countyscore
55.6
County Score
Safety 81.8Cost of Living 73.7Lawn Care 69.4

County Report Card

About Adams County, Ohio

Beating the National Average

Adams County earns a solid composite score of 55.6, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a quality of life that exceeds many rural counterparts across the United States. Residents benefit from a balance of affordability and security that is increasingly rare.

A Top Performer in Ohio

With a 55.6 score, Adams County outperforms the Ohio state average of 48.6 by a significant margin. It stands as a leader in its region for overall value and livability. The county maintains a competitive edge over neighbors by keeping local costs manageable for its residents.

Unmatched Safety and Low Costs

The county excels in safety with a high score of 81.8 and impressive affordability marked by a cost score of 73.7. Median gross rent sits at a low $700 per month, while home values average $157,500. A favorable 0.827% effective tax rate further boosts the financial appeal for local households.

Addressing Income and Health Gaps

Economic mobility remains a challenge, as evidenced by an income score of only 13.5 and a median household income of $49,521. Health outcomes also lag behind with a score of 28.1, suggesting a need for better wellness infrastructure. Improving these metrics is key to the county's long-term growth.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Retirees

Adams County is a premier choice for retirees or remote workers who prioritize safety and low housing costs over high local salaries. The combination of cheap rent and a safe environment creates a stable foundation for those with fixed incomes. It offers a peaceful, affordable lifestyle far removed from urban price pressures.

Score breakdown

Tax50.6Cost73.7Safety81.8Health28.1Schools41.4Income13.5Risk56.2Water60.1Weather59.8
🏛50.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡81.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤28.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡56.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧60.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Lewis County
Kentucky
64.8
Mason County
Kentucky
51.8
Brown County
Ohio
58.4
Pike County
Ohio
50.9
Scioto County
Ohio
43.7
Fleming County
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65.1
Highland County
Ohio
53.4
Greenup County
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58.8

Deep Dives

Adams County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Adams County

via TaxByCounty

Adams County taxes rank low nationally

At 0.827%, Adams County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,303 annually—less than half the national median of $2,690—thanks to a combination of lower tax rates and modest home values.

Among Ohio's most affordable tax counties

Adams County ranks in the lower tier of Ohio's 88 counties for property taxes, with its 0.827% rate trailing the state average of 1.148%. The $1,303 median tax bill is substantially below Ohio's $2,145 county average.

Lower taxes than most regional peers

Adams County's 0.827% rate undercuts neighboring Ashland County (1.016%) and nearby Athens County (1.205%), making it one of the region's most tax-friendly options. Only Brown County in the immediate area matches Adams's low rate.

A $157,500 home costs $1,303 yearly

With a median home value of $157,500 and a 0.827% effective rate, the typical Adams County homeowner pays about $1,303 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages pay slightly more at $1,470, while those owning outright pay $1,082.

Check your assessment this tax year

Even in lower-tax counties like Adams, many homeowners remain overassessed on their property values. Filing an appeal with your county auditor costs nothing and could reduce your annual bill if your home's assessed value exceeds its actual market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Adams County

via CostByCounty

Adams rents eat 17% of income

Renters in Adams County spend 17.0% of their median household income on gross rent, slightly above the national affordability threshold of 30%. While this ratio is manageable, it reflects the county's median household income of $49,521—about 34% below the national median of $74,755.

Adams ranks mid-pack statewide

Adams County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above Ohio's state average of 15.6%, placing it in the middle tier of Ohio's 88 counties for rental affordability. The county's median rent of $700 remains well below the state average of $873, offering renters a modest cost advantage.

Cheapest rent in the region

Adams County's $700 median rent is the lowest among its southeastern Ohio neighbors: Ashtabula ($816), Brown ($822), and Ashland ($841) all exceed it. This makes Adams an attractive option for cost-conscious renters willing to accept lower regional incomes.

Housing takes modest income share

With median rent at $700 and median owner costs at $752, Adams County households allocate roughly 17-18% of their $49,521 income to housing. Both renters and owners enjoy relatively balanced affordability, though the county's lower incomes mean less room for savings or emergencies.

Budget-friendly living in Appalachian Ohio

If you're relocating to Ohio and prioritize low housing costs over higher wages, Adams County delivers some of the state's cheapest rents at $700/month. Compare this against neighbors like Ashtabula and Brown to find your best fit in southeastern Ohio's affordable housing market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Adams County

via IncomeByCounty

Adams County lags far behind nation

Median household income here is $49,521—34% below the national median of $74,755. This gap ranks Adams among the lower-income counties nationwide, reflecting decades of economic shifts in rural Appalachia.

