countyscore
52.8
County Score
Lawn Care 72.1Safety 65.7Water Quality 64.4

County Report Card

About Ashland County, Ohio

Performing Above the Median

Ashland County earns a composite score of 52.8, outpacing the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a balanced lifestyle that meets or exceeds the quality of life found in most American counties. It represents a steady, middle-of-the-road success story in the heart of the Midwest.

A Solid Middle-Tier Contender

Ashland ranks above the Ohio state average of 48.6, positioning itself as a reliable choice for residents within the state. It provides a more stable profile than many urban centers while maintaining competitive services. Its consistent performance across multiple categories keeps it in the upper half of Ohio counties.

Strong Safety and Reliable Water

The county boasts a safety score of 65.7 and a water quality score of 64.4, providing a secure and clean environment. Economic stability is reflected in an income score of 54.4, supported by a median household income of $64,991. Residents enjoy a high degree of predictability in their daily lives and surroundings.

Tax and Cost Pressure Points

Taxation is a weak point with a score of 36.9, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.016%. Housing costs also present a slight hurdle, with a median home value of $175,900 leading to a mid-range cost score of 50.5. While not prohibitive, these expenses require careful budgeting for middle-class families.

Great for Growing Families

Ashland County is an excellent fit for families seeking a safe community with dependable utilities and solid income prospects. The balance of school quality and safety scores makes it a nurturing environment for raising children. It offers a quintessential small-town experience with enough economic muscle to remain viable.

Score breakdown

Tax36.9Cost50.5Safety65.7Health52.1Schools52.1Income54.4Risk53.7Water64.4Weather54.1
🏛36.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡65.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤52.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡53.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧64.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.1
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

Richland County
Ohio
37.8
Holmes County
Ohio
56.3
Wayne County
Ohio
45
Medina County
Ohio
53.9
Huron County
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56.9
Knox County
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Crawford County
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Lorain County
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41.7

Deep Dives

Ashland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ashland County

via TaxByCounty

Ashland County's taxes below national median

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ashland County

via CostByCounty

Ashland hits Ohio's sweet spot

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ashland County

via IncomeByCounty

Ashland County trails national median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ashland County

via CrimeByCounty

Ashland County Maintains Strong Safety

Ashland County earns a high safety score of 98.7, reflecting a very secure environment. Its total crime rate of 803.5 is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Ohio Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 98.7 ranks well above the Ohio average of 97.8. Five reporting agencies provide comprehensive data that confirms a consistently low crime landscape.

A Secure Regional Leader

Ashland’s crime rate of 803.5 per 100K makes it a safe haven compared to many Ohio counties. It offers a significantly more secure profile than more populated urban centers nearby.

Minimal Violent Crime Presence

The county reports 127.6 violent crimes per 100K, which is far below the national 369.8 average. Property crimes make up 675.9 of the total incidents, remaining the most common but still infrequent issue.

Enhance Your Neighborhood Watch

Strong community bonds and basic home security keep Ashland safe. Ensure your home is well-lit at night to discourage the property crimes that occasionally occur.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ashland County

via HealthByCounty

Ashland exceeds national life expectancy

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ashland County

via SchoolsByCounty

High-Performing Schools in Ashland County

Ashland County hosts 21 public schools across 7 districts, providing education to 7,071 students. The landscape is balanced with 7 elementary, 5 middle, and 7 high schools serving the community's needs.

Strong Graduation Rates and Performance

Ashland stands out with an 89.6% graduation rate, exceeding both Ohio and national averages. The county achieves these results with a per-pupil spend of $7,700, demonstrating high efficiency in its educational outcomes.

Ashland City Schools Leads the Way

The Ashland City district is the largest provider, educating 3,125 students across 5 different campuses. Charter school options are limited, with only one such school representing about 5% of the county's total offerings.

Rural Roots and Town Centers

Education here largely takes place in rural settings, which account for 15 of the 21 schools. Ashland High School is the largest campus with 881 students, but the average school size remains intimate at just 337.

