countyscore
58.4
County Score
Safety 91.3Lawn Care 76.1Soil Quality 67.1

County Report Card

About Brown County, Ohio

A National Standout for Livability

Brown County's composite score of 58.4 significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0. This ranking places it among the more desirable rural-suburban hybrid counties in the United States. It offers a rare combination of security and economic viability.

Leading the Ohio Average

At 58.4, Brown County is a top performer in Ohio, far exceeding the state's average score of 48.6. It attracts residents by offering a higher standard of living than many neighboring counties. Its overall balance makes it one of the most stable regions in the state.

Elite Safety and Low Taxes

With a safety score of 91.3, Brown County is one of the safest places in the region. It also features a strong tax score of 50.7, benefiting from a low 0.827% effective tax rate. This is supported by a healthy income score of 66.3 and a median household income of $69,990.

Navigating Environmental and Health Risks

The county faces challenges in its risk score (37.4) and health score (42.3), which are its lowest-performing metrics. While not critical, these areas suggest that environmental resilience and access to healthcare could be improved. Monitoring these factors is important for maintaining the county's high quality of life.

Perfect for Safety-First Homeowners

Brown County is the premier choice for anyone where personal safety is the absolute top priority. The combination of high wages, low taxes, and elite security creates a compelling package for middle-class families. It offers a secure, prosperous environment that is increasingly difficult to find.

Score breakdown

Tax50.7Cost49Safety91.3Health42.3Schools56.3Income66.3Risk37.4Water51Weather54.1
🏛50.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡91.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤42.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡37.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧51
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76.1
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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Counties with similar scores

Warren County
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Ravalli County
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Auglaize County
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Bedford County
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Clarion County
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Nearby counties

Bracken County
Kentucky
61.3
Mason County
Kentucky
51.8
Clermont County
Ohio
45.9
Adams County
Ohio
55.6
Robertson County
Kentucky
67.1
Pendleton County
Kentucky
59.5
Highland County
Ohio
53.4
Campbell County
Kentucky
50.4

Deep Dives

Brown County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Brown County

via TaxByCounty

Brown County offers lowest-tax advantage

Brown County's effective rate of 0.827% sits well below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties for property tax burden. The median annual property tax of $1,497 is roughly 55% of the national median of $2,690.

One of Ohio's lowest-tax counties

At 0.827%, Brown County ties for the lowest effective tax rate among the eight counties surveyed and ranks in the bottom 15% statewide against Ohio's 1.148% average. The $1,497 median tax bill is notably below Ohio's $2,145 average.

Tied for region's lowest tax rates

Brown County's 0.827% rate matches Adams County's and is the lowest in the region, well below Ashland (1.016%), Allen (1.125%), Auglaize (0.965%), and all other peers. It offers the region's most affordable property tax environment.

A $181,100 home costs $1,497 yearly

With a median home value of $181,100 and the county's 0.827% effective rate, the typical Brown County homeowner pays about $1,497 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages pay $1,616, while outright owners pay $1,314.

Even low-tax counties warrant assessment checks

Brown County's favorable tax rates don't eliminate the need for homeowners to verify accurate assessments. A free appeal to your county auditor could provide additional savings if your home is overvalued on the tax rolls.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Brown County

via CostByCounty

Brown offers strong income advantage

Brown County renters spend just 14.1% of their median household income on gross rent—below Ohio's 15.6% average and well within the 30% national threshold. With a median income of $69,990 and rent of $822, Brown combines above-average earnings with moderate housing costs.

Brown ranks among Ohio's best

At 14.1%, Brown County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Ohio's most affordable counties, outperforming the state average of 15.6%. The county's strong median income of $69,990 provides genuine breathing room for household budgets.

Highest incomes in the region

Brown County's $822 rent is mid-range for southeastern Ohio, but its $69,990 median income significantly exceeds neighbors like Adams ($49,521), Athens ($53,837), and Ashtabula ($55,507). This income advantage transforms affordability despite moderate rents.

Renters enjoy clear advantage

Renters spend $822 monthly (14.1% of income) while owners pay $902, creating a 1.7% gap favoring renters in Brown County. On a $69,990 median income, both groups access housing comfortably, with median home values at $181,100.

Southern Ohio's prosperity pocket

Brown County delivers exceptional affordability through higher incomes rather than cheaper rents: a $69,990 median and 14.1% cost ratio beat most Ohio counties. If you prioritize steady employment alongside housing accessibility, Brown's Cincinnati proximity and economic strength reward relocation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Brown County

via IncomeByCounty

Brown County approaches national average

Median household income of $69,990 falls just 6.4% below the national median of $74,755. Brown County ranks solidly in the national middle-income tier, reflecting relative economic stability.

