Champaign County's composite score of 70.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 41%, reflecting strong fundamentals across tax and housing affordability. This positions the county in the upper third of American counties for livability, with particularly competitive advantages in the Midwest cost-of-living category.
2 / 5
Outperforms Ohio's county median
Champaign County ranks above the Ohio state average composite score of 68.8, placing it among the state's better-performing counties. Its balanced profile across taxes, cost, and moderate incomes makes it a solid all-around choice within Ohio's landscape.
3 / 5
Balance across affordability and earnings
Champaign County combines a cost score of 78.0 with an effective tax rate of 1.040% and median household income of $74,239—offering good balance between housing affordability and wage-earning potential. Median home values of $186,300 and rents of $884/month provide middle-market options accessible to middle-class families.
4 / 5
Income growth remains modest relative to needs
At 31.8, Champaign's income score trails several peer counties and suggests limited high-wage opportunities or career advancement potential. Data gaps in safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions prevent a complete assessment of quality-of-life factors beyond economic metrics.
5 / 5
Comfortable middle ground for balanced families
Champaign County suits families seeking genuine balance between affordable housing, reasonable taxes, and modest-to-middle-class earning potential. If you want rural or small-town living with stable employment and don't require premium incomes or urban amenities, Champaign delivers approachable livability.
Champaign County's composite score of 70.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 41%, reflecting strong fundamentals across tax and housing affordability. This positions the county in the upper third of American counties for livability, with particularly competitive advantages in the Midwest cost-of-living category.
Outperforms Ohio's county median
Champaign County ranks above the Ohio state average composite score of 68.8, placing it among the state's better-performing counties. Its balanced profile across taxes, cost, and moderate incomes makes it a solid all-around choice within Ohio's landscape.
Balance across affordability and earnings
Champaign County combines a cost score of 78.0 with an effective tax rate of 1.040% and median household income of $74,239—offering good balance between housing affordability and wage-earning potential. Median home values of $186,300 and rents of $884/month provide middle-market options accessible to middle-class families.
Income growth remains modest relative to needs
At 31.8, Champaign's income score trails several peer counties and suggests limited high-wage opportunities or career advancement potential. Data gaps in safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions prevent a complete assessment of quality-of-life factors beyond economic metrics.
Comfortable middle ground for balanced families
Champaign County suits families seeking genuine balance between affordable housing, reasonable taxes, and modest-to-middle-class earning potential. If you want rural or small-town living with stable employment and don't require premium incomes or urban amenities, Champaign delivers approachable livability.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Champaign County's effective tax rate of 1.040% falls below the national median of 0.84%, positioning the county near the 45th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,938 trails the national median of $2,690, offering a modest advantage for homeowners.
Slightly below Ohio's statewide average
Champaign County's effective rate of 1.040% sits just below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, marking it among the more affordable counties. The median tax bill of $1,938 falls roughly $200 shy of the state median of $2,145.
Competitive with nearby central Ohio
Champaign County's 1.040% rate places it squarely in the middle of central and western Ohio's tax landscape, slightly higher than Clinton County at 0.942% but lower than Clark County at 1.246%. Butler County to the southwest carries a noticeably steeper 1.239% burden.
What $186.3K home costs annually
A homeowner with a median-valued property of $186,300 in Champaign County pays approximately $1,938 per year in property taxes. The amount remains relatively stable whether financed with a mortgage or owned outright, at roughly $1,931 to $1,947.
Review assessment accuracy yearly
Property values in Champaign County fluctuate, and assessments don't always keep pace with market conditions. Homeowners should compare their assessed value to recent comparable sales and file an appeal if significantly overvalued.
Champaign County offers national affordability advantage
Champaign County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the strongest nationally, beating the U.S. affordability threshold of 15% by a comfortable margin. With a median household income nearly identical to the national average at $74,239, Champaign delivers housing relief that most American counties cannot match.
One of Ohio's most livable housing markets
Champaign's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio edges out Ohio's state average of 15.6%, positioning it as a genuinely affordable option within a competitive state housing market. At $884 monthly, median rent sits just 1% above Ohio's state average despite the county's strong income-to-cost balance.
