58.4
County Score
Soil Quality 80.8Income & Jobs 79.2Health 75.9

County Report Card

About Auglaize County, Ohio

A National Leader in Livability

Auglaize County achieves an impressive composite score of 58.4, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a robust quality of life that stands out on the American map. It offers a combination of high income and community safety that is difficult to find elsewhere.

One of Ohio's Best

Surpassing the state average of 48.6 by nearly ten points, Auglaize County is one of Ohio's premier locations. It demonstrates what is possible when high earning potential meets a safe, well-managed community. It consistently ranks as a top-tier destination for residents within the Buckeye State.

High Incomes and Healthy Living

The county excels with a dominant income score of 79.2, driven by a median household income of $76,454. Health and safety are also major strengths, with scores of 75.9 and 71.7 respectively. Residents here enjoy both financial prosperity and a high standard of physical well-being.

Managing Cost and Tax Burdens

The county’s main challenges are its cost score of 47.5 and a tax score of 40.8. While the effective tax rate is a reasonable 0.965%, higher home values of $182,000 mean residents pay more to enter the market. However, these costs are generally offset by the high local wages.

Perfect for Career-Minded Families

Auglaize County is the perfect destination for professionals and families who want a safe, high-earning environment. The strong health and safety metrics provide peace of mind that justifies the slightly higher cost of living. It is a rare county that offers both high-octane economic opportunity and small-town security.

Score breakdown

Tax40.8Cost47.5Safety71.7Health75.9Schools48.5Income79.2Risk58.3Water59.8Weather56.5
🏛40.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠47.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼79.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡71.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
75.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓48.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
58.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧59.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤56.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨80.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱69.1
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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Deep Dives

Auglaize County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Auglaize County

via TaxByCounty

Auglaize County's taxes run slightly low

Auglaize County's effective rate of 0.965% sits below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the lower 40% of U.S. counties for property taxes. The median property tax of $1,756 is well below the national median of $2,690.

Below Ohio's state tax average

At 0.965%, Auglaize County's effective rate falls below the Ohio state average of 1.148%, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 88 counties. The $1,756 median tax bill trails Ohio's $2,145 average.

Moderate tax rates in the region

Auglaize County's 0.965% rate fits comfortably in the middle range of its regional peers, below Ashtabula (1.263%) and Athens (1.205%) but above Adams (0.827%). It offers a balanced tax environment for the area.

A $182,000 home costs $1,756 yearly

With a median home value of $182,000 and a 0.965% effective rate, the typical Auglaize County homeowner pays approximately $1,756 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages pay $1,722, while outright owners pay $1,812.

Review your assessment this year

Even in relatively affordable tax counties like Auglaize, homeowners should verify their assessed values match current market conditions. A free appeal to your county auditor could lower your tax bill if your home is overvalued.

Cost of Living in Auglaize County

via CostByCounty

Auglaize earns and saves more

Auglaize County renters spend just 13.4% of their median household income on gross rent—below both Ohio's 15.6% average and the national 30% threshold. With a median income of $76,454, Auglaize nearly matches the national median of $74,755, allowing households genuine affordability comfort.

Auglaize ranks among state's best

At 13.4%, Auglaize County claims one of Ohio's most affordable rent-to-income ratios, well below the state average of 15.6%. The county's relatively strong household incomes combine with reasonable rents to create genuine housing accessibility.

Best incomes in western Ohio

Auglaize's $853 rent is slightly cheaper than Allen County ($898) but its $76,454 median income substantially exceeds all regional peers, including Allen ($62,001). This income advantage is the key driver of Auglaize's superior affordability ranking.

Both renters and owners prosper

Renters spend $853 monthly (13.4% of income) while owners pay $872—both excellent burdens on a $76,454 median income. Auglaize offers rare parity between affordability for renters and owners, with median home values at $182,000.

Ohio's affordability champion

If housing affordability is your priority, Auglaize County delivers Ohio's best balance: strong incomes of $76,454, reasonable rents of $853, and a 13.4% cost ratio that beats the state average. This west-central county proves you don't sacrifice prosperity for affordability.

Income & Jobs in Auglaize County

via IncomeByCounty

Auglaize County exceeds national average

Median household income of $76,454 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $1,699—a rare position among Ohio counties. Auglaize ranks solidly in the national upper-middle income tier.

One of Ohio's highest-earning counties

At $76,454, Auglaize County runs $8,353 above Ohio's state average of $68,101, ranking in the top tier statewide. Few Ohio counties match its household earnings level.

Leads regional income rankings

Auglaize's $76,454 substantially exceeds Brown County ($69,990), Ashland ($64,991), and all other counties in this group. The county is a clear income leader in its region.

