CountyScore

Delaware County

Ohio · OH

#83 in Ohio
59.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Delaware County, Ohio

Delaware Crosses National Threshold

Delaware County scores 55.4 on the composite index, just above the national median of 50.0 and in the top half nationally. The score reflects a bifurcated profile: high incomes offset by higher housing costs.

Below Ohio Average Despite Affluence

At 55.4, Delaware ranks below Ohio's state average of 68.8 and falls in the lower half of Ohio's 88 counties. The gap signals that wealth and livability do not always align in this county.

Highest Incomes by Far

Delaware's median household income of $130,088 is nearly double most other counties here, with an income score of 68.3—by far the highest in the group. This affluence enables access to premium schools, services, and amenities.

Costs and Taxes Erode Value

Median home values reach $419,500 and rent averages $1,433/month—both the highest in this group—while the tax score of 56.0 reflects a 1.644% effective rate. High costs and moderate tax burden mean the county suits only those with six-figure incomes.

Premium County for the Affluent

Delaware County suits high-income professionals and executives seeking suburban amenities and top schools near urban centers. While expensive and taxed moderately, it appeals to those for whom cost is secondary to quality and prestige.

Score breakdown

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

Tax56Cost51.8SafetyComing SoonHealth84.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome68.3Risk21.3WaterComing Soon
🏛56
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼68.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤84.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡21.3
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 Delaware County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Kodiak Island Borough
Alaska
59.9
Median income: $83,716
Stanislaus County
California
59.9
Median income: $79,661
Anne Arundel County
Maryland
59.9
Median income: $120,324
Oklahoma County
Oklahoma
59.9
Median income: $65,374
Burnet County
Texas
59.9
Median income: $77,158

Deep Dives

Delaware County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Delaware County

via TaxByCounty

Delaware taxes modestly above national median

At 1.644%, Delaware's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.54%, positioning the county in the upper-middle range nationally. The median property tax of $6,896 nearly triple the national median of $2,690, driven by Delaware's notably higher home values of $419,500.

Delaware ranks high among Ohio counties

Delaware's 1.644% effective rate substantially exceeds Ohio's state average of 1.148%, ranking among Ohio's higher-tax jurisdictions. At $6,896 in median property taxes, Delaware homeowners pay more than three times the state average of $2,145, reflecting the county's prosperous real estate market.

Delaware taxes premium properties

Unlike more modest neighboring counties, Delaware's median home value of $419,500 dramatically exceeds Crawford ($123,600) and Defiance ($150,900). This premium market commands higher absolute tax bills, though Delaware's 1.644% rate is comparable to regional peers.

What a Delaware homeowner pays

On the median Delaware home valued at $419,500, homeowners pay approximately $6,896 per year in property taxes—roughly $575 monthly. For mortgaged properties with escrow arrangements, the annual cost rises to $7,152, reflecting the substantial value and corresponding tax obligations.

High-value homes benefit most from appeals

In a high-wealth county like Delaware, even a small percentage overassessment translates to thousands in annual tax overpayment. A successful property tax abatement appeal could recover significant savings—making professional review worthwhile for premium properties.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Delaware County

via CostByCounty

Delaware's wealth masks housing cost realities

Delaware County's median household income of $130,088 nearly doubles the national average, yet renters still spend 13.2% of income on rent at the higher rents of $1,433 monthly. For homebuyers, the median home value of $419,500 consumes substantial monthly costs, but the county's exceptional incomes keep affordability ratios manageable.

Ohio's wealthiest county with premium housing

Delaware County ranks as Ohio's most affluent county with incomes 75% above the state average, supporting housing costs that far exceed state medians. Rents run 64% higher than Ohio's state average at $1,433 monthly, and median home values are 2.4 times the state-typical home price.

Dramatically pricier than surrounding counties

Delaware's $1,433 monthly rent is nearly double Darke County's $747 and 43% higher than Fairfield County's $1,114, reflecting its status as Ohio's most expensive housing market. The median home value of $419,500 is 2.4 times higher than Crawford County's $123,600.

High costs supported by exceptional incomes

A typical Delaware County renter earning $130,088 annually pays $1,433 monthly in rent, consuming just 13.2% of gross income—the same affordability ratio as much poorer counties, thanks to extraordinary incomes. Homeowners commit $1,991 monthly to properties averaging $419,500, reflecting the county's status as a premium residential market.

