Owen County
countyOwen County, Indiana, is located in the west-central part of the state and had a population of 21,321 in 2020. The county seat is Spencer. Known for its rolling hills and abundant forests, Owen County offers a blend of rural charm and access to larger cities like Bloomington and Terre Haute. In 1920, the United States Census Bureau determined that the mean center of the U.S. population was located within Owen County. The economy of Owen County is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and agriculture. Major employers include Cook Medical and Boston Scientific, contributing to a robust medical device industry. The county also benefits from tourism, drawn by its natural attractions such as McCormick's Creek State Park and Cataract Falls. Owen County is distinctive for its rich history and natural beauty. McCormick's Creek State Park, Indiana's first state park, offers hiking, camping, and scenic views. Cataract Falls, the state's largest waterfall by volume, and the Owen-Putnam State Forest provide additional recreational opportunities. The county's historical significance is highlighted by its designation as the geographical center of the U.S. population in 1920.
Owen County, Indiana
- Classification
- County
- Country
- United States
- County
- Owen County
- Region
- West-central Indiana
- Elevation
- 934 ft
- Total Area
- 387.82 sq mi
- Land Area
- 385.29 sq mi
- Water Area
- 2.54 sq mi
- Latitude
- 39.31
- Longitude
- -86.84
- Climate
- Owen County experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold with moderate snowfall.
- Notable Features
- White River · McCormick's Creek State Park · Cataract Falls · Owen-Putnam State Forest
- Neighboring Areas
- Putnam County · Morgan County · Monroe County · Greene County · Clay County
- Population (2020)
- 21,321
- Est. Population (2026)
- 22,003
- Median Age
- 45.3
- Median Income
- $59,586
- Poverty Rate
- 12.34%
- Owner-Occupied
- 80.8%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The population of Owen County is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic), with smaller percentages of Two or more races, Black or African American, Asian, and Hispanic residents.
- Government Type
- Constitutional body with specific powers granted by the Constitution of Indiana and the Indiana Code
- Governing Body
- County Council
- Body Size
- 7 members
- School District
- Spencer-Owen Community Schools
- Municipal Services
- Road maintenance · Snow removal · Bridge and culvert repair · Drainage management · Road signage · Emergency Alerts
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Manufacturing · Tourism
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Construction
- Major Employers
- Cook Medical · Boston Scientific · Hoosier Energy
- Schools
- 6
- Students
- 2,215
- School Districts
- Spencer-Owen Community Schools
- Transportation
- State Road 43 · Interstate access via nearby I-70 · Rail service (historically significant)
- Utilities
- Fiber/broadband access is expanding
- Major Facilities
- Owen County Courthouse · McCormick's Creek State Park · Owen County Park and Fairgrounds
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- McCormick's Creek State Park · Cataract Falls State Recreation Area · Owen-Putnam State Forest · Lieber State Recreation Area
- Parks & Trails
- McCormick's Creek State Park trails · Owen-Putnam State Forest trails · MYPath Trail System · Riverfront Trail
- Founded
- 1819
- Named After
- Colonel Abraham Owen
- Historical Significance
- Owen County holds historical significance as the one-time center of the U.S. population and for its role in early settlement and resource extraction in Indiana.
- Key Events
- County established in 1819 · Designated as the center of U.S. population in 1920 · McCormick's Creek State Park established in 1916