Excellent housing affordability

At just 13.4%, Auglaize County's rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among these eight counties, well below any affordability concern. Households have substantial breathing room for savings, investments, and life goals.

Position for accelerated wealth building

Auglaize County's above-average income and low housing costs create ideal conditions for aggressive saving and diversified investing. Real estate, retirement accounts, and business ownership become genuinely attainable wealth-building strategies.

Safety in Auglaize County

via CrimeByCounty

Auglaize County is Exceptionally Safe

Auglaize County secures an excellent safety score of 98.9. Its total crime rate of 676.6 per 100K is less than 30% of the national average, making it one of the safer places in the U.S.

Top-Tier Safety in Ohio

The county's safety score of 98.9 comfortably beats the state average of 97.8. Eight reporting agencies work to keep crime rates low for the local population.

Far Safer Than Urban Neighbors

Auglaize County's crime rate of 676.6 is roughly a quarter of neighboring Allen County's 2,789.8. This stark difference highlights the relative peace found within Auglaize's borders.

Violent Crime is Extremely Rare

With a violent crime rate of only 49.7 per 100K, residents face very little personal risk. Property crime is also low at 626.9, which is about one-third of the national property crime rate.

Maintenance of a Safe Community

Keeping property crime low requires simple precautions like locking doors and being aware of surroundings. These community habits help preserve Auglaize County's high safety standing.

Health in Auglaize County

via HealthByCounty

Auglaize leads Ohio in life expectancy

At 76.6 years, Auglaize County residents live 0.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. The county's 16.5% poor or fair health rate represents Ohio's best-in-class health outcomes.

Healthiest county in Ohio

Auglaize's 76.6-year life expectancy tops Ohio's 74.8-year state average by nearly 2 years, placing it as the state's leading county for longevity. Its 16.5% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among Ohio's 88 counties.

Outperforms western Ohio region

Auglaize's 76.6-year life expectancy surpasses Mercer, Van Wert, and Paulding counties across the agricultural northwest. While primary care availability at 35 per 100K is modest, the county's strong health outcomes suggest effective preventive care practices.

Lowest uninsured rate in state

Auglaize's 5.4% uninsured rate—the lowest in Ohio—reflects exceptional insurance penetration and strong health security across the community. Though mental health providers are limited at 70 per 100K, overall health indicators suggest comprehensive local health management.

Keep Auglaize's coverage edge

With 94.6% of residents insured, Auglaize leads Ohio's coverage success—yet the 5.4% uninsured should complete their protection. Visit healthcare.gov or your local health department to ensure every family member has reliable coverage.

Schools in Auglaize County

via SchoolsByCounty

Consistent Quality in Auglaize Schools

Auglaize County features 18 public schools across 7 districts, educating a total of 7,623 students. The system is efficiently organized into 8 elementary and 7 high schools to serve local families.

High Graduation and Efficient Spending

The county achieves an impressive 89.4% graduation rate, outpacing both state and national averages. Educators deliver these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,440, showing strong value for every dollar invested.

Wapakoneta City Leads Enrollment

Wapakoneta City is the largest district by far, serving 3,046 students across 5 schools. One charter school operates in the county, providing a specialized alternative for a small portion of the student population.

Town-Centered Learning Culture

Half of the county's schools are located in town settings, providing a walkable, community-centric feel for many students. Wapakoneta High School is the largest campus with 874 students, while the county average is 424.

Invest in Your Child's Education

Auglaize County's high graduation rates make it a smart choice for families looking to relocate. Find a home in the Wapakoneta or St. Marys districts to take advantage of these established academic programs.

Disaster Risk in Auglaize County

via RiskByCounty

Auglaize County ranks very low

Auglaize County's composite risk score of 41.76 places it well below the national average, with a "Very Low" risk rating that reflects minimal disaster exposure overall. The county benefits from low wildfire and hurricane risks, though earthquake vulnerability (77.16) and tornado risk (57.98) require attention.

Ohio's safest county examined

At 41.76, Auglaize County ranks as one of Ohio's lowest-risk counties, sitting 13.27 points below the state average of 55.03. This favorable profile makes it among the safest communities in Ohio for natural disaster preparedness.

A relative safe haven

Auglaize County's score of 41.76 matches or beats all nearby counties, including Adams County (43.83) and Ashland County (46.34), establishing it as the region's safest. The county's minimal wildfire risk (5.25) particularly distinguishes it from surrounding areas.

Earthquake and tornado awareness needed

Earthquake risk scores 77.16, creating an unusual vulnerability for a low-overall-risk county; tornado risk at 57.98 adds a seasonal concern. Together, these two hazards represent the county's primary natural disaster exposures despite the county's overall very low profile.