Delaware for high-earning relocators only

Delaware County's exceptional affordability ratios mask absolute costs that dwarf other Ohio counties—this is a market for affluent relocators, not budget-seekers. If you're earning six figures and seeking Ohio's best schools, jobs, and amenities, Delaware's housing premium reflects its value proposition.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Delaware County

via IncomeByCounty

Delaware County far exceeds national average

Delaware County's median household income of $130,088 towers 74% above the national median of $74,755, making it one of America's wealthiest counties. The $55,333 income advantage reflects a highly educated, affluent suburban population.

Wealthiest county in Ohio

Delaware County's median household income of $130,088 nearly doubles Ohio's state average of $68,101, dominating the statewide income rankings. Per capita income of $59,581 far surpasses the state average of $35,642.

Delaware vastly outearns regional peers

Delaware County ($130,088) earns dramatically more than nearby Fairfield ($87,069), Cuyahoga ($62,823), and all other counties in this analysis. The $43,000+ income gap from the second-highest county reflects Delaware's status as Ohio's premier affluent region.

Wealth enables strategic homeownership

Despite a median home value of $419,500, Delaware County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.2% remains manageable, reflecting the county's exceptional earning power. Households can comfortably afford premium housing while maintaining substantial discretionary income.

Delaware residents: optimize tax strategy

With median incomes of $130,088, Delaware County residents should work with financial advisors on tax-efficient investing, charitable giving strategies, and estate planning. The county's wealth opens doors to private equity, real estate portfolios, and substantial retirement contributions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Delaware County

via HealthByCounty

Delaware stands among America's healthiest

At 81.1 years, Delaware County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 79.1 years by a remarkable 2 years. With just 11.9% of residents in poor or fair health—well below the national 18%—the county demonstrates exceptional population health.

Ohio's clear health performance leader

Delaware's 81.1-year life expectancy towers 6.3 years above Ohio's 74.8-year state average, ranking the county among the healthiest in the state. Only 11.9% report poor or fair health, dramatically outperforming the broader state.

Outlier with superior health outcomes

Delaware's 81.1-year life expectancy far exceeds all nearby counties—Defiance (76.2 years), Fairfield (76.4 years), and others pale in comparison. The county represents an exceptional regional health outlier, suggesting distinct socioeconomic and healthcare advantages.

Excellent coverage and provider availability

Delaware's 4.0% uninsured rate ranks lowest among these eight counties, reflecting strong employment and insurance infrastructure. With 148 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Delaware offers exceptional healthcare access.

Maintain your excellent coverage

Delaware's outstanding 4.0% uninsured rate shows the power of insurance access. If your coverage has gaps, visit Healthcare.gov to explore supplemental options that protect your family's health and financial security.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Delaware County

via RiskByCounty

Delaware County faces elevated disaster risk

Delaware County scores 78.75 on the composite risk scale, earning a 'Relatively Low' rating that nonetheless exceeds national averages substantially. The county's composite score reflects significant exposure across multiple natural disaster categories.

High-risk county within Ohio

At 78.75, Delaware County's risk score substantially exceeds Ohio's state average of 55.03, placing it in the upper tier of the state's most hazard-prone counties. The county's composite risk is roughly 43% above the statewide average.

Regional risk leader among peers

Delaware County (78.75) faces considerably higher disaster risk than most nearby counties, including Crawford (35.24), Defiance (41.89), and Darke (52.67). Only Fairfield County (72.61) approaches comparable risk levels among surrounding communities.

Floods and tornadoes demand preparedness

Flood risk (86.36) and tornado risk (81.52) dominate Delaware County's natural disaster profile, both scoring in the high range. Earthquake risk (66.19) ranks third among county hazards, while wildfire (26.75) and hurricane (27.28) risks remain secondary concerns.

Invest in comprehensive flood and tornado protection

Delaware County residents should prioritize flood insurance and storm-rated safe rooms, given the county's elevated flood and tornado risks. Ensure proper drainage around foundations, install storm shutters, and secure a backup generator for extended power outages following severe weather events.

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.