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Workforce & Talent
Athens County is part of a larger regional work shed with more workers commuting into the county from surrounding counties than those commuting out of the county for other employment. Higher rural unemployment rates mean a readily available workforce. Quality employees stay put rather than “shopping around” for the next best job.
Athens County Workforce Economic SnapshotA region’s workforce is a critical measure of its economic success. Athens County has a labor force of 30,906 with a little over 25,200 people actively employed.
| Athens County Workforce Statistics | Economic Data Points |
| Civilian Labor Force | 24,600 |
| Employed | 23,400 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% |
| Mean Travel Time to Work (mins) | 21.9 |
| Median Household Income | $49,714.00 |
| Median Family Income | $50,820.00 |
| Per Capita Income | $24,990.00 |
Southeast Ohio Regional County Workforce Comparison
Athens County is a regional economic leader: 84.59% of the workforce stay in Athens County each day to work. While Athens County is only the 37th largest county in the state of Ohio, it is relatively large for the Appalachian Region and competes with similar sized Southeast Ohio counties-such as Washington, Lawrence, Muskingum and Tuscarawas–to be the economic leader in Southeast Ohio
| Southeast Ohio County | Unemployment Rate | Median Household Income | College Grad Rate |
| Athens | 4.7% | $49,714.00 | 29.7% |
| Washington | 4.3% | $54,167.00 | 19.2% |
| Lawrence | 4.5% | $48,947.00 | 14.3% |
| Muskingum | 3.6% | $52,224.00 | 15.5% |
| Tuscarawas | 3.4% | $57,545.00 | 15.8% |
Athens County Major Private Employers
- Ohio Health O’Bleness Hospital
- Quidel
- Stirling Ultracold
- Stewart MacDonald
- Jackie O’s
- Rocky Boots Company
- Athens Mold & Machine
To be sure you’re on the right track when it comes to building a work culture in your business, it is essential to know where you can go to get help creating just the right team of employees. Athens County has a wealth of resources for this process, and these organizations can help you make the most of your team:
OhioMeansJobs – Athens CountyOhioMeansJobs-Athens County is Athens County’s “one-stop” employment and training center, offering free services to existing or potential businesses. Free employer services include trainings, screening, special population placement, and more.
On-The-Job-TrainingThis is a federally funded program that helps employers hire and train individuals for long-term employment by offsetting the wages paid to eligible new hires. Contact OhioMeansJobs – Athens County for more information at 740-797-1405 or ohiomeansjobsathenscounty@jfs.ohio.gov
JobsOhio Workforce Grant & Talent Acquisition ServicesThe JobsOhio Workforce Grant was created to promote economic development, business expansion, and job creation by providing funding for the improvement of worker skills and abilities in the State of Ohio. Grant decisions are based on a number of project factors, including but not limited to job creation, additional payroll, fixed-asset investment commitment, project return on investment, and project location.
The JobsOhio Talent Acquisition program helps identify a company’s talent challenges and builds sustainable talent recruitment strategies that support every stage of the candidate journey.
TechCred helps Ohioans learn new skills and helps employers build a stronger workforce with the skills needed in a technology-infused economy. Businesses of all sizes, from any industry, are eligible for up to $30,000 per round and up to $180,000 per year in reimbursements. Many of these trainings can be completed online! These technology-focused credentials take a year or less to complete and prepare current and future employees for the technology jobs Ohio employers need. Assistance in taking advantage of this program is available by contacting: TechCred@development.ohio.gov
Federal tax credits are available to employers that hire individuals from eligible target groups. Assistance in reaching job seekers from the eligible target groups is available by contacting OhioMeansJobs – Athens County at 740-797-1405 or ohiomeansjobsathenscounty@jfs.ohio.gov
Education & Internships ResourcesCareer Connections Staffing Agency : The Career Connections Staffing Agency works to bridge businesses hiring with potential employees.
Tri-County Career Center : Tri-County Career Center provides hands-on training and certifications for in-demand occupations.
Ohio University: Ohio University is an R1 higher education research institution.
Hocking College: Hocking College is a local community college educational center.
Project RISE – Athens Meigs ESC: Project Rise is an organization with the goal of creating a K-12 college and career readiness continuum.
Area 14 Workforce Development Board: The Area 14 Workforce Development Board is comprised of 19 board members from Athens, Meigs and Perry counties with a shared commitment to providing a high-quality and responsibly managed workforce system.