[4] However, one account explains it as an English pronunciation of the river's indigenous Delaware name W'li/'ik'/nk, which means "where the flood waters recede".

Since Licking County's establishment in 1808, businesses and industries have served as a source of employment, generating income and promoting economic growth.

Notable industries include manufacturing, retail and wholesale trade, health care and social assistance, accommodation and food services.

[19] Major establishments and advancements have been made by manufacturing facilities in the county by renowned companies or corporations, namely Invenergy, Armstrong World Industries, Intel, and Atkore.

[20][21] These investments have provided Licking County residents with a diverse range of employment opportunties and facilitated its economic growth.

However, in the past many other successful manufacturing companies have come to a close, such as Longaberger, Fyrepel, Meritor plant in Heath, and E.T.

The glass-making industry, which has been established since the late 19th century from Newark with natural gas supplies, sand quarry, and cheap labor, is also a significant manufacturing sector in Licking County.

It secures the earnings and living of the residents by offering a variety of crops and livestock, such as corn, wheat, cattle, and goats.

It covered five acres of glass structures, becoming one of the largest greenhouses in Ohio and providing vegetables to three nearby states during its time.

[27] While modern farmers have multiple advantages such as better agricultural equipment, pesticides and fertilizers, many have encountered challenges due to an increase in the cost of producing crops and raising livestock, and a declining payout as well.

Educational institutions in Licking County include Denison University, Newark City Schools, and Columbus State Community College.

Licking County continues to see substantial growth in industries across multiple fields, especially traditional companies with major distribution.

Manufacturing, Retail Trade, Health Care and Social Assistance are the top three industries in Licking County's employment for recent years.

[30] In January 2022 Intel announced their intention to build a $20 billion semiconductor plant in Licking County that would employ up to 3,000 workers.

[31] In March 2023, Invenergy invested $600 million in Illuminate USA, with the goal of manufacturing high-quality domestic solar panels and creating 850 new, high-paying jobs.

Licking County schools won at least one state title in four straight sport seasons: Heath in both baseball and boys track and field (2007), Newark Catholic in football (2007), Newark in boys basketball (2008) and Lakewood in softball (2008).

In line with national and regional trends, opioid misuse led to increased rates of overdose and fatalities in Licking County over the last two decades.

[36] Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, one director of a residential treatment center attributed isolation to the rise in overdose deaths across Licking County.

[41] The Licking County Health Department reported that fentanyl played a role in nearly three quarters of overdose deaths in 2020 and 2021.

[43] Evidene indicates that SSPs help prevent the spread of disease, increase the likelihood that drug users will enter treatment, and decrease overdose deaths.

[45] In addition, their goals also revolve around reducing stigmas surrounding substance abuse as well as informing the general public of the dangers of drug consumption.