Clinton County leads affordability metrics nationwide
Clinton County's composite score of 70.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 41%, ranking it among America's most livable counties by value. Its tax and housing scores rival the nation's most affordable regions, making it exceptionally attractive to cost-conscious families.
2 / 5
Outperforms Ohio's statewide average
Clinton County scores 70.6 against Ohio's average of 68.8, placing it in the upper tier of the state's county performance. This consistent strength across affordability metrics makes it one of Ohio's better values for families and retirees.
3 / 5
Outstanding tax and housing value
Clinton County features the second-lowest effective tax rate at 0.942% and a cost score of 77.4, with median home values of $192,800 and rents of $893/month. These metrics create exceptional buying power and leave more money in residents' pockets for savings or investment.
4 / 5
Income potential trails state and national peers
Clinton County's income score of 27.9 reflects median household income of just $68,125, limiting earning potential and career growth opportunities compared to stronger-performing counties. Data on schools, safety, health, and environmental conditions remain limited, preventing full livability assessment.
5 / 5
Ideal for retirees and remote workers seeking value
Clinton County is perfect for retirees living on fixed incomes, remote workers earning elsewhere, or anyone prioritizing maximum tax savings and affordable housing over wage growth. If you can secure income outside the local job market, Clinton's cost structure is nearly unbeatable for Midwest living.
Clinton County leads affordability metrics nationwide
Clinton County's composite score of 70.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 41%, ranking it among America's most livable counties by value. Its tax and housing scores rival the nation's most affordable regions, making it exceptionally attractive to cost-conscious families.
Outperforms Ohio's statewide average
Clinton County scores 70.6 against Ohio's average of 68.8, placing it in the upper tier of the state's county performance. This consistent strength across affordability metrics makes it one of Ohio's better values for families and retirees.
Outstanding tax and housing value
Clinton County features the second-lowest effective tax rate at 0.942% and a cost score of 77.4, with median home values of $192,800 and rents of $893/month. These metrics create exceptional buying power and leave more money in residents' pockets for savings or investment.
Income potential trails state and national peers
Clinton County's income score of 27.9 reflects median household income of just $68,125, limiting earning potential and career growth opportunities compared to stronger-performing counties. Data on schools, safety, health, and environmental conditions remain limited, preventing full livability assessment.
Ideal for retirees and remote workers seeking value
Clinton County is perfect for retirees living on fixed incomes, remote workers earning elsewhere, or anyone prioritizing maximum tax savings and affordable housing over wage growth. If you can secure income outside the local job market, Clinton's cost structure is nearly unbeatable for Midwest living.
Score breakdown
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🏛75.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Clinton County's effective tax rate of 0.942% sits slightly above the national median of 0.84%, placing it in roughly the 50th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,816 trails the national median of $2,690 by nearly $900, reflecting an overall favorable tax environment.
Among Ohio's most affordable counties
Clinton County's effective rate of 0.942% ranks below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, positioning it among the state's more tax-friendly jurisdictions. The median tax bill of $1,816 sits $329 below Ohio's median, offering homeowners meaningful savings.
Southwestern Ohio's bargain jurisdiction
Clinton County's 0.942% rate is among the lowest in southwestern Ohio, trailing only Carroll County's 0.967% across eastern and central counties. It sits dramatically below neighboring Clark County at 1.246% and Butler County at 1.239%.
What $192.8K home costs annually
A homeowner with a median-valued property of $192,800 in Clinton County pays approximately $1,816 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that obligation rises modestly to $1,891.
Even low-tax counties merit appeals
Clinton County's favorable tax climate shouldn't discourage homeowners from verifying their assessment accuracy—overassessment can occur anywhere. Comparing your assessed value against recent neighborhood sales may reveal opportunities for appeal and additional savings.
Clinton County slightly above national affordability norm
Clinton County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national 15% affordability threshold, indicating housing stress that's slightly more pronounced than typical American counties. With a median household income of $68,125—substantially below the national average of $74,755—Clinton residents stretch tighter budgets to cover housing costs.
Mirrors Ohio's statewide affordability challenge
Clinton's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio nearly equals Ohio's 15.6% state average, placing it squarely at the heart of the state's housing affordability baseline. At $893 median rent, Clinton sits just 2% above the state average, reflecting typical Ohio housing pressures.