Bottom tier among Ohio counties

At $49,521, Adams County's median household income falls $18,580 below Ohio's state average of $68,101. The county ranks in the bottom quartile statewide, highlighting concentrated economic challenges.

Struggling more than neighboring counties

Adams County earns $49,521, compared to $55,507 in nearby Ashtabula County and $53,837 in Athens County. Even among rural Ohio peers, Adams faces steeper income pressures.

Rent eats modest but manageable share

At 17.0% of income, rent burden here remains below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs stay reasonable relative to earnings. However, the overall income level leaves limited room for other essential expenses.

Build financial stability from here

Even modest incomes grow with consistent saving and smart investing. Consider exploring employer retirement plans, emergency savings accounts, and low-cost index funds—small steps compound over decades into real wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Adams County

via CrimeByCounty

Adams County Boasts Exceptional Safety Scores

Adams County earns an impressive safety score of 99.3, far exceeding the national average. Its total crime rate of 436.3 per 100K is less than one-fifth of the 2,385.5 national average.

A Leader in Ohio Safety Trends

With a safety score of 99.3, Adams County ranks significantly higher than the Ohio average of 97.8. Six reporting agencies coordinate to maintain this high level of community security.

Comparing Safety in Southern Ohio

Adams County maintains a low crime rate of 436.3, though neighboring Brown County is even lower at 151.0. Both counties represent some of the safest rural corridors in the state.

Low Violent and Property Crime Risks

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of 58.2 per 100K compared to 369.8 nationally. Property crime remains the primary concern, though its rate of 378.1 is still remarkably low.

Simple Steps for Continued Security

Low rates are best maintained through community vigilance and basic home security. Motion-activated lighting and locked entry points serve as effective deterrents in this quiet county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Adams County

via HealthByCounty

Adams trails the nation on life expectancy

At 70.6 years, Adams County residents live nearly 5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. The county's 23.4% poor or fair health rate exceeds national benchmarks, signaling persistent health challenges across the population.

Below Ohio average despite state struggles

Adams lags Ohio's state life expectancy of 74.8 years by 4.2 years, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. With a 23.4% poor/fair health rate, Adams ranks among Ohio's most health-strained communities.

Neighboring counties live longer

Pike County and Highland County neighbors both report higher life expectancies than Adams' 70.6 years. Adams also has fewer primary care providers (44 per 100K) compared to several adjacent counties, limiting immediate healthcare access.

Healthcare access barriers in Adams

Nearly 9% of Adams residents lack health insurance—above Ohio's 7.5% average—while primary care availability remains tight at 44 providers per 100K population. Mental health providers are similarly limited at 236 per 100K, creating gaps in both routine and behavioral care.

Find coverage that fits your family

If you're among the 8.9% of Adams residents without insurance, marketplace plans, Medicaid, and community health center programs can help. Visit healthcare.gov or call your local health department to explore affordable options starting today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Adams County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural School Network in Adams County

Adams County maintains a concentrated educational network of 9 public schools across just two districts, serving 4,246 total students. The infrastructure consists of 4 elementary schools and 5 high schools, creating a streamlined path for local families.

Educational Investment vs. Graduation Results

The county invests $8,557 per pupil, which exceeds the state average of $7,994 but remains below the $13,000 national benchmark. While the 51.6 school score is competitive, the 79.9% graduation rate trails both the state and national averages.

Spotlight on Adams County Ohio Valley Local

The Adams County Ohio Valley Local district dominates the landscape, managing 7 of the county's 9 schools and educating 3,546 students. There are currently no charter schools in operation within the county, keeping all students in traditional public settings.

Small-Town Feel in a Rural Setting

Every single school in the county is classified as rural, providing a consistent, small-town atmosphere for students. Schools average 472 students each, ranging from North Adams Elementary with 664 students down to smaller high school cohorts.

Put Down Roots Near Local Schools

Families seeking a close-knit rural community will find a dedicated school system waiting for them in Adams County. Explore local homes to find the perfect spot near top-enrolled campuses like West Union Elementary.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Adams County

via RiskByCounty

Adams County's low risk profile

Adams County scores 43.83 on the national composite risk scale, placing it well below the national average and indicating relatively low overall natural disaster exposure. This score reflects moderate vulnerabilities in flooding and wildfire, balanced by lower risks from tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes.

One of Ohio's safer counties

With a composite risk score of 43.83, Adams County ranks among Ohio's lowest-risk counties, sitting 11.2 points below the state average of 55.03. This favorable standing means residents face fewer compound disaster pressures than most of their Ohio neighbors.

Surrounded by moderate-risk counties

Adams County's neighboring counties show more variation in risk: Brown County scores 62.56 and Ashland County 46.34, making Adams a relative safe haven in the region. The county's lower flood and wildfire scores particularly distinguish it from nearby Brown County.

