Cities and Towns in Perry County, Ohio

Founded in Mar 1, 1818, Perry County is one of 88 counties in the state of Ohio. Historically, Perry County was formed from Washington, Fairfield, and Muskingum Counties. The city of New Lexington is the county seat. With FIPS code of 127, Perry County has a population of 35,460 and area of 409.78 square miles (1,061 km²).

List of all cities in Perry County, OH alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Corning, OH 43730 740
Crooksville, OH 43731 740
Glenford, OH 43739 740
Hemlock, OH 43730 740
Junction City, OH 43748 740
Mount Perry, OH 43760 740
Moxahala, OH 43761 740
New Lexington, OH 43764 740
New Straitsville, OH 43766 740
Shawnee, OH 43782 740
Somerset, OH 43783 740
Thornville, OH 43076 740

Major Cities and Towns in Perry County, Ohio

Perry County, located in southeastern Ohio, is known for its rich coal mining history, scenic landscapes, and close-knit communities. The county features a mix of small towns and villages that highlight its cultural heritage and rural charm. Below is an overview of the major cities and towns in Perry County.


1. New Lexington

Location and History

  • Area: 2.4 square miles
  • Population: 4,500 (approx.)
  • Zip Code: 43764
  • Latitude: 39.7134° N
  • Longitude: 82.2075° W

New Lexington, the county seat of Perry County, is located in the central part of the county. Established in 1817, the town grew as a center for coal mining and agriculture, benefiting from its location in the Hocking Valley coal region. As mining declined, New Lexington transitioned into a residential and administrative hub, maintaining its role as the heart of Perry County.

Schools and Landmarks

  • Major Schools: New Lexington High School, New Lexington Elementary School
  • Landmarks: Perry County Courthouse, Monument Square, Ludowici Tile Plant Historic Site

New Lexington is served by New Lexington City Schools, with New Lexington High School offering academic and extracurricular opportunities. The Perry County Courthouse, located in the town square, is an iconic landmark. Monument Square commemorates local veterans, and the Ludowici Tile Plant Historic Site showcases the town’s industrial past. New Lexington’s blend of history, government, and community makes it the central hub of Perry County.


2. Somerset

Location and History

  • Area: 0.8 square miles
  • Population: 1,500 (approx.)
  • Zip Code: 43783
  • Latitude: 39.8064° N
  • Longitude: 82.2976° W

Somerset, located in the northern part of Perry County, is one of the oldest settlements in the region, established in 1803. The village served as an important stagecoach stop in its early years and played a key role in the county’s agricultural and transportation history. Somerset retains much of its historic charm with well-preserved architecture and community traditions.

Schools and Landmarks

  • Major Schools: Sheridan High School, Somerset Elementary School
  • Landmarks: St. Joseph’s Church, Somerset Historic District, Clay Haus Restaurant

Somerset is part of the Northern Local School District, with students attending Sheridan High School. The historic St. Joseph’s Church, one of Ohio’s oldest Catholic churches, is a prominent landmark. The Somerset Historic District features 19th-century buildings, while the Clay Haus Restaurant is a popular spot reflecting the village’s heritage. Somerset’s historical significance and welcoming community make it a beloved part of Perry County.


3. Crooksville

Location and History

  • Area: 1.5 square miles
  • Population: 2,500 (approx.)
  • Zip Code: 43731
  • Latitude: 39.7718° N
  • Longitude: 82.0909° W

Crooksville, located in the southeastern part of Perry County, was established in the mid-19th century as a coal mining and pottery town. Known as the “Clay City,” Crooksville became a hub for ceramic manufacturing, with its products distributed nationwide. The village remains proud of its pottery heritage while transitioning into a modern residential community.

Schools and Landmarks

  • Major Schools: Crooksville High School, Crooksville Elementary School
  • Landmarks: Ceramic Museum of Crooksville, Village Park, Historic Pottery Kilns

Crooksville is served by the Crooksville Exempted Village School District, with Crooksville High School providing education to the community. The Ceramic Museum of Crooksville preserves the village’s rich pottery history. Village Park offers recreational facilities for residents, and the historic pottery kilns serve as reminders of Crooksville’s industrial legacy. Crooksville’s unique history and community spirit make it a vital part of Perry County.


4. Junction City

Location and History

  • Area: 0.2 square miles
  • Population: 800 (approx.)
  • Zip Code: 43748
  • Latitude: 39.7212° N
  • Longitude: 82.2978° W

Junction City, located southwest of New Lexington, was founded in the 19th century and grew as a small farming and trade village. The town’s name reflects its location as a junction of transportation routes that connected nearby communities. Today, Junction City maintains its rural charm and close-knit community atmosphere.

Schools and Landmarks

  • Major Schools: Students attend New Lexington City Schools
  • Landmarks: Junction City Park, Historic Downtown Area, Local Churches

Junction City’s students typically attend schools in nearby New Lexington. Junction City Park provides green space for recreation, while the historic downtown area features 19th-century architecture. The village’s local churches are central to its cultural and community life. Junction City’s quiet charm and historical roots make it a valued part of Perry County.


5. Shawnee

Location and History

  • Area: 0.3 square miles
  • Population: 600 (approx.)
  • Zip Code: 43782
  • Latitude: 39.6075° N
  • Longitude: 82.2070° W

Shawnee, located in the southern part of Perry County, was founded in 1872 as a coal mining town. The village played a key role during the height of Ohio’s coal mining boom, with many miners and their families calling Shawnee home. The village’s rich history is still evident in its well-preserved buildings and cultural traditions.

Schools and Landmarks

  • Major Schools: Students attend Southern Local School District
  • Landmarks: Tecumseh Theater, Shawnee Historic District, Wayne National Forest

Shawnee is part of the Southern Local School District, with students attending schools in nearby communities. The Tecumseh Theater, a restored 19th-century venue, hosts cultural events and performances. The Shawnee Historic District highlights the village’s mining heritage, while Wayne National Forest offers outdoor recreational opportunities. Shawnee’s historical significance and scenic surroundings make it a unique part of Perry County.