countyscore
53.1
County Score
Safety 72.9Cost of Living 70Water Quality 65.1

County Report Card

About Columbiana County, Ohio

Columbiana County Beats the Median

Columbiana County earns a composite score of 53.1, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This makes it a high-value outlier in the regional landscape.

Leading the Buckeye State

With a score of 53.1, the county sits well above the Ohio state average of 48.6. It is one of the more competitive counties in the state for overall livability.

Affordability and Community Safety

The county boasts an excellent cost score of 70.0 and a safety score of 72.9. With median home values at $139,100, it is one of the most accessible areas for homebuyers.

Limited Earning Potential

An income score of 34.2 reflects a median household income of $58,474, which is lower than the state average. Residents also face some natural disaster risks, evidenced by a risk score of 31.0.

A Haven for Retirees and Remote Workers

This county is perfect for those who bring their income with them or are on a fixed budget. It offers safety and extreme affordability that is difficult to find elsewhere in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax33.2Cost70Safety72.9Health42.2Schools44.8Income34.2Risk31Water65.1Weather53.5
🏛33.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤42.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡31
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧65.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱64.9
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Columbiana County?

Many homeowners in Columbiana County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

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 Columbiana County with Charlton County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Charlton County
Georgia
Median income: $48,534
53.1
Marion County
Georgia
Median income: $50,484
53.1
Meade County
Kansas
Median income: $74,868
53.1
Jefferson Davis Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $56,500
53.1
Sierra County
New Mexico
Median income: $37,840
53.1
Franklin County
New York
Median income: $63,747
53.1
Bucks County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $111,951
53.1
Henderson County
Tennessee
Median income: $53,471
53.1

Nearby counties

Mahoning County
Ohio
38.6
Hancock County
West Virginia
67
Carroll County
Ohio
56.7
Jefferson County
Ohio
47.8
Beaver County
Pennsylvania
50.3
Lawrence County
Pennsylvania
52.2
Stark County
Ohio
38
Brooke County
West Virginia
70.7

Deep Dives

Columbiana County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Columbiana County

via TaxByCounty

Columbiana County taxes slightly above median

Columbiana County's effective tax rate of 1.070% sits above the national median of 0.84%, placing it in roughly the 52nd percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,488 trails the national median of $2,690 by over $1,200, reflecting smaller homes in the county.

Moderate burden across Ohio

Columbiana County's effective rate of 1.070% sits just slightly below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, making it a moderate-tax jurisdiction. The median tax bill of $1,488 falls $657 below Ohio's median of $2,145, reflecting lower property values in the region.

Eastern Ohio's middle-ground county

Columbiana County's 1.070% rate sits between Carroll County's bargain 0.967% and Coshocton's nearly identical 0.968%, making it slightly more expensive than its eastern neighbors. It remains well below southwestern counties like Clark County at 1.246%.

What $139.1K home costs annually

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $139,100 in Columbiana County pays approximately $1,488 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that obligation rises to $1,607.

Assessment checks apply here too

Though Columbiana County carries moderate tax rates, homeowners should still verify that their assessed values reflect current market conditions. Filing an appeal if your property is overvalued relative to recent comparable sales could yield meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Columbiana County

via CostByCounty

Columbiana delivers genuine national affordability advantage

Columbiana County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio sits nearly at the national 15% affordability standard, offering budget-conscious renters genuine relief nationwide. With a median household income of $58,474—the second-lowest among these eight counties—Columbiana's strength lies in exceptionally low rents that keep housing accessible despite below-average earnings.

Below Ohio's affordability line despite lower incomes

Columbiana's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio edges below Ohio's 15.6% state average, making it one of the more affordable Ohio counties despite lower median household income. The county's median rent of $736—the lowest here—compensates for limited wage opportunities with genuine cost relief.

Lowest rents with solid affordability

Columbiana's $736 median rent is the cheapest option among these eight counties, though its 15.1% ratio slightly trails Carroll County's exceptional 14.5%. For families prioritizing minimal monthly housing costs, Columbiana competes effectively against all regional peers, especially rural neighbors like Coshocton County.

Minimal rent burden on modest incomes

Columbiana residents spend roughly $736 monthly on rent—the county's lowest—against a median household income of $58,474, consuming 15.1% of earnings. Homeowners face similar affordability, with $751 monthly mortgage costs and a median home value of just $139,100, making homeownership realistic for entry-level buyers.

Columbiana rewards budget-first relocators

If affordability is your top priority and you're comfortable with lower wage opportunities, Columbiana County's $736 median rent is unbeatable in this region. Test your own income: at the county's $58,474 median, you'd spend just $736 on rent—compare this against neighboring counties to quantify your potential savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Columbiana County

via IncomeByCounty

Columbiana struggles nationwide

Columbiana County's median household income of $58,474 lags the national median of $74,755 by 21.8%, placing it in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties. This gap reflects the county's dependence on legacy manufacturing and limited economic diversification.

