countyscore
58.5
County Score
Safety 80.8Lawn Care 75Schools 68.2

County Report Card

About Belmont County, Ohio

Exceeding National Expectations

Belmont County boasts a strong composite score of 58.5, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This high ranking indicates a superior quality of life compared to the average American county. It succeeds by offering a blend of traditional safety and modern affordability.

Outperforming the State Average

Belmont County is a standout in Ohio, with a 58.5 score that easily beats the state average of 48.6. It serves as a model for regional stability and affordability in the eastern part of the state. Its performance across multiple sectors makes it a highly desirable location for Ohioans.

Safety, Schools, and Savings

The county is exceptionally safe with a score of 80.8 and features strong schools with a score of 68.2. Housing is very affordable, marked by a cost score of 65.8 and a low median home value of $143,000. These factors create a high-value environment where families can thrive without financial strain.

Environmental Risks and Income Growth

A risk score of 24.8 indicates vulnerability to environmental or economic disruptions that residents must prepare for. Income also remains a moderate concern, with a score of 34.0 and a median household income of $58,411. While costs are low, raising the ceiling on local wages would further improve the county's profile.

Top Pick for Value-Seeking Families

Belmont County is an ideal choice for families who want great schools and high safety without the high price tag of a suburb. The low cost of living and strong community services offer an excellent return on investment for residents. It is a hidden gem for those prioritizing a secure and affordable upbringing for their children.

Score breakdown

Tax38.6Cost65.8Safety80.8Health46.1Schools68.2Income34Risk24.8Water55.7Weather62.4
🏛38.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤46.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓68.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡24.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧55.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Belmont County?

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

Check My Assessment

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 Belmont County with Shelby County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Shelby County
Alabama
Median income: $93,543
58.5
Forsyth County
Georgia
Median income: $138,000
58.5
Monroe County
Illinois
Median income: $101,635
58.5
Harrison County
Iowa
Median income: $77,027
58.5
Keokuk County
Iowa
Median income: $60,856
58.5
Chase County
Nebraska
Median income: $62,782
58.5
Williams County
Ohio
Median income: $61,834
58.5
Stewart County
Georgia
Median income: $35,000
58.6

Nearby counties

Ohio County
West Virginia
66.6
Marshall County
West Virginia
56.8
Harrison County
Ohio
54.6
Monroe County
Ohio
64.8
Brooke County
West Virginia
70.7
Jefferson County
Ohio
47.8
Guernsey County
Ohio
52.2
Wetzel County
West Virginia
66.6

Deep Dives

Belmont County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Belmont County

via TaxByCounty

Belmont County's taxes below national average

Belmont County's effective rate of 0.993% sits below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. The median annual property tax of $1,420 is roughly half the national median of $2,690.

Belmont ranks below Ohio average

With an effective rate of 0.993%, Belmont County falls below the Ohio state average of 1.148%, ranking in the lower-middle of the state's 88 counties. The $1,420 median tax bill is notably below Ohio's $2,145 average.

Among the region's lower-tax counties

Belmont County's 0.993% rate is competitive with other lower-tax areas like Ashland (1.016%) and Allen (1.125%), though it falls short of the lowest-tax counties Adams and Brown (both 0.827%). It offers an attractive tax environment regionally.

A $143,000 home costs $1,420 yearly

The median Belmont County home is valued at $143,000, resulting in an annual property tax of approximately $1,420 at the 0.993% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,487, while outright owners pay $1,333.

Verify your home's assessed value

Belmont County homeowners should confirm that their assessed values accurately reflect their homes' true market worth. Filing a free appeal with your county auditor is an easy way to ensure you're not overpaying property taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Belmont County

via CostByCounty

Belmont balances income and rent

Belmont County renters spend 15.8% of their median household income on gross rent—just above Ohio's 15.6% average but comfortably below the 30% national threshold. With a median income of $58,411 and rent of $769, Belmont offers reasonable affordability without sacrifice.

Belmont ranks solidly statewide

At 15.8%, Belmont County's rent-to-income ratio sits nearly at Ohio's state average of 15.6%, placing it firmly in the middle tier of the state's 88 counties. The county's median rent of $769 falls well below the state average of $873, offsetting slightly lower incomes.

Cheapest rents in eastern Ohio

Belmont's $769 median rent is the lowest among eastern Ohio neighbors, undercutting Ashtabula ($816), Brown ($822), and Ashland ($841). This rent advantage makes Belmont attractive despite the region's generally lower incomes.

Renters and owners fairly balanced

Renters spend $769 monthly (15.8% of income) while owners pay $759—nearly identical burdens on a $58,411 median income. Both tenure types enjoy solid affordability, with median home values at $143,000 among Ohio's lowest.