Above Ohio state average

At $69,990, Brown County exceeds Ohio's state average of $68,101 by $1,889, placing it in the upper-middle tier statewide. Few Ohio counties match its earnings level.

Regional income leader

Brown County's $69,990 trails only Auglaize County ($76,454) in this eight-county group, outearning Ashland ($64,991), Allen ($62,001), and all others. The county is a clear regional prosperity leader.

Excellent affordability position

Brown County's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the lowest in the group, creating strong capacity for savings and financial goals. Housing takes minimal household resources.

Leverage strong economic position

With above-average income and low housing costs, Brown County residents are positioned for meaningful wealth building through strategic investing and asset accumulation. Long-term financial security is achievable.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Brown County

via CrimeByCounty

Brown County Among the Nation's Safest

Brown County achieves a near-perfect safety score of 99.8. Its total crime rate of 151.0 per 100K is a tiny fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Setting the Standard for Ohio Safety

The county's safety score of 99.8 is among the highest in the state, far exceeding the Ohio average of 97.8. Nine agencies cooperate to maintain this exceptionally secure environment.

Leading Its Neighbors in Safety

Brown County’s rate of 151.0 is significantly lower than neighboring Adams County at 436.3. It stands as a benchmark for low crime in the southern Ohio region.

Virtually No Violent Crime Risk

The violent crime rate is incredibly low at 18.3 per 100K, while property crime is just 132.7. These numbers suggest an environment where crime is a rare occurrence rather than a daily concern.

Preserving a Peaceful Community

In a county this safe, basic awareness is your best tool. Simple measures like outdoor lighting and neighborhood communication help keep these record-low rates steady.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Brown County

via HealthByCounty

Brown struggles with life expectancy gap

At 72.6 years, Brown County residents live 3.5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. The county's 20.8% poor or fair health rate reflects high rates of chronic disease and limited health management resources.

Among Ohio's most challenged counties

Brown's 72.6-year life expectancy falls 2.2 years below Ohio's 74.8-year state average, placing it in the bottom tier of Ohio's health rankings. The county faces sustained population health pressures.

Lowest life expectancy in southwest Ohio

Brown's 72.6-year life expectancy significantly trails Adams and Pike counties to the north and east. At 25 primary care providers per 100K, Brown ranks among the region's most provider-scarce counties.

Critical provider and coverage gaps

With just 25 primary care providers per 100K, Brown County faces severe access barriers for routine care in an economically strained community. The 7.5% uninsured rate matches Ohio's average, but limited providers mean insurance alone cannot guarantee care access.

Insurance is essential in Brown County

Coverage becomes even more critical when providers are scarce—the 7.5% of Brown residents without insurance need protection now. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Brown County health services to enroll in Medicaid or marketplace plans and access telemedicine and regional care networks.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Brown County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Education Excellence in Brown

Brown County manages 17 public schools across 6 districts, serving a total of 6,752 students. This includes 7 elementary schools and 6 high schools that anchor the local community.

Strong Academic Outcomes in Brown

The county boasts a 90.8% graduation rate, which is well above the national average of 87%. With a school score of 55.4 and per-pupil spending at $7,688, Brown County delivers high-quality education efficiently.

Western Brown Local Spotlight

Western Brown Local is the largest district, educating 2,739 students—nearly 40% of the county's total enrollment. All schools in the county are traditional public institutions, with no charter schools currently available.

Rural and Town School Mix

The majority of schools sit in rural settings, though 5 schools are located in local town centers. Western Brown High School is the largest individual school, enrolling 790 students in a supportive environment.

Secure a Bright Future in Brown

Families can find great value and high-performing schools in Brown County's quiet, rural landscape. Look for properties in the Western Brown or Eastern Local districts to join this thriving academic community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Brown County

via RiskByCounty

Brown County faces moderate-high risk

Brown County's composite risk score of 62.56 exceeds the national average, driven by strong flood (75.03), wildfire (60.66), and earthquake (65.84) vulnerabilities. The county's location in Ohio's southern hills creates multiple natural hazard exposures.

Above-average risk within Ohio

At 62.56, Brown County ranks 7.53 points above Ohio's state average of 55.03, placing it in the state's higher-risk category. The county's flood and wildfire scores particularly distinguish its vulnerability within Ohio.

Riskier than most regional peers

Brown County's score of 62.56 exceeds Adams County (43.83) and Ashland County (46.34) substantially, though it ranks below Athens County (68.73) and Belmont County (75.19). The county stands as a moderate-high risk zone within its region.

