countyscore
34.1
County Score
Soil Quality 80.7Lawn Care 78.1Water Quality 60.8

County Report Card

About Allen County, Ohio

Struggling to Match National Benchmarks

Allen County's composite score of 34.0 falls well below the national median of 50.0. This ranking suggests the county faces significant headwinds in maintaining standard livability metrics compared to the rest of the country. High safety and environmental risks weigh down its overall standing.

Trailing the Ohio Average

The county sits significantly behind the Ohio state average score of 48.6. While it maintains a median household income of $62,001, other factors prevent it from climbing higher in the state rankings. It currently functions as a more challenging environment for residents compared to its higher-scoring peers.

Balanced Water and Health Scores

Strengths include a water quality score of 60.8 and a respectable health score of 49.2. These metrics indicate that the basic physical well-being of the population is supported by decent environmental standards. Furthermore, an income score of 45.3 shows a reasonably stable economic base for the region.

Critical Safety and Risk Concerns

Safety is a primary concern with a score of just 9.9, and the risk score of 26.7 indicates vulnerability to various disruptions. Tax burdens are also higher than average, with an effective rate of 1.125% resulting in a tax score of 29.6. These factors combine to create a less predictable living environment for many families.

A Challenging Choice for Families

Allen County currently suits those who are tied to local industry but may not be the first choice for those seeking high safety and low taxes. While income levels are decent, the trade-off involves navigating lower safety ratings and higher tax burdens. Improvements in public security would greatly enhance its appeal to new residents.

2040608010027.645.29.949.231.145.826.760.858.1Tax27.6Cost45.2Safety9.9Health49.2Schools31.1Income45.8Risk26.7Water60.8Weather58.134.1/100
This county
National avg
4 below average

Allen County DNA

Foverall

How Allen County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Allen County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (9.9/100), though Water Quality (60.8/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
27.6-24.4
Cost
45.2
Safety
9.9-45.1
Health
49.2
Schools
31.1-22.9
Income
45.8
Risk
26.7-20.3
Water
60.8
Weather
58.1
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Many homeowners in Allen County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$165,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$922/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$165,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,038/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Imperial County
California
Median income: $57,681
34.1
Crisp County
Georgia
Median income: $45,105
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Oktibbeha County
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Median income: $46,695
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Richmond County
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Median income: $44,883
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Chatham County
Georgia
Median income: $71,097
34
Liberty County
Georgia
Median income: $60,456
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Champaign County
Illinois
Median income: $63,683
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Tangipahoa Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $56,760
34

Nearby counties

Putnam County
Ohio
65.4
Auglaize County
Ohio
57.8
Van Wert County
Ohio
55.8
Hardin County
Ohio
50.7
Hancock County
Ohio
45.9
Logan County
Ohio
56.6
Shelby County
Ohio
48.6
Paulding County
Ohio
56.3

Deep Dives

Allen County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Allen County

via TaxByCounty

Allen County's taxes near the national norm

Allen County's effective rate of 1.125% sits just slightly below the national median of 1.1%, putting it squarely in the middle of the national distribution. The median property tax of $1,782 is still well below the national median of $2,690, driven by lower home values across the county.

Allen County mirrors the Ohio average

At 1.125%, Allen County's effective tax rate nearly matches Ohio's state average of 1.148%, placing it comfortably in the middle of Ohio's 88 counties. The median tax bill of $1,782 falls below the state average of $2,145.

Mid-range rates in its regional context

Allen County's 1.125% rate sits between lower-tax Adams County (0.827%) and higher-tax Ashtabula County (1.263%) to the north. Its tax burden is comparable to Ashland County (1.016%) but notably lower than Athens County (1.205%).

A $158,400 home costs $1,782 yearly

The typical Allen County home is valued at $158,400, resulting in an annual property tax of approximately $1,782 at the current 1.125% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,874, while those owning outright pay $1,639.

Challenge your assessment if it's inflated

Allen County homeowners should know that assessment errors are common statewide, and challenging an inflated valuation is free. Contact your county auditor to request a reassessment if you believe your home's appraised value exceeds its true market worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Allen County

via IncomeByCounty

Allen County slightly below national average

Median household income of $62,001 runs 17% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing Allen in the lower-middle range nationally. The gap reflects Ohio's broader post-industrial income patterns.

Solidly middle of Ohio's pack

Allen County's $62,001 median sits just $6,100 below Ohio's average of $68,101, positioning it squarely in the state's middle tier. The county earns modestly but not dramatically below its peers.

More affluent than nearby Adams County

At $62,001, Allen County outearns Adams County ($49,521) by $12,480 but trails Ashland County ($64,991) by under $3,000. The county represents a step up in regional prosperity.

Housing costs stay within reasonable bounds

The 17.4% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing affordable relative to earnings, staying well under the 30% benchmark. This cushion allows families to allocate income toward savings and other priorities.