Balanced affordability among peer counties
Champaign County's $884 median rent and 14.3% ratio place it squarely in the middle of regional comparables like Clinton County ($893 rent, 15.7% ratio) and Carroll County ($780 rent, 14.5% ratio). The county offers a sweet spot for families seeking moderate housing costs without sacrificing community resources.
14.3% of income covers housing costs
Typical Champaign County renters spend $884 monthly on a median household income of $74,239, keeping housing within the comfortable affordability zone. Homeowners carry mortgage costs around $953, while median home values of $186,300 remain accessible for middle-income buyers.
Champaign offers balanced relocation economics
If you earn near the $74,239 county median, Champaign's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio provides genuine breathing room compared to national averages. Test your own income against Champaign's costs: at $884 rent, you'd need roughly $74,000 annually to stay within the affordable 15% threshold.
Champaign County's median household income of $74,239 virtually matches the national median of $74,755, placing it squarely at the 50th percentile of U.S. counties. This parity reflects a diversified local economy balancing agriculture, light manufacturing, and services.
Middle of Ohio's pack
At $74,239, Champaign County runs 9.0% above Ohio's county average of $68,101, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of the state. This standing suggests stronger-than-average economic stability within Ohio.
Solid performer regionally
Champaign's $74,239 exceeds Carroll County ($64,675) to the south and Clinton County ($68,125) but lags neighboring Butler ($81,194) and Clermont ($83,178). Within its peer group, Champaign holds steady as a middle-income anchor.
Low housing burden
Champaign County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% is among the lowest in the state, and median home values of $186,300 remain affordable for median-income households. Housing costs consume a healthy portion of the county budget.
Solid foundation for savings
With national-average household income and below-average housing costs, Champaign residents can redirect savings to retirement accounts and investment portfolios. Building a 6-month emergency fund and contributing to 401(k)s are realistic first steps.
At 75.7 years, Champaign County residents live nearly 2.2 years longer than the U.S. average of 73.5 years. Just 18.7% report poor or fair health—below both the national average (21%) and most peer counties—reflecting consistently strong health outcomes.
Among Ohio's healthiest counties
Champaign County's 75.7-year life expectancy is one of the highest in Ohio, clearly surpassing the state average of 74.8 years. Its low 18.7% poor/fair health rate ranks it among the state's health leaders.
Best longevity in region by significant margin
Champaign County boasts the highest life expectancy among nearby counties, outlasting Butler (75.4), Carroll (75.0), and Clark (72.3) by meaningful margins. Its 6.6% uninsured rate is also below the state average, ensuring most residents have coverage.
Primary care challenge despite good health outcomes
Champaign County has only 16 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—one of the lowest in the region—yet maintains excellent health metrics, suggesting strong community health practices. With 6.6% uninsured and 111 mental health providers per 100,000, residents have reasonable access to behavioral health care.
Keep excellent health outcomes on track
Champaign County's strong longevity means residents are doing something right—maintaining consistent health insurance is key to sustaining these gains. Visit healthcare.gov or a local provider to confirm your coverage and stay engaged with preventive care.
Champaign County has minimal natural disaster risk
Champaign County's composite risk score of 26.75 places it well below national averages, earning a "Very Low" disaster risk rating. This indicates substantially reduced exposure to the natural hazards that threaten many other American communities.
One of Ohio's safest counties
Champaign County scores 26.75 against Ohio's state average of 55.03, ranking it among the state's lowest-risk counties. Residents benefit from natural geographic and climatic factors that minimize exposure to multiple hazard types.
Safer than nearby Clinton County
Champaign County's score of 26.75 edges out Clinton County's 34.00, making it one of the region's safest communities. Both counties enjoy significantly lower risk than Ohio's state average.
Tornado and earthquake pose limited threats
Tornado risk (46.37) and earthquake risk (56.23) are Champaign County's highest hazards, but both remain well below statewide medians. Wildfire risk is exceptionally low at just 3.37, reflecting the county's geography and land use.
Basic homeowner's coverage meets most needs
Champaign County's low overall risk means standard homeowner's insurance provides reliable protection for most properties. Residents should still maintain a basic emergency preparedness kit and know local weather alert procedures.