Eastern Ohio's rental bargain

Belmont County offers eastern Ohio's lowest rents at $769/month with reasonable incomes of $58,411 and a 15.8% cost ratio matching the state average. If you're relocating to Appalachian Ohio and value rent affordability, Belmont competes with any county statewide.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Belmont County

via IncomeByCounty

Belmont County trails national median

Median household income of $58,411 falls 22% below the U.S. median of $74,755, positioning Belmont in the lower-middle income range nationally. The shortfall reflects Ohio's post-industrial economic patterns.

Below Ohio average by moderate gap

Belmont County's $58,411 trails Ohio's $68,101 state average by $9,690—a 14.2% gap. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier statewide, below average but not severely.

Middle ground among county peers

At $58,411, Belmont exceeds Adams ($49,521) and Athens ($53,837) but lags Ashland ($64,991), Brown ($69,990), and Auglaize ($76,454). The county occupies the regional middle.

Housing costs remain manageable

The 15.8% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing comfortably affordable, leaving reasonable income for other essentials. Families can pursue both basic security and modest savings goals.

Build consistent savings habits

Belmont County's moderate income supports steady wealth building through automatic savings plans and employer benefits. Even modest, consistent investing generates meaningful compound growth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Belmont County

via CrimeByCounty

Belmont County Safety Exceeds Expectations

Belmont County earns a stellar safety score of 99.3. The total crime rate is just 459.8 per 100K, which is far below the national average of 2,385.5.

One of Ohio's Safest Regions

With a safety score of 99.3, Belmont County ranks well above the Ohio average of 97.8. Thirteen reporting agencies ensure consistent and accurate public safety monitoring.

Competitive Safety Along the River

Belmont County’s rate of 459.8 per 100K is similar to Adams County at 436.3. It remains a very safe choice compared to the higher crime rates often found in larger Ohio metros.

Balanced and Low Crime Profile

The county reports 165.3 violent crimes and 294.5 property crimes per 100K. Both figures are significantly lower than national averages, indicating a well-protected community.

Keep Your Home Secure

While crime is low, locking windows and using smart doorbells adds peace of mind. Consistent home security habits help keep property crime rates in the low triple digits.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Belmont County

via HealthByCounty

Belmont falls short of national life expectancy

At 74.1 years, Belmont County residents live 2 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. The county's 21.9% poor or fair health rate signals persistent chronic disease and health management challenges.

Below Ohio average in health outcomes

Belmont's 74.1-year life expectancy sits 0.7 years below Ohio's 74.8-year state average, positioning it in the lower tier of Ohio's health rankings. The 21.9% poor/fair health rate reflects significant population health strain.

Limited provider access in eastern Ohio

Belmont's 74.1-year life expectancy trails neighboring Jefferson and Carroll counties. With just 27 primary care providers per 100K, Belmont ranks among the region's most underserved for routine medical access.

Provider shortage limits healthcare reach

At 27 primary care providers per 100K, Belmont offers limited routine care access in an economically challenged region. While the 7.3% uninsured rate is near Ohio's average, the scarcity of providers compounds barriers to getting needed care.

Coverage and care coordination matter

Belmont's 7.3% uninsured should act now to secure insurance before gaps widen care access further. Visit healthcare.gov or call 211 Ohio to enroll in marketplace plans, Medicaid, and connect with available community health resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Belmont County

via SchoolsByCounty

Belmont County's Expansive School System

Belmont County supports 8,760 students across 23 public schools and 7 school districts. The infrastructure is well-rounded, consisting of 9 elementary, 6 middle, and 8 high schools.

Exceptional Graduation Rates in Belmont

Belmont County shines with a 93.1% graduation rate, significantly higher than the Ohio average of 88.3%. The county also maintains a strong school score of 56.9 while spending $7,817 per pupil.

Strong Local District Performance

Barnesville Exempted Village and Martins Ferry City are among the largest districts, combining to serve over 2,600 students. The county maintains a traditional educational model with no charter schools currently in operation.

Suburban and Rural Diversity

Uniquely, 13 schools are located in suburban settings, giving the county a different feel than its more rural neighbors. Schools are moderately sized, with an average enrollment of 381 students per campus.

Excellence in Every Neighborhood

With one of the highest graduation rates in the region, Belmont County is a standout for families. Explore homes in the suburban corridors to find top-tier schools within walking distance.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Belmont County

via RiskByCounty

Belmont County faces significant risks

Belmont County's composite risk score of 75.19 substantially exceeds the national average, with extreme flood vulnerability (86.99) that ranks among the nation's highest. Combined with moderate wildfire and hurricane risks, the county faces elevated natural disaster exposure.

One of Ohio's riskiest counties

At 75.19, Belmont County ranks among Ohio's highest-risk counties, sitting 20.16 points above the state average of 55.03. The county's flood score of 86.99 places it among Ohio's most flood-vulnerable communities.

