countyscore
56.7
County Score
Safety 80.8Disaster Risk 80.1Lawn Care 66.8

County Report Card

About Carroll County, Ohio

Carroll County Exceeds National Medians

Carroll County outperforms much of the country with a composite score of 56.7. This puts it comfortably above the national median score of 50.0.

Outpacing the Buckeye State Average

The county's 56.7 score places it well ahead of the Ohio average of 48.6. It stands out as a high-performing rural option compared to its regional neighbors.

Superior Safety and Low Risk

The county earns an impressive safety score of 80.8 and a natural risk score of 80.1. Residents enjoy a secure environment with minimal exposure to environmental hazards.

Addressing Water and Tax Pressures

Water quality presents an opportunity for improvement with a score of 42.0. Additionally, the tax score of 40.6 suggests a higher local burden than some neighboring areas.

A Haven for Safety Seekers

Carroll County is a perfect fit for retirees or families prioritizing peace of mind and physical security. Its combination of low risk and solid affordability makes it a premier choice for a quiet lifestyle.

2040608010040.653.680.845.254.952.980.14253.5Tax40.6Cost53.6Safety80.8Health45.2Schools54.9Income52.9Risk80.1Water42Weather53.556.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Carroll County DNA

Foverall

How Carroll County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Carroll County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (80.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (42/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
40.6-11.399999999999999
Cost
53.6
Safety
80.8+25.799999999999997
Health
45.2
Schools
54.9
Income
52.9
Risk
80.1+33.099999999999994
Water
42-16
Weather
53.5
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Think property taxes are too high in Carroll County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$174,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$780/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$174,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,675/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Counties with similar scores

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Ohio County
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Pike County
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Todd County
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Tippah County
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Cooper County
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Nearby counties

Stark County
Ohio
38
Columbiana County
Ohio
53.1
Harrison County
Ohio
54.6
Tuscarawas County
Ohio
47.3
Jefferson County
Ohio
47.8
Hancock County
West Virginia
67
Mahoning County
Ohio
38.6
Brooke County
West Virginia
70.7

Deep Dives

Carroll County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Carroll County

via TaxByCounty

Carroll County offers bargain tax rates

Carroll County's effective tax rate of 0.967% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.84%, placing the county in roughly the 40th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,688 trails the national median of $2,690 by more than $1,000 annually.

Below-average taxes across Ohio

Carroll County ranks among Ohio's lower-tax counties with an effective rate of 0.967%, which sits slightly below the state average of 1.148%. The median tax bill of $1,688 is nearly $460 below Ohio's median, making it one of the more affordable counties in the state.

Eastern Ohio's most affordable option

Carroll County's 0.967% rate edges out Coshocton County at 0.968% and Columbiana County at 1.070%, making it one of eastern Ohio's cheapest taxing jurisdictions. Champaign County to the west offers similarly low rates at 1.040%.

What $174.5K home costs annually

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $174,500 in Carroll County pays approximately $1,688 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that bill edges up slightly to $1,748.

Carroll homeowners should verify assessments

Even in lower-tax counties, some homeowners are overassessed relative to recent sales prices in their neighborhoods. An appeal with supporting evidence from comparable sales could yield refunds or future tax relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carroll County

via CostByCounty

Carroll County beats national affordability mark

Carroll County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio falls comfortably below the national 15% affordability threshold, making it genuinely accessible for renters nationwide. Despite a median household income of $64,675—about $10,000 below the U.S. average—Carroll's low rent costs create one of the region's strongest affordability stories.

Among Ohio's most affordable counties

Carroll's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below Ohio's 15.6% state average, placing it in the top tier of Ohio counties for affordability. With median rent at just $780—down 11% from the state average—Carroll offers genuine housing relief compared to most Ohio communities.

Cheapest rents in this regional cluster

Carroll County's median rent of $780 is the lowest among comparable southwestern Ohio counties, underselling even Columbiana County ($736 vs $780 gap). Combined with its 14.5% rent-to-income ratio, Carroll delivers exceptional value for families prioritizing affordability over urban amenities.

Housing consumes just 14.5% of income

Carroll residents allocate approximately $780 monthly for rent on a $64,675 median household income, leaving more room for other necessities and savings. Homeowners pay roughly $912 monthly toward mortgages, while the median home value of $174,500 remains accessible for buyers with modest down payments.