Flooding and wildfire top concerns

Flooding presents the highest hazard risk at 64.28, followed closely by wildfire at 63.04—both substantially above the county's overall composite score. These two hazards warrant targeted preparedness, particularly for properties in flood-prone valleys and rural areas vulnerable to woodland fires.

Prioritize flood and wildfire coverage

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage; Adams County residents should strongly consider separate flood insurance, especially those in mapped flood zones or near waterways. Wildfire insurance riders and defensible space maintenance around your property are equally critical given the county's elevated wildfire scores.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Adams County

via WeatherByCounty

A Wetter Profile for Adams County

While specific annual temperature data remains unavailable for Adams County, the region records a significant 46.8 inches of annual precipitation. This moisture level sits well above the national median and the Ohio average of 41.2 inches.

One of Ohio's Wettest Corners

Adams County surpasses the state average precipitation by more than 5 inches annually. This ranking places it among the dampest regions in Ohio, contrasting with drier counties in the northern part of the state.

More Rain Than Regional Neighbors

Adams County sees 46.8 inches of rain, slightly less than nearby Brown County's 47.9 inches but significantly more than the state norm. Its annual snowfall of 20.2 inches is typical for the southern Ohio border region.

Snowy Winters and High Rainfall

Residents navigate 20.2 inches of annual snowfall, which is moderate for the Midwest. Frequent precipitation across all seasons defines the local climate, though specific summer heat data is not recorded.

Prepare for Moisture and Mud

Effective drainage systems and waterproof gear are essential for managing nearly 47 inches of annual rain. Residents should also keep snow shovels ready for the 20-inch winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Adams County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Foundations in Adams County

Adams County soil averages a pH of 5.72, which is more acidic than the state average of 5.97 and well below the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited here, the acidity level suggests a landscape shaped by significant leaching over time.

A Silt-Heavy Soil Blend

The soil profile consists of 54.6% silt, 20.9% sand, and 20.6% clay. This high silt concentration creates a smooth texture that holds moisture well, though it can be prone to erosion if not managed carefully.

Solid Water Storage, Lower Organic Matter

The organic matter content is 2.83%, which beats the national average of 2.0% but falls short of the Ohio state average of 4.85%. Despite lower organic levels, the available water capacity of 0.190 in/in is higher than the state average, providing a reliable reservoir for plant roots.

Managing Water in Silt Fields

While specific drainage class data for the county is currently limited, the high silt percentage typically indicates moderate permeability. Farmers and builders should monitor for surface runoff during heavy Ohio rains due to the fine particle size.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6b

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, this county supports diverse agriculture ranging from tobacco to forage crops. Given the acidic 5.72 pH, blueberries or other acid-loving plants will thrive here with minimal soil adjustment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Adams County

via LawnByCounty

Adams County Lawn Maintenance Outlook

Adams County earns a lawn difficulty score of 69.4, making it more challenging to maintain than the Ohio average of 76.0. Despite this gap, local growers still find it significantly easier than the national median of 50.0. The county sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, which favor grasses that handle moderate winter cold.

Ample Rainfall for Local Growth

The county receives 46.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average of 41.2 inches and sits comfortably in the ideal range for lawn health. While specific heat and frost data are limited for this area, the heavy rainfall generally reduces the need for frequent supplemental irrigation. Homeowners should focus on drainage to manage the high moisture levels.

Managing Acidic Soil Levels

Soil here is slightly acidic with a pH of 5.72, falling below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most turfgrasses. The soil composition is nearly balanced with 20.6% clay and 20.9% sand, providing a stable foundation. Adding lime is a common necessity here to neutralize acidity and unlock essential nutrients for your lawn.

Stable Moisture Conditions

Adams County shows strong drought resilience with zero percent of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. Over the past year, the region experienced only five weeks in drought, faring much better than many northern neighbors. Maintaining a height of three inches when mowing will help your grass retain moisture during the few dry spells that do occur.

Seeding for Success in Zone 6b

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are the top performers for this climate and 6b hardiness zone. For the best results, aim to seed in the late summer or early fall when temperatures begin to drop. This timing allows roots to establish before the winter freeze without the intense competition of spring weeds.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Adams County's county score?
Adams County, Ohio has a composite county score of 55.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Adams County rank among counties in Ohio?
Adams County ranks #20 among all counties in Ohio on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Adams County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Adams County is $1,303, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Adams County a tax score of 50.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Adams County?
The median household income in Adams County, Ohio is $49,521 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Adams County earns an income score of 13.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Adams County, Ohio a good place to live?
Adams County scores 55.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Adams County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Adams County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.