Fairfield County

Ohio · OH

#69 in Ohio
63.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Fairfield County, Ohio

Fairfield Exceeds National Median

Fairfield County scores 65.2 on the composite index, above the national median of 50.0 and in the top 50th percentile nationally. The score reflects moderate livability in a growing suburban region.

Slightly Below Ohio State Average

At 65.2, Fairfield ranks just below Ohio's state average of 68.8, placing it in the lower-middle tier of Ohio's 88 counties. Growth pressures appear to limit its competitive standing relative to rural counties.

Rising Incomes and Tax Efficiency

Fairfield's median household income of $87,069 and income score of 40.2 rank high in this group, reflecting suburban growth and development. The tax score of 70.0 and effective rate of 1.147% provide reasonable tax relief.

Rising Housing Costs Squeeze Value

Median home values at $272,200 and rent at $1,114/month represent substantial increases, driving a cost score of only 67.8—lower than rural counties. Housing affordability erosion reflects suburban sprawl and proximity to Columbus.

Suburban Spillover for Growing Families

Fairfield suits middle-to-upper-income families seeking suburban growth communities and proximity to Columbus without urban density. Rising costs reflect development momentum, making it ideal for those with stable six-figure incomes tolerating modest housing inflation.

Score breakdown

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

Tax70Cost67.8SafetyComing SoonHealth72.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome40.2Risk27.4WaterComing Soon
🏛70
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠67.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼40.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
72.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
27.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Fairfield County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Fairfield County

via TaxByCounty

Fairfield taxes run below national median

At 1.147%, Fairfield's effective tax rate sits just below the national median of 1.54%, placing the county near the middle nationally. The median property tax of $3,123 exceeds the national median of $2,690 by 16%, primarily due to Fairfield's higher median home value of $272,200.

Fairfield essentially matches state average

Fairfield's 1.147% effective rate nearly mirrors Ohio's state average of 1.148%, positioning the county precisely at Ohio's median tax burden. The median property tax of $3,123 exceeds the statewide average of $2,145 by 45%, reflecting Fairfield's more valuable properties.

Fairfield represents moderate prosperity

Fairfield's median home value of $272,200 substantially exceeds less prosperous neighboring counties but falls short of Delaware's $419,500. At 1.147%, Fairfield's tax rate aligns with modest regional peers while serving a more affluent population.

What a Fairfield homeowner pays

On the median Fairfield home valued at $272,200, homeowners pay approximately $3,123 per year in property taxes—roughly $260 monthly. With mortgage escrow, annual costs rise to $3,163, remaining affordable given the county's property values.

Assessment accuracy protects savings

Fairfield residents should verify their property's assessed value against recent neighborhood sales through a free abatement appeal. In a growing county, assessments may lag behind actual market conditions—a review could reveal savings.

Cost of Living in Fairfield County

via CostByCounty

Fairfield's affluence keeps housing affordable

Fairfield County's median household income of $87,069 runs 16% above the national average, making its 15.3% rent-to-income ratio exceptionally manageable despite monthly rents of $1,114. The county exemplifies how strong incomes can accommodate higher absolute housing costs while maintaining healthy affordability ratios.

Best affordability among Ohio's prosperous counties

Fairfield County ranks in Ohio's upper tier for both income and affordability, with household earnings 31% above the state average and a rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% (just below the state average). Renters pay $241 more monthly than Ohio's median rent, but high incomes make this difference negligible.

Premium prices with income to match

Fairfield's $1,114 monthly rent and $272,200 median home value exceed most surrounding counties but pale against Delaware County's costs. The county's $87,069 median income ranks second only to Delaware among regional peers, justifying its status as a prosperous suburban market.

High income absorbs premium housing costs

A typical Fairfield County renter earning $87,069 annually pays $1,114 monthly in rent, consuming just 15.3% of gross income, while homeowners commit $1,334 to $272,200 median-valued properties. The county's above-average incomes make these costs feel manageable within household budgets.

