countyscore
52.2
County Score
Safety 86Lawn Care 78.9Disaster Risk 62.5

County Report Card

About Guernsey County, Ohio

Beating the National Median

Guernsey County earns a 52.2 composite score, which is higher than the national median of 50.0. It offers a quality of life that exceeds the typical American county.

Exceeding the Ohio Benchmark

The county outperforms the Ohio state average of 48.6. This indicates it is one of the more desirable and stable counties within the state's borders.

Top Safety and Cost Efficiency

Safety is a major asset with a score of 86.0, while the cost score is a solid 58.0. Residents benefit from a moderate 1.013% effective tax rate and affordable housing.

Economic and Health Limitations

The county faces hurdles in income (27.1) and health (35.5). A median household income of $55,756 suggests a more modest economic environment.

The Secure and Steady Community

Guernsey County is ideal for families or individuals who value public safety and low-cost living above all else. It is a perfect match for those seeking stability on a fixed budget.

2040608010037.2588635.53727.162.542.659.3Tax37.2Cost58Safety86Health35.5Schools37Income27.1Risk62.5Water42.6Weather59.352.2/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Guernsey County DNA

Foverall

How Guernsey County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Guernsey County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (86/100) but notably weak in Income (27.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
37.2-14.799999999999997
Cost
58+10
Safety
86+31
Health
35.5-14.5
Schools
37-17
Income
27.1-23.9
Risk
62.5+15.5
Water
42.6-15.399999999999999
Weather
59.3
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Many homeowners in Guernsey County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$154,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$803/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$154,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,756/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

23.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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 Guernsey County with Monroe County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Noble County
Ohio
70.4
Harrison County
Ohio
54.6
Coshocton County
Ohio
52.8
Muskingum County
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42.1
Tuscarawas County
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47.3
Belmont County
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58.5
Morgan County
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Monroe County
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64.8

Deep Dives

Guernsey County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Guernsey County

via TaxByCounty

Guernsey offers tax relief vs. national norm

Guernsey County's effective tax rate of 1.013% slightly exceeds the national median of 0.95%, but the median property tax of $1,561 falls 42% below the national median of $2,690. Rural Guernsey keeps tax bills modest despite above-median rates.

Below-average taxes for Ohio

Guernsey's rate of 1.013% sits below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, making it one of the more affordable counties statewide. The median tax of $1,561 is 27% lower than Ohio's $2,145 state median.

Middle ground among rural Ohio counties

Guernsey's $1,561 median tax falls between Gallia's $1,351 (lowest) and Hancock's $1,966, positioning it in the affordable tier of rural eastern Ohio. Home values averaging $154,100 keep the overall tax burden light.

Median home costs $1,561 yearly in taxes

A typical Guernsey County home valued at $154,100 generates approximately $1,561 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged homes may see modest increases to $1,659 due to escrow additions.

Even rural homeowners should verify value

Assessment errors affect all counties equally—rural Guernsey is no exception. Cross-check your assessed value against recent sales of similar properties and file an appeal if your home is overvalued relative to market comparables.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Guernsey County

via CostByCounty

Guernsey County stretches housing budgets

Guernsey County residents spend 17.3% of income on rent, above the national average of 15.6%, despite rural Ohio rents of just $803. Like nearby Gallia County, the real challenge here is depressed incomes: median household earnings of $55,756 rank among Ohio's lowest.

Rural affordability test: income matters more

Guernsey County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% exceeds Ohio's 15.6% state average, placing it among less affordable counties despite cheap rents. The median income of $55,756 is Ohio's second-lowest among these eight counties.

Cheap rent, tight squeeze

Guernsey County's $803 median rent nearly matches Gallia County's $798 and undercuts Fulton's $832, offering some of Ohio's cheapest housing. However, income levels ($55,756) are comparably depressed, making the affordability ratio still challenging.

Low rents can't overcome low wages

Renters here spend $803 monthly and homeowners $806 against median income of just $55,756, consuming 17% and 17% respectively. The absolute costs are manageable, but limited earnings make any housing expense feel substantial.

Guernsey County for remote workers only

Guernsey County's bargain rents appeal primarily to remote workers or retirees whose income arrives from outside the county. Local job seekers should carefully research Guernsey's limited employment landscape before relocating based on housing costs alone.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Guernsey County

via IncomeByCounty

Guernsey trails nation by 25%

Guernsey County's median household income of $55,756 falls $18,999 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lowest income quartile nationally. This gap reflects a rural, post-industrial economy with limited high-wage job opportunities.

Among Ohio's most economically challenged

Guernsey County's $55,756 median income ranks among Ohio's lowest, trailing the state average of $68,101 by $12,345. Per capita income of $32,089 falls short of the state average of $35,642, signaling systemic economic strain.

