2,681 | 520 ft (158 m) |
| Newtown | 2,420 | 550 ft (168 m) |
| Terrace Park | 2,273 | 560 ft (171 m) |
| Glendale | 2,188 | 630 ft (192 m) |
| Fairfax | 1,938 | - |
| Grandview | 1,391 | - |
| Addyston | 1,010 | 492 ft (150 m) |
| Arlington Heights | 899 | 570 ft (174 m) |
| North Bend | 603 | 600 ft (183 m) |