Fairfield rewards higher-earning relocators

Fairfield County's combination of strong local job markets, quality schools, and reasonable affordability ratios appeals to professionals earning above-average incomes. If you're relocating with household income above $80,000, Fairfield's prosperity and stability make it worth careful consideration.

Income & Jobs in Fairfield County

via IncomeByCounty

Fairfield earns well above national median

Fairfield County's median household income of $87,069 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 16.4%, placing the county well into the upper-income tier. The $12,314 advantage reflects Fairfield's affluent suburban growth corridor.

Second-highest income in Ohio counties

Fairfield County's median household income of $87,069 significantly exceeds Ohio's state average of $68,101 by nearly $19,000. The county ranks second statewide, behind only Delaware County, in household income levels.

Fairfield outearns most regional counties

Fairfield County ($87,069) trails only Delaware County ($130,088) but substantially outearns Erie ($68,431), Cuyahoga ($62,823), and Defiance ($73,615). The county's income reflects rapid suburban development and affluent commuter populations near Columbus.

Premium housing with solid affordability

Despite a median home value of $272,200, Fairfield County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% remains reasonable, reflecting strong earning power. Households can afford quality housing while maintaining healthy discretionary income for investing.

Fairfield residents: think beyond basics

With median incomes of $87,069, Fairfield County residents should maximize 401(k) contributions, explore Roth conversions, and consider taxable investment accounts for long-term wealth building. The county's affluence supports aggressive savings strategies and real estate investment opportunities.

Health in Fairfield County

via HealthByCounty

Fairfield shows solid national standing

Fairfield County's 76.4-year life expectancy falls about 2.7 years short of the U.S. average of 79.1 years. The 19.0% poor or fair health rate closely mirrors national patterns, indicating Fairfield's health status aligns with national norms.

Outperforming Ohio's health average

Fairfield's 76.4-year life expectancy exceeds Ohio's 74.8-year state average by 1.6 years, ranking the county among Ohio's healthier regions. The 19.0% poor or fair health rate places it in the middle tier statewide.

Competitive regional health profile

Fairfield's 76.4-year life expectancy matches Defiance's (76.2 years) and exceeds Darke's (75.5 years) and Crawford's (73.4 years). The county represents solid suburban health performance in the central Ohio region.

Reasonable access with strong coverage

Fairfield offers 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and a 6.1% uninsured rate, both performing above state averages. With 203 mental health providers per 100K, the county supports accessible behavioral health care.

Check and confirm your coverage

Fairfield's 6.1% uninsured rate is among the lowest here, but coverage gaps affect thousands. Visit Healthcare.gov to review your options and ensure you have the insurance you need.

Disaster Risk in Fairfield County

via RiskByCounty

Fairfield County above national risk baseline

Fairfield County scores 72.61 on the composite risk scale, earning a 'Relatively Low' rating that exceeds national averages meaningfully. The county faces elevated but manageable natural disaster exposure across multiple hazard categories.

Above-average risk for central Ohio

At 72.61, Fairfield County's risk score significantly exceeds Ohio's state average of 55.03 by about 32%. The county ranks among Ohio's higher-risk communities, driven primarily by flood and tornado hazards.

High-risk profile among peers

Fairfield County (72.61) faces higher disaster risk than most surrounding counties, though slightly lower than nearby Delaware County (78.75). The county's risk reflects its central Ohio location and exposure to tornado and flood hazards common to the region.

Floods and tornadoes dominate risk profile

Flood risk (81.81) and tornado risk (71.60) represent Fairfield County's most significant natural disaster concerns, both scoring well above state averages. Earthquake risk (57.16) poses secondary concern, while wildfire (26.30) and hurricane (29.45) risks remain minimal.

Secure comprehensive flood and wind coverage

Fairfield County residents should maintain robust flood insurance and designate or construct a basement safe room rated for tornado winds. Inspect roof attachments regularly, trim tree limbs near structures, and ensure proper property drainage to minimize water damage risk.

ByCounty Network

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