countyscore
30.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 77Weather & Climate 64.1

County Report Card

About Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Urban Challenges Impact National Standing

Cuyahoga County earns a composite score of 30.4, trailing significantly behind the national median of 50.0. This score highlights the high costs and risks associated with this major urban hub.

Below the Ohio Average

At 30.4, the county sits well below the state average of 48.6. High tax burdens and safety concerns contribute to this lower ranking among Ohio's 88 counties.

Superior Water Quality and Health Services

Access to clean water is a primary asset, earning a high Water Score of 86.0. The Health Score of 56.8 also reflects the county's proximity to top-tier medical facilities.

High Taxes and Environmental Risk

A Tax Score of 2.5 and an effective tax rate of 2.085% represent a heavy burden for residents. The county also faces a low Risk Score of 2.0, indicating vulnerability to various hazards.

Best for Urban Professionals Seeking Amenities

Cuyahoga suits residents who value cultural infrastructure and world-class healthcare over low taxes. It is a hub for those willing to trade affordability for major metropolitan benefits.

Score breakdown

Tax2.5Cost24Safety11.9Health56.8Schools49.4Income47.6Risk2Water86Weather64.1
🏛2.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠24
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼47.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤56.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77
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 →
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Nearby counties

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41.7
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Deep Dives

Cuyahoga County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cuyahoga County

via TaxByCounty

Cuyahoga taxes nearly match national median

At 2.085%, Cuyahoga's effective tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 1.54%, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $3,819 exceeds the national median of $2,690 by 42%, making Cuyahoga a notably higher-tax jurisdiction.

Cuyahoga ranks among Ohio's highest

Cuyahoga's 2.085% effective rate ranks among the highest in Ohio, significantly above the state average of 1.148%. At $3,819 in median property taxes, Cuyahoga homeowners pay 78% more than the statewide average of $2,145.

Cuyahoga stands out regionally

While neighboring counties like Erie (1.267%) and Defiance (1.117%) maintain modest tax rates, Cuyahoga's 2.085% rate substantially exceeds theirs. This premium reflects both Cuyahoga's higher median home values ($183,200) and its reliance on property tax revenue for municipal services.

What a Cuyahoga homeowner pays

On the median Cuyahoga home valued at $183,200, homeowners pay approximately $3,819 per year in property taxes—roughly $318 monthly. With a mortgage escrow arrangement, the annual cost rises to $4,055, reflecting the county's premium tax burden.

High taxes make appeals worthwhile

Given Cuyahoga's elevated tax burden, a property tax abatement appeal offers substantial savings potential. Many county residents who successfully challenge their assessed values recover hundreds or thousands in annual tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cuyahoga County

via CostByCounty

Cuyahoga's rent burden strains household budgets

Renters in Cuyahoga County spend 19.2% of their income on rent—well above the national average and significantly above Ohio's state average of 15.6%. With a median household income of $62,823 (16% below the national average), residents face tighter affordability constraints on both rents and ownership costs.

Among Ohio's least affordable counties

Cuyahoga County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks as one of the state's worst, reflecting the higher costs of Ohio's largest metro area. At $1,005 monthly rent and $1,156 in homeowner costs, Cuyahoga residents pay significantly above the state averages of $873 and face steeper affordability challenges.

Priced above most regional alternatives

Cuyahoga's $1,005 monthly rent substantially exceeds nearby rural and suburban counties—nearly 32% more than Crawford County's $761 and 22% more than Darke County's $747. Even compared to slightly more affluent Fairfield County, Cuyahoga renters pay $109 more monthly despite earning less on average.

Housing cost squeeze on Cleveland-area households

A typical Cuyahoga renter earning $62,823 annually pays $1,005 monthly in rent, consuming 19.2% of gross income, while homeowners commit $1,156 monthly to ownership of median-valued $183,200 homes. This housing-cost-heavy budget leaves fewer dollars for savings, childcare, healthcare, and other necessities.

Urban amenities come with affordability trade-offs

Cuyahoga offers big-city job markets and cultural resources that justify higher housing costs for many—but compare carefully to less expensive Ohio counties if cost of living is your primary concern. Residents considering relocation should weigh Cleveland's metro advantages against significant savings available in surrounding rural and suburban counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cuyahoga County

via IncomeByCounty

Cuyahoga slightly below national income

Cuyahoga County's median household income of $62,823 runs 16% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting Ohio's broader economic position. The county includes Ohio's largest metro area but still lags the nation's income profile.

Middle-income standing in Ohio

Cuyahoga's median income of $62,823 sits about $5,300 below Ohio's state average of $68,101. The county's per capita income of $41,559 exceeds the state average of $35,642, suggesting more concentrated wealth among some residents.

Cuyahoga earns less than surrounding affluent areas

Cuyahoga County ($62,823) trails affluent neighbors like Delaware County ($130,088) and Fairfield County ($87,069) by significant margins. The income spread reflects the county's economic diversity across urban Cleveland and surrounding communities.

