countyscore
48
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 67.3Lawn Care 66

County Report Card

About Gallia County, Ohio

Affordable Living Near the Median

Gallia County earns a composite score of 48.0, sitting just below the national median of 50.0. It remains a strong contender for residents seeking an affordable lifestyle.

Staying Competitive in Ohio

The county score of 48.0 is nearly on par with the Ohio state average of 48.6. It holds its own against much wealthier counties by maintaining low overhead costs.

Clean Water and Low Costs

The county shines with a water score of 86.0 and a cost score of 67.3. Residents enjoy a low 1.001% effective tax rate and median rents of only $798.

Economic and Educational Gaps

Income and school scores both sit at a low 28.6, indicating room for growth. The median household income of $56,455 lags significantly behind more urban counties.

The Budget-Conscious Retreat

This county is perfect for retirees or remote workers who value natural resources and low expenses. It is the top choice for those who prioritize affordability over local high-wage jobs.

Score breakdown

Tax37.9Cost67.3Safety55.3Health37.9Schools28.6Income28.6Risk51.7Water86Weather57.3
🏛37.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡55.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤37.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓28.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡51.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨50.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Gallia County?

Many homeowners in Gallia County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Gallia County with Santa Rosa County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Santa Rosa County
Florida
Median income: $88,968
48
Power County
Idaho
Median income: $59,760
48
Kankakee County
Illinois
Median income: $68,325
48
Winona County
Minnesota
Median income: $70,198
48
Custer County
Montana
Median income: $63,585
48
Bergen County
New Jersey
Median income: $123,715
48
Oconee County
South Carolina
Median income: $60,193
48
Clarke County
Alabama
Median income: $49,167
48.1

Nearby counties

Mason County
West Virginia
68
Lawrence County
Ohio
53.2
Jackson County
Ohio
49.8
Cabell County
West Virginia
41.6
Meigs County
Ohio
51.3
Putnam County
West Virginia
65
Vinton County
Ohio
48.2
Jackson County
West Virginia
61.8

Deep Dives

Gallia County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gallia County

via TaxByCounty

Gallia offers lowest tax burden nationally

Gallia County's effective tax rate of 1.001% sits above the national median of 0.95%, but the median property tax of just $1,351 ranks among the lowest in America—less than half the national median of $2,690. This reflects both lower rates and modest home values.

Among Ohio's most tax-friendly counties

Gallia's rate of 1.001% falls slightly below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, making it one of the more affordable counties in the state. The median tax of $1,351 is 37% below Ohio's $2,145 state median.

Gallia leads rural Ohio in tax savings

At $1,351, Gallia's median tax is the lowest among comparable rural counties, including Guernsey ($1,561) and Hancock ($1,966). Rural Appalachian Gallia offers notably lower property tax burden than state averages.

Median home costs just $1,351 yearly

A typical Gallia County home valued at $135,000 generates approximately $1,351 in annual property taxes—among the lowest in Ohio. Mortgaged homes may see slightly higher taxes at $1,619 due to escrow adjustments.

Low taxes don't mean skip appeals

Even with modest tax bills, overassessments happen—and a $100 error is still real money. Gallia County homeowners should verify their assessed value matches recent comparable sales to ensure accuracy.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gallia County

via CostByCounty

Gallia County: cheap rents, low wages

Gallia County residents spend 17.0% of income on rent, above the national 15.6% average, despite median rents of just $798. The challenge here isn't housing cost per se but depressed incomes: the median household earns $56,455, nearly $18,000 below the national average.

Below-average income, above-average burden

Gallia County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% exceeds Ohio's 15.6% state average, placing it among the state's less affordable counties despite cheap rents. The median income of $56,455 is Ohio's lowest among these eight counties.

Cheapest rent, but tightest squeeze

Gallia County offers some of the region's cheapest rent at $798 monthly, lower than Guernsey County ($803) and comparable to Fulton County ($832). However, its depressed median income of $56,455 means housing still consumes a larger share of household earnings than in wealthier neighbors.

Low cost masks income problem

Renters here spend $798 monthly against median income of $56,455, consuming 17% of earnings; homeowners pay $688 for 14.6% of income. While housing costs appear affordable in absolute dollars, the real squeeze comes from limited local earning potential.

Gallia suits remote workers seeking value

Gallia County excels for remote workers or retirees whose income isn't tied to local employment, offering rock-bottom housing costs. However, job seekers dependent on local wages should carefully assess Gallia's limited economic opportunities before relocating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gallia County

via IncomeByCounty

Gallia earns 25% below U.S. average

Gallia County's median household income of $56,455 falls $18,300 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower quartile of American counties. This income gap reflects an economy shaped by rural industry and lower-wage sectors.

Among Ohio's lowest-income counties

At $56,455, Gallia County ranks in the bottom quarter of Ohio's 88 counties, trailing the state average of $68,101 by $11,646. Per capita income of $30,683 also falls well below the state average of $35,642, signaling structural economic challenges.

