countyscore
47.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 70.5Health 67.2

County Report Card

About Erie County, Ohio

Competitive Score Near National Median

Erie County scores 47.4, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced lifestyle with notable regional infrastructure strengths.

Consistent with State Standards

The county's score of 47.4 is nearly identical to the Ohio average of 48.6. It serves as a reliable representative of the state's economic and social mid-tier.

Superior Water and Strong Incomes

A high Water Score of 86.0 and an Income Score of 62.7 are the county's greatest assets. Residents benefit from a solid median household income of $68,431.

Education and Tax Limitations

The School Score of 33.6 indicates a need for further investment in local education. Additionally, the Tax Score of 22.3 reflects a higher relative burden on homeowners.

Perfect for Professionals and Retirees

Erie is a great match for those who value proximity to Lake Erie and strong healthcare access. It appeals most to individuals who are less dependent on the local school system.

Score breakdown

Tax22.3Cost40.4Safety58.2Health67.2Schools33.6Income62.7Risk38.7Water86Weather64.8
🏛22.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠40.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼62.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡58.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡38.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70.5
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

Huron County
Ohio
56.9
Ottawa County
Ohio
59.6
Sandusky County
Ohio
55.5
Lorain County
Ohio
41.7
Seneca County
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Medina County
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Crawford County
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Ashland County
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Deep Dives

Erie County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Erie County

via TaxByCounty

Erie taxes run below national average

At 1.267%, Erie's effective tax rate sits below the national median of 1.54%, positioning the county in the lower half of U.S. jurisdictions. The median property tax of $2,330 falls short of the national median of $2,690 by 13%, offering modest relief to homeowners.

Erie ranks slightly above state average

Erie's 1.267% effective rate edges above Ohio's state average of 1.148%, placing the county in Ohio's upper-middle tier. The median property tax of $2,330 exceeds the statewide average of $2,145 by 9%, reflecting Erie's moderate tax position.

Erie taxes slightly above regional peers

Compared to nearby Defiance (1.117%) and Crawford (1.221%), Erie sits in the middle with its 1.267% rate. Erie's median home value of $183,900 aligns closely with Cuyahoga, yet Erie's rate remains substantially lower—a more favorable combination.

What an Erie homeowner pays

On the median Erie home valued at $183,900, homeowners pay approximately $2,330 per year in property taxes—roughly $194 monthly. With mortgage escrow, annual costs rise modestly to $2,376, keeping Erie's burden reasonable.

Every dollar saved matters

Erie homeowners should request a property tax abatement review to ensure their assessed values align with recent comparable sales. Even modest overassessments can be corrected through the county auditor's free appeal process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Erie County

via CostByCounty

Erie County aligns closely with national affordability

Renters in Erie County spend 15.5% of their income on rent, nearly matching Ohio's state average of 15.6% and sitting close to national housing cost patterns. With a median household income of $68,431 (8% below the national average) and monthly rents of $882, Erie offers reasonably balanced housing economics.

Middle-of-pack affordability in Ohio

Erie County's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio sits right at Ohio's state average, with rents of $882 slightly above the state median of $873. This middle-tier positioning makes Erie a stable, predictable housing market without the affordability pressures of more expensive urban counties.

Slightly pricier than rural northwest Ohio

Erie's $882 monthly rent exceeds nearby Darke County ($747) and Defiance County ($826), reflecting its larger population and industrial base along Lake Erie. Home values of $183,900 position Erie between rural counties and more affluent suburban markets.

Balanced budget demands in Lake Erie region

A typical Erie County renter earning $68,431 annually pays $882 monthly in rent, consuming 15.5% of gross income, while homeowners spend $945 on $183,900 median-valued homes. These ratios allow reasonable household budget flexibility despite below-average county incomes.

Erie offers steady housing stability

If you value predictable, middle-tier housing costs without surprises, Erie County delivers reliable affordability patterns that match statewide norms. The county's Lake Erie location and industrial employment base make it an underrated option for relocators seeking stability over premium amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Erie County

via IncomeByCounty

Erie County nearly matches national income

Erie County's median household income of $68,431 sits 8.4% below the national median of $74,755, placing the county slightly below the national average. The gap reflects Ohio's regional income dynamics and manufacturing-based economy.

Slightly above Ohio average income

Erie County's median household income of $68,431 exceeds Ohio's state average of $68,101 by $330, positioning it right at the state median. Per capita income of $39,579 outpaces the state average of $35,642 by a meaningful margin.