Focus on earthquakes and tornadoes

Auglaize County residents should secure earthquake insurance and familiarize themselves with seismic safety practices, given the county's elevated earthquake score. A well-practiced tornado safety plan and weather alert system complete a straightforward preparedness strategy for this low-risk county.

Weather & Climate in Auglaize County

via WeatherByCounty

A Drier Pocket of Ohio

Auglaize County records 37.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is below the national average for the eastern U.S. While temperature data is limited, the county exhibits a drier-than-normal profile.

Lower Precipitation Than State Norms

The county's 37.7 inches of rain is significantly lower than the Ohio state average of 41.2 inches. It also sees far less snow than the state average, recording only 10.4 inches annually.

Less Snow Than Local Neighbors

Auglaize sees only 10.4 inches of snow, nearly half of what nearby Allen County receives. This makes it a regional outlier for winter precipitation.

Dry Winters and Steady Rain

With only 10.4 inches of snow per year, winters are notably clear compared to the rest of Ohio. The county relies on its 37.7 inches of annual rain to sustain its agricultural landscape.

Focus on Water Conservation

Due to lower-than-average precipitation, gardeners should consider drought-resistant plants. Heavy winter snow gear is less critical here than in other Ohio counties.

Soil Quality in Auglaize County

via SoilByCounty

Premier Agricultural Soils in Auglaize

Auglaize County features a high-performing soil with a pH of 6.26, nearing the 6.5 national ideal. This puts the county well ahead of the Ohio state average pH of 5.97, creating a friendly environment for most plants.

Clay-Rich and Nutrient Dense

The soil contains 25.8% clay, which is higher than many neighbors, along with 47.2% silt and 24.0% sand. This clay-heavy mix is excellent for holding onto nutrients, though it can be heavy to work during wet spring months.

Top-Tier Water Retention

The available water capacity of 0.208 in/in is significantly higher than the Ohio average of 0.186. Combined with an organic matter content of 4.83%, this soil is built to sustain crops through the heat of summer.

High Score for High Yields

Auglaize earns an impressive soil score of 80.8, far exceeding the state average of 66.0. This score reflects a landscape that is naturally optimized for high-intensity agriculture and stable moisture management.

Maximize Your Harvest in Zone 6a

In Hardiness Zone 6a, you can grow almost anything from peppers to heavy-feeding grains. The superior 0.208 water capacity means your garden will be more resilient to dry spells than almost anywhere else in the state.

Lawn Care in Auglaize County

via LawnByCounty

Tighter Challenges for Auglaize Lawns

Auglaize County faces a lawn difficulty score of 69.1, which is noticeably lower than the state average of 76.0. While it is more work than the average Ohio lawn, it remains much easier than the national median of 50.0. The 6a hardiness zone dictates a selection of cold-hardy grass species.

Drier Conditions Affect Growth

Annual precipitation in Auglaize is 37.7 inches, which is lower than the state average of 41.2 inches. While specific heat and frost data are not recorded for this area, the lower rainfall suggests that irrigation will be more important here than in other parts of Ohio. Homeowners should monitor moisture levels closely during the peak growing season.

Heavy Clay Requires Aeration

The soil in Auglaize features a higher clay content of 25.8%, which can lead to compaction and drainage issues. However, the pH level of 6.26 is very healthy and sits right within the ideal range for most lawns. Frequent aeration is recommended to prevent the clay from choking off the roots of your grass.

Serious Drought Concerns

Auglaize is currently under significant stress, with 100% of the county classified as abnormally dry and 25.6% in severe drought. The region has endured 27 weeks of drought over the past year, making water conservation a top priority. Using drought-resistant seed mixes and allowing grass to grow taller can help survive these extended dry periods.

Choosing Drought-Tolerant Turf

Because of the frequent dry spells, heat-tolerant tall fescue is a smart choice for this 6a zone. You should aim to seed in late summer to take advantage of cooler nights while the ground is still warm. Ensure your new grass is well-established before the heavy winter freezes characteristic of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Auglaize County's county score?
Auglaize County, Ohio has a composite county score of 58.4 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 Auglaize County rank among counties in Ohio?
Auglaize County ranks #11 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 Auglaize County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Auglaize County is $1,756, with an effective tax rate of 0.96%. This earns Auglaize County a tax score of 40.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Auglaize County?
The median household income in Auglaize County, Ohio is $76,454 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Auglaize County earns an income score of 79.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Auglaize County, Ohio a good place to live?
Auglaize County scores 58.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Auglaize 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 Auglaize County with other counties side by side.