Carroll shines for budget-conscious movers

If affordability is your primary driver, Carroll County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio outperforms neighbors like Clark County (16.6%) and rivals even rural counties like Columbiana. Compare your own income against Carroll's $64,675 median to gauge whether this economical county matches your financial reality.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carroll County

via IncomeByCounty

Carroll trails national income

Carroll County's median household income of $64,675 falls 13.4% short of the national median of $74,755, placing it below the middle tier of U.S. counties. This gap reflects slower wage growth in the county's industrial base over the past decade.

Below-average for Ohio

At $64,675, Carroll County ranks in the lower half of Ohio's counties, sitting 5.1% below the state average of $68,101. The gap suggests Carroll households face steeper income challenges than most of their Ohio counterparts.

Struggling vs. regional peers

Carroll's $64,675 median lags neighboring Champaign County ($74,239) and the broader southwest Ohio corridor, where incomes average $75,000+. Carroll faces stronger headwinds than adjacent counties in both wages and employment opportunities.

Housing remains affordable

Despite lower incomes, Carroll County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.5% is below national norms, and median home values of $174,500 are accessible. The county's low cost of living partly offsets wage challenges.

Prioritize income growth first

Carroll households should focus on skills training and job advancement to close the regional income gap. Even modest wage increases of 5-10% would unlock meaningful savings capacity for retirement and wealth-building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carroll County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional safety levels in Carroll County

Carroll County boasts an elite safety score of 99.3 out of 100, far exceeding the national average. Its total crime rate of 459.7 per 100K is nearly one-fifth of the national rate of 2,385.5.

A standout leader for safety in Ohio

Carroll County easily surpasses the Ohio state average safety score of 97.8. With only 459.7 crimes per 100K, it ranks as one of the most secure counties in the entire state.

Outperforming neighboring safety standards

Carroll County is significantly safer than neighboring Columbiana County, which has a higher rate of 647.8 per 100K. The area remains a benchmark for low crime in the eastern Ohio region.

Minimal violent crime impacts the community

The county reports a violent crime rate of just 78.5 per 100K, which is far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime also stays remarkably low at 381.2 incidents per 100K.

Maintain the county's legacy of security

While crime is rare, basic home monitoring helps preserve this exceptionally safe environment. Residents benefit from strong community awareness and low overall incident rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Carroll County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in Carroll County

Carroll County operates a focused educational system consisting of just seven public schools across three districts. This small network serves 2,927 students through three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools. The streamlined infrastructure emphasizes a close-knit environment for the county's youth.

Strong Results with Efficient Spending

The county achieves an 87.3% graduation rate, surpassing the national average of 87.0% though slightly behind the state's 88.3%. Local districts invest $8,638 per pupil, which significantly exceeds the Ohio average of $7,994. These investments contribute to a solid school score of 55.6, outperforming the state average of 54.8.

A Look at Local District Leadership

Carrollton Exempted Village is the primary provider here, enrolling 1,825 students in its two schools. Brown Local and Conotton Valley Union Local serve the remaining student population with smaller, community-focused facilities. Notably, the county currently hosts no charter schools, keeping all enrollment within traditional public districts.

The Feel of a Rural Learning Environment

Education in Carroll County is overwhelmingly rural, with six of the seven schools located in countryside settings. The average school size is 418 students, providing a more personal experience than larger urban centers. Carrollton High School-Middle School is the largest campus, housing 1,005 students under one roof.

Relocating to Carroll's Quiet School Zones

Families seeking a rural lifestyle with strong academic performance should consider homes within the Carrollton Exempted Village area. The county's high graduation rates and above-average school scores make it an attractive choice for rural living. Explore local listings to find a home in these dedicated school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carroll County

via RiskByCounty

Carroll County enjoys very low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of just 19.94, Carroll County ranks among the nation's safest from natural disasters—well below the national average. This "Very Low" rating reflects substantially reduced exposure across all major hazard categories.

Well below Ohio's average risk

Carroll County's score of 19.94 sits far beneath Ohio's state average of 55.03, making it one of the lowest-risk counties in the state. Residents here enjoy significantly more favorable natural disaster exposure than most of their Ohio neighbors.

Among the safest in its region

Carroll County's 19.94 score is substantially lower than Clinton County (34.00) and Coshocton County (49.08). This favorable positioning reflects particularly low hazard exposure across multiple disaster types.

Tornado and hurricane risks are modest

Even Carroll County's highest hazard—tornado risk at 27.99—remains well below state and national medians. All other risks, including flood (42.84), earthquake (27.04), and wildfire (24.75), stay consistently low.

