Licking County is a county located in the state of Ohio, United States. As of 2000, the population was 145,491. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2004 Population Estimates the population was 152,866 in 2004. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,783 km² (688 mi²). 1,778 km² (686 mi²) of it is land and 5 km² (2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.27% water. Its county seat is Newark6 and is named for the salt licks that were in the area.

As the 2000 55,609 households, and 40,149 families residing in the county. The population density was 82/km² (212/mi²). There were 58,760 housing units at an average density of 33/km² (86/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 95.64% White, 2.06% Black or African American, 0.30% Native American, 0.58% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.30% from other races, and 1.10% from two or more races. 0.76% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

In the county, the population was spread out with 26.00% under the age of 18, 8.80% from 18 to 24, 29.40% from 25 to 44, 23.90% from 45 to 64, and 11.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 94.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $44,124, and the median income for a family was $51,969. Males had a median income of $37,957 versus $26,884 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,581. 7.50% of the population and 5.50% of families were below the poverty line. 9.10% of those under the age of 18 and 7.50% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Neighboring areas include: Knox County , Coshocton County , Muskingum County ; Perry County , Fairfield County ; Franklin County , and Delaware County .