Clark County's composite score of 67.8 sits 36% above the national median of 50.0, marking solid performance in American livability rankings. This strong showing reflects particular excellence in housing affordability that benefits families prioritizing cost efficiency over wage maximization.
2 / 5
Just below Ohio's statewide average
Clark County scores 67.8 against Ohio's average of 68.8, placing it near the middle of state county performance. While not a standout performer statewide, its strengths in cost make it competitive for budget-conscious relocators.
3 / 5
Exceptional housing affordability dominates
Clark County's cost score of 79.5 is among the highest in this group, with median home values of just $155,900 and rents averaging $840/month. These are among the lowest prices available in the region, making Clark highly attractive to first-time homebuyers and anyone prioritizing affordable real estate over other factors.
4 / 5
Lowest income potential in this peer group
Clark County's income score of 23.1 is the second-lowest among these eight counties, with median household income of only $60,846—significantly below state and national norms. Safety, health, educational quality, and environmental data remain unavailable, preventing assessment of non-financial livability dimensions.
5 / 5
Prime choice for first-time and budget homebuyers
Clark County best serves families and individuals prioritizing affordable housing entry at the lowest possible cost, even if wage opportunities are limited. If you have stable income from elsewhere or a fixed income, Clark's housing prices open doors that might remain closed in pricier markets.
Clark County's composite score of 67.8 sits 36% above the national median of 50.0, marking solid performance in American livability rankings. This strong showing reflects particular excellence in housing affordability that benefits families prioritizing cost efficiency over wage maximization.
Just below Ohio's statewide average
Clark County scores 67.8 against Ohio's average of 68.8, placing it near the middle of state county performance. While not a standout performer statewide, its strengths in cost make it competitive for budget-conscious relocators.
Exceptional housing affordability dominates
Clark County's cost score of 79.5 is among the highest in this group, with median home values of just $155,900 and rents averaging $840/month. These are among the lowest prices available in the region, making Clark highly attractive to first-time homebuyers and anyone prioritizing affordable real estate over other factors.
Lowest income potential in this peer group
Clark County's income score of 23.1 is the second-lowest among these eight counties, with median household income of only $60,846—significantly below state and national norms. Safety, health, educational quality, and environmental data remain unavailable, preventing assessment of non-financial livability dimensions.
Prime choice for first-time and budget homebuyers
Clark County best serves families and individuals prioritizing affordable housing entry at the lowest possible cost, even if wage opportunities are limited. If you have stable income from elsewhere or a fixed income, Clark's housing prices open doors that might remain closed in pricier markets.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛67.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Clark County's effective tax rate of 1.246% exceeds the national median of 0.84%, placing it in roughly the 68th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,943 trails the national median of $2,690, though the higher rate reflects a smaller-than-average home base.
Among Ohio's highest-rate counties
Clark County's effective rate of 1.246% ranks among Ohio's steepest, exceeding the state average of 1.148% by nearly a full percentage point. The median tax bill of $1,943 sits just under Ohio's median of $2,145, reflecting lower property values despite the high rate.
Steep rates in southwestern cluster
Clark County's 1.246% rate ranks second only to Clermont County's 1.279% in southwestern Ohio, and ties closely with Butler County at 1.239%. Nearby Clinton and Champaign counties offer substantially lower burdens at 0.942% and 1.040%, respectively.
What $155.9K home costs annually
A homeowner with a median-valued property of $155,900 in Clark County pays approximately $1,943 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that obligation rises to roughly $2,042 due to escrow assessments.
High rates make appeals worthwhile
Given Clark County's above-average effective rate, reassessing your property's valuation can yield meaningful savings for many homeowners. Consult your county auditor's office about filing an appeal if you believe your assessed value is inflated relative to recent market sales.
Clark County's affordability crunch exceeds national norms
Clark County residents face a 16.6% rent-to-income ratio—the highest among these eight counties and notably above the national 15% affordability benchmark. With a median household income of just $60,846, well below the national average, Clark's housing pressure is both real and widespread across the county.
Strains Ohio's average affordability slightly
Clark's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Ohio's 15.6% state average, indicating tighter housing affordability than most peers within the state. The county's median rent of $840—just 3% below Ohio's average—compounds the pressure on lower-earning households.