Erie earns moderately in regional context

Erie County ($68,431) trails Defiance ($73,615) and Delaware ($130,088) but outearns Crawford ($55,477), Fayette ($60,047), and Cuyahoga ($62,823). The county's position reflects a mixed economy with manufacturing, agriculture, and lakefront communities.

Manageable housing costs in Erie

Erie County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% keeps housing costs comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, leaving room for savings. The median home value of $183,900 aligns well with the $68,431 median household income.

Erie residents: strengthen financial foundation

Erie County's household income of $68,431 supports solid retirement savings through 401(k)s and IRAs, with affordable housing freeing up money for investments. Residents should aim to build 3-6 months of emergency savings and explore diversified investment accounts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Erie County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Safety on the Lake

Erie County earns a high safety score of 98.5, indicating a very secure environment for residents and visitors. Its total crime rate of 960.1 per 100,000 is well below the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains high safety standards across 11 different reporting agencies.

Top-Tier Safety in Ohio

Erie County's total crime rate of 960.1 is much lower than the state average of 1,412.3. Its safety score of 98.5 also outperforms the Ohio average of 97.8. These numbers solidify Erie as one of the safer counties in the state.

Comparing Erie to Neighbors

Erie County's crime rate of 960.1 is lower than Crawford County's 1,106.0 and significantly lower than Cuyahoga's 2,606.5. This makes it a regional leader in public safety along the lakefront. Local residents enjoy a lower risk of crime than those in adjacent urban areas.

Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime in Erie County is remarkably low at 49.1 per 100,000, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the primary concern at 911.0 per 100,000, though still low by national standards. Most interactions in the county remain peaceful and safe.

Maintaining Erie's Safe Reputation

With a property crime rate of 911.0, residents can maintain safety with basic home security measures. Utilizing outdoor lighting and securing entry points keeps opportunistic crime at bay. Your diligence helps preserve the county's excellent 98.5 safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Erie County

via HealthByCounty

Erie approaches national health benchmarks

Erie County's 75.1-year life expectancy sits about 4 years below the U.S. average of 79.1 years. The county's 16.4% poor or fair health rate is the lowest in this profile group and beats the national average of 18%.

Above average health outcomes statewide

Erie's 75.1-year life expectancy slightly exceeds Ohio's 74.8-year state average, positioning the county in the upper tier statewide. With just 16.4% reporting poor or fair health, Erie ranks among Ohio's healthier counties.

Strong performance in regional comparison

Erie's 75.1-year life expectancy and 16.4% poor or fair health rate both exceed most regional neighbors, approaching Defiance's (76.2 years) and Fairfield's (76.4 years) outcomes. The county demonstrates solid health management for a Lake Erie region location.

Good access with reasonable coverage

Erie has 78 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and a 6.4% uninsured rate, both performing above the state average. With 282 mental health providers per 100K, the county supports robust behavioral health access.

Secure your family's coverage

Erie's 6.4% uninsured rate shows most residents have protection, but gaps remain. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 211 Ohio to ensure your household has insurance that covers your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Erie County

via SchoolsByCounty

Waterfront Education Across Ten Local Districts

Erie County hosts 27 public schools serving 12,735 students through a diverse mix of 10 districts. The infrastructure includes 12 elementary schools and 9 high schools concentrated in towns and rural areas.

Academic Challenges and Steady Local Spending

The county faces hurdles with a graduation rate of 72.0%, which falls below the national average of 87.0%. Despite these challenges, per-pupil spending of $8,085 remains slightly above the Ohio state average of $7,994.

Sandusky City and Specialized Charter Options

Sandusky City is the largest district, educating 3,185 students across 5 schools. Two charter schools also operate in the county, providing alternative options for about 7.4% of the total school facilities.

Small Town Atmosphere and Mid-Sized Schools

Seventeen schools are located in town settings, contributing to an average school size of 472 students. Sandusky High School is the largest campus with 1,004 students, followed by The Sandusky Intermediate School.

Find the Right Educational Fit in Erie

Evaluating school performance is a vital step for families moving to Ohio's North Coast. Research homes near these districts to find the best learning environment for your children’s needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Erie County

via RiskByCounty

Erie County's moderate disaster exposure

Erie County scores 61.35 on the composite risk scale, earning a 'Relatively Low' rating that slightly exceeds national averages. The county faces meaningful but manageable natural disaster vulnerability across multiple hazard types.

Above-average risk for northern Ohio

At 61.35, Erie County's risk score exceeds Ohio's state average of 55.03 by about 11%, reflecting the county's Lake Erie proximity and associated water-related hazards. The county represents moderate-to-high risk in Ohio's broader risk landscape.