Peers share rural income struggles

Gallia County's $56,455 income closely matches Guernsey County ($55,756) across the state, though both substantially lag Geauga County ($100,783) to the north and Greene County ($85,218) to the west. These income gaps reflect the divide between rural southeastern Ohio and more prosperous urban and suburban corridors.

Modest housing offers some relief

Gallia County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% is favorable relative to its low median income, because housing costs remain modest at a median home value of $135,000. However, the county's lower incomes mean less financial cushion for emergencies, healthcare, or education expenses beyond housing.

Strategic saving starts small, compounds big

Even in a lower-income county like Gallia, households can build wealth through consistent, modest savings—starting with just $50 or $100 monthly into a high-yield savings account or low-cost index fund. Over decades, small disciplined contributions compound significantly, especially when paired with employer retirement plans or tax-advantaged accounts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gallia County

via CrimeByCounty

Gallia County Boasts High National Safety

Gallia County reports 1,017.9 crimes per 100,000 residents, a figure far lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 98.4 out of 100. Residents benefit from a community that is statistically much safer than the average American county.

Ranked Above the Ohio Safety Average

Gallia County is safer than the typical Ohio county, with a safety score of 98.4 compared to the state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1,017.9 per 100,000 is roughly 28% lower than the state average. This strong performance shows local law enforcement's effective community presence.

Local Safety Comparison

Gallia County's crime rate is similar to Fulton County's 1,007.0 but significantly better than Hancock County's 1,402.7. It offers a much higher safety score than more populous neighbors like Greene or Hamilton counties. This makes it a standout for security in its region of Ohio.

Property vs. Violent Crime in Gallia

Property crime accounts for 864.2 incidents per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 153.7. Both categories remain below national benchmarks, with violent crime less than half the national average. These numbers reflect a peaceful community where personal safety is high.

Proactive Home Security in Gallia

Most local crime involves property, so residents should focus on securing valuables and outdoor equipment. Installing a basic alarm system or doorbell camera can significantly reduce the risk of theft. Staying connected with neighbors is another effective way to keep Gallia County safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Gallia County

via HealthByCounty

Gallia County faces significant health headwinds

Gallia County's life expectancy of 71.7 years trails the U.S. average by 4.4 years, making it one of Ohio's shortest-lived counties. With 20.5% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county faces stubborn health inequities reflective of rural Appalachian Ohio.

Gallia ranks near Ohio's health bottom tier

At 71.7 years, Gallia County's life expectancy falls 3.1 years below Ohio's average of 74.8 years, signaling substantial population health challenges. The county's 20.5% poor/fair health rate ranks among the worst in the state, indicating chronic disease burden and unmet healthcare needs.

Gallia struggles among Appalachian peers

Gallia County's 71.7-year life expectancy ranks worst among comparable rural Ohio counties, lagging Guernsey County's 72.5 years and far behind Greene County's 77.3 years. Despite robust mental health provider capacity (518 per 100K), the county's 76 primary care providers per 100K cannot fully address Appalachian health crises.

Insurance gaps persist in Gallia County

Gallia County's 8.3% uninsured rate exceeds Ohio's average by 0.8 percentage points, leaving roughly 1,500 county residents without health coverage. Limited primary care (76 per 100K) and patchy mental health access force residents to travel for care, compounding rural health disadvantages.

Find affordable health coverage in Gallia

With 8.3% of Gallia County uninsured, exploring coverage options is critical to improving health outcomes. Contact the Gallia County Health Department or visit healthcare.gov to qualify for Medicaid expansion or marketplace subsidies tailored to rural incomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Gallia County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Localized System in Southeast Ohio

Gallia County's education system includes 15 public schools serving a total enrollment of 4,652 students. The landscape is split among three main districts, providing a mix of seven elementary and five high schools.

Navigating Challenges in Graduation and Funding

The county reports an 82.0% graduation rate and a composite school score of 49.7. Per-pupil spending stands at $7,169, which is below the state average of $7,994 and the national average of $13,000.

Gallia County Local and Gallipolis City

Gallia County Local is the largest district by enrollment, serving 2,188 students across nine schools. Gallipolis City follows closely, anchored by Gallia Academy High School's 481 students.

Rural Schools with a Community Core

Nearly every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a consistent and familiar educational environment. With an average school size of 310 students, the largest facility is the Buckeye Hills Career Center with 505 students.

Root Your Family in Gallia County

Gallia County offers a quiet, rural lifestyle centered around local school traditions. If you value a community where everyone knows your name, explore homes near Gallipolis or the surrounding local districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gallia County

via RiskByCounty

Gallia County sits near national risk average

Gallia County's composite risk score of 48.31 falls slightly below the typical U.S. county profile, indicating relatively low but not exceptional protection. The county experiences a balanced mix of hazard exposures with no single catastrophic risk dominating.

