countyscore
41.4
County Score
Lawn Care 76.7Weather & Climate 63.9Schools 63.2

County Report Card

About Athens County, Ohio

Trailing the National Median

Athens County posts a composite score of 41.4, which is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This indicates that the county faces structural difficulties that impact the overall daily experience for many residents. Economic and safety concerns are the primary factors dragging down its national standing.

Below the Ohio Standard

Compared to the Ohio average of 48.6, Athens County struggles to remain competitive on the state stage. Despite being a hub of education, the county's metrics in income and infrastructure lag behind more prosperous regions. It remains one of the more economically challenged areas in the state.

Educational and Health Excellence

The county shines in education with a school score of 63.2 and a health score of 52.5. These scores reflect the influence of local institutions that provide superior academic and medical resources. Residents benefit from a level of intellectual and physical care that outpaces many other rural counties.

Safety and Financial Barriers

Low scores in safety (25.3) and income (22.4) reveal a difficult environment for wealth building and personal security. A tax score of 25.4 and an effective tax rate of 1.205% further strain households earning a median of $53,837. High rent costs, averaging $903, make the cost of living surprisingly high for the region.

Suited for Students and Academics

Athens County is a specialized market that best suits those involved in higher education or healthcare who value those specific services above all else. While financial and safety metrics are tough, the academic environment is a major draw. It is an ideal spot for those who want a culturally rich community even if the economic profile is challenging.

2040608010025.448.725.352.563.222.431.33963.9Tax25.4Cost48.7Safety25.3Health52.5Schools63.2Income22.4Risk31.3Water39Weather63.941.4/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Athens County DNA

Foverall

How Athens County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Athens County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (25.3/100), though Schools (63.2/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
25.4-26.6
Cost
48.7
Safety
25.3-29.7
Health
52.5
Schools
63.2+9.200000000000003
Income
22.4-28.6
Risk
31.3-15.7
Water
39-19
Weather
63.9
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Athens County?

Many homeowners in Athens County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$173,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$903/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$173,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,837/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.6

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
Compare Athens County with Cross County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Cross County
Arkansas
Median income: $47,012
41.4
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Idaho
Median income: $76,646
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St. Joseph County
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Median income: $64,885
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Cheyenne County
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Median income: $57,594
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Buncombe County
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Median income: $70,578
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Burke County
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Median income: $55,684
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Custer County
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Median income: $57,562
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Hardin County
Texas
Median income: $72,532
41.4

Nearby counties

Morgan County
Ohio
52.5
Meigs County
Ohio
51.3
Vinton County
Ohio
48.2
Wood County
West Virginia
46.5
Hocking County
Ohio
39.3
Washington County
Ohio
49.9
Perry County
Ohio
59.4
Jackson County
West Virginia
61.8

Deep Dives

Athens County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Athens County

via TaxByCounty

Athens County's taxes run above national median

At 1.205%, Athens County's effective tax rate surpasses the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the upper 45% of U.S. counties. The median annual property tax of $2,094 is close to the national median of $2,690 despite lower home values.

Higher than average across Ohio

Athens County's 1.205% effective rate exceeds Ohio's state average of 1.148%, positioning it in the upper half of the state's 88 counties. The $2,094 median tax bill approaches Ohio's $2,145 state average.

Most expensive taxes in its region

Athens County's 1.205% rate is the second-highest among its regional peers, only exceeded by Ashtabula County (1.263%). It substantially outpaces Adams (0.827%), Brown (0.827%), Ashland (1.016%), and Allen (1.125%) counties.

A $173,800 home costs $2,094 yearly

The median Athens County home is valued at $173,800, resulting in an annual property tax of approximately $2,094 at the 1.205% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,388, while outright owners pay $1,879.

Don't overlook your assessment appeal rights

Athens County homeowners facing relatively high tax bills should investigate whether their assessed values are accurate and defensible. Filing a free appeal with your county auditor could yield meaningful tax relief if your home is overassessed.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Athens County

via CostByCounty

Athens rents demand a third of income

Athens County renters spend 20.1% of their median household income on gross rent—the highest burden among Ohio's counties and well above the state average of 15.6%. A median income of just $53,837 amplifies the impact of $903 monthly rent, straining household budgets significantly.

Athens ranks worst in Ohio

With a 20.1% rent-to-income ratio, Athens County faces Ohio's most severe rental affordability crisis among the 88 counties. The combination of lower-than-average incomes and above-average rents creates an outsized burden unique in the state.

Higher rents, lower wages

Athens County's $903 rent is the highest among southeastern Ohio neighbors like Adams ($700) and Ashtabula ($816), while its median income is the lowest in the region. This double squeeze makes Athens particularly unaffordable relative to surrounding counties.

Renters carry disproportionate load

Renters in Athens County spend $903 monthly (20.1% of income) compared to owners at $790, revealing a significant rent premium that stretches household resources. The $53,837 median income means many renters face genuine affordability crises despite a lower median home value of $173,800.

