countyscore
46.8
County Score
Lawn Care 86.5Soil Quality 74.9Disaster Risk 66

County Report Card

About Clinton County, Ohio

Clinton County Approaches National Median

Clinton County earns a composite score of 46.8, coming close to the national median of 50.0. It maintains a consistent profile that reflects many American rural-suburban hybrid areas.

Consistent with Ohio Averages

The county's score of 46.8 aligns almost perfectly with the Ohio state average of 48.6. It represents the quintessential Ohio experience with stable metrics across the board.

Environmental Resilience and Income

The county earns a solid risk score of 66.0, indicating it is relatively protected from natural disasters. Residents also benefit from a respectable income score of 62.1.

Balancing Living Costs

A cost score of 37.9 highlights that housing is becoming less affordable relative to local wages. Renters face a median gross rent of $893, which creates pressure on household budgets.

Steady Choice for Middle-Income Earners

Clinton County is best for individuals looking for a low-risk environment with steady employment. It provides a reliable, middle-of-the-road lifestyle with few extreme drawbacks.

2040608010042.237.940.950.950.862.16662.861.6Tax42.2Cost37.9Safety40.9Health50.9Schools50.8Income62.1Risk66Water62.8Weather61.646.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Clinton County DNA

Foverall

How Clinton County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Clinton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (66/100) but notably weak in Safety (40.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
42.2-9.799999999999997
Cost
37.9-10.100000000000001
Safety
40.9-14.100000000000001
Health
50.9
Schools
50.8
Income
62.1+11.100000000000001
Risk
66+19
Water
62.8
Weather
61.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$192,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$893/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$192,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,125/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

38.1

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
Compare Clinton County with Dillingham Census Area →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Highland County
Ohio
53.4
Fayette County
Ohio
40.4
Warren County
Ohio
47.3
Greene County
Ohio
37.9
Clermont County
Ohio
45.9
Clark County
Ohio
32.3
Brown County
Ohio
58.4
Pike County
Ohio
50.9

Deep Dives

Clinton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Clinton County

via TaxByCounty

Clinton County offers below-average taxes

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clinton County

via CostByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clinton County

via IncomeByCounty

Clinton nears national standard

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clinton County

via CrimeByCounty

Clinton County maintains steady safety

Clinton County achieves a safety score of 97.9, outperforming the national benchmark of 2,385.5 total crimes per 100K. The local crime rate sits at a manageable 1345.2 per 100K.

Aligned with Ohio's safety standards

The county's safety score of 97.9 is nearly identical to the Ohio state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1345.2 is also slightly better than the statewide average.

Mid-range crime levels for the region

Clinton County is safer than Butler County, but has a higher crime rate than neighboring Clermont. Its 126.0 violent crime rate is among the lower figures for this part of the state.

Theft accounts for most local reports

Property crime sits at 1219.2 per 100K, representing the vast majority of local law enforcement activity. Violent crime is less frequent, occurring at a rate of 126.0 per 100K.

Focus on residential theft prevention

Preventing property crime should be the primary focus for local homeowners. Simple habits like locking vehicles and using porch security cameras can effectively deter opportunistic thieves.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Clinton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Clinton County's Integrated School System

Clinton County manages 16 public schools that serve a total of 7,099 students across four districts. The system is comprised of six elementary, four middle, and five high schools, plus one specialized facility. This structure provides a clear and connected educational path for the county's student population.

Surpassing State and National Benchmarks

The county reports a strong 90.3% graduation rate, comfortably beating the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 88.3%. Local districts achieve these results with an efficient per-pupil expenditure of $7,332. With a school score of 54.4, the county remains closely aligned with the state average for quality.

District Leadership in Wilmington and Beyond

Wilmington City is the largest district in the county, operating five schools for 2,223 students. The educational landscape is entirely comprised of traditional public schools, with no charter schools currently in operation. Other key contributors include East Clinton Local and Blanchester Local, each serving over 1,200 students.

Town and Country Educational Settings

The county's schools are split between town locales and rural settings, offering a quintessential small-town feel. The average school size is 444 students, with Clinton-Massie Elementary serving as the largest single school at 863 students. This smaller scale allows for closer community ties within the local school buildings.

Find a Home in a Strong School District

Clinton County offers an attractive blend of high graduation rates and a cozy, small-town atmosphere. Families often look for homes near Wilmington or the Clinton-Massie area to take advantage of the localized school pride. Explore the area today to find a home near these successful public districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clinton County

via RiskByCounty

Clinton County has low natural disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Clinton County

via WaterByCounty

Reliable Drinking Water with Rare Violations

Clinton County holds a Grade B for its drinking water systems, recording only one health violation in five years. At a rate of 4.8 violations per 100,000 people, it is much safer than the state average of 32.9. Residents can generally trust the consistency of their public water supply.

