countyscore
62.4
County Score
Safety 83.3Soil Quality 80.6Lawn Care 77.3

County Report Card

About Darke County, Ohio

Outperforming the National Median

Darke County achieves an impressive composite score of 62.4, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a highly desirable location for overall quality of life.

A Top Performer in Ohio

The county's score of 62.4 is significantly higher than the Ohio average of 48.6. It stands out as a leader in safety and educational metrics within the state.

Excellence in Safety and Education

Safety is a standout feature with a score of 83.3, while the School Score of 67.3 indicates strong community investment. Affordability is also high, with median gross rents at $747.

Managing Environmental and Tax Pressures

The Tax Score of 43.2 and Risk Score of 47.3 suggest some areas for improvement. While not critical, these scores show a moderate tax burden and average natural risk resilience.

The Gold Standard for Safe Families

Darke County is a premier choice for families seeking safe neighborhoods and solid public schools. It offers a rare combination of security and financial breathing room.

2040608010043.264.383.356.467.352.847.350.461.3Tax43.2Cost64.3Safety83.3Health56.4Schools67.3Income52.8Risk47.3Water50.4Weather61.362.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average

Darke County DNA

Doverall

How Darke County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Darke County excels in 3 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Safety (83.3/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Property Tax (43.2/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
43.2-8.799999999999997
Cost
64.3+16.299999999999997
Safety
83.3+28.299999999999997
Health
56.4
Schools
67.3+13.299999999999997
Income
52.8
Risk
47.3
Water
50.4
Weather
61.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$169,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$747/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$169,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,654/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

27.1

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
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Counties with similar scores

Pike County
Arkansas
Median income: $51,000
62.4
Crawford County
Indiana
Median income: $48,993
62.4
Buchanan County
Iowa
Median income: $78,430
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Palo Alto County
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Median income: $68,963
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Morgan County
Kentucky
Median income: $47,493
62.4
Sullivan County
Missouri
Median income: $55,500
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Hamilton County
Nebraska
Median income: $79,884
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Stokes County
North Carolina
Median income: $60,039
62.4

Nearby counties

Randolph County
Indiana
56.1
Miami County
Ohio
45.8
Mercer County
Ohio
65.5
Shelby County
Ohio
47.9
Preble County
Ohio
57.4
Jay County
Indiana
61.3
Wayne County
Indiana
55.2
Montgomery County
Ohio
29.3

Deep Dives

Darke County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Darke County

via TaxByCounty

Darke offers some of the lowest taxes

At 0.930%, Darke's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.54%, placing the county in the bottom quartile nationally. The median property tax of $1,572 is just 58% of the national median of $2,690, making Darke exceptionally affordable.

Darke ranks among Ohio's lowest

Darke's 0.930% effective rate ranks among the lowest in Ohio, falling notably below the state average of 1.148%. The median property tax of $1,572 trails the statewide average of $2,145 by 27%, reflecting both low rates and modest home values.

Darke leads the region in affordability

Neighboring Crawford (1.221%) and Defiance (1.117%) both tax at significantly higher rates than Darke's 0.930%. Among southwestern Ohio counties, Darke stands out as the most tax-favorable jurisdiction for homeowners.

What a Darke homeowner pays

On the median Darke home valued at $169,100, homeowners pay approximately $1,572 per year in property taxes—roughly $131 monthly. This modest burden makes Darke attractive for retirees and first-time buyers seeking low housing costs.

Even low-tax homes deserve review

Even in Darke's low-tax environment, overassessment occurs and property tax abatement appeals remain available at no cost. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent sales in your neighborhood, request a review from the county auditor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Darke County

via CostByCounty

Darke County offers exceptional rental affordability

Renters in Darke County spend just 13.9% of their income on rent—well below both the national average and Ohio's state average of 15.6%. With a median household income of $64,654 and monthly rents of just $747, Darke delivers some of Ohio's best rent-to-income ratios.

Among Ohio's most affordable counties

Darke County ranks in the upper tier of Ohio affordability, with its 13.9% rent-to-income ratio beating the state average by more than a full percentage point. Residents pay $126 less monthly in rent than the state median, making homeownership and renting both accessible options.

Darke undercuts surrounding county costs

At $747 monthly rent, Darke beats nearby Crawford ($761) and Defiance ($826), and its $169,100 median home value is competitive with less affluent regional neighbors. The county consistently delivers the lowest housing costs among its northwest Ohio peers.

Balanced housing affordability for both renters

A typical Darke County renter earning $64,654 annually pays $747 monthly in rent, consuming just 13.9% of gross income, while homeowners spend $816 on $169,100 median-valued properties. This affordable ratio leaves substantial room in household budgets for other essentials and savings.