College town with affordability tradeoffs

Athens County's university presence drives rents to $903/month on a median income of just $53,837, creating the state's worst affordability ratio. If you're relocating here, budget carefully—this county demands more from renters than nearly anywhere else in Ohio.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Athens County

via IncomeByCounty

Athens County well below national average

At $53,837, Athens County's median household income trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 28%. The gap reflects the economic challenges facing Appalachian college towns dependent on education and service sectors.

Among Ohio's lowest-earning counties

Athens County's $53,837 falls $14,264 short of Ohio's $68,101 state average, placing it in the bottom quartile statewide. The county faces income pressures deeper than most Ohio neighbors.

Income pressures exceed most peers

Athens County's $53,837 trails Ashland ($64,991), Brown ($69,990), and Ashtabula ($55,507), landing near the bottom of the regional income ladder. Only Adams County earns less among this group.

Rent burden reaches concerning levels

At 20.1% of income, rent consumes a notably high share—closer to stress levels than comfort. Combined with other living costs, this leaves households with limited flexibility for savings or emergencies.

Prioritize emergency savings first

With tighter margins, focus on building a modest emergency fund before investing—even $1,000–$2,000 prevents debt spirals. Once a safety net exists, even small retirement contributions provide real long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Athens County

via CrimeByCounty

Athens County Safety Context

Athens County holds a safety score of 97.1, with a total crime rate of 1,845.7 per 100K. While this is lower than the national average of 2,385.5, it represents a busy local environment.

Slightly Below Ohio Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 97.1 is just below the Ohio state average of 97.8. Ten reporting agencies provide data reflecting the unique challenges of this college-centered region.

Varied Safety in Southeast Ohio

Athens County's crime rate of 1,845.7 is higher than neighboring Adams County's 436.3. The presence of a major university often contributes to higher property crime statistics compared to surrounding rural areas.

Understanding the Property Crime Gap

Violent crime is relatively low at 148.5 per 100K, well under the national average of 369.8. However, property crime at 1,697.2 makes up nearly 92% of all reported incidents.

Stay Vigilant Against Theft

Because property crime is the primary concern, residents should never leave vehicles or homes unlocked. Implementing a security system can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a statistic.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Athens County

via SchoolsByCounty

Athens County's Strong School Network

Athens County serves 6,938 students through a network of 20 public schools and 6 districts. This includes 7 elementary and 8 high schools, ensuring comprehensive coverage from early childhood through graduation.

Top-Tier Performance and Investment

Athens County boasts a high school score of 58.5, well above the state average of 54.8. This performance is backed by a significant investment of $9,684 per pupil, the highest spending level among neighboring counties.

Focus on Athens City Schools

Athens City is the largest district with 2,335 students, while Alexander Local also maintains a large presence with 1,424 students. The county relies entirely on traditional districts, with 0% charter school participation.

Rural Charm and Town Centers

The majority of schools are in rural locales, but 7 schools serve town centers, creating a diverse geographic mix. Most campuses are relatively small, with an average enrollment of 347 students per school.

Join a Community That Values Schools

With high per-pupil spending and strong scores, Athens County is a premier destination for education-focused homebuyers. Browse listings near Athens High or Alexander Elementary to find your next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Athens County

via RiskByCounty

Athens County's elevated flood exposure

Athens County's composite risk score of 68.73 places it above the national average, with exceptional flood vulnerability at 83.65 that ranks among the nation's highest. While tornado and hurricane risks remain moderate, the flood hazard alone elevates the county's overall risk profile significantly.

Among Ohio's highest-risk counties

At 68.73, Athens County ranks 13.70 points above Ohio's state average of 55.03, making it one of the state's most vulnerable counties to natural disasters. The county's flood score of 83.65 places it among Ohio's most flood-exposed communities.

Clearly the riskiest in its region

Athens County's score of 68.73 significantly exceeds nearby Ashland County (46.34) and Adams County (43.83), establishing it as the region's most hazard-vulnerable county. The gap is especially pronounced in flood risk, where Athens County's 83.65 dwarfs all neighbors.

Flooding is the dominant threat

Athens County faces an extreme flood risk score of 83.65, among the nation's highest, driven by the county's hilly terrain and multiple river systems. Hurricane risk (53.23) and tornado risk (37.37) are secondary concerns but warrant preparedness.

Flood insurance is non-negotiable

Athens County residents in or near flood zones must obtain federally-backed flood insurance immediately—the county's 83.65 flood score indicates pervasive vulnerability that standard homeowners policies explicitly exclude. Elevating utilities, maintaining sump pumps, and developing an evacuation plan are equally critical for flood preparedness.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Athens County

via WaterByCounty

Athens County Faces Challenges with Water Compliance

With 26 health violations over the last five years, Athens County carries an F grade for drinking water quality. The violation rate of 34.4 per 100,000 residents is higher than the state average of 32.9. This signal highlights a significant need for infrastructure attention and rigorous water testing.

Assessed Watersheds Show No Current Impairments

The three water bodies assessed during the 2022 reporting cycle all met federal Clean Water Act standards with a 0.0% impairment rate. While this is positive, the limited number of assessed bodies may not reflect the entire county's aquatic health. The data suggests that major streams are currently stable despite challenges in the drinking water systems.

