Ashtabula County's composite score of 68.2 sits 18 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 36th percentile nationally. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier when compared to all U.S. counties.
2 / 5
Slightly below Ohio's median
At 68.2, Ashtabula County scores just 0.6 points below Ohio's state average of 68.8, keeping it near the middle of statewide performance. The county reflects typical conditions for Ohio when measured on tax and economic factors.
3 / 5
Exceptional housing affordability
Ashtabula County shines with a cost score of 81.5 and a median home value of just $149,600—the lowest in this group. Renters benefit too, with median gross rent at $816/month, making the county highly accessible for budget-conscious households.
4 / 5
Income and taxes both lag
The income score of 19.6 reflects a median household income of $55,507, below state peers, while the effective tax rate of 1.263% is the highest in this group. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remains unavailable.
5 / 5
Best for bargain hunters with modest income
Ashtabula County suits people who prioritize rock-bottom housing costs and don't mind higher taxes relative to peers. It's an attractive option for retirees on fixed incomes, first-time homebuyers, or families relocating from coastal regions seeking maximum housing purchasing power.
Ashtabula County's composite score of 68.2 sits 18 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 36th percentile nationally. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier when compared to all U.S. counties.
Slightly below Ohio's median
At 68.2, Ashtabula County scores just 0.6 points below Ohio's state average of 68.8, keeping it near the middle of statewide performance. The county reflects typical conditions for Ohio when measured on tax and economic factors.
Exceptional housing affordability
Ashtabula County shines with a cost score of 81.5 and a median home value of just $149,600—the lowest in this group. Renters benefit too, with median gross rent at $816/month, making the county highly accessible for budget-conscious households.
Income and taxes both lag
The income score of 19.6 reflects a median household income of $55,507, below state peers, while the effective tax rate of 1.263% is the highest in this group. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remains unavailable.
Best for bargain hunters with modest income
Ashtabula County suits people who prioritize rock-bottom housing costs and don't mind higher taxes relative to peers. It's an attractive option for retirees on fixed incomes, first-time homebuyers, or families relocating from coastal regions seeking maximum housing purchasing power.
Score breakdown
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🏛66.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Ashtabula County's effective rate of 1.263% exceeds the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the upper 40% of U.S. counties for property taxes. Despite having lower home values, residents pay a median of $1,890 annually in property taxes.
Among Ohio's higher-tax counties
At 1.263%, Ashtabula County's effective rate ranks above the Ohio state average of 1.148%, putting it in the upper tier of the state's 88 counties. The median property tax of $1,890 also exceeds Ohio's $2,145 average when adjusted for home values.
Highest rates among regional peers
Ashtabula County's 1.263% rate is the highest in its immediate region, exceeding Adams (0.827%), Ashland (1.016%), Allen (1.125%), and Athens (1.205%) counties. This makes it a notable outlier in the area for tax burden.
A $149,600 home costs $1,890 yearly
With a median home value of $149,600 and the county's 1.263% rate, the typical Ashtabula County homeowner pays about $1,890 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages pay $2,052, while outright owners pay $1,690.
Ashtabula homeowners should challenge assessments
Given the county's above-average tax rates, Ashtabula residents should carefully review their property assessments for potential errors. Filing an appeal with your county auditor costs nothing and is a smart move if you believe your home is overvalued.
Ashtabula County renters spend 17.6% of their median household income on gross rent—above Ohio's 15.6% average but still manageable against the 30% national threshold. The median income of $55,507 ranks 26% below the national median, squeezing household budgets despite modest rent levels.
Ashtabula struggles in state ranks
With a 17.6% rent-to-income ratio, Ashtabula County falls among Ohio's less affordable counties, well above the state average of 15.6%. The northeastern county's combination of lower incomes and moderate rents creates persistent housing pressure.