Standard homeowner's insurance typically sufficient

Carroll County's low risk profile means standard homeowner's insurance without specialized add-ons generally provides adequate protection. Still, keeping an emergency kit and tornado safety plan ensures readiness for rare but possible severe weather.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Carroll County

via WaterByCounty

Carroll County Drinking Water Faces Compliance Hurdles

The county carries a Grade D for water quality, having recorded two significant health violations in the last five years. While its rate of 28.6 violations per 100,000 people is slightly better than the state average of 32.9, it highlights a need for infrastructure attention. Consistent monitoring remains vital for protecting local households.

Seven Water Bodies Meet Federal Health Standards

All seven water bodies assessed during the 2022 reporting cycle show 0.0% impairment. This indicates that the monitored streams currently meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act. No specific pollutants or causes for concern were identified in the latest assessment.

Limited Monitoring Footprint Across Local Streams

Only 11 monitoring sites are active within the county, producing 1,517 measurements over the last five years. The data primarily tracks physical properties and inorganic metals. This lower site density means some smaller watersheds may lack consistent, real-time quality data.

McGuire Creek Running Lower Than Average

The primary USGS gauge at McGuire Creek near Leesville reports a current discharge of 42 cfs. This is roughly 76% of its typical long-term mean. These moderate flow levels suggest a drier than normal period for the local drainage area.

Monitor Your Taps and Filtration Needs

Given the Grade D compliance rating, residents should stay informed about their local utility’s annual water quality reports. Consider using a certified home filtration system if you are concerned about the history of health violations. Maintaining awareness of local creek levels can also help predict changes in groundwater availability.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Carroll County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Alfisols in the Rolling Hills

Carroll County's Alfisols have a pH of 5.53, making them much more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This low pH level reflects the county's distinct forest-soil heritage compared to the 5.97 state average.

Silky Silt Loam Texture

The soil is nearly half silt at 49.0%, paired with 25.9% sand and 16.5% clay. This silt loam mix provides excellent workability for farmers but can be prone to erosion on slopes.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

At 8.02%, Carroll's organic matter is nearly double the Ohio average of 4.85%. This rich carbon content offsets a lower water capacity of 0.151 in/in, providing a fertile foundation for hardy crops.

Somewhat Poorly Drained Slopes

Classified as somewhat poorly drained, these soils belong to hydrologic group C/D. Surface runoff is a key concern for local landowners, as the clay sublayers can slow downward water movement.

Acid-Loving Plants Excel in 6b

In USDA zone 6b, this acidic, high-organic soil is perfect for blueberries and rhododendrons. While most vegetables will need lime to raise the pH, the rich soil structure offers incredible potential for dedicated gardeners.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carroll County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Carroll County's Unique Challenges

With a difficulty score of 66.8, Carroll County is more challenging for lawn care than the Ohio state average of 76.0. While still easier than the national median of 50.0, the Zone 6b climate requires more intentional maintenance. Homeowners here need a more hands-on approach to achieve a golf-course finish.

Mild Summers and Mystery Rainfall

Carroll County stays relatively cool with only 15 extreme heat days per year, matching the state average. While specific annual precipitation data is limited for this area, the mild July average of 71.3°F helps prevent grass from burning out mid-summer. This cooling trend allows for a more relaxed watering schedule during the peak of the season.

Correcting Acidic Silt Loam

The primary challenge here is a soil pH of 5.53, which is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. This silt loam is somewhat poorly drained and contains 16.5% clay, suggesting a need for regular lime applications. Amending the soil to balance pH will unlock nutrients that are currently trapped by the acidity.

Resilient Turf Through Dry Spells

The county has seen 7 weeks of drought in the last year, but currently, all areas are clear of drought status. Because the soil is somewhat poorly drained, it may hold onto moisture longer during these dry periods, providing a small safety net. Mulching clippings back into the lawn can help retain that precious soil moisture.

Seeding for Success in Zone 6b

Fine fescues are well-suited for the lower July temperatures and acidic soil tendencies of Carroll County. Since local frost dates are variable, aim to seed in late August or early September when the air cools but the soil remains warm. Proper soil prep and pH correction are the two biggest keys to success here.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carroll County's county score?
Carroll County, Ohio has a composite county score of 56.7 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 Carroll County rank among counties in Ohio?
Carroll County ranks #16 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 Carroll County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Carroll County is $1,688, with an effective tax rate of 0.97%. This earns Carroll County a tax score of 40.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carroll County?
The median household income in Carroll County, Ohio is $64,675 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carroll County earns an income score of 52.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carroll County, Ohio a good place to live?
Carroll County scores 56.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Carroll 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 Carroll County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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