Flooding and wildfire combine threats

Flooding presents the highest risk at 75.03, while wildfire follows closely at 60.66, with earthquake risk also elevated at 65.84. These three hazards create a complex risk environment requiring multifaceted preparedness.

Multi-hazard preparedness is vital

Brown County residents must secure flood insurance and maintain defensible space around their properties to mitigate wildfire exposure. Earthquake insurance and a comprehensive emergency kit that addresses all three hazards should complete your household preparedness strategy.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Brown County

via WeatherByCounty

Hot and Humid Southern Ohio

Brown County averages 51.6°F annually and receives a heavy 47.9 inches of precipitation. This combination creates a lush, humid environment that exceeds national rainfall medians.

One of Ohio's Warmest Spots

The county's 21 extreme heat days per year is one of the highest counts in Ohio. It is also significantly wetter than the state average of 41.2 inches.

Hotter Than Most Neighbors

With 21 days over 90°F, Brown County is much hotter in summer than Athens (11 days) or Ashtabula (6 days). It is also among the wettest counties in the southern region.

Intense Heat and High Rainfall

Summers are long with a 71.4°F average and frequent heat spikes. Winters remain damp with 17.2 inches of snow and a 30.9°F seasonal average.

Plan for High Cooling Costs

Residents must maintain robust HVAC systems to navigate the 21 extreme heat days. Basement waterproofing is also recommended to handle the nearly 48 inches of annual rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Brown County

via SoilByCounty

The Silt Loam Alfisols of Brown

Brown County features Alfisols with a dominant silt loam texture and a pH of 6.29. This pH is higher than the state average of 5.97, making it closer to the national median of 6.5 and very hospitable for agriculture.

Heavy Silt and Moderate Clay

The composition is 57.6% silt, 23.1% clay, and 19.2% sand. This high silt and clay combination creates a dense soil that can become very firm, providing a stable but sometimes difficult-to-plow surface.

Lower Organic Matter, High Water Storage

Organic matter is low at 2.04%, trailing the state average of 4.85%. Despite this, the available water capacity is a strong 0.201 in/in, which is better than the state average and helps plants survive during dry periods.

Somewhat Poorly Drained Group D

This soil is classified as somewhat poorly drained and belongs to hydrologic group D. This means the ground has a high runoff potential and may require drainage tiles or raised beds to prevent waterlogging.

Successful Growing in Zone 6b

Hardiness Zone 6b and a 6.29 pH offer a great start for any gardener. Because the soil is somewhat poorly drained, consider planting moisture-tolerant species or using containers to get your garden growing this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Brown County

via LawnByCounty

Southern Ohio Ease of Growth

Brown County scores a 76.1 on the lawn difficulty scale, matching the state average almost exactly. It is significantly easier to maintain a yard here than in the rest of the country on average. As a 6b hardiness zone, it offers a slightly longer and warmer growing season than northern Ohio counties.

High Heat and High Rain

Brown County experiences 21 extreme heat days annually, which is much higher than the state average of 15. Fortunately, this is balanced by a generous 47.9 inches of annual precipitation, providing plenty of water to combat the heat. The 3,172 growing degree days ensure that grass grows quickly and recovers well from damage.

Navigating Poorly Drained Silt Loam

The silt loam soil here is considered somewhat poorly drained, which can lead to pooling water after heavy rains. The soil pH of 6.29 is within the ideal range, meaning nutrients are readily available for your turf. To manage the 23.1% clay content, avoid heavy foot traffic when the ground is saturated to prevent soil compaction.

Low Drought Vulnerability

Currently, zero percent of Brown County is experiencing drought or abnormal dryness. The county has only seen six weeks of drought over the past year, thanks in part to its high annual rainfall totals. To keep this resilience high, ensure your lawn has good surface drainage to handle the frequent heavy precipitation.

Heat-Ready Grass for Zone 6b

Tall fescue is highly recommended here due to its ability to withstand the 21 extreme heat days. Your fall seeding should be completed before the October 11 frost date, which comes earlier than some neighboring areas. For spring, wait for the ground to warm after the April 29 frost date before laying down new sod or seed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brown County's county score?
Brown 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 Brown County rank among counties in Ohio?
Brown County ranks #12 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 Brown County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Brown County is $1,497, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Brown County a tax score of 50.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Brown County?
The median household income in Brown County, Ohio is $69,990 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Brown County earns an income score of 66.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Brown County, Ohio a good place to live?
Brown County scores 58.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Brown 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 Brown 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.