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Sustaining Resources | Shaping the Future
Quality of Life
With its stunning natural landscapes, affordable cost of living, and endless recreational opportunities, Ottawa County offers a vibrant and inviting environment. Nestled along the shores of Lake Erie, the county boasts picturesque views, charming small towns, and a thriving tourism industry. Whether you’re exploring the islands, enjoying water sports, hiking in nature reserves, or attending local festivals, Ottawa County feels like a getaway from the everyday. Here, you’ll find a unique blend of relaxation and adventure that makes it easy to forget you’re still in Ohio.
CLIMATE
Our humid continental climate is characterized by typically warm summers, short periods of spring and fall, and with winters that generally range from cool to cold. Precipitation in Ohio is moderate year-round. Ottawa County is known for our beautiful Lake Erie. Residents and visitors enjoy scenic views all throughout the county and historic landmarks, such as the Marblehead Lighthouse and Perry’s Monument.
COST OF LIVING
Ottawa County offers a home to suit every need. Whether you want an apartment or a newly built single-family home, Ottawa County’s housing options accommodate the full spectrum at prices to fit your budget. Add in the surrounding beauty, plus close proximity to the urban areas of Toledo and Cleveland, and you have the perfect combination of an ideal place to start out on your own, raise a family, retire or as a vacation home.
HEALTHCARE
Ottawa County is home a number of healthcare facilities including H.B. Magruder Hospital and Ottawa County Health Department. Our healthcare providers have the best medical professionals, supported by top technology, facilities & services. Whether you have a physician’s order for short-term therapy or are looking for in-home healthcare or non-medical companionship, Ottawa County has several options for you.
EDUCATION
All six public school districts and three private K-5 schools all have achieved a minimum of the state’s second highest rating of “effective” or higher. The average student-teacher ratio for the County is 15.5:1, which is level with the state and national averages of 15.3:1. For higher education or training opportunities, students are able to choose from area community colleges and universities close to home.
ARTS & CULTURE
Historic museums, arts and craft shows, and festivals abound throughout Ottawa County. A nationally recognized wildlife refuge with trails open year round. Along with a celebrated Native American and War of 1812 roots, we also pay tribute to the legendary all-metal Ford Tri-Motor, also known as the Tin Goose – first used in 1939 for air service to the Lake Erie Islands. Ottawa County has a number of locally owned and operated wineries and craft breweries.
RECREATION
Here, you can practice your swing year-round at an indoor golf facility. Relax on our beaches and state parks for boating, kayaking, fishing, and hiking. Jump on one of our local ferries and head over to the Lake Erie Islands. And be back in time for dinner on the waterfront all while watching the sunset. We have various musicians throughout the county and Northwest Ohio who come to have a good time and entertain.
Have we convinced you yet?
With our cozy lakeside communities, historic downtowns, and rural communities that give off a small town vibe, Ottawa County has it all. Each year, over 11 million people are attracted to our Lake Erie Shores & Islands region and makes Ottawa County one of the Midwest’s most popular destinations for visitors. Ottawa County is the perfect place to invest in and grow, for both your business and your family.
Publications & Maps
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Comprehensive Community Development
A comprehensive community development strategy is a holistic approach that focuses on improving a community's economic, social, and environmental well-being by addressing interconnected challenges through coordinated efforts. This strategy encompasses areas such as housing, workforce development, infrastructure, education, health, and sustainability to foster both immediate and long-term growth. By addressing interconnected issues in a coordinated way, the strategy helps build resilient, thriving communities.
What Ottawa County and our partners are doing
A Child Care Needs Assessment was completed in 2022. Since that time, the following have occurred:
- Ottawa County Childcare Initiative was formed, bringing together local businesses, social service agencies and childcare providers who work collaboratively to develop strategies to increase accessibility to childcare.
- Child Care Resource Open House was held in March 2024 and provided attendees the chance to learn more about employment opportunities in childcare and the process of starting an in-home childcare business.
- Continue to work with over a dozen partners to identify potential future sites
- County-wide needs survey was completed in Summer 2024 to analyze data to determine next steps
The Firelands Region Housing Study was released in June 2023. The goal behind this study is to invigorate community conversations in hopes to create regional solutions to the housing barrier.
The primary objective of the study is to inform strategies that retain and attract talent by ensuring the regional housing market meets current and future needs. Community participation was integral to the study, with residents and workers in the tri-county area encouraged to provide feedback through surveys.
By fostering collaborative discussions, the study seeks to develop effective, community-driven solutions to the housing challenges faced by Erie, Huron, and Ottawa counties.
Ottawa County is actively engaged in several transportation initiatives aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and safety.
- A federal grant facilitated the development of the NWOH Safety Action Plan (Lucas, Wood, Sandusky, Ottawa), which outlines strategies to enhance roadway safety across the region. The plan is based on Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Safe System approach.
- Ottawa County is also actively involved with the US-23 & SR-4 Connector Study. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is conducting the study to improve the US 23 corridor. The study considers projections for traffic, population, land use, and employment through 2050.
These initiatives reflect a concerted effort to improve transportation infrastructure and safety in Ottawa County and the broader northwest Ohio region.
By addressing critical issues such as housing and childcare, we exemplify a forward-thinking approach to building a resilient and thriving community. These initiatives ensure the county remains an attractive place to live, work, and invest for generations to come.
Ottawa County's Largest Employers
(school districts, emergency services or government agencies not included)
The Ohio economy is built upon a legacy of strength in manufacturing and innovative thinking. The surrounding nine county region of Northwest Ohio sits on Lake Erie and boasts key strengths in transportation and logistics, providing a transportation hub for land, rail, sea and air. All advantages that help Northwest Ohio continue to build in critically important areas that will strengthen the global economy. Ottawa County is a prime location for businesses in advanced manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, warehousing, transportation, retail, agriculture, and many others.
*updated annually prior to May of the current year
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