CountyScore

Fulton County

Ohio · OH

#44 in Ohio
68.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Fulton County, Ohio

Fulton County ranks solidly above national median

Fulton County's composite score of 67.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 73rd percentile nationally. The county demonstrates above-average livability compared to most American counties, offering genuine quality-of-life advantages.

Nearly matches Ohio's state average

Fulton County scores 67.0, just slightly below Ohio's state average of 68.8, placing it just outside the top tier of Ohio counties. The county remains competitive statewide, offering livability that meets or slightly trails the typical Ohio experience.

Excellent affordability and low taxes

Fulton County excels with a cost score of 77.7—its strongest dimension—backed by impressively low housing costs with median rent of just $832 monthly and home values at $176,000. The effective tax rate of 1.334% ranks among Ohio's lowest, making this county exceptionally budget-friendly.

Income growth lags behind housing value

The income score of 31.0 with a median household income of $72,866 represents the county's main limitation, falling short of what many households might expect. Safety, health, schools, and environmental assessments remain unavailable, leaving gaps in the complete livability assessment.

Perfect for frugal families seeking rural comfort

Fulton County appeals most to families and retirees prioritizing low housing costs and minimal tax burden over higher incomes. The county's affordability makes it ideal for those with fixed incomes or seeking to stretch their dollars furthest.

Score breakdown

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

Tax64.7Cost77.7SafetyComing SoonHealth71.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome31Risk66.5WaterComing Soon
🏛64.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡66.5
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 Fulton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Houston County
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Median income: $57,531
Pope County
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68.1
Median income: $54,606
Summit County
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Median income: $106,255

Deep Dives

Fulton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Fulton County

via TaxByCounty

Fulton taxes slightly below national average

Fulton County's effective tax rate of 1.334% sits above the national median of 0.95%, but the median property tax of $2,348 falls below the national median of $2,690. This reflects Fulton's lower median home value of $176,000 compared to the national norm.

Middle-of-the-road for Ohio counties

Fulton's rate of 1.334% exceeds Ohio's state average of 1.148%, placing it in the upper-middle tier statewide. The median tax of $2,348 is 9% higher than Ohio's $2,145 state median.

More affordable than affluent counties

Fulton's $2,348 median tax is notably lower than wealthy suburbs like Geauga ($4,533) and Franklin ($4,110), but slightly higher than rural Hancock ($1,966). Fulton occupies the middle ground in northwest Ohio's tax landscape.

Median home costs $2,348 yearly in taxes

A typical Fulton County home valued at $176,000 generates approximately $2,348 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related adjustments, the bill may edge to $2,364.

Check your assessment regularly

Property reappraisals happen every six years in Ohio—and many homeowners find their assessed values inflated. Requesting a reassessment or filing an appeal through Fulton County's Board of Revision costs nothing and could save hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fulton County

via CostByCounty

Fulton County offers housing relief

Fulton County residents spend just 13.7% of income on rent, beating the national average of 15.6% by nearly 2 percentage points. This rural Ohio county delivers genuinely affordable housing relative to what Americans typically pay.

Ohio's most affordable county option

Fulton County ranks among Ohio's most affordable counties with a rent-to-income ratio of 13.7%, well below the state average of 15.6%. At $832 monthly rent, it undercuts the state median by $41.

Rural affordability at its best

Fulton County's $832 median rent is the lowest among neighboring counties, undercutting Hancock County ($926) and substantially below Franklin County ($1,233). The county offers rural calm with wallet-friendly housing—a rare combination in Ohio.

Rent takes just over a tenth of income

Against a median household income of $72,866, Fulton County renters pay $832 monthly and homeowners $1,037, consuming roughly 14% and 17% of income respectively. This leaves households more breathing room for other essentials compared to state and national averages.

