Adjacent counties

• Ross County (north)
• Jackson County (east)
• Scioto County (south)
• Adams County (southwest)
• Highland County (west)

2000 census

As of the census^[11] of 2000, there were 27,695 people, 10,444 households, and 7,665 families living in the county. The population density was 63 people per square mile (24 people/km²). There were 11,602 housing units at an average density of 26 units per square mile (10/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 96.72% White, 0.89% Black or African American, 0.74% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.07% from other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. 0.56% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 10,444 households, out of which 35.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.80% were married couples living together, 11.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.60% were non-families. 22.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 27.20% under the age of 18, 8.90% from 18 to 24, 28.90% from 25 to 44, 21.50% from 45 to 64, and 13.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 95.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $31,649, and the median income for a family was $35,934. Males had a median income of $32,379 versus $20,761 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,093. About 15.10% of families and 18.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.20% of those under age 18 and 13.60% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 28,709 people, 11,012 households, and 7,743 families living in the county.^[12] The population density was 65.2 inhabitants per square mile (25.2/km²). There were 12,481 housing units at an average density of 28.3 units per square mile (10.9 units/km²).^[13] The racial makeup of the county was 96.6% white, 0.9% black or African American, 0.5% American Indian, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 0.7% of the population.^[12] In terms of ancestry, 19.3% were German, 14.8% were Irish, 12.9% were English, and 12.5% were American.^[14]

Of the 11,012 households, 34.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 29.7% were non-families, and 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.02. The median age was 39.2 years.^[12]

The median income for a household in the county was $35,912 and the median income for a family was $43,010. Males had a median income of $40,645 versus $27,422 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,494. About 18.0% of families and 23.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.7% of those under age 18 and 15.2% of those age 65 or over.^[15]

City

• Waverly (county seat)

Villages

• Beaver
• Piketon

Townships

Census-designated places

• Cynthiana
• Stockdale

Unincorporated communities

• Buchanan
• Camp
• Daleyville
• Idaho
• Jasper
• Latham
• Morgantown
• Omega
• Sargents
• Wakefield