Vinton County, established in 1850 as Ohio’s 82nd county, was named for Samuel Finley Vinton, a Congressman from Gallia County who worked as an attorney in the surrounding counties, arguing cases before circuit judges in the county seat. With a population of just over 13,700 and 82% forest coverage, Vinton County is both the least populous and most rural county in Ohio. With its affordable land, lack of government interference, and abundant natural resources, Vinton County has earned a reputation as Ohio’s last frontier.