Below-average risk for Ohio

At 48.31, Gallia County scores comfortably below Ohio's state average of 55.03, positioning it as a safer-than-typical Ohio location. The county's southern Appalachian setting influences its specific hazard profile.

Similar risk to neighboring counties

Gallia County's 48.31 score aligns with nearby counties like Pike and Jackson, which also fall in the 45–55 range. Its flood risk (67.59) moderately exceeds state averages, reflecting proximity to the Ohio River and tributary systems.

River flooding represents the primary hazard

Flood risk reaches 67.59 in Gallia County, the most significant natural hazard residents face, driven by proximity to the Ohio River and creek systems. Earthquake risk (43.32) and hurricane risk (47.89) pose secondary but meaningful threats, while tornado risk remains relatively moderate at 26.11.

Flood insurance is strongly recommended

Given Gallia County's elevated flood risk of 67.59, residents in flood-prone areas should obtain standalone flood insurance, which is not included in standard homeowners policies. Maintaining proper drainage around your home and knowing your local evacuation routes provides additional protection against seasonal river rises.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gallia County

via WeatherByCounty

Gallia's Subtropical Reach Outpaces National Norms

Gallia County maintains an average annual temperature of 54.9°F, placing it above the national median. This humid subtropical climate experiences significantly warmer baseline conditions than most counties across the United States.

A Warm Outlier in the Buckeye State

While Ohio averages 51.5°F, Gallia is consistently warmer with its 54.9°F mean. This puts the county among the state's warmest southern locales, benefiting from Ohio River valley heat retention.

Hotter and Wetter than Northern Neighbors

Gallia receives 44.5 inches of precipitation annually, exceeding the state average of 41.2 inches. It outpaces central Ohio counties like Guernsey in both temperature and total rainfall.

Intense Summer Heat and Shifting Winters

Residents endure 32 extreme heat days over 90°F annually, significantly more than the regional average. While historical snowfall data is limited, winter temperatures typically average a brisk 34.8°F.

Prioritize Cooling and Water Management

High-efficiency HVAC systems are essential here to combat the month of 90-degree days. Homeowners should also focus on gutter maintenance to handle the county's heavy 44.5-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gallia County

via SoilByCounty

High Acidity in Gallia Soil

Gallia County has a significantly acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.26, well below the national median of 6.5. This level is also lower than the state average of 5.97, which will influence which plants can thrive without soil amendments.

Silty Texture with Low Clay

The soil is comprised of 45.5% silt and only 16.9% clay, creating a texture that is less prone to the heavy clumping found in other parts of Ohio. With 24.9% sand, the soil remains relatively loose and manageable for manual gardening.

Exceptional Organic Matter Content

Gallia boasts a massive organic matter content of 10.35%, more than double the Ohio state average. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is 0.160 in/in, suggesting that the soil does not hold moisture as well as its organic content might imply.

Managing a Low Soil Score

With a soil score of 50.4, Gallia sits below the state average of 66.0, indicating some natural limitations for intensive farming. Although specific drainage classes are not recorded, the lower water capacity suggests a need for consistent moisture management.

Zone 6b's Acid-Loving Haven

This acidic, high-organic soil is a natural fit for blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons in Zone 6b. Capitalize on the incredible organic matter by planting crops that enjoy rich, well-aerated environments.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gallia County

via LawnByCounty

High Heat Increases Gallia Maintenance Needs

Gallia County scores a 66.0 for lawn difficulty, reflecting a tougher environment than the state average. This Zone 6b county is defined by longer, hotter summers that can stress cool-season grasses.

Intense Summer Heat and Heavy Rainfall

Lawns must endure 32 extreme heat days per year, more than double the state average of 15. While 44.5 inches of annual rain provides plenty of moisture, the 3,803 growing degree days mean lawns grow fast and require frequent mowing.

Acidic Soils Need Regular Liming

With a pH of 5.26, the soil is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0 range. Adding garden lime is essential to neutralize the soil and allow your grass to actually absorb the nutrients provided by fertilizers.

Currently Saturated but Historically Stable

The county currently reports 0% drought coverage and only saw 4 weeks of drought in the past year. This consistent moisture is a huge asset, provided your soil has the capacity to drain heavy rains.

Heat-Hardy Blends Perform Best

Choose heat-tolerant tall fescue blends to withstand the 32+ days of 90-degree weather. The growing season typically kicks off after the last frost on April 18, making late April an ideal time to start.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gallia County's county score?
Gallia County, Ohio has a composite county score of 48 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 Gallia County rank among counties in Ohio?
Gallia County ranks #49 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 Gallia County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Gallia County is $1,351, with an effective tax rate of 1.00%. This earns Gallia County a tax score of 37.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gallia County?
The median household income in Gallia County, Ohio is $56,455 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gallia County earns an income score of 28.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gallia County, Ohio a good place to live?
Gallia County scores 48/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Gallia 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 Gallia 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.