Significant Monitoring Focuses on Nutrients and Physical Data

Athens County utilizes 37 monitoring sites which have recorded 10,271 measurements over the past five years. Investigators primarily track physical properties, nutrients, and inorganics. This data provides critical insights into how local land use is affecting the chemistry of the Hocking River watershed.

Hocking River Flows at One-Third of Normal Levels

Current discharge for the Hocking River at Athens is 323 cfs, which is just 31% of its long-term mean. This large drainage area of 943 square miles is seeing a significant reduction in typical water volume. Lower river levels can impact both recreational use and the quality of water available for treatment.

Prioritize Filtration and Health Violation Awareness

Due to the F grade and high violation rate, residents should consider using certified water filters to reduce exposure to potential contaminants. It is also important to monitor local alerts during low-flow periods, as the Hocking River is currently at 31% capacity. Staying informed through the county's 10,000+ annual monitoring data points can help you track local trends.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Athens County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer Days in Appalachian Ohio

Athens County maintains an average temperature of 52.2°F, slightly warmer than many of its Midwestern counterparts. The climate stays fairly consistent with the humid subtropical transition zone.

Above the Ohio State Average

Athens is warmer than the state average of 51.5°F, benefiting from its southern location. It records 41.6 inches of precipitation, matching the state average almost perfectly.

Warmer and Drier Than Neighbors

With 52.2°F average, Athens is warmer than Ashland and receives less snow than northern counties. It records only 17.6 inches of snow compared to 20.2 inches in Adams County.

Balanced Seasons with Warm Summers

The county experiences 11 extreme heat days a year, with a July average of 72.7°F. Winters are relatively mild for Ohio, averaging 32.4°F from December through February.

Prepare for Humid Summer Heat

Residents should plan for 11 days of 90°F+ weather by ensuring AC systems are functional. The moderate 17.6 inches of snow typically requires only basic winter road safety.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Athens County

via SoilByCounty

The Acidic Hills of Athens

Athens County soil is quite acidic, with an average pH of 5.46 compared to the state average of 5.97. This level is typical for the unglaciated Appalachian Plateau, where minerals leach through the soil over millennia.

Silty Soils with High Consistency

The ground is composed of 52.0% silt, 22.1% sand, and 19.5% clay. This high silt content can make the soil feel floury when dry and slippery when wet, requiring careful timing for tilling.

Wealthy in Organic Nutrients

The county features a high organic matter content of 6.46%, well above the Ohio average of 4.85%. However, the available water capacity is 0.171 in/in, which is lower than the state average, meaning crops may feel drought stress sooner.

Managing Runoff on Sloped Land

With a soil score of 54.9, this land requires more careful management than flatter Ohio counties. Because specific drainage data is unavailable, gardeners should focus on adding mulch to maximize the 0.171 available water capacity.

Forest Bounty in Zone 6b

Zone 6b in Athens County is ideal for native pawpaws and timber, which thrive in acidic, high-organic soils. Start a garden with raised beds to better manage the moisture and utilize that rich 6.46% organic matter.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Athens County

via LawnByCounty

Prime Growing in Southeast Ohio

Athens County scores a 76.7 for lawn difficulty, placing it slightly above the Ohio average of 76.0. It is significantly easier to manage a lawn here than in the average U.S. county. The 6b hardiness zone allows for a wide range of turf choices and a relatively long growing season.

Warm Days and Steady Rain

With 3,198 growing degree days and 41.6 inches of rain, the climate in Athens is nearly ideal for consistent lawn development. The county experiences 11 extreme heat days, which is less than the state average and helps prevent grass from going dormant in mid-summer. These conditions generally support a very active mowing schedule.

Overcoming Acidic Ground Conditions

The soil pH of 5.46 is significantly lower than the ideal range for grass, requiring active management. The soil is balanced between 19.5% clay and 22.1% sand, offering decent structure but needing chemical correction. Focused fertilization and liming are necessary to ensure your lawn can actually absorb the nutrients you provide.

Consistent Hydration in Athens

The county is currently clear of all drought designations, including abnormally dry status. Over the past year, the region only spent six weeks in drought, suggesting that natural rainfall often does the hard work for you. You can likely rely on natural precipitation for most of the year, reserving the hose for only the driest weeks.

Harnessing the 6b Growing Power

Tall fescue is a champion in Athens because it tolerates the acidic soil better than many other varieties. Plan your fall seeding to finish by late October, as the first frost typically arrives around October 23. In the spring, you can safely start new projects after the April 25 frost date.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Athens County's county score?
Athens County, Ohio has a composite county score of 41.4 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 Athens County rank among counties in Ohio?
Athens County ranks #68 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 Athens County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Athens County is $2,094, with an effective tax rate of 1.20%. This earns Athens County a tax score of 25.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Athens County?
The median household income in Athens County, Ohio is $53,837 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Athens County earns an income score of 22.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Athens County, Ohio a good place to live?
Athens County scores 41.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Athens 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 Athens County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.