The 1979 Schweppes County Championship was the 80th officially organised running of the County Championship. Essex won their first Championship title.

Ten matches were abandoned without a ball being bowled and are not included in the table. The number of points awarded for a tie was increased from 5 to 6 points and the number of points awarded to a side batting last in a drawn match with the scores level also increased from 5 to 6 points. The Championship was sponsored by Schweppes for the second time.