countyscore
49.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 73.6Lawn Care 67.3Disaster Risk 66.5

County Report Card

About Fulton County, Ohio

Meeting the National Median

Fulton County posts a composite score of 49.8, placing it right at the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced quality of life that reflects the typical American experience.

Outperforming the State Average

With its 49.8 score, the county exceeds the Ohio state average of 48.6. This performance makes it a competitive leader among its regional peers.

Economic Stability and Good Schools

The county boasts an income score of 73.6 and a school score of 64.7. These metrics are supported by a strong median household income of $72,866.

Infrastructure and Tax Pressure

Water quality is a notable concern with a score of just 11.8. Furthermore, the tax score of 19.5 suggests that the 1.334% effective tax rate is relatively high for the area.

The Family-First Suburban Haven

Fulton County is ideal for families who prioritize quality education and climate resilience. It appeals to those seeking a steady income in a traditional Midwestern setting.

Score breakdown

Tax19.5Cost41.8Safety56Health62.3Schools64.7Income73.6Risk66.5Water11.8Weather53.8
🏛19.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠41.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼73.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡56
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡66.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧11.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67.3
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

Williams County
Ohio
58.5
Henry County
Ohio
53.4
Lenawee County
Michigan
40.3
Hillsdale County
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Defiance County
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Lucas County
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Wood County
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Paulding County
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Deep Dives

Fulton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Fulton County

via CrimeByCounty

Fulton County Stays Below National Crime Trends

Fulton County maintains a total crime rate of 1,007.0 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 98.4, indicating a very secure environment for residents. This score places Fulton well above the national baseline for public safety.

Exceeding Ohio's Average Safety Standards

Fulton County's safety score of 98.4 sits comfortably above the Ohio state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1,007.0 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the state's average of 1,412.3. These metrics highlight the county's success in managing local crime relative to its peers.

Fulton County Maintains Regional Safety Edge

Compared to nearby Hancock County, which has a crime rate of 1,402.7 per 100,000, Fulton County is notably safer. It also outperforms Hamilton County's much higher crime rate in southern Ohio. This makes Fulton one of the more stable areas in the northern part of the state.

Breaking Down Fulton's Crime Profile

The county reports a violent crime rate of 124.4 and a property crime rate of 882.6 per 100,000 residents. Both figures remain well below national averages, particularly property crime which is less than half the national rate. Local law enforcement manages six reporting agencies to maintain these controlled numbers.

Stay Vigilant in Fulton County

With property crime representing nearly 90% of local incidents, securing your residence is a top priority. Use deadbolts and ensure all entry points are well-lit to prevent burglary. Even in safe counties, proactive home security remains the best defense against property loss.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Fulton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strong Rural Roots and Focused Districts

Fulton County serves 7,145 students through a streamlined system of 22 public schools across seven districts. The infrastructure consists primarily of eight elementary and seven high schools, maintaining a traditional educational ladder.

High Graduation Rates Outpace State Averages

Students here excel with a 91.4% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national 87% benchmark. The county achieves a 57.0 school score while spending $8,274 per pupil, showing a strong return on local investment.

Wauseon and Evergreen Lead the Way

Wauseon Exempted Village is the largest district, managing four schools and 1,737 students. Unlike more urban counties, Fulton has zero charter schools, keeping the focus entirely on its seven traditional local districts.

Small-Town Feel in Every Classroom

Education here is deeply rooted in rural and town locales, with 20 of the 22 schools located in these settings. The average school size is a modest 357 students, with Evergreen Elementary being the largest at 573 students.

Settle into Fulton’s High-Performing Districts

For families seeking high graduation rates and a close-knit community feel, Fulton County is a top contender. Check out residential options near Wauseon or Archbold to join these successful school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Fulton County

via WeatherByCounty

A chilly northern boundary climate

Fulton County records an annual average temperature of 49.2°F, making it one of the cooler counties in the nation. It experiences long winters and shorter, mild summers.

One of the coldest in Ohio

The county's 49.2°F average is well below the Ohio state average of 51.5°F. It consistently ranks as one of the coldest regions in the state throughout the year.

Colder and drier than neighbors

Fulton is colder than neighboring Defiance County, which averages 50.2°F. It receives 35.0 inches of precipitation annually, which is roughly six inches less than the state average.

Deep winters and mild summers

Winters are cold with an average temperature of 26.9°F and 26.8 inches of annual snowfall. Summers are the coolest in this group, with a July average of only 72.3°F and 13 heat days.

Prioritize home heating and insulation

Residents face a January average of just 24.3°F, requiring robust heating systems. While snowfall is moderate at 26.8 inches, the persistent cold makes winter weatherization essential.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fulton County

via SoilByCounty

Fulton County's Sandy Ground

Fulton County maintains a pH of 6.31, which is notably more neutral than the typical Ohio average of 5.97. This pH level is near the national median of 6.5, making it well-suited for a broad variety of crops without heavy modification.

A Sand-Dominant Soil Mix

Unlike many neighboring counties, Fulton is 53.2% sand, providing excellent workability and rapid drainage. The mix includes 27.4% silt and 17.5% clay, resulting in a lighter soil texture that warms up quickly in the spring.

Solid Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter sits at 4.04%, more than doubling the national average of 2.0%. However, the high sand content leads to an available water capacity of 0.167 in/in, which is lower than the state average and may require more frequent watering.

Fast Drainage Challenges and Benefits

While specific drainage classes are unlisted, the high sand percentage implies rapid water movement through the soil profile. The overall soil score of 65.3 is very close to the state average of 66.0, indicating reliable agricultural potential.

Early Season Growth in Zone 6a

The sandy nature of Zone 6a soil in Fulton County is perfect for root vegetables like carrots and potatoes that prefer loose earth. Start your seeds early, as these sandy soils lose frost faster than heavier clay-based soils nearby.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fulton County

via LawnByCounty

A More Challenging Climate for Fulton Lawns

Fulton County earns a lawn difficulty score of 67.3, making it harder to maintain than the state average of 76.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 6a, gardeners here must work harder to overcome drier-than-average conditions compared to their southern neighbors.

Lower Precipitation Demands Careful Irrigation

With only 35.0 inches of annual precipitation, lawns here receive less water than the 41.2-inch state average. The shorter growing season and 2,856 growing degree days mean a narrower window for establishing new turf before the winter chill.

Sandy Soil Requires Extra Nutrient Management

The soil contains 53.2% sand, which leads to fast drainage but may cause nutrients to leach away quickly. Maintaining a healthy lawn requires frequent organic amendments to boost moisture retention in this sandy profile.

Severe Drought Challenges Local Turf

Fulton County faces significant water stress, with 67.8% of the area currently in severe drought (D2+). Lawns have weathered 30 weeks of drought in the last year, making water conservation and dormant-season care critical.

Drought-Tolerant Species Are Key

Fine fescues are well-suited for the sandy soil and 6a zone found here. Plan your planting around the typical last frost of April 29 to ensure young grass survives the spring transition.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fulton County's county score?
Fulton County, Ohio has a composite county score of 49.8 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 Fulton County rank among counties in Ohio?
Fulton County ranks #42 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 Fulton County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Fulton County is $2,348, with an effective tax rate of 1.33%. This earns Fulton County a tax score of 19.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fulton County?
The median household income in Fulton County, Ohio is $72,866 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fulton County earns an income score of 73.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fulton County, Ohio a good place to live?
Fulton County scores 49.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Fulton 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 Fulton 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.