Local Watersheds Meet Federal Standards

Assessments of three water bodies in the 2022 cycle found zero impairments within Clinton County. These waterways currently satisfy the requirements of the Clean Water Act. This baseline indicates that local environmental protections are successfully maintaining surface water quality.

Significant Gaps in Local Water Monitoring

Clinton County has a very limited monitoring presence, with only one recorded site in the federal portal. This single station provided just 14 measurements over the last five years, focusing only on physical characteristics. The lack of data makes it difficult to assess broader trends in local water quality.

Limited Live Stream Data for the County

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing live data for Clinton County. Without active gauges, it is difficult to determine real-time flow conditions or how they compare to historical means. Residents should look to neighboring counties for general regional trends.

Advocate for Better Local Water Data

While drinking water compliance is good, the lack of monitoring sites and streamflow gauges means the county is flying blind on environmental trends. Consider supporting initiatives to expand local water quality testing to better protect your future supply. If you use a private well, regular independent testing is highly recommended given the sparse public data.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clinton County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate and Consistently Moist

Clinton County’s 52.3°F average temperature sits right at the national median for temperate climates. It combines moderate heat with a significant 42.8 inches of annual precipitation.

Above Average State Warmth

At 52.3°F, Clinton is warmer than the state average of 51.5°F. It also receives about 1.6 inches more annual precipitation than the typical Ohio county.

Cooler Summers Than Butler

While Butler County swelters with 32 extreme heat days, Clinton enjoys a milder summer with only 13 days over 90°F. However, it sees much more snow than Butler, averaging 22.8 inches compared to Butler's 9.7.

Snowy Winters and Mild Summers

Winter brings 22.8 inches of snow and a January average of 28.7°F. Summers are pleasant with a July average of 73.4°F, though the humidity stays high with 42.8 inches of annual rain.

Prepare for Winter Snow

The nearly 23 inches of annual snow requires reliable snow tires or a sturdy shovel. Because extreme heat is less common here than in neighboring counties, focus your home upgrades on winter insulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clinton County

via SoilByCounty

Clinton’s Reliable Alfisol Profile

Clinton County features Alfisols with a pH of 6.37, beating the state average of 5.97. This profile sits very close to the national median of 6.5, ensuring most nutrients remain chemically available to plants.

The Ideal Silt Loam Blend

Composed of 57.4% silt and 20.3% clay, the soil forms a productive silt loam. The 22.3% sand component ensures enough pore space for air to reach plant roots, a critical factor for crop health.

Top-Tier Water Retention

Clinton County boasts a high water capacity of 0.214 in/in, outperforming the Ohio average of 0.186. While organic matter is lower than the state average at 2.28%, the soil's ability to hold water makes it highly resilient.

Excellent Drainage for Agriculture

The soil is classified as well drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This is the gold standard for farming and building, as it prevents waterlogging while still supporting deep root systems.

Zone 6b Growth Potential

With its well-drained silt loam and 6b hardiness zone, Clinton County is perfect for deep-rooted crops like fruit trees and sunflowers. This soil is ready for a high-performance garden with minimal effort.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clinton County

via LawnByCounty

Ohio's Gold Standard for Lawns

Clinton County stands out with an exceptional lawn difficulty score of 86.5, one of the best in the state. This Zone 6b region is significantly easier to manage than the national average and the Ohio state average of 76.0. It provides an elite environment for those looking to maintain a pristine, lush lawn.

Favorable Temperatures and Ample Rain

The county enjoys 42.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is ideal for maintaining moisture without saturation. Even better, it only averages 13 extreme heat days, which is lower than the state average and helps prevent summer dormancy. This combination creates a stress-free environment for cool-season grasses.

Solid Loam and Perfect Drainage

The well-drained silt loam in Clinton County features a 6.37 pH, which is near-perfect for grass health. With 20.3% clay and 22.3% sand, the soil offers a balanced structure that promotes deep root systems. This foundation is a primary reason why the county's lawn score is so impressively high.

Consistent Moisture All Year

With only 5 weeks in drought over the last year and current status at 0%, Clinton County lawns are rarely under moisture stress. The well-drained soil ensures that when heavy rains do come, they don't drown the grass. Homeowners can largely rely on natural rainfall, using irrigation only during the hottest weeks.

Prime Seeding Conditions in Zone 6b

This is an ideal area for high-quality turf-type tall fescues and bluegrass blends. The growing window is generous, starting after the April 20 last frost and continuing through the October 22 first frost. With such high environmental scores, your lawn is likely to be the envy of the neighborhood with just basic care.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clinton County's county score?
Clinton County, Ohio has a composite county score of 46.8 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 Clinton County rank among counties in Ohio?
Clinton County ranks #56 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 Clinton County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Clinton County is $1,816, with an effective tax rate of 0.94%. This earns Clinton County a tax score of 42.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clinton County?
The median household income in Clinton County, Ohio is $68,125 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clinton County earns an income score of 62.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clinton County, Ohio a good place to live?
Clinton County scores 46.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Clinton 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 Clinton 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.