Move to an Academic Leader

With graduation rates above the state average, Ashland County is an attractive choice for families prioritizing education. Look for homes near the highly-rated Ashland City campuses to secure your child's future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ashland County

via RiskByCounty

Ashland County maintains low risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ashland County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Than the National Average

Ashland County averages 49.7°F annually, making it one of the cooler spots in the continental United States. This temperature profile is characteristic of North-Central Ohio's elevated terrain.

Below the Ohio Thermal Norm

The county's average temperature of 49.7°F is nearly two degrees cooler than the state average of 51.5°F. It ranks as one of the chillier counties in Ohio's interior.

A Cooler Central Ohio Neighbor

Compared to Allen County's 51.2°F, Ashland remains noticeably cooler year-round. While snowfall data is unavailable, its lower winter average of 28.3°F suggests a sustained cold season.

Mild Summers and Cold Januarys

July temperatures average 72.4°F, yet the county still faces 13 days of extreme heat over 90°F. January is the coldest stretch, with temperatures averaging just 25.6°F.

Prioritize Winter Home Efficiency

With a chilly 28.3°F winter average, high-efficiency heating systems are a must for local residents. Seasonal wardrobe changes should prioritize heavy layers for the sustained cold spells.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ashland County

via SoilByCounty

The Sandy Loam Ultisols of Ashland

Ashland County features Ultisols with a dominant sandy loam texture and an acidic pH of 5.67. This pH level is notably lower than the state average of 5.97, reflecting the weathered nature of these ancient soils.

Light Texture and Silt Dominance

The soil mix is 51.0% silt, 28.8% sand, and a relatively low 16.2% clay. This sandy loam texture makes the ground easy to work and plow, though the low clay content means less natural nutrient buffering.

Rich Organic Matter for Gardening

Ashland stands out with 5.12% organic matter, surpassing the Ohio average of 4.85% and the national average of 2.0%. This richness compensates for its 0.183 available water capacity, which sits just below the state norm.

Well Drained Land for Construction

Classified as well-drained and belonging to hydrologic group C, this soil moves water efficiently. These characteristics make it excellent for building sites and deep-rooted perennials that dislike 'wet feet' or standing water.

Lush Landscapes in Zone 6a

The Zone 6a climate paired with high organic matter makes Ashland perfect for nursery stock and orchards. Because the pH is a low 5.67, adding a little lime will unlock even more potential for your home vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ashland County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Conditions for Ashland Lawns

Ashland County scores a 72.1 on the lawn difficulty index, trailing slightly behind the state average of 76.0. It remains much easier to maintain than the national average, offering a solid environment for gardening. The 6a hardiness zone means local lawns must be prepared for colder winters.

Moderate Heat and Steady Growth

Ashland sees 13 extreme heat days annually, which is slightly less than the state average of 15. The 2,911 growing degree days suggest a slightly slower growth rate than southern Ohio, meaning less frequent mowing in peak summer. While annual precipitation data is limited, the moderate heat helps keep existing moisture in the ground.

Sandy Loam Provides Great Drainage

Lawns here benefit from well-drained sandy loam soil, which prevents root rot and waterlogging. The soil pH of 5.67 is somewhat acidic, so a soil test and lime application may be necessary to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. With 28.8% sand, your turf's roots can penetrate deep into the ground with ease.

Low Drought Risk for Now

Drought conditions are currently non-existent in Ashland County, with zero percent of the area reporting abnormal dryness. The county has only faced four weeks of drought over the past year, making it one of the more resilient areas in the state. Regular mulching with grass clippings can further protect your soil during the occasional dry week.

Winter-Ready Grass Selections

Fine fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are excellent choices for Ashland's 6a zone and well-drained soil. You should target late August for seeding to give your lawn time to mature before the October 15 average frost date. For spring projects, wait until after the April 30 frost date to avoid killing tender new shoots.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ashland County's county score?
Ashland County, Ohio has a composite county score of 52.8 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 Ashland County rank among counties in Ohio?
Ashland County ranks #32 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 Ashland County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Ashland County is $1,787, with an effective tax rate of 1.02%. This earns Ashland County a tax score of 36.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ashland County?
The median household income in Ashland County, Ohio is $64,991 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ashland County earns an income score of 54.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ashland County, Ohio a good place to live?
Ashland County scores 52.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Ashland 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 Ashland 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.