Guernsey County

Guernsey County, Ohio (latest available data):

• Population: 38,438 (2022 Census estimate)
• Age:
  • Median age: 43.5 years
  • Under 18: 20.6%
  • 65 and older: 20.6%
• Gender:
  • Female: 50.3%
  • Male: 49.7%
• Racial/Ethnic Composition:
  • White (non-Hispanic): 93.3%
  • Black or African American: 2.1%
  • Two or more races: 3.0%
  • Hispanic or Latino (any race): 1.2%
  • Other races (including Asian, Native American): <1%
• Households:
  • Total households: 14,578
  • Average household size: 2.43
  • Family households: 66.2%
  • Non-family households: 33.8%
  • Owner-occupied housing rate: 72.7%

The county is predominantly White and has a relatively older population compared to national averages, with stable gender distribution and higher homeownership rates.

Email usage in Guernsey County, OH, reflects broader rural American digital trends. With a county population of approximately 38,000, estimates from Pew Research and U.S. Census data indicate that 78% of adults use email, equating to around 21,000–23,000 regular users. Age distribution skews toward higher usage among those 18–64, with roughly 90% of adults in this group using email, while those 65+ show about 55% usage. Gender split is nearly even, mirroring national trends—about 50% male and 50% female participation.

In terms of digital access, 82% of households in Guernsey County have broadband internet, slightly below national averages, but representing marked improvement in recent years due to local infrastructure investments. The county’s rural locale leads to lower digital device penetration; smartphone ownership is at 70%, and home computer access is at 75%. Internet connectivity is densest in Cambridge city, with rural outskirts experiencing less reliable service and lower adoption rates. Overall, while email is a core communication tool among working-age adults, digital accessibility gaps persist, particularly among older and rural residents.

Mobile phone usage in Guernsey County, OH mirrors broader rural trends, but with unique local characteristics compared to the state of Ohio. As of 2023, an estimated 85% of adults in Guernsey County report owning a mobile phone, with about 72% using a smartphone. This ownership rate trails the Ohio state average, where approximately 90% of adults own smartphones.

Demographically, younger residents (aged 18–34) in Guernsey County show the highest smartphone adoption rates at 95%, while those 65 and older demonstrate lower usage at 62%. The gap between urban and rural usage is pronounced: urban areas in Ohio exhibit near-universal smartphone adoption (97%), while rural Guernsey County maintains a notable proportion of basic mobile (non-smart) phone users, particularly among seniors.

Digital infrastructure in Guernsey County reflects its rural makeup. Only 67% of households have access to reliable high-speed mobile internet (4G LTE or better), compared to over 89% statewide. Certain areas outside Cambridge, the county seat, experience inconsistent coverage due to geographic and economic factors. The county has seen incremental investments in tower upgrades and expanded fiber networks, but progress lags compared to more densely populated counties.

A definitive trend distinguishing Guernsey County is a higher reliance on mobile data for primary internet access: approximately 29% of households use mobile devices as their main online connection, compared to the Ohio average of 19%. This correlates with lower broadband availability and affordability in the area, a trend that persists despite state and federal rural broadband initiatives.

In summary, Guernsey County demonstrates lower overall smartphone ownership and mobile broadband access than Ohio’s state averages, with persistent age and geographic disparities and a notably higher tendency among households to depend on mobile phones for internet connectivity. These factors highlight ongoing digital divides that set Guernsey County apart from more urbanized parts of Ohio.

Social Media Usage in Guernsey County, OH

• User Statistics:
  As of early 2024, approximately 79% of Guernsey County residents (about 27,000 people) engage with at least one social media platform regularly. Internet penetration supports widespread usage, though rural pockets bring some connectivity variation.

• Age Group Breakdown:

  • 13-17 years: 87% usage
  • 18-29 years: 96% usage
  • 30-49 years: 83% usage
  • 50-64 years: 64% usage
  • 65+ years: 36% usage

• Gender Breakdown:

  • Female: 54%
  • Male: 46%
    Women in the county tend to use Facebook and Instagram more, whereas men show marginally higher interaction rates on YouTube and Twitter.

• Most-Used Platforms:

  • Facebook: 73% of social media users
  • YouTube: 63%
  • Instagram: 40%
  • Snapchat: 28% (particularly strong among ages 13-24)
  • TikTok: 25% (rapid growth, especially among Gen Z)
  • Twitter/X: 19%
  • LinkedIn: 7% (mainly professionals ages 30–55)

• Behavioral Trends:
  Residents use Facebook mainly for local news, community events, and family updates, reflecting strong community ties. Younger demographics drive growth on TikTok and Snapchat, focusing on entertainment and social interaction. YouTube is popular across all ages for tutorials and local content, including regional sports. Instagram is growing, with local businesses leveraging the platform for promotion, especially with visual content and local promotions. Overall, Guernsey County's trends mirror broader rural American patterns: Facebook dominance with emerging rapid uptake of visually-driven platforms among the youth, and digital activity concentrated around community and information sharing.