Invest in steady, long-term growth

Allen County's solid middle-range income creates real opportunity for wealth building through disciplined saving and diversified investments. Tax-advantaged accounts, real estate, and patient capital compound into substantial gains over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Allen County

via CrimeByCounty

Allen County Faces Higher Crime Challenges

Allen County reports a total crime rate of 2,789.8 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.6, indicating more frequent incidents than the U.S. norm.

Safety Below the State Average

The county's safety score of 95.6 falls below the Ohio average of 97.8. Twelve different reporting agencies work together to address these public safety challenges across the region.

Higher Activity Than Neighboring Counties

Allen's crime rate of 2,789.8 is significantly higher than nearby Auglaize County, which sits at just 676.6. As a regional hub, Allen experiences more urban-style crime patterns than its more rural neighbors.

Property Crime Drives Local Totals

The county sees 417.3 violent crimes and 2,372.5 property crimes per 100K residents. Property-related incidents account for the vast majority of law enforcement activity in the area.

Investing in Home Protection

With property crime rates exceeding 2,300 per 100K, security cameras and alarm systems are highly recommended. These tools provide critical evidence and act as a strong deterrent against theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Allen County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Midwestern Climate Trends

Allen County maintains an average annual temperature of 51.2°F, placing it just below the national median for temperate zones. The area experiences a classic four-season humid continental climate.

Mirroring the Ohio Average

At 51.2°F, Allen County sits remarkably close to the Ohio state average of 51.5°F. It represents the typical thermal experience for residents in the western part of the state.

Drier Than the Southern Border

The county records 38.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is drier than the 41.2-inch state average. It receives less snow (18.5 inches) than its neighbors closer to the Lake Erie snowbelt.

Hot Summers and Brisk Winters

Summers reach an average of 71.8°F, including 13 days where temperatures climb above 90°F. Winters drop to a 29.3°F average, accompanied by 18.5 inches of snow.

Balance Cooling and Heating Needs

Homeowners should service their AC units early to handle the 13 extreme heat days each year. Reliable insulation is equally important for the 26.6°F January average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Allen County

via SoilByCounty

Perfectly Balanced pH for Growth

Allen County boasts a pH of 6.49, which almost perfectly matches the national median of 6.5 and is much higher than the state average of 5.97. This neutral balance makes it one of the most versatile counties in Ohio for immediate planting without heavy liming.

A Versatile Loamy Mixture

The soil is a balanced mix of 43.4% silt, 32.7% sand, and 22.4% clay. This composition provides excellent workability for farmers and enough clay to retain essential nutrients for high-yield crops.

High Soil Score and Superior Storage

With a soil score of 80.7, Allen County significantly outperforms the state average of 66.0. The available water capacity is 0.201 in/in, which is nearly 10% higher than the state average of 0.186, ensuring plants stay hydrated during dry spells.

Reliable Hydrology for Stable Land

The specific hydrologic group data is limited, but the 80.7 soil score suggests excellent natural utility. The balanced clay and sand ratio typically provides a stable foundation for both construction and intensive agriculture.

Bountiful Options in Zone 6a

Allen County sits in Zone 6a, making it ideal for staple crops like corn and soybeans which thrive in its neutral 6.49 pH soil. Gardeners can jump straight into the growing season with a soil that is already optimized for most vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Allen County

via LawnByCounty

An Ohio Leader in Lawn Ease

Allen County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 78.1, outperforming the Ohio state average of 76.0. This score indicates a very hospitable environment for home turf compared to the national median of 50.0. Residents in this 6a hardiness zone enjoy a climate that supports lush, resilient landscapes.

Optimal Growing Degree Days

With 3,215 growing degree days, Allen County provides plenty of thermal energy for consistent grass growth. Annual precipitation of 38.5 inches falls slightly below the state average of 41.2, but remains within the ideal lawn range. The 13 extreme heat days per year are manageable for most cool-season turf varieties.

Near-Perfect Soil Chemistry

The soil pH in Allen County stands at an impressive 6.49, which is nearly perfect for nutrient absorption. A sand content of 32.7% helps with aeration, while the 22.4% clay helps retain necessary moisture and minerals. This balanced profile means fewer chemical amendments are required compared to neighboring counties.

Navigating Severe Dry Spells

Despite good soil, Allen County faces significant drought pressure with 53.8% of the area currently in severe drought. The county has spent 27 weeks in drought over the last year, requiring careful water management. Residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to keep roots hydrated without wasting water.

Timing Your Planting Cycle

Hardiness zone 6a is perfect for a mix of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. Aim to finish your fall seeding by the October 24 frost date to ensure the young grass survives the first freeze. Spring planting is also viable once the threat of frost passes after April 24.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Allen County's county score?
Allen County, Ohio has a composite county score of 34.1 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 Allen County rank among counties in Ohio?
Allen County ranks #82 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 Allen County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Allen County is $1,847, with an effective tax rate of 1.12%. This earns Allen County a tax score of 27.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Allen County?
The median household income in Allen County, Ohio is $64,038 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Allen County earns an income score of 45.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Allen County, Ohio a good place to live?
Allen County scores 34.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #82 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Allen 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 Allen County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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