Ohio's lower tier

At $58,474, Columbiana ranks in the bottom quartile of Ohio counties, running 14.1% below the state average of $68,101. Few Ohio counties report household incomes this far below statewide norms.

Lagging peer counties

Columbiana's $58,474 underperforms most regional peers, trailing Coshocton County ($54,687) narrowly but far behind Champaign ($74,239) and Butler ($81,194). Within its cohort, Columbiana faces steeper economic headwinds than most neighbors.

Housing pressure mounting

Columbiana's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% combined with low household income creates real affordability strain, and median home values of $139,100 approach the limits of median-income purchasing power. Renters and first-time homebuyers face notable financial stress.

Focus on income advancement

Columbiana residents should pursue skills training and job advancement to close the significant income gap versus state and national peers. Even modest wage increases would unlock meaningful capacity for savings and long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Columbiana County

via CrimeByCounty

Columbiana County ranks among the safest

Columbiana County boasts a stellar safety score of 99.0 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 647.8 per 100K is less than a third of the national average.

Surpassing state-level safety benchmarks

With a safety score of 99.0, the county far exceeds the Ohio average of 97.8. The violent crime rate of 46.2 is impressively lower than the state average of 180.9.

Extremely safe compared to regional peers

Columbiana's 647.8 crime rate is lower than almost all surrounding areas, though it trails Carroll County's record low. It remains a regional leader in keeping violent crime rates down.

Violent crime is remarkably infrequent

The violent crime rate is just 46.2 per 100K, making physical crime very rare in this community. Property crime accounts for 601.6 incidents per 100K, which is still quite low.

Maintaining peace through awareness

Even in very safe areas, home security systems provide peace of mind and discourage theft. Local residents benefit from a community where violent crime is the exception, not the rule.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Columbiana County

via HealthByCounty

Columbiana County life expectancy below national average

At 74.0 years, Columbiana County residents live 0.5 years below the U.S. average of 73.5 years—a modest but meaningful gap. With 20.7% reporting poor or fair health, just below the national average of 21%, the county shows broadly typical health challenges.

Modestly below Ohio average on longevity

Columbiana County's 74.0-year life expectancy trails Ohio's state average of 74.8 years by less than a year. Its 20.7% poor/fair health rate is slightly above the state norm, indicating room for improvement.

Mid-range outcomes with coverage challenges

Columbiana County's 74.0-year life expectancy places it between stronger performers like Champaign (75.7) and weaker ones like Clark (72.3). Its 9.1% uninsured rate is the second-highest among regional peers, above the state average of 7.5%.

Limited primary care, fragmented coverage

Columbiana County has only 30 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below regional averages—and 167 mental health providers per 100,000. With 9.1% of residents uninsured, over 1 in 11 people lack health coverage, creating significant barriers to preventive and mental health care.

Coverage gaps put health at risk

Columbiana County's limited primary care network and high uninsured rate mean many residents struggle to access routine care; getting insured is essential. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local community health center to find affordable coverage and connect with available providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Columbiana County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network of Community Schools

Columbiana County supports 13,620 students through a large network of 39 public schools across 14 districts. The system is well-distributed with 13 elementary, 9 middle, and 13 high schools. This high number of districts reflects a commitment to maintaining localized, community-based education for all residents.

Steady Performance and Local Investment

The county matches the national graduation rate of 87.0% and maintains a solid school score of 53.4. Education is supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $7,678, which is nearly on par with the Ohio state average of $7,994. These metrics show a consistent investment in student outcomes across the county's many districts.

Spotlighting Salem and East Liverpool

East Liverpool City and Salem City are the two primary districts, serving 1,941 and 1,934 students respectively. The county also features two charter schools, including the Buckeye On-Line School for Success, which represents about 5% of the local school choices. Beaver Local also remains a major player with high enrollment in its elementary and middle schools.

Small Schools in a Town Setting

With 24 schools in towns and 15 in rural areas, the county offers a distinctly non-urban educational experience. The average school size is quite small at only 349 students, facilitating more personalized attention for learners. Even the largest elementary schools, like Beaver Local, keep enrollment around 638 students.

Move Closer to Community-Centered Schools

For those who value smaller school sizes and tight-knit communities, Columbiana County is an ideal choice. The variety of 14 different districts ensures that families can find a neighborhood that perfectly fits their educational preferences. Browse local listings to find your next home in this community-focused county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Columbiana County

via RiskByCounty

Columbiana County faces moderate risk exposure

Columbiana County's composite risk score of 69.05 sits above the national average, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category with meaningful natural hazard exposure. This score reflects elevated tornado and flood vulnerabilities compared to typical American counties.