Consider Fulton for maximum affordability

Job seekers prioritizing affordability should seriously evaluate Fulton County, where housing costs rank among Ohio's lowest. Verify local job availability in your field, but if remote work or regional employment fits, this county delivers exceptional housing value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fulton County

via IncomeByCounty

Fulton lags U.S. median by 2.5%

Fulton County's median household income of $72,866 trails the national median of $74,755 by approximately $1,889, placing it just below the U.S. average. Despite this modest gap, the county's earnings remain solidly middle-class and reflect a stable, working economy.

Strong position in Ohio rankings

Fulton County's $72,866 median income runs $4,765 above Ohio's state average of $68,101, positioning it in the top third of counties statewide. Per capita income of $37,936 also exceeds the state average of $35,642, demonstrating broad-based earning strength across the workforce.

Outearns Hancock, rivals Franklin

Fulton County's $72,866 income edges past Hancock County ($69,699) by $3,167 and nearly matches Franklin County ($73,795) just to the south. The county ranks as an income hub in northwest Ohio, ahead of both Gallia and Guernsey counties to the southeast.

Housing costs are very manageable

Fulton County's rent-to-income ratio of just 13.7% is among Ohio's lowest, meaning housing consumes less than one-seventh of household income. With a median home value of $176,000—well below the state median—homeownership and affordability align favorably for residents.

Low housing costs unlock savings

Fulton County's exceptional 13.7% rent-to-income ratio frees up significant cash—roughly $8,000 annually for a typical household—that can flow into savings, investments, or retirement accounts. This cost advantage makes Fulton an ideal place to build wealth systematically through regular investment contributions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Fulton County

via HealthByCounty

Fulton County leads Ohio's longevity gains

Fulton County's life expectancy of 76.4 years ranks above both Ohio and national averages, though the county's 20% poor/fair health rate suggests ongoing population health challenges. This gap between longevity and self-reported health points to residents living with chronic conditions rather than dying younger.

Fulton County ranks high for life span

At 76.4 years, Fulton County's life expectancy exceeds Ohio's average of 74.8 years by 1.6 years, placing it among the state's top performers. However, the county's 20% poor/fair health rate mirrors state trends, indicating good longevity alongside significant self-reported health struggles.

Rural Fulton outpaces life expectancy neighbors

Fulton County's 76.4-year life expectancy ranks highest among northern Ohio counties, beating Geauga (80 years is an outlier) and Hancock County (76.1 years). The county's lower provider densities—38 per 100K for primary care—reflect rural constraints common to northwest Ohio.

Fulton leads Ohio on insurance coverage

At 6.2% uninsured, Fulton County outperforms Ohio's state average of 7.5%, meaning most residents carry health coverage despite rural challenges. However, the county's sparse primary care network (38 per 100K) and modest mental health providers (157 per 100K) create access barriers for those with coverage.

Secure health coverage in rural Fulton County

Though Fulton County has strong insurance enrollment at 93.8%, uninsured residents should act quickly to close coverage gaps. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore marketplace plans and Medicaid eligibility in your rural area.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fulton County

via RiskByCounty

Fulton County enjoys below-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 33.56, Fulton County ranks among the safest counties nationally, well below the typical U.S. profile. This very low risk rating reflects manageable hazard exposure across most disaster categories.

Among Ohio's safest counties

Fulton County's score of 33.56 sits well below Ohio's state average of 55.03, placing it in the lower tier of state risk. The county's rural character and location help minimize exposure to multiple hazard types.

Lower risk than most surrounding areas

Fulton County's 33.56 score outperforms most neighboring counties, including Hancock (54.07) and Henry County to the west. Its relatively protected position reflects lower flood and tornado vulnerability compared to central Ohio counties.

Tornado and earthquake present modest concerns

Tornado risk registers at 66.92 and earthquake risk at 58.68 in Fulton County—elevated above some peers but manageable compared to state averages. Flood risk (41.73) and wildfire risk (8.14) remain well-controlled, reflecting the county's northwestern location and landscape.

Standard homeowners insurance generally sufficient

Fulton County's low overall risk profile means most residents can rely on standard homeowners policies for primary protection. However, a basement safe room or above-ground storm shelter remains prudent given tornado exposure, and reviewing earthquake coverage is wise for peace of mind.

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.