With a composite score of 73.8, Adams County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 48th percentile. This puts the county solidly in the upper half of U.S. counties for overall livability based on measured economic and tax factors.
2 / 5
Above average for Ohio
Adams County scores 73.8 compared to Ohio's state average of 68.8, ranking it among the better-performing counties statewide. The county's performance reflects stronger-than-average conditions in key financial and housing metrics.
3 / 5
Tax-friendly and deeply affordable
Adams County excels at affordability, with a cost score of 84.5 and a median home value of just $157,500—among the lowest in the state. An effective tax rate of 0.827% is the lowest measured here, meaning residents keep more of their earnings while accessing genuinely cheap housing.
4 / 5
Income growth lags significantly
The county's income score of 15.7 reflects a median household income of $49,521, well below state and peer county averages. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remains unavailable, leaving important livability questions unanswered.
5 / 5
Best for retirees and budget-conscious families
Adams County suits people prioritizing affordability and low taxes over income growth—retirees, remote workers, or families relocating from high-cost metros. The county's strength in housing costs and tax burden makes it an attractive base for those with modest or stable fixed incomes.
With a composite score of 73.8, Adams County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 48th percentile. This puts the county solidly in the upper half of U.S. counties for overall livability based on measured economic and tax factors.
Above average for Ohio
Adams County scores 73.8 compared to Ohio's state average of 68.8, ranking it among the better-performing counties statewide. The county's performance reflects stronger-than-average conditions in key financial and housing metrics.
Tax-friendly and deeply affordable
Adams County excels at affordability, with a cost score of 84.5 and a median home value of just $157,500—among the lowest in the state. An effective tax rate of 0.827% is the lowest measured here, meaning residents keep more of their earnings while accessing genuinely cheap housing.
Income growth lags significantly
The county's income score of 15.7 reflects a median household income of $49,521, well below state and peer county averages. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remains unavailable, leaving important livability questions unanswered.
Best for retirees and budget-conscious families
Adams County suits people prioritizing affordability and low taxes over income growth—retirees, remote workers, or families relocating from high-cost metros. The county's strength in housing costs and tax burden makes it an attractive base for those with modest or stable fixed incomes.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.