RANK #571 / 1001 NAT · #30 / 49 OH · POP 76,492
1YR FORECAST: +2.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +17%
Chillicothe, the county seat of Ross County, holds the distinction of being Ohio's first state capital. Located in south-central Ohio, approximately 40 miles south of Columbus, Ross County offers a blend of historic charm and natural beauty. The community maintains a conservative feel, with many residents owning their homes. The area is characterized by wooded hills and the Scioto River Valley, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation across five state parks and a national park. Commutes to nearby cities like Columbus are facilitated by major highways such as US 23, US 35, and US 50.
Life in Ross County often involves a connection to its natural surroundings and a focus on community. Families have access to several school districts, including Chillicothe City Schools and six county school districts, along with private options. The economy is diverse, with a manufacturing base that includes automotive and paper production. Recent economic developments have seen investments in energy sectors, contributing to job creation. Healthcare providers like Adena Health System are also significant employers.
Ross County is one of 145 U.S. counties in this market profile — weaker than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +3.9% runs below the profile's typical +4.9%.
See all 145 Heartland Steady Growth counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 7.7x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: Homicide rates from CDC/NCHS vital-statistics mortality data — a multi-year average that stabilizes counts in smaller counties — compiled in the County Health Rankings 2025 release. Rates per 100,000 population; U.S. average ≈ 6.5. Grade reflects homicide rate relative to the national average. Learn more →
See where Ross County stands nationally: safest large counties in America · highest homicide-rate counties.
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Yellowbud Solar, LLC
National Grid Renewables
|
$274M | Operating |
|
Ross County Solar Project
National Grid Renewables (formerly Geronimo Power)
|
$120M | Under Construction |
|
Kenworth Truck Plant Chassis Department Expansion
PACCAR, Inc. (Kenworth Truck Company)
|
$25M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
Ross County scores 42/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 1001 U.S. counties (#571). Median household income is $61,303 and job growth is running at -2.6%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
By national standards, Ross County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $171,500, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.36 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $906/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Ross County's job market is contracting (-2.6% YoY) while population is roughly stable (-0.3% change). Home values are +3.9% over the past 12 months. Hiring headwinds without an offsetting exodus — residents are staying, but local employers are shedding payroll.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.78% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Ross County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.