Muskingum County is a rural/suburban county in east-central Ohio. It has a population of about 85,000 with Zanesville being the largest city (about 28,000 residents). The community has grown into a regional center for manufacturing and services. Major employers include a basket manufacturer, health service providers, county and city governmental agencies, public educational institutions, automotive parts manufacturers, food processors, hospitality services, distribution and warehouse centers, retail stores and transportation services. The county covers 673 square miles which includes about 1100 farms covering 195,000 acres. The most important county agricultural commodities are beef, dairy, horticultural crops, corn, soybeans and pork. Hayland and pasture make up much of the agricultural ground. Muskingum County has more beef cows than any other county in the state. It also ranks high in the state in sheep and hay. About 40 percent of the county is forested. There is a diverse array of soil types scattered throughout the county. The most productive agricultural soils are located along the Muskingum River and Wakatomika Creek. Muskingum County serves as a regional center for agribusinesses including grain and feed suppliers, livestock marketing facilities, farm machinery dealers and retail horticultural sales.