Midrange costs, tight budgets
Ashtabula's $816 rent is cheaper than Allen County ($898) but pricier than Adams ($700), placing it in the regional middle. However, Ashtabula's lower median income of $55,507 means renters here face tighter affordability than the rent price alone suggests.
Housing claims heavy income share
Renters spend $816 monthly (17.6% of income) while owners pay $807, nearly identical burdens on a $55,507 median income. This leaves little margin for other essential expenses in a county where median home values sit at $149,600.
Trade lower rents for income reality
Ashtabula County offers modest $816 rents but pair that with the county's median income of $55,507 to gauge true affordability for your household. Compare this northeastern location against higher-income neighbors like Ashland or Brown County before relocating.
Median household income of $55,507 is 26% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting the county's struggles in post-industrial Ohio. The gap places Ashtabula among the nation's lower-income areas.
Below Ohio average by substantial margin
At $55,507, Ashtabula County trails Ohio's state average of $68,101 by $12,594—an 18.5% gap. The county ranks in the lower portion of Ohio's income distribution.
Struggles against most neighboring counties
Ashtabula's $55,507 income trails Ashland County ($64,991) by $9,484 and Brown County ($69,990) by $14,483. Only Adams County ($49,521) falls notably below it in the region.
Rent burden creeps toward stress levels
At 17.6% of income, rent remains affordable, but it approaches higher-stress territory when combined with other essential expenses. The limited income cushion means households must budget carefully.
Start small, think long-term
Even tight budgets support wealth building through automated savings and low-cost index funds—even $50 monthly compounds meaningfully over decades. Employer retirement plans and health savings accounts offer crucial tax advantages.
At 73.7 years, Ashtabula County residents live 2.4 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. The county's 21.5% poor or fair health rate reflects ongoing chronic disease and health management challenges.
Bottom tier within Ohio
Ashtabula's 73.7-year life expectancy falls 1.1 years below Ohio's 74.8-year average, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. With a 21.5% poor/fair health rate, Ashtabula faces significant population health headwinds.
Weakest outcomes in northeastern Ohio
Ashtabula's 73.7-year life expectancy trails Trumbull and Geauga counties to the south and east. At just 29 primary care providers per 100K, Ashtabula ranks among the lowest in the region, creating access barriers.
Provider shortage compounds access gaps
With 9.4% of residents uninsured—above Ohio's 7.5% average—and only 29 primary care providers per 100K, Ashtabula faces twin barriers to care. Mental health provider availability at 239 per 100K provides some support, but overall capacity remains strained.
Get covered and get care
If you're among the 9.4% of Ashtabula residents without insurance, coverage is urgent—especially when providers are scarce. Visit healthcare.gov or call Ashtabula County's health department to enroll in Medicaid, marketplace plans, or community health resources today.
Ashtabula County's composite risk score of 62.60 exceeds the national average, with tornado exposure (78.78) and flooding (72.58) as significant national outliers. The county's Great Lakes proximity and regional geography create elevated hazard exposure.
Above-average vulnerability for Ohio
At 62.60, Ashtabula County ranks 7.57 points above Ohio's state average of 55.03, placing it in the state's higher-risk category. The county's tornado hazard particularly distinguishes it within Ohio's risk landscape.
Notably riskier than western neighbors
Ashtabula County's score of 62.60 exceeds Ashland County (46.34) and Auglaize County (41.76) significantly, though it remains safer than Athens County (68.73). The county's tornado exposure (78.78) is among the highest in this region.
Tornado and flood threats are acute
Tornado risk dominates at 78.78, making Ashtabula one of Ohio's tornado hotspots; flood risk follows at 72.58, both substantially outpacing the county's composite score. Combined, these two hazards create a significant seasonal and year-round risk profile.
Tornado preparedness is critical
Ashtabula County residents must maintain a detailed tornado safety plan, including a reinforced shelter or interior room away from windows, and practice drills quarterly. Flood insurance is equally essential for any property within a flood zone, and weather alert subscriptions should be active during spring storm season.