Higher burden than most regional counties
Clark County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio significantly outpaces affordable neighbors like Carroll County (14.5%) and Champaign County (14.3%), though it's comparable to Butler County (16.2%). For cost-conscious relocators, adjacent counties like Carroll offer notably better affordability within a similar regional context.
Housing costs strain Clark County budgets
Renters in Clark County spend roughly $840 monthly on a median income of just $60,846, consuming 16.6% of household earnings—an above-comfortable threshold. Homeowners face similar pressure with $908 monthly mortgage costs, while the median home value of $155,900 remains realistic but leaves limited financial cushion.
Compare carefully before choosing Clark
If you're relocating to this region, Clark County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio signals tighter affordability than neighbors—test whether your income comfortably exceeds the county's $60,846 median. Explore nearby alternatives like Carroll County (14.5%) or Champaign County (14.3%) to see if a short move could meaningfully improve your housing budget.
Clark County's median household income of $60,846 trails the national median of $74,755 by 18.6%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. This significant gap reflects decades of manufacturing decline and limited job diversification.
Among Ohio's lowest earners
At $60,846, Clark County ranks in the lower quartile of Ohio counties, sitting 10.6% below the state average of $68,101. Few Ohio counties report household incomes this far below the statewide median.
Struggling in greater Dayton area
Clark County's $60,846 significantly underperforms neighboring Butler County ($81,194) and Champaign County ($74,239) in the same region. Among peer counties, Clark faces the steepest income headwinds.
Housing costs bite harder
Clark County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% is among the highest in the state, and median home values of $155,900 strain median-income budgets. Lower income combined with elevated housing burden creates real affordability pressure.
Seek higher-wage opportunities
Clark County households should prioritize job transitions toward higher-paying sectors like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Even relocating within the region to higher-wage employers could significantly improve long-term financial outcomes.
At 72.3 years, Clark County's life expectancy falls 1.2 years below the national average of 73.5 years, making it one of Ohio's shorter-lived counties. With 21.6% of residents reporting poor or fair health—in line with national averages—the county confronts real health headwinds.
Well below Ohio average on longevity
Clark County's 72.3-year life expectancy is 2.5 years shorter than Ohio's state average of 74.8 years, ranking it among the state's least healthy counties. Its 21.6% poor/fair health rate compounds these challenges.
Significant gap separates Clark from healthier neighbors
Clark County trails nearby Champaign County (75.7 years) by over 3 years and underperforms Butler and Carroll counties by similar margins. Its 7.8% uninsured rate is above the state average of 7.5%, further limiting health access.
Moderate providers, persistent coverage gaps
Clark County has 45 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 214 mental health providers per 100,000—respectable numbers but insufficient to address the county's health burden. With 7.8% of residents uninsured, about 1 in 13 people lack coverage, making preventive care harder to access.
Health insurance is critical for recovery
Clark County's shorter lifespan and higher health burden make insurance coverage essential—it's the foundation for regular checkups and managing chronic conditions. Contact healthcare.gov or a local health department to find affordable plans and get connected to providers.
Clark County's composite risk score of 77.10 exceeds the national average, placing it in the "Relatively Low" but still elevated risk category. This reflects meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazards that warrant attention from residents and planners.
Above-average risk for Ohio
Clark County scores 77.10, significantly above Ohio's state average of 55.03, ranking it among the state's higher-risk counties. This elevated position reflects particular vulnerability to tornado and flood events.
Riskier than most surrounding areas
Clark County's score of 77.10 exceeds Clinton County (34.00) and Coshocton County (49.08), placing it among the riskier counties in its region. Only Clermont County (77.86) and Columbiana County (69.05) approach similar risk levels.
Tornadoes and floods are primary threats
Clark County faces tornado risk of 82.32 and flood risk of 84.16—both substantially elevated compared to state averages. Earthquake risk (78.78) is also concerning, though wildfire risk remains manageable at 25.03.
Add flood and storm protection now
Clark County residents should secure comprehensive homeowner's insurance that specifically covers tornado, hail, and flood damage. A designated safe room and updated emergency contact plan can save lives during severe weather events.