The riskiest in its immediate area

Belmont County's score of 75.19 significantly exceeds Adams County (43.83), Brown County (62.56), and most other regional neighbors. The county's flood score (86.99) stands as the highest in the region by a substantial margin.

Extreme flooding is the primary threat

Belmont County experiences extreme flood risk at 86.99, among the nation's highest, driven by the county's location in the Ohio River Valley and complex drainage systems. Wildfire risk (40.68) and hurricane risk (55.32) present secondary but notable concerns.

Flood insurance is absolutely essential

Belmont County residents must immediately secure flood insurance—the county's 86.99 flood score indicates pervasive, exceptional vulnerability that standard homeowners policies exclude entirely. Backup generators, elevated utilities, and detailed evacuation routes are critical complements to comprehensive flood insurance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Belmont County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Temperatures for Mid-America

Belmont County averages 51.3°F annually, almost matching the national median for temperate climates. It sits in a transitional zone between the colder north and warmer southern hills.

A Perfect State Representative

Belmont's 51.3°F average is nearly identical to the Ohio state average of 51.5°F. It experiences the quintessential Ohio weather pattern without major extremes in precipitation.

Similar to Central Ohio Trends

The county's thermal profile closely tracks with Allen County. While precipitation data is missing, its summer and winter averages align with regional Appalachian trends.

Warm Summers and Chilly Januarys

July brings an average of 72.9°F and approximately 9 days of extreme heat above 90°F. January remains the coldest month with a mean temperature of 28.0°F.

Prepare for Moderate Heat Spikes

With 9 days of 90°F+ temperatures, reliable air conditioning is important for summer comfort. Residents should also winterize homes to handle the 30.7°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Belmont County

via SoilByCounty

The Rocky Entisols of Belmont

Belmont County is characterized by Entisols with a unique 'very channery loam' texture and a pH of 5.83. This pH is slightly more acidic than the state average but much more favorable than the national median of 6.5 for certain native species.

Silty Loam with Low Clay

The soil is 53.4% silt and 20.6% sand, with only 20.1% clay. The 'channery' designation means the soil contains many thin, flat rock fragments, which affects how water and roots move through the earth.

High Organic Matter, Low Water Storage

The organic matter is a robust 5.88%, which is excellent for fertility compared to the 4.85% state average. However, the available water capacity is quite low at 0.166 in/in, as the rocky fragments in the soil don't hold water like pure earth does.

Somewhat Excessively Drained Land

Falling into hydrologic group A, these soils are somewhat excessively drained. This means water moves through very quickly, reducing flood risks for buildings but requiring frequent watering for gardens.

Tough Plants for Zone 6b

The Zone 6b climate in Belmont is perfect for orchards and vineyards that prefer the fast drainage of rocky loam. If you start a garden, focus on drought-tolerant varieties to compensate for the low 0.166 water capacity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Belmont County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Ohio Growing Conditions

Belmont County’s lawn difficulty score of 75.0 is almost identical to the state average of 76.0. This makes it a very predictable place for lawn care compared to the much tougher national median of 50.0. The county’s 6b hardiness zone provides a flexible environment for many common grass types.

Moderate Temperatures for Turf

Belmont only sees 9 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly lower than the state average of 15. The 3,119 growing degree days provide ample heat for a vigorous lawn without the stress of constant scorching temperatures. While rainfall data is limited, the mild heat helps reduce the risk of evaporation and lawn browning.

Fast-Draining Channery Loam

The soil here is characterized as 'very channery loam' and is somewhat excessively drained, meaning it loses water quickly. With a pH of 5.83, the soil is slightly more acidic than preferred and may require light liming. Because water drains so fast, frequent light watering is often more effective than occasional heavy soaking.

Moderate Drought Resistance

The county is currently clear of drought, though it did experience 11 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. This is a moderate amount of stress compared to the rest of the state, but manageable for most healthy lawns. Improving your soil's organic matter will help the fast-draining loam retain more moisture for your grass.

A Long Seeding Window

For the 6b zone in Belmont, Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue are reliable staples. Your best planting window opens after the April 27 frost date and remains favorable until the first frost around October 22. This relatively long season gives you plenty of time to repair patches or start a fresh lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Belmont County's county score?
Belmont County, Ohio has a composite county score of 58.5 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 Belmont County rank among counties in Ohio?
Belmont County ranks #9 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 Belmont County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Belmont County is $1,420, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Belmont County a tax score of 38.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Belmont County?
The median household income in Belmont County, Ohio is $58,411 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Belmont County earns an income score of 34/100 on CountyScore.
Is Belmont County, Ohio a good place to live?
Belmont County scores 58.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Belmont 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 Belmont 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.