Elevated risk along Lake Erie shore

Erie County (61.35) faces higher disaster risk than nearby Crawford County (35.24) and Defiance County (41.89), reflecting its lakefront location. The county's risk profile falls between rural inland counties and heavily urbanized areas like Cuyahoga County (98.00).

Tornadoes, floods, and lake-related hazards

Tornado risk (77.93) and flood risk (71.79) represent Erie County's primary concerns, both in the elevated range. Earthquake risk (62.09) and hurricane risk (49.90) add secondary layers of exposure, while wildfire risk (23.03) remains minimal.

Prioritize water and wind protection

Erie County residents should maintain comprehensive flood insurance and storm-rated windows or shutters for tornado protection. Given the county's Lake Erie proximity, ensure property drainage is adequate and consider elevation or flood-proofing for structures in vulnerable areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Erie County

via WeatherByCounty

Lake-tempered continental climate

Erie County averages 52.0°F annually, falling within the typical range for the Great Lakes region. The lake proximity helps moderate temperature swings compared to deep inland counties.

Slightly warmer than state norms

With an average of 52.0°F, Erie County is warmer than the Ohio state average of 51.5°F. It maintains a milder thermal profile than many of its northern peers.

Low precipitation near the shore

Erie County is relatively dry, receiving just 34.0 inches of annual precipitation compared to the state's 41.2 inches. It is marginally cooler than neighboring Cuyahoga County's 52.3°F average.

Comfortable summers and cold winters

Summers are among the mildest in the state, with only 9 extreme heat days and a July average of 74.7°F. Winters average 30.6°F, though specific local snowfall records for the county are currently limited.

Enjoy the mildest summer heat

With only 9 days of heat above 90°F, residents experience less extreme heat than most of Ohio. However, the 28.1°F January average requires high-efficiency home heating systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Erie County

via SoilByCounty

Standard Ohio Acidic Soil

Erie County has a soil pH of 5.93, which is very close to the state average of 5.97. This slightly acidic environment is typical for the region, though lower than the national median of 6.5.

Sandy Shores and Quick Warming

The soil is notably sandy for Ohio, containing 37.1% sand along with 39.6% silt and 18.8% clay. This higher sand content generally improves drainage and allows the soil to warm up faster in the spring.

Moderate Fertility and Capacity

The organic matter content is 3.48%, which is below the state average of 4.85%. Correspondingly, the available water capacity of 0.176 in/in is lower than the state average of 0.186 in/in.

High Permeability Prospects

Detailed drainage and taxonomic data are limited, but the 37.1% sand content suggests better-than-average permeability for the area. This makes the soil easier to work shortly after rainfall compared to heavier clay soils.

Orchards and Grapes in 6b

Situated in hardiness zone 6b, the county's lake-adjacent climate is famous for fruit production. The sandy soil mix is ideal for grapes and orchard fruits that require well-aerated roots.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Erie County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Erie's Sandy Shores

With a lawn score of 70.5, Erie County is slightly more challenging than the state average but remains well above the national median of 50.0. Its position in hardiness zone 6b benefits from the moderating effects of the lake.

Lower Heat but Less Rain

The county sees only 9 extreme heat days annually, but precipitation is lower than the state average at 34.0 inches. These conditions require careful monitoring of watering schedules to sustain the 3,338 growing degree days available.

High-Sand Content Challenges

Erie's soil features a high sand content of 37.1% and a pH of 5.93, which is slightly acidic. The sandy nature means nutrients and water may leach away quickly, so a light lime application and organic fertilizers can be very beneficial.

Preparing for Dry Conditions

The county is currently 100% abnormally dry and suffered through 26 weeks of drought over the past year. Watering in the early morning is critical here to minimize evaporation loss in the sandy, well-draining soil.

Maximize a Long Season

Kentucky bluegrass thrives here during the long growing window between the April 10 spring frost and the November 5 fall frost. Use this early start to establish deep roots before the drier summer months take hold.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Erie County's county score?
Erie County, Ohio has a composite county score of 47.4 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 Erie County rank among counties in Ohio?
Erie County ranks #53 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 Erie County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Erie County is $2,330, with an effective tax rate of 1.27%. This earns Erie County a tax score of 22.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Erie County?
The median household income in Erie County, Ohio is $68,431 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Erie County earns an income score of 62.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Erie County, Ohio a good place to live?
Erie County scores 47.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Erie 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 Erie 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.