Darke delivers unbeatable housing value

If low housing costs are your move metric, Darke County ranks among Ohio's smartest choices for both renters and buyers. Compare your current rent or mortgage to Darke's numbers—you're likely to find meaningful monthly savings without sacrificing access to regional jobs or services.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Darke County

via IncomeByCounty

Darke earning below national median

Darke County's median household income of $64,654 runs 13.5% below the national median of $74,755, placing the county in the lower-middle-income range nationwide. The gap reflects Ohio's manufacturing-heavy economy relative to higher-wage national sectors.

Slightly above Ohio's average income

Darke County's median household income of $64,654 exceeds Ohio's state average of $68,101 by a small margin, putting it in the middle tier statewide. Per capita income of $34,446 runs slightly below the state average of $35,642.

Darke outpaces Crawford and Fayette counties

Darke County ($64,654) earns more than Crawford ($55,477) and Fayette ($60,047) but less than Defiance ($73,615), positioning it as a mid-range income community in northwest Ohio. The $4,000+ gap from Defiance suggests regional economic variation driven by local employment.

Strong affordability for renters and homeowners

Darke County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% is among the most affordable in this group, allowing households to keep housing costs well under 30% of income. The median home value of $169,100 is accessible relative to the $64,654 median income.

Capitalize on low housing costs

Darke County's affordability frees up household dollars for savings, retirement contributions, and wealth-building investments. Residents should prioritize maxing out employer 401(k) matches and building a diversified investment portfolio with surplus income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Darke County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Darke

Darke County boasts an incredible safety score of 99.4, making it one of the most secure areas in the nation. Its total crime rate of 394.2 per 100,000 is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. Residents here live in an environment with very little criminal activity.

Leading the State in Safety

Darke County's safety score of 99.4 far exceeds the Ohio average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 394.2 is less than a third of the state's average rate of 1,412.3. These metrics establish the county as a premier example of public safety in Ohio.

Comparison with Rural Peers

Darke County outperforms many of its neighbors with a remarkably low crime rate of 394.2 per 100,000. While neighboring Fayette County reports 2,062.2, Darke remains significantly quieter. This makes it a regional standout for those prioritizing a low-crime lifestyle.

Minimal Violent Crime Levels

Violent crime is extremely rare here, with a rate of only 29.0 per 100,000 compared to the national 369.8. Property crime is also exceptionally low at 365.2 per 100,000. These numbers indicate a community where safety is the standard rather than the exception.

Maintaining a Safe Community

Even with a near-perfect safety score of 99.4, basic awareness keeps Darke County secure. Routine habits like locking vehicles and lighting porches help maintain these impressive statistics. Your proactive steps contribute to the county's reputation as a safe haven.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Darke County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Dedicated Network of Rural Public Schools

Darke County supports 8,087 students through 24 public schools distributed across 8 districts. The infrastructure is primarily composed of 8 elementary and 8 high schools, serving a largely rural population.

Stellar Graduation Rates Through Efficient Spending

The county boasts an impressive 92.5% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0%. These results are achieved with per-pupil spending of $7,949, which is just below the state average of $7,994.

Greenville City Anchors the County’s Schools

Greenville City is the largest district, educating 2,373 students across 4 schools. There are no charter schools in the county, emphasizing a strong community reliance on local districts like Versailles and Arcanum-Butler.

Personalized Learning in a Rural Setting

With 22 of the 24 schools located in rural areas, the average school size is a manageable 337 students. Greenville Elementary is the largest facility with 823 students, while many other campuses offer much smaller cohorts.

Secure a Home Near Top-Performing Rural Schools

Darke County’s high graduation rates and community-focused districts make it an attractive destination for families. Discover your next home in a community that values academic excellence and local tradition.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Darke County

via RiskByCounty

Darke County moderately below national risk

Darke County scores 52.67 on the composite risk scale, earning a 'Relatively Low' rating that reflects moderate disaster exposure. While slightly below the national average, the county still faces meaningful risks across multiple hazard types.

Below-average risk for southwest Ohio

At 52.67, Darke County scores just slightly below Ohio's state average of 55.03, indicating relatively moderate risk in state context. The county's profile reflects typical exposure patterns for rural southwest Ohio communities.

Moderate risk among western peers

Darke County (52.67) faces higher risk than nearby Fayette County (25.89) and Defiance County (41.89), but lower risk than surrounding Delaware County (78.75). The county's position in the regional risk spectrum reflects its mixed geographic and demographic characteristics.

Tornado and earthquake threats dominate

Tornado risk (81.81) and earthquake risk (80.12) represent Darke County's most significant natural disaster concerns, both scoring in the high range. Flood risk (60.11) poses a secondary threat, while wildfire risk (12.31) remains minimal.

Prioritize tornado and earthquake readiness

Darke County residents should build or designate a basement safe room rated for tornado winds and secure heavy furniture and appliances for earthquake safety. Consider earthquake insurance as a supplemental policy, alongside standard homeowners coverage and flood insurance for vulnerable properties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Darke County

via WaterByCounty

Darke County Receives Grade D for Water Quality

Darke County water systems recorded four health violations over the last five years, resulting in a Grade D rating. Despite these violations, the county rate of 16.0 per 100,000 is still lower than the Ohio state average of 32.9. These numbers suggest that while issues exist, they are less frequent than in many neighboring areas.

