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.

Score breakdown

Tax40.6Cost53.6Safety80.8Health45.2Schools54.9Income52.9Risk80.1Water42Weather53.5
🏛40.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼52.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡80.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧42
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨52.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66.8
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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Explore this 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
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Hancock County
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Mahoning County
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Brooke County
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70.7

Deep Dives

Carroll County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

Health in Carroll County

via HealthByCounty

Carroll County life expectancy near national average

Carroll County residents have a life expectancy of 75.0 years, about 1.5 years above the U.S. average of 73.5 years. However, 21.6% report poor or fair health status, slightly above the national average of 21%, signaling some health challenges despite reasonable longevity.

Slightly above Ohio average lifespan

At 75.0 years, Carroll County's life expectancy tracks just above Ohio's state average of 74.8 years. The county's 21.6% poor/fair health rate is slightly higher than the state average, indicating room for health improvement.

Mid-range outcomes in regional comparison

Carroll County's 75.0-year life expectancy falls between stronger performers like Champaign County (75.7) and lower-performing Clark County (72.3). Its 8.6% uninsured rate is above the state average of 7.5%, suggesting some residents face coverage gaps.

Limited primary care, sparse mental health access

Carroll County has just 26 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—roughly half the national average—and only 56 mental health providers per 100,000. With 8.6% uninsured, nearly 1 in 11 residents lack health coverage, creating barriers to both routine and specialized care.

Explore coverage options to bridge gaps

Carroll County's limited provider network makes insurance coverage even more critical—it ensures access to the primary care and mental health services available. Check healthcare.gov or local community health centers to find plans that work for your family and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.

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.