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Economy - Wyandot County is composed of small-town communities where you can get away from it all. But its strategic location and excellent transportation network also make it a place where businesses have quick and efficient access to major markets and suppliers. 

     Located in north central Ohio along the Sandusky River, the area's rich soil and temperate climate have attracted settlers for hundreds of years. Today, the area is home to some of Ohio's most productive farms, as well as growing numbers of manufacturing, service and retail businesses.

     Upper Sandusky, the county seat, is the center of commerce. Major state and interstate highways efficiently connect the city with the state's metropolitan centers. The Port of Toledo, on Lake Erie, is only 65 miles away. Wyandot County Airport is a general aviation airport with two, hard-surface runways. Also within a 70-mile radius of Upper Sandusky are the Findlay, Mansfield-Lahm, Toledo Express and Port Columbus airports, which provide a range of passenger and freight services. The county is served by two rail lines.

     A quiet city of safe, wide streets, many Upper Sandusky homes and buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places, and the city itself is a National Arbor Day Foundation "Tree City." As part of its ongoing commitment to community improvement, the city is in the final phase of a three-year, $2 million downtown streetscape project that has included the burial of utility lines and the installation of new sidewalks, planters and streetlights.

     While most of the county's land is agricultural, the majority of its workers — about a third of the workforce — are engaged in manufacturing, making products ranging from automotive parts to animal feed. The next largest employment sector, about 17 percent, is trade, followed by the service providers, 15 percent, then government, 10 percent. Rounding out the job base are, respectively , agriculture, finance/real estate/insurance, transportation/communications/public utilities, and mining.

     Thanks to the area's abundance of recreational facilities and its reputation for warm hospitality, tourism supports many area jobs. Upper Sandusky is becoming especially well known for its gift shops and dining options: Almost 30 restaurants cater to a diversity of tastes. 

     Employers and employees have access to technical and advanced education offered at two and four-year private and public colleges and universities located throughout north central Ohio. 

     Helping spur economic growth in Upper Sandusky and the villages of Carey and Nevada is their designation as Ohio Enterprise Zones. New businesses locating in the zones receive significant tax abatements, usually for a 10-year period. Qualifying commercial and industrial businesses in Upper Sandusky can also receive low income loans through a special state program. Local officials are happy to provide business owners with details about these programs, as well as advice about zoning regulations, available land and buildings, and other crucial information. 

     While resolved to maintaining its historic character, Upper Sandusky is equally committed to providing residents with modern, responsive public services. The Upper Sandusky Police Department handles police protection in the city. Also based in Upper Sandusky is the Wyandot County Sheriff's Department, which patrols the entire county, runs the county jail and administers the county's 911 system. The Wyandot County Emergency Medical Service responds to calls for emergency medical care. Fire protection in the city is provided by the Upper Sandusky Fire Department. 

     Religion plays a major role in the lives of many residents, and the area's many churches (20 in Upper Sandusky alone) represent a variety of denominations. Churches throughout the county sponsor a number of special events, as well as actively participate in community-sponsored activities and initiatives. Upper Sandusky's community spirit is also nurtured by almost 70 civic and charitable organizations, ranging from Lions, Kiwanis and Rotary clubs to the local chapter of the American Red Cross.

     Whether you're a young family setting down roots or an established business branching out, the Upper Sandusky area is a growing environment. 


Upper Sandusky Area Chamber of Commerce

108 E Wyandot Ave.
P.O. Box 223
Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351

419.294.3349
419.294.3531 fax
upperchamber@udata.com