Clean Bill of Health for Darke Watersheds

All seven water bodies assessed during the 2022 ATTAINS cycle currently meet federal Clean Water Act standards. No impairments were identified, keeping the county in line with the state’s 0.0% impairment average for this reporting period. This indicates that the assessed streams are currently supporting their designated uses.

Limited Monitoring Footprint with Few Record Sites

Darke County has a relatively sparse monitoring presence with only five active sites in the federal Water Quality Portal. These sites generated just 198 measurements over the last five years, focusing mostly on physical and inorganic characteristics. This limited data set makes it harder to track long-term trends in water chemistry.

Greenville Creek Running Low at 61% Flow

At Greenville Creek near Bradford, the current discharge is 117 cfs, significantly lower than the long-term mean of 193 cfs. This represents just 61% of typical flow for this 193-square-mile drainage area. Lower water levels can lead to higher temperatures and lower dissolved oxygen in the creek.

Watch for Compliance Updates and Low Flows

With a Grade D compliance record, residents should stay informed about the specific causes of the four recent health violations. Low flows in Greenville Creek mean that any pollutants entering the water are less diluted than usual. Consider basic carbon filtration for tap water as a precautionary measure given the violation history.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Darke County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard temperate continental patterns

Darke County averages 51.9°F annually, aligning closely with the mid-range of the national climate distribution. This inland region experiences the full breadth of four distinct seasons.

Mirroring the state temperature average

At 51.9°F, the county sits just slightly above the Ohio state average of 51.5°F. It represents a typical temperature profile for the western part of the state.

Consistent with western Ohio neighbors

Darke County's 40.0 inches of precipitation is nearly identical to the state average of 41.2 inches. Its climate is slightly cooler than southern neighbors like Fayette County, which averages 51.8°F but sees less snow.

Moderate snow and steady heat

The region receives 26.0 inches of snow annually, with winter temperatures averaging 29.8°F. Summers bring 12 extreme heat days over 90°F, concentrated mostly in the peak of July.

Equip for standard Midwestern winters

Reliable insulation is key for the 27.0°F January lows, while 26 inches of snow requires basic clearing equipment. Residents should plan for 12 days of high heat with efficient cooling systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Darke County

via SoilByCounty

High-Scoring Agricultural Soil

Darke County boasts a soil score of 80.6, well above the state average of 66.0. Its average pH of 6.22 is closer to the national median of 6.5 than most Ohio neighbors.

Structural Stability with Clay and Silt

The soil composition is a balanced blend of 49.3% silt, 23.3% sand, and 23.3% clay. This equal parts sand and clay mixture provides a sturdy structure that resists compaction while maintaining good workability.

Deep Reservoirs for Thirsty Crops

The county features 5.07% organic matter, beating the state average of 4.85%. Its available water capacity of 0.209 in/in is significantly higher than the state average, providing a deep reservoir for crops.

Highly Productive Silty Ground

While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the high silt and clay content indicates a soil that holds moisture well. Farmers in this region benefit from some of the most productive agricultural land in the state.

A Powerhouse for Grains and Trees

Darke County is situated in hardiness zone 6a, making it a powerhouse for traditional Midwestern grain production. The superior water capacity makes this an excellent environment for establishing deep-rooted fruit trees.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Darke County

via LawnByCounty

Darke County's Stable Growing Conditions

Darke County scores a 77.3 on the lawn difficulty scale, matching the state average and beating the national benchmark of 50.0. Its position in hardiness zone 6a offers a classic Midwestern environment for healthy turf growth.

Ideal Precipitation for Green Grass

An annual precipitation of 40.0 inches provides ample hydration for the 3,360 growing degree days each season. With only 12 extreme heat days per year, the grass faces less summer stress than many other Ohio counties.

A Balanced Soil Base

The soil pH of 6.22 is perfectly situated within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most grass types. The soil composition is balanced with 23.3% clay and 23.3% sand, providing a sturdy foundation that retains moisture well.

Navigating Dry Spells

Despite its high overall score, the county faced 27 weeks of drought last year and currently sees 90.8% of its area in abnormally dry conditions. Prioritizing water conservation and allowing grass to go dormant during heat waves is essential here.

Timing Your 6a Planting

Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue are highly recommended for Darke County's balanced soil and climate. Plan your primary seeding after the last spring frost on April 21 or in the early fall before the October 20 frost date.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Darke County's county score?
Darke County, Ohio has a composite county score of 62.4 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 Darke County rank among counties in Ohio?
Darke County ranks #6 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 Darke County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Darke County is $1,572, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Darke County a tax score of 43.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Darke County?
The median household income in Darke County, Ohio is $64,654 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Darke County earns an income score of 52.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Darke County, Ohio a good place to live?
Darke County scores 62.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Darke 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 Darke County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.