Housing costs consume more income here

Cuyahoga's rent-to-income ratio of 19.2% is among the highest in this county group, meaning housing absorbs nearly one-fifth of median household income. Families must budget carefully to cover housing, childcare, and healthcare with a $62,823 median income.

Maximize Cleveland-area employment advantages

Cuyahoga residents should leverage the county's diverse job market to negotiate raises and seek advancement into higher-wage sectors like healthcare, finance, and technology. Building skills and exploring side income opportunities can help offset housing cost pressures.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cuyahoga County

via CrimeByCounty

Urban Challenges in Cuyahoga

Cuyahoga County reports a total crime rate of 2,606.5 per 100,000 residents, which is approximately 9% higher than the national average. Despite these figures, the county maintains a safety score of 95.9. This score reflects the complexity of managing safety across 66 different reporting agencies.

Cuyahoga vs. Ohio Averages

The county's crime rate of 2,606.5 per 100,000 is notably higher than the Ohio state average of 1,412.3. Its safety score of 95.9 falls below the state average of 97.8. These statistics highlight the unique safety demands of Ohio's most populous metropolitan area.

Regional Crime Comparisons

Cuyahoga's crime rate of 2,606.5 is higher than nearby Erie County's rate of 960.1. While it faces more frequent incidents than its rural neighbors, its safety score remains relatively high at 95.9. Law enforcement efforts across the region's 66 agencies work to address these urban-specific trends.

Violent vs. Property Crime

The violent crime rate stands at 580.4 per 100,000, which exceeds the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 2,026.1 incidents per 100,000 people. This breakdown suggests that property-related offenses are the primary driver of local crime statistics.

Prioritizing Urban Home Security

With a property crime rate of 2,026.1, Cuyahoga residents benefit significantly from active home monitoring systems. Implementing visible security cameras and reinforced locks can deter potential property theft. Staying vigilant helps protect your assets in this busy metropolitan corridor.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cuyahoga County

via HealthByCounty

Cuyahoga health slightly above average

Cuyahoga County's life expectancy of 75.4 years sits just below the U.S. average of 79.1 years, with a 19.5% poor or fair health rate that's comparable to national patterns. The county's health profile reflects modest but measurable health status challenges.

Outperforming Ohio average on longevity

At 75.4 years, Cuyahoga's life expectancy exceeds Ohio's 74.8-year state average. The county's 19.5% poor or fair health rating performs better than several peer counties, positioning it above the state middle tier.

Urban advantage drives provider access

With 111 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 510 mental health providers per 100K, Cuyahoga dramatically outpaces rural neighbors like Crawford (36 primary care providers). This urban concentration of healthcare infrastructure supports better health outcomes across the region.

Strong access with few uninsured

Just 7.0% of Cuyahoga residents lack health insurance—matching Ohio's state rate and reflecting strong coverage infrastructure. The county's abundant primary and mental health providers mean most residents can access care relatively quickly.

Make sure you stay covered

Cuyahoga's low uninsured rate shows insurance works. If you're uninsured or underinsured, check Healthcare.gov or call 211 Ohio to confirm your coverage aligns with your healthcare needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cuyahoga County

via SchoolsByCounty

Ohio’s Largest and Most Diverse School Infrastructure

Cuyahoga County operates a massive network of 349 schools serving over 161,500 students across 110 districts. This system includes 198 elementary schools and 65 high schools to accommodate its dense population.

High Investment Amidst Urban Academic Challenges

The county spends $9,586 per pupil, significantly exceeding the Ohio average of $7,994. However, the 82.1% graduation rate trails the national average of 87.0%, reflecting the complex challenges of a large metropolitan region.

Cleveland Municipal and Extensive Charter Options

Cleveland Municipal is the largest district, overseeing 95 schools and 33,866 students. Charter schools play a major role here, representing 21.8% of all institutions and serving thousands of families.

A Mix of Suburban Scale and City Schools

The county features 200 suburban and 147 city schools, with an average enrollment of 470 students. Large campuses like Berea-Midpark High School and Strongsville High School each host more than 1,800 students.

Find Your Home in a Diverse Educational Landscape

With 110 districts to choose from, Cuyahoga County offers an unparalleled variety of educational environments. Research homes near top-performing suburban districts to ensure a bright future for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cuyahoga County

via RiskByCounty

Cuyahoga County faces elevated disaster risk

Cuyahoga County scores 98.00 on the composite risk scale, earning a 'Relatively High' rating that significantly exceeds national and state averages. This major population center experiences multifaceted natural disaster exposure requiring serious preparation.

Ohio's highest-risk major county

Cuyahoga County's 98.00 score far surpasses Ohio's state average of 55.03, making it one of the state's most disaster-prone areas. The county's risk is nearly 78% higher than the statewide average, driven by urban density and geographic factors.

