CountyScore

Cuyahoga County

Ohio · OH

#88 in Ohio
54.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Cuyahoga Ranks Above National Median

Cuyahoga County scores 55.7 on the composite index, outperforming the national median of 50.0 and landing in the top 50th percentile nationally. The county demonstrates moderate livability despite being Ohio's largest and most urbanized county.

Below Ohio's Statewide Average

At 55.7, Cuyahoga lags Ohio's state average of 68.8, placing it in the lower half of Ohio's 88 counties. The gap reflects urbanization pressures and higher costs relative to rural counterparts.

Higher Incomes Support Urban Living

Cuyahoga's median household income of $62,823 exceeds Crawford and several rural counties, enabling residents to navigate higher costs. Housing remains reasonably priced relative to similar urban counties, with a cost score of 72.6 and median rent at $1,005/month.

Taxes and Income Growth Constrain Appeal

The county's tax score of 43.6 is the lowest among these eight counties, with an effective tax rate of 2.085%—the highest in the group. Income score of 24.4 and limited data on safety, schools, and health create uncertainty about broader quality of life.

Urban Professionals Seeking Density

Cuyahoga suits professionals and urbanites who value city amenities and employment opportunities over low taxes and affordability. The higher income and urban core make it a draw for those seeking culture and services, though rising costs demand higher earning power.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax43.6Cost72.6SafetyComing SoonHealth70.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.4Risk2WaterComing Soon
🏛43.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Cuyahoga County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Monterey County
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54.9
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Miami-Dade County
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54.9
Median income: $68,694
Hillsborough County
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54.9
Median income: $100,436
Brazos County
Texas
54.9
Median income: $58,388
Jefferson County
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54.9
Median income: $59,934

Deep Dives

Cuyahoga County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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