Ohio Valley Region: Definition and Characteristics

The Ohio Valley

Encompasses the valleys and drainage basins of the Ohio River and its tributaries, covering parts of seven states: Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York.

Key Stats

• Ohio River: 981 mi (1,579 km), 10th longest in US.
• Area: ~110,000 sq mi (280,000 km²).
• Population: >25 million.
• Topography: flat lowlands to rolling hills/mountains.
• Climate: humid continental (hot summers, cold winters).
• Economy: agriculture, manufacturing, services.
• Major cities: Cincinnati, Louisville, Pittsburgh.