CountyScore

Brown County

Ohio · OH

#33 in Ohio
68.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Brown County, Ohio

Brown County: 46th percentile nationally

Brown County's composite score of 73.2 sits 23 points above the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the 46th percentile nationally. The county demonstrates above-average livability when measured against U.S. counties.

Top-tier performer in Ohio

At 73.2, Brown County outscores Ohio's state average of 68.8 by 4.4 points, ranking it among the best-performing counties statewide. The county's profile reflects stronger-than-typical financial and tax conditions.

Strong income, excellent tax breaks

Brown County offers a median household income of $69,990 with an income score of 29.1, complemented by a tax score of 79.0 and an effective tax rate of 0.827%—tied for lowest in this group. The combination supports both earning power and tax-advantaged wealth building.

Rising housing costs relative to income

A median home value of $181,100 is among the highest in this group, and the cost score of 79.9 trails some peers, meaning housing affordability is moderating. Safety, health, schools, environmental quality, and economic risk data remain unavailable.

Fits middle-to-upper-income families

Brown County suits professionals, families, and entrepreneurs earning $65,000–$80,000+ who value strong income with low taxes over maximum housing bargains. The county's tax treatment and solid incomes make it attractive for wealth-building households willing to pay moderate home prices.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax79Cost79.9SafetyComing SoonHealth66.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.1Risk37.4WaterComing Soon
🏛79
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡37.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Brown County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

DeKalb County
Alabama
68.5
Median income: $51,149
Russell County
Alabama
68.5
Median income: $50,046
Talladega County
Alabama
68.5
Median income: $56,249
Dodge County
Georgia
68.5
Median income: $50,152
Rice County
Kansas
68.5
Median income: $63,947

Deep Dives

Brown County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.