Mirrors rural peer Gallia County

Guernsey County's $55,756 income nearly mirrors Gallia County ($56,455) to the southwest, suggesting shared rural challenges across southeastern Ohio. Both counties lag peers like Greene ($85,218) and Geauga ($100,783) to the west and north by more than 50%.

Low housing costs provide refuge

Guernsey County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% and median home value of just $154,100 mean housing remains affordable—one of the few bright spots for residents on limited incomes. This housing affordability prevents deeper financial distress but does little to address the underlying income shortfall.

Small contributions compound over time

Guernsey County households earning $55,756 face tight budgets, but even $25 monthly ($300 yearly) into a long-term investment account grows to $18,000+ over 20 years with market returns. Prioritizing any available retirement match from employers and using low-cost index funds maximizes wealth-building potential on limited means.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Guernsey County

via CrimeByCounty

Guernsey County Earns Elite Safety Rating

Guernsey County's total crime rate of 315.1 per 100,000 is much lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5. The county maintains a high safety score of 99.5 out of 100. This makes it one of the most secure counties in the entire nation.

Outperforming the State of Ohio

With a safety score of 99.5, Guernsey County is significantly safer than the Ohio average of 97.8. Its crime rate is less than a quarter of the state average of 1,412.3. The county provides a quiet and secure alternative to Ohio's more populous regions.

One of the Safest in the Region

Guernsey County's crime rate of 315.1 is lower than both Franklin County and Hancock County. It is second only to Geauga County in this regional safety analysis. Its four reporting agencies effectively manage a very low volume of criminal activity.

Low Rates Across the Board

Violent crime is minimal at 49.5 per 100,000, and property crime is remarkably low at 265.6. These figures are a fraction of national averages, meaning the risk of being a victim is statistically very low. The county's small number of incidents points to a very stable social environment.

Securing Your Guernsey County Home

Even in an exceptionally safe county, basic precautions prevent opportunistic property crime. Keep garage doors closed and lock vehicles parked outside overnight. Maintaining these simple habits helps preserve Guernsey’s status as a top-tier safe community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Guernsey County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Districts with a Rural Focus

Guernsey County operates 16 public schools for 4,873 students across four distinct districts. The system includes seven elementary schools and four high schools serving the local community.

Closing the Gap in Graduation Rates

The county currently sees a 79.4% graduation rate, which sits below the state average of 88.3%. Despite this, the per-pupil spending of $8,042 is slightly above the state average, supporting a 50.2 composite school score.

Cambridge City and Rolling Hills

Cambridge City is the primary district, managing five schools and 1,883 students. There are no charter schools in the county, meaning education is centralized within the four traditional public districts.

An Intimate, Rural Learning Environment

Ten of the county’s schools are in rural settings, with the remaining six located in town. Classrooms feel personal with an average school size of just 305 students, and Cambridge High is the largest with 535 students.

Discover Quiet Living Near Local Schools

Guernsey County offers a slower pace of life with schools that serve as local community hubs. Explore available properties in the Cambridge or Rolling Hills districts to find your next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Guernsey County

via RiskByCounty

Guernsey County ranks among safest U.S. counties

With a composite risk score of 37.50, Guernsey County sits well below the national average, placing it in the safer tier of American counties. The county's eastern Ohio location and terrain create relatively low exposure across most hazard categories.

Below-average risk within Ohio

Guernsey County's score of 37.50 sits comfortably below Ohio's state average of 55.03, ranking it among the safer Ohio counties. The rural, eastern location insulates it from many of the natural disaster pressures affecting more populated state areas.

Among the lowest-risk counties in region

Guernsey County's 37.50 score outperforms surrounding Jefferson and Belmont Counties, which score in the 42–50 range. Its position in eastern Ohio provides protection from major flood corridors and high-frequency tornado paths.

Flood and earthquake pose modest threats

Guernsey County's flood risk reaches 58.91 and earthquake risk 38.49, both manageable compared to state and national benchmarks. Tornado risk (36.77) and hurricane risk (40.72) remain well-controlled, with wildfire risk negligible at 31.11.

Standard insurance meets most protection needs

Guernsey County's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate coverage for most residents. Homeowners in flood-prone valley areas should still consider flood insurance as a prudent addition, and a basic emergency preparedness plan ensures readiness for the modest tornado and earthquake risks the county faces.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Guernsey County

via WaterByCounty

Moderate Compliance Record for Guernsey Systems

Guernsey County holds a D grade with 8 health violations over the past five years. The violation rate of 27.6 per 100,000 people is slightly better than the Ohio state average of 32.9. While not at the bottom of the rankings, there is clear room for improvement in local system reliability.