Risk stands out in northeast Ohio

Cuyahoga County (98.00) faces substantially higher disaster risk than nearby Erie County (61.35) and significantly exceeds most other surrounding counties. Its proximity to Lake Erie and urban infrastructure creates distinct vulnerability patterns compared to adjacent areas.

Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes converge

Tornado risk (98.98), flood risk (98.73), and earthquake risk (89.60) represent Cuyahoga County's primary hazards—all scoring in the high range. This combination of threats demands comprehensive preparation; wildfire risk (56.87) adds an additional layer of concern for county residents.

Multiple insurance policies offer crucial protection

Cuyahoga County residents should maintain robust flood insurance, homeowners coverage, and consider earthquake insurance for complete protection. A basement shelter or safe room rated for tornado winds is strongly recommended given the county's extreme tornado risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cuyahoga County

via WeatherByCounty

A temperate humid continental climate

Cuyahoga County maintains an annual average temperature of 52.3°F, placing it near the national median for temperate zones. This humid continental climate experiences distinct seasonal shifts typical of the American Midwest.

Warmer than the Ohio average

The county's average temperature of 52.3°F is higher than the Ohio statewide average of 51.5°F. It remains one of the milder northern counties despite its reputation for harsh lakefront conditions.

Milder than its western neighbors

Cuyahoga is slightly warmer than neighboring Erie County, which averages 52.0°F. While its 37.2 inches of annual precipitation is lower than the state average, it serves as a transitional zone for lake-effect weather.

Heavy snow and moderate summers

Winters are defined by a significant 63.8 inches of annual snowfall and an average winter temperature of 31.6°F. Summers remain manageable with only 11 extreme heat days peaking above 90°F.

Prepare for serious lake-effect snow

Residents must prioritize high-quality snow removal gear to manage nearly 64 inches of accumulation. HVAC systems should be ready for 11 days of extreme heat, though the July average of 74.4°F is relatively mild.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cuyahoga County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in the Urban Core

Cuyahoga County features a fairly acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.51. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and falls below the Ohio state average of 5.97.

High Silt and Sand Composition

The soil mix is dominated by 48.1% silt and 29.4% sand, with 18.4% clay rounding out the profile. While specific texture data is limited, the high silt content generally provides a smooth, workable medium for urban landscapes.

Exceptional Urban Organic Matter

Organic matter is a standout feature here at 6.02%, far surpassing the state average of 4.85%. Despite the high organic content, the available water capacity matches the state average exactly at 0.186 in/in.

Urban Drainage Considerations

Specific drainage class and taxonomic data are limited for this county, but the 18.4% clay content suggests moderate natural permeability. Urban gardeners should test local spots to ensure adequate drainage before planting.

Greening the Lakefront in 6b

Located in hardiness zone 6b, the county's high organic matter is ideal for intensive raised-bed gardening. The slightly warmer lake-effect climate allows for a long growing season for leafy greens and perennials.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cuyahoga County

via LawnByCounty

Lakeside Living for Easier Lawns

Cuyahoga County earns a 77.0 lawn difficulty score, placing it slightly above the Ohio state average of 76.0. The temperate conditions of hardiness zone 6b make lawn care here far more predictable than the national median of 50.0.

Temperate Climate Near the Lake

The county receives 37.2 inches of annual rain and experiences only 11 extreme heat days, which is lower than the state average of 15. This milder summer helps keep cool-season grasses from scorching during the 3,343 growing degree days.

Managing Acidic Soil Conditions

The soil pH averages 5.51, indicating acidic conditions that typically require lime amendments to reach the ideal 6.0 threshold. While drainage data is limited, the 18.4% clay content suggests a lighter soil structure that is less prone to heavy compaction.

Consistent Moisture Throughout the Year

The area is currently 100% free of drought conditions, following a year with only 7 weeks of moisture stress. Homeowners can maintain this health by mulching grass clippings back into the turf to help preserve soil moisture during dry spells.

Plan for a Long Season

Perennial ryegrass and fine fescues are excellent choices for the 6b zone and the local cooling lake breezes. With the last frost occurring April 20 and the first frost not until November 12, you have a generous window for seeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cuyahoga County's county score?
Cuyahoga County, Ohio has a composite county score of 30.4 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 Cuyahoga County rank among counties in Ohio?
Cuyahoga County ranks #86 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 Cuyahoga County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Cuyahoga County is $3,819, with an effective tax rate of 2.08%. This earns Cuyahoga County a tax score of 2.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cuyahoga County?
The median household income in Cuyahoga County, Ohio is $62,823 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cuyahoga County earns an income score of 47.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cuyahoga County, Ohio a good place to live?
Cuyahoga County scores 30.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #86 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Cuyahoga 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 Cuyahoga County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.