Higher-risk county for Ohio

Columbiana County scores 69.05 against Ohio's state average of 55.03, ranking it among the state's higher-risk counties. This elevation particularly reflects tornado (69.97) and flood (82.16) exposure.

Riskier than nearby lower-risk counties

Columbiana County's 69.05 score exceeds Clinton County (34.00) and Coshocton County (49.08), though it remains slightly lower than Clark County (77.10). This places it in the middle-upper range of regional risk.

Floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes matter

Flood risk (82.16) and tornado risk (69.97) are Columbiana County's primary threats, while hurricane risk (59.53)—unusually high for an inland Ohio county—also warrants attention. Wildfire risk (46.76) remains moderate.

Ensure flood and tornado coverage

Columbiana County residents should verify that homeowner's insurance covers tornado and flood damage, especially given the elevated flood risk (82.16). A family emergency plan and designated safe space strengthen preparedness.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Columbiana County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Northern Temperate Zone

Columbiana County averages 49.9°F annually, making it cooler than the national median. This region experiences shorter, milder summers and more pronounced winter conditions.

Below the Ohio Temperature Average

Columbiana is notably cooler than the state average of 51.5°F. Its July average of 71.3°F is nearly 4 degrees lower than the warmest parts of southern Ohio.

The Region’s Cool Spot

Columbiana is the only county in this group with an annual average below 50°F. It feels significantly cooler than Coshocton County, which averages 51.5°F and has more consistent summer warmth.

Mild Summers and Cold Winters

The county only sees 15 days of extreme heat over 90°F, keeping summer averages at a comfortable 69.7°F. Winters are harsher, with a January average of 26.4°F and a winter-long average of 29.0°F.

Invest in Winter Preparation

While specific snowfall data is missing, the cold January temperatures suggest a need for high-performance heating. Residents can enjoy lower cooling costs during the mild summer, where temperatures rarely stay extreme.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Columbiana County

via SoilByCounty

Intense Acidity and Rich Carbon

Columbiana County soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.46, falling well below the national median of 6.5. This acidity is typical of the region's high-organic upland soils compared to the state average of 5.97.

Silt and Sand Dominance

The soil consists of 49.3% silt and 23.6% sand, with a relatively low clay content of 16.5%. This creates a friable texture that is easy to dig, though it requires care to prevent erosion.

Massive Organic Matter Reserves

At 9.29%, the organic matter content is nearly double the Ohio average of 4.85%. This massive carbon reserve provides incredible natural fertility, though the water capacity of 0.173 in/in is slightly below the state average.

High Organic Content Influences Water

While official drainage classifications are not recorded here, the exceptionally high organic matter suggests the soil acts like a sponge. Landowners should monitor for localized saturation in low-lying areas.

Vibrant Zone 6a Gardens

This acidic, organic-rich soil is a dream for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas. If you want to grow vegetables, a little lime will unlock the massive nutrient potential held in this dark, rich earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Columbiana County

via LawnByCounty

Tackling the Challenges of Columbiana

Columbiana County presents a harder challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 64.9, which is below the Ohio state average of 76.0. As a Zone 6a region, it requires more technical knowledge and maintenance than neighboring counties. Despite the challenges, it still remains easier to grow here than in many other parts of the country.

Cool Summers with a Shorter Season

The county experiences only 15 extreme heat days, matching the state average and keeping summer stress low. However, the 2823 growing degree days represent a shorter, cooler season compared to southern Ohio. Homeowners should maximize the peak growing months of May, June, and September.

Overcoming Acidic Soil Conditions

The soil pH of 5.46 is the primary hurdle here, falling well below the 6.0-7.0 ideal range for lawns. This high acidity can prevent grass from absorbing essential nutrients even if you fertilize regularly. Heavy and consistent lime applications are necessary to bring this soil into a productive state.

Navigating Pockets of Dryness

Columbiana has faced 9 weeks of drought over the last year, and 9.1% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. This vulnerability makes consistent irrigation more important here than in wetter parts of the state. Focus on building organic matter in the soil to help it retain moisture during these dry spells.

Timing a Challenging Zone 6a Start

Fine fescues are a great option for the cooler, more acidic conditions found here. Note that the last spring frost typically occurs late on May 02, so wait until mid-May for any spring seeding. Early fall is usually the most successful time to plant, provided you have corrected the soil pH first.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Columbiana County's county score?
Columbiana County, Ohio has a composite county score of 53.1 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 Columbiana County rank among counties in Ohio?
Columbiana County ranks #31 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 Columbiana County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Columbiana County is $1,488, with an effective tax rate of 1.07%. This earns Columbiana County a tax score of 33.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Columbiana County?
The median household income in Columbiana County, Ohio is $58,474 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Columbiana County earns an income score of 34.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Columbiana County, Ohio a good place to live?
Columbiana County scores 53.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Columbiana 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 Columbiana 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.