Watershed Assessment Shows No Current Impairments

Eight water bodies were assessed in the 2022 reporting cycle, and 0.0% were found to be impaired under federal standards. These waters are successfully attaining their designated uses for the time being. This provides a positive baseline for the county's rivers and streams.

Standard Monitoring Profile Across Eight Sites

The county features 8 monitoring sites that have recorded 1,596 measurements over the last five years. The data primarily covers physical traits, inorganics, metals, and nutrients. This provides essential information for managing the quality of local water resources.

Critically Low Flow on Wills Creek

Current discharge on Wills Creek at Cambridge is just 36 cfs, representing a mere 8% of the long-term mean. This extreme low-flow condition is significantly below typical seasonal expectations for this 406 square mile drainage. This level of flow may impact local water aesthetics and ecosystem health.

Extreme Low Flow Demands Water Awareness

The D grade for compliance combined with Wills Creek flowing at only 8% of its typical volume creates a period of vulnerability for water users. Low streamflow can concentrate pollutants and strain intake systems. Residents should monitor for local water advisories and consider reducing non-essential water usage until levels recover.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Guernsey County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Continental Patterns in Appalachia

Guernsey County averages 52.7°F, sitting right in the middle of typical national weather patterns. It experiences the humid continental climate characteristic of the eastern United States.

Consistency in the Heart of Ohio

The county's 52.7°F annual temperature is just above the Ohio average of 51.5°F. Precipitation levels of 41.3 inches almost exactly match the state's typical 41.2-inch benchmark.

Warmer Summers than Eastern Peers

Guernsey experiences 18 heat days over 90°F, significantly more than neighboring Harrison County’s 6 days. It averages 17.4 inches of snow, which is less than the counties to its immediate north.

Hot July Days and Moderate Snowfall

Summer heat is noticeable with an average July temperature of 73.9°F and 18 extreme heat days. Winter stays relatively mild for the region, averaging 31.9°F from December through February.

Expect Summer Heat Spikes

Prepare for nearly three weeks of 90-degree weather by ensuring air conditioning units are serviced by June. Outdoor planning should account for a modest 17.4 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Guernsey County

via SoilByCounty

Guernsey County's Silty Profile

Guernsey County has an average pH of 5.70, which is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.97. This pH level is below the national median of 6.5, suggesting that some lime may be needed for certain garden vegetables.

High Silt, Low Sand Mix

The soil is dominated by 54.1% silt and 20.7% clay, with a relatively low sand content of 19.1%. This combination creates a dense soil that is excellent at holding minerals but can be prone to compaction if worked while wet.

Excellent Organic Reserves

The organic matter content is strong at 5.97%, beating both the national average and the state average of 4.85%. However, the available water capacity of 0.175 in/in is slightly below the state average, requiring attentive watering during peak summer.

Modest Performance Scores

Guernsey County holds a soil score of 59.9, placing it below the Ohio state average of 66.0. While specific drainage classes are not available, the silty nature and moderate water capacity indicate a need for careful soil management.

Hardy Growth in Zone 6b

The Zone 6b climate in Guernsey is well-suited for hardy perennials and traditional midwestern grains. Focus on building soil structure to make the most of your high organic matter levels.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Guernsey County

via LawnByCounty

Strong Success Rates for Guernsey Lawns

Guernsey County's score of 78.9 places it above the Ohio average for ease of lawn maintenance. This Zone 6b county provides a stable environment that is far more forgiving than the national median of 50.0.

Ideal Rainfall Supports Steady Development

Annual precipitation of 41.3 inches perfectly matches the state average and provides the steady hydration lawns need. The 3,372 growing degree days ensure that grass has enough thermal energy to recover quickly from foot traffic.

Slightly Acidic Soil Benefit from Lime

A soil pH of 5.70 suggests a slightly acidic environment that could benefit from a lime application to reach the 6.0-7.0 ideal. The soil is lower in sand at 19.1%, meaning it may hold moisture longer than more porous regions.

Low Drought Risk Preserves the Green

The county is currently drought-free and experienced only 6 weeks of drought over the previous year. This reliability makes it easier to keep your lawn green without relying on expensive irrigation systems.

Wait for the Late April Warm-Up

Turf-type tall fescues are well-adapted to the local 6b climate. Planting should ideally happen after the last frost on April 28 to give young seedlings the best chance of survival.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Guernsey County's county score?
Guernsey County, Ohio has a composite county score of 52.2 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 Guernsey County rank among counties in Ohio?
Guernsey County ranks #35 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 Guernsey County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Guernsey County is $1,561, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Guernsey County a tax score of 37.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Guernsey County?
The median household income in Guernsey County, Ohio is $55,756 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Guernsey County earns an income score of 27.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Guernsey County, Ohio a good place to live?
Guernsey County scores 52.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Guernsey 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 Guernsey County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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