Living in Darke County

Darke County is in West Central Ohio and on the Indiana border, just north of Interstate 70.  The county seat, Greenville (population ~13,000) is in the center of the county and is the home of the residency clinic and hospital.  Darke County prides itself on having close-knit, safe, affordable communities where neighbors look out for each other.  Citizens are invested in their communities and having opportunities for all people to live a happy and full life.

History

Darke County has a rich place in American History.  The Treaty of Greenville was signed here in 1795.  Annie Oakley, the famous female sharpshooter who starred in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show was born in Darke County and is buried here.  You can find Annie’s likeness all over the county, and she even has her own festival!. At Bear’s Mill you can see an operating water-powered mill that was built in 1849.    In the contiguous counties you can take a ride on a canal boat, visit the hometown of Neil Armstrong and visit the air and space museum named in his honor, and learn more about the Amish culture.

Lifestyle

Darke County enjoys four distinct and beautiful seasons and lends itself to outdoor activities.  The terrain is flat and great for runners and bicyclists. If you prefer your wheels to come with engines, you might enjoy a night of racing at Eldora Speedway , called the “World’s Fastest Dirt Track” and owned by NASCAR legend Tony Stewart. Fairs and festivals dominate the social scene in warm weather, culminating with The Great Darke County Fair, considered by many to be the best county fair in Ohio. Hunting, boating, and enjoying the parks systems are more favorite outdoor pursuits. 

When you head indoors, you may chose a performance at the Darke County Center for the Arts or visit each of the 26 properties listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. If you are in the mood for an adult beverage, visit a spot on the Whiskey, Wine, and Ale Trail.

Economy

This region of western Ohio has historically enjoyed some of the lowest unemployment rates in the state.  Agriculture is big business here; Darke County is typically number one or two in the state for total agriculture receipts.  But the economy is driven by more than just agriculture!  If you are a baker, you have to familiar with the KitchenAid stand mixer – they are all made in Greenville!  Whirlpool Corporation, which owns KitchenAid, is the largest employer in the county.  Also in Darke County is the village of Versailles, home to the headquarters of Midmark Corporation.  Midmark manufactures medical, dental, and veterinary equipment, such as the exam table in your patient rooms.  Versailles was recently named “Best Hometown” by Ohio Magazine.

Proximity to Larger Cities

Columbus, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis are all less than a two hour drive from Greenville, and Dayton is less than an hour’s drive.  The Dayton International Airport is about a forty minute drive from Greenville.  Darke County has the luxury of not having an interstates running through it while still being very convenient to more urban areas.

 

For additional information about Darke County, check out these websites:

The Coalition for a Healthy Darke County is a nonprofit formed by community leaders to address substance abuse.

The Darke County Visitors Bureau provide more information on attractions, restaurants, and all that life in Darke County has to offer

Hometown Opportunity is were most local jobs are posted for all industries and all levels of education and experience. If a loved one will be joining you and will need employment, this is the best starting point.

If children will be joining you, learn more about the Darke County Educational Service Center and the schools in our county.

Love the outdoor life?  Learn more about the beauty of Darke County Parks.

Revitalization is underway in downtown Greenville!  Learn more about Main Street Greenville.