Ashland County's composite score of 71.1 places it 21 points above the national median of 50.0, ranking in the 42nd percentile nationally. The county demonstrates better-than-average livability across measured tax and economic dimensions.
2 / 5
Above-average performer in Ohio
Ashland County scores 71.1 versus Ohio's state average of 68.8, placing it in the upper tier of Ohio counties. The 2.3-point advantage reflects stronger fundamentals across tax and income metrics.
3 / 5
Strong income and balanced costs
Ashland County boasts the highest median household income in this group at $64,991, paired with an income score of 25.8. A cost score of 80.4 and median home values of $175,900 reflect both earning power and housing affordability.
4 / 5
Limited visibility into other factors
Critical data on safety, health, schools, environmental quality, and economic risk remains unavailable. Without these dimensions, it's difficult to assess whether the county's strong financial profile translates to broad quality of life.
5 / 5
Ideal for professionals and growing families
Ashland County attracts mid-to-upper income professionals and families seeking reasonable housing costs paired with above-average earning potential. The combination of higher wages and moderate tax burdens ($1,016 effective rate) supports upward mobility.
Ashland County's composite score of 71.1 places it 21 points above the national median of 50.0, ranking in the 42nd percentile nationally. The county demonstrates better-than-average livability across measured tax and economic dimensions.
Above-average performer in Ohio
Ashland County scores 71.1 versus Ohio's state average of 68.8, placing it in the upper tier of Ohio counties. The 2.3-point advantage reflects stronger fundamentals across tax and income metrics.
Strong income and balanced costs
Ashland County boasts the highest median household income in this group at $64,991, paired with an income score of 25.8. A cost score of 80.4 and median home values of $175,900 reflect both earning power and housing affordability.
Limited visibility into other factors
Critical data on safety, health, schools, environmental quality, and economic risk remains unavailable. Without these dimensions, it's difficult to assess whether the county's strong financial profile translates to broad quality of life.
Ideal for professionals and growing families
Ashland County attracts mid-to-upper income professionals and families seeking reasonable housing costs paired with above-average earning potential. The combination of higher wages and moderate tax burdens ($1,016 effective rate) supports upward mobility.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛73.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Ashland County's effective rate of 1.016% sits below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. At $1,787 in median annual property taxes, the county remains well below the national median of $2,690.
Ashland ranks slightly below Ohio average
With an effective rate of 1.016%, Ashland County falls just below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, ranking in the lower-middle of the state's 88 counties. The $1,787 median tax bill is notably below Ohio's $2,145 average.
Balanced between Adams and Ashtabula
Ashland County's 1.016% rate sits directly between low-tax Adams County (0.827%) and high-tax Ashtabula County (1.263%) in the region. It offers a moderate tax environment compared to its immediate neighbors.
A $175,900 home costs $1,787 yearly
The median Ashland County home is valued at $175,900, generating an annual property tax of approximately $1,787 at the 1.016% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,768, while outright owners pay $1,822.
Review your assessment for accuracy
Ashland County residents should verify that their assessed values reflect current market conditions, as outdated or inflated assessments are a widespread issue. An appeal to your county auditor is free and could significantly reduce your annual tax burden.
Ashland County renters spend just 15.5% of their median household income on rent—below Ohio's 15.6% average and well within the 30% national affordability threshold. With a median income of $64,991 and rent of $841, Ashland offers balanced, sustainable housing costs.
Ashland ranks among Ohio's best
At 15.5%, Ashland County's rent-to-income ratio is one of the most affordable in Ohio, slightly outperforming the state average of 15.6%. This solid ranking reflects both reasonable housing costs and relatively stable household incomes in this north-central county.
Balanced housing costs locally
Ashland's $841 rent sits between more expensive neighbors like Allen County ($898) and cheaper ones like Adams County ($700). The county offers a middle ground: moderate costs paired with stronger incomes than rural southern neighbors.
Renting and owning nearly equal
Ashland County renters pay $841/month while owners pay $847—a rare alignment showing balanced affordability across tenure types. Both claim roughly 15.5% of the $64,991 median income, making Ashland workable for both renting and buying households.
Goldilocks housing market in Ohio
Ashland County delivers Ohio's sweet spot for affordability: rent at $841, incomes at $64,991, and a 15.5% cost ratio beating the state average. If balanced housing accessibility matters more than rock-bottom rents, Ashland deserves your consideration.
Median household income of $64,991 falls 13% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting Ohio's regional economic realities. Still, Ashland performs better than many rural and post-industrial counties nationwide.
Above Ohio's state average
At $64,991, Ashland County nearly matches Ohio's $68,101 state average, missing it by just $3,110. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier statewide, outperforming most regional peers.
Among the strongest in the region
Ashland's $64,991 exceeds nearby Ashtabula ($55,507) by $9,484 and Athens ($53,837) by $11,154. The county leads its immediate neighbors in household earnings.
Housing stays very affordable here
The 15.5% rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest in this county group, well below the 30% affordability threshold. Families have substantial room to cover other costs while building savings.
Strong foundation for wealth building
Ashland County's above-average income provides genuine leverage for long-term financial growth through systematic investing and asset accumulation. Retirement plans, homeownership, and dividend-bearing investments become genuinely accessible strategies.
At 75.3 years, Ashland County residents live roughly 1 year longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. The county's 20.2% poor or fair health rate stands among Ohio's better performers.
Health leader within Ohio
Ashland's 75.3-year life expectancy edges 0.5 years above Ohio's 74.8-year state average, placing it in the upper tier of Ohio counties. The 20.2% poor/fair health rate also ranks favorably compared to state peers.
Outperforms surrounding counties
Ashland's 75.3-year life expectancy beats those of Wayne and Richland counties to the east and north. With 44 primary care providers per 100K and 257 mental health providers per 100K, Ashland maintains competitive provider networks.
Good coverage, solid provider access
Ashland's uninsured rate of 7.7% is close to Ohio's 7.5% average, indicating strong insurance uptake across the community. Primary care and mental health providers remain accessible, supporting preventive and mental health needs.
Maintain health coverage advantage
With 92.3% of Ashland residents insured, the county shows health security—but the 7.7% uninsured should act quickly. Visit healthcare.gov or call 211 Ohio to find affordable plans and ensure no one falls through the cracks.
Ashland County's composite risk score of 46.34 sits comfortably below the national average, signaling relatively modest natural disaster exposure overall. While flood and tornado hazards merit attention, the county avoids extreme vulnerabilities in most disaster categories.
Below-average risk for Ohio
At 46.34, Ashland County scores 8.69 points below Ohio's state average of 55.03, placing it among the state's safer counties. This score reflects a balanced risk profile with no single hazard reaching extreme levels.
Comparable to nearby counties
Ashland County's risk score of 46.34 aligns closely with Adams County (43.83) and Auglaize County (41.76), creating a zone of relative safety in north-central Ohio. The county stands notably safer than neighboring Ashtabula County (62.60) and Athens County (68.73).
Tornadoes and flooding chief concerns
Tornado risk scores 57.32 and flood risk 60.21, both moderate but elevated compared to the county's overall composite score. These two hazards represent the county's primary natural disaster vulnerabilities.
Smart preparedness protects families
Ashland County residents should invest in flood insurance for properties in or near mapped flood zones and establish a family tornado safety plan with a designated shelter area. Annual property maintenance and awareness of local emergency warnings are cost-effective ways to reduce disaster impact.