Middle ground in regional affordability spectrum
Clinton's 15.7% ratio and $893 rent position it between affordability leaders like Carroll County (14.5%, $780) and affordability-stressed counties like Clark County (16.6%, $840). For relocators, Clinton offers a moderate option without the extreme cost relief or extreme pressures found in neighboring counties.
Housing consumes 15.7% of Clinton incomes
Clinton County renters spend approximately $893 monthly on a median household income of $68,125, leaving moderate room for other expenses and savings. Homeowners pay around $979 in monthly mortgage costs, while the median home value of $192,800 remains accessible for households near the county median.
Clinton offers typical Ohio housing trade-offs
If you're relocating to Ohio and earning near $68,000, Clinton County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio represents a typical affordability scenario—not dramatic relief but sustainable housing costs. Compare against nearby Carroll County's superior 14.5% ratio or Clermont County's stronger incomes to identify your best relocation fit.
Clinton County's median household income of $68,125 falls 8.9% short of the national median of $74,755, placing it slightly below the U.S. average. This modest gap reflects a mixed economy of agriculture, manufacturing, and retail employment.
Slightly below Ohio average
At $68,125, Clinton County essentially matches Ohio's county median of $68,101, sitting right at the state average. This centering suggests Clinton has typical earning power for rural and semi-rural Ohio.
Middle ground regionally
Clinton's $68,125 trails neighboring Champaign County ($74,239) but exceeds Carroll County ($64,675) and Clark County ($60,846). Clinton occupies the middle tier within its peer counties, neither leading nor significantly lagging.
Manageable housing costs
Clinton County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% remains below the 30% affordability threshold, and median home values of $192,800 are accessible on median incomes. Housing affordability does not pose acute pressure on household budgets.
Build steady savings habits
Clinton households earning $68,000 should establish automated savings plans and contribute consistently to retirement accounts. Even setting aside 10-15% of gross income creates meaningful wealth accumulation over decades.
Clinton County life expectancy below national mark
At 73.0 years, Clinton County residents live 0.5 years below the U.S. average of 73.5 years. With 20.4% reporting poor or fair health—below the national average of 21%—the county shows mixed health signals despite lower-than-average perceived health decline.
Modestly below Ohio state average lifespan
Clinton County's 73.0-year life expectancy falls 1.8 years short of Ohio's state average of 74.8 years, placing it in the lower half statewide. Its 20.4% poor/fair health rate is closer to state norms, suggesting moderate health challenges.
Lower outcomes than most nearby counties
Clinton County's 73.0-year life expectancy trails Champaign (75.7) by 2.7 years and underperforms Butler (75.4) and Carroll (75.0) significantly. However, its 5.9% uninsured rate is the best in the region, below the state average of 7.5%.
Strong providers and exceptional mental health access
Clinton County has 62 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—above regional average—and a remarkable 341 mental health providers per 100,000, the highest of any county reviewed. With only 5.9% uninsured, residents benefit from excellent coverage to access these services.
Use robust mental health resources to improve outcomes
Clinton County's exceptional mental health provider network is a unique strength that can help address health challenges; make sure you're insured to access it. Check healthcare.gov to confirm coverage and connect with primary care and behavioral health providers in your area.
Clinton County's composite risk score of 34.00 sits well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" disaster risk designation. This favorable position reflects reduced exposure to most major natural hazards.
Well below Ohio's average
Clinton County scores 34.00 against Ohio's state average of 55.03, placing it firmly in the lower-risk tier of Ohio counties. Residents enjoy substantially more favorable natural disaster exposure than the statewide norm.
Among the region's safest counties
Clinton County's 34.00 score is lower than Coshocton County (49.08) and marginally higher than Champaign County (26.75). This positioning makes it one of the most secure communities in its region.
Earthquake and tornado are modest concerns
Clinton County's highest hazards are earthquake risk (65.43) and tornado risk (55.50), both remaining below state medians. Flood risk (44.66) and hurricane risk (35.34) pose minimal threat.
Standard insurance provides solid protection
Clinton County's low-risk profile means standard homeowner's insurance covers most scenarios without specialized add-ons. Maintaining a basic emergency kit and knowing your community's weather alert systems ensures readiness.