Athens County's composite score of 68.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 18 points, ranking it in the 36th percentile nationally. The county performs solidly above average on measured economic and tax dimensions.
2 / 5
Just slightly below state average
At 68.0, Athens County scores 0.8 points below Ohio's state average of 68.8, placing it near the middle of the state's county distribution. This reflects fairly typical conditions for an Ohio county on fiscal and income measures.
3 / 5
Genuinely affordable housing stock
Athens County offers a cost score of 80.1 with median home values at $173,800 and median rent at just $903/month. The affordable housing market makes it accessible for households earning $50,000–$60,000.
4 / 5
Income and tax pressures combined
The income score of 18.5 reflects a median household income of $53,837, among the lowest in this group, while an effective tax rate of 1.205% creates additional squeeze on household budgets. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors is unavailable.
5 / 5
Suits students, young professionals, cost-conscious
Athens County appeals to younger adults, students, and cost-conscious households willing to accept modest incomes for affordable living. The combination of low housing costs and accessible rent makes it attractive for those in early career stages or those prioritizing cheap real estate over earning potential.
Athens County's composite score of 68.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 18 points, ranking it in the 36th percentile nationally. The county performs solidly above average on measured economic and tax dimensions.
Just slightly below state average
At 68.0, Athens County scores 0.8 points below Ohio's state average of 68.8, placing it near the middle of the state's county distribution. This reflects fairly typical conditions for an Ohio county on fiscal and income measures.
Genuinely affordable housing stock
Athens County offers a cost score of 80.1 with median home values at $173,800 and median rent at just $903/month. The affordable housing market makes it accessible for households earning $50,000–$60,000.
Income and tax pressures combined
The income score of 18.5 reflects a median household income of $53,837, among the lowest in this group, while an effective tax rate of 1.205% creates additional squeeze on household budgets. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors is unavailable.
Suits students, young professionals, cost-conscious
Athens County appeals to younger adults, students, and cost-conscious households willing to accept modest incomes for affordable living. The combination of low housing costs and accessible rent makes it attractive for those in early career stages or those prioritizing cheap real estate over earning potential.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛68.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
At 74.8 years, Athens County's life expectancy equals the U.S. average of 76.1 years—a solid baseline for health performance. The county's 18.3% poor or fair health rate ranks among the best in Ohio.
Health leader in Ohio
Athens matches Ohio's 74.8-year state average exactly, while its 18.3% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's best outcomes. The county's health profile reflects strong community health management.
Provider strength across rural southeast Ohio
Athens' 63 primary care providers per 100K outpace several neighboring Appalachian counties and reflect the stabilizing presence of Ohio University. The county's exceptional 665 mental health providers per 100K—nearly triple the state average—makes it a regional mental health hub.
Good coverage bolstered by university resources
Athens' uninsured rate of 8.4% is near Ohio's 7.5% average, while its high concentration of mental health providers reflects university presence and specialized services. Primary care availability at 63 per 100K supports routine healthcare access across the population.
Secure coverage in health-conscious Athens
With strong provider networks and good health outcomes, Athens is positioned for strong coverage—but the 8.4% uninsured should still act. Explore marketplace plans, Medicaid, and student health programs at healthcare.gov or through Athens County services.
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.