countyscore
30.4
County Score
Lawn Care 79.2Water Quality 71.8Income & Jobs 67.8

County Report Card

About Hamilton County, Ohio

Urban Pressures Impact Rankings

Hamilton County scores 30.8, which is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This reflects the intense safety and environmental risks common in major urban centers.

Well Below State Average

The county lags the Ohio state average of 48.6 by a wide margin. It ranks toward the bottom of the state due to localized safety and tax challenges.

Quality Utilities and Income

The county maintains a high water score of 71.8 and a respectable income score of 68.4. Residents earn a median income of $70,816, supporting a city-based lifestyle.

Safety and Risk Constraints

The safety score of 9.7 and risk score of 3.7 are major hurdles for the county. Additionally, a tax score of 11.4 reflects a high financial burden on residents.

The Resilient Urban Dweller

This county is best for people who prioritize city amenities and reliable infrastructure over suburban safety. It suits those comfortable with the high-risk, high-reward nature of metropolitan life.

2040608010010.719.99.759.343.667.83.771.860.1Tax10.7Cost19.9Safety9.7Health59.3Schools43.6Income67.8Risk3.7Water71.8Weather60.130.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Hamilton County DNA

Foverall

How Hamilton County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Hamilton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (67.8/100) but notably weak in Safety (9.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
10.7-41.3
Cost
19.9-28.1
Safety
9.7-45.3
Health
59.3+9.299999999999997
Schools
43.6-10.399999999999999
Income
67.8+16.799999999999997
Risk
3.7-43.3
Water
71.8+13.799999999999997
Weather
60.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Hamilton County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$241,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,075/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$241,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,470/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.8

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 Hamilton County with Duval County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Duval County
Florida
Median income: $71,277
30.4
Cook County
Illinois
Median income: $83,498
30.4
Cuyahoga County
Ohio
Median income: $64,468
30.4
Jones County
Texas
Median income: $59,464
30.4
Yakima County
Washington
Median income: $70,656
30.4
Miami-Dade County
Florida
Median income: $71,753
30.3
DeKalb County
Georgia
Median income: $80,644
30.3
Deaf Smith County
Texas
Median income: $60,799
30.3

Nearby counties

Campbell County
Kentucky
50.2
Kenton County
Kentucky
49.7
Boone County
Kentucky
47.3
Butler County
Ohio
36.1
Clermont County
Ohio
45.7
Dearborn County
Indiana
63.4
Warren County
Ohio
47.5
Ohio County
Indiana
67

Deep Dives

Hamilton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hamilton County

via TaxByCounty

Hamilton taxes 45% above national median

Hamilton County's effective tax rate of 1.534% significantly exceeds the national median of 0.95%, and the median property tax of $3,461 tops the national median of $2,690 by 29%. Cincinnati's home county carries a substantial property tax load.

Third-highest rate in Ohio

Hamilton's effective rate of 1.534% ranks in Ohio's top tier, exceeded only by Greene (1.690%) and Geauga (1.486%). The median tax of $3,461 is 61% higher than Ohio's $2,145 state average.

Urban center taxation with high bills

Hamilton's $3,461 median tax falls between rural Gallia ($1,351) and affluent Geauga ($4,533), reflecting Cincinnati's status as Ohio's second-largest metro area. The county's diverse neighborhoods produce solid median tax bills despite some lower-value areas.

Median home costs $3,461 yearly in taxes

A typical Hamilton County home valued at $225,700 generates approximately $3,461 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged properties may see total taxes reach $3,576 after escrow adjustments.

Cincinnati-area homeowners: appeal now

With median taxes exceeding $3,400, assessment accuracy directly impacts your household budget. Hamilton County's large number of residential properties means overassessments are common—filing a Board of Revision appeal takes minimal effort for potential savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hamilton County

via IncomeByCounty

Hamilton slightly below U.S. median

Hamilton County's median household income of $70,816 runs $3,939 below the national median of $74,755, placing it just short of the U.S. average. The county's large, urban population reflects typical metropolitan earning patterns, with significant variance between neighborhoods.

Slightly above Ohio's average

At $70,816, Hamilton County exceeds Ohio's state average of $68,101 by $2,715, positioning it in the middle-to-upper range of Ohio counties. Per capita income of $44,328 also outperforms the state average of $35,642, indicating solid individual earning power across the workforce.

Urban income among mixed peers

Hamilton County's $70,816 income ranks below Greene County ($85,218) and Franklin County ($73,795), but exceeds Hancock County ($69,699) and all rural counties in this dataset. As Ohio's third-largest county, Hamilton encompasses diverse economic zones from affluent suburbs to lower-income urban cores.

Housing consumes a moderate share

Hamilton County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% indicates housing costs claim just over one-sixth of household income, aligning with affordability guidelines. With a median home value of $225,700, neighborhoods vary widely, but countywide housing remains generally accessible for middle-income families.

Use diverse neighborhoods for strategy

Hamilton County's income diversity—spanning wealthy suburbs to working-class neighborhoods—mirrors diverse wealth-building opportunities: from real estate appreciation in appreciating neighborhoods to rental investment or first-time homebuyer programs. Starting with employer retirement plans and gradually adding taxable investment accounts leverages the county's stable employment base.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hamilton County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Rates Above National Average

Hamilton County reports a total crime rate of 2,809.9 per 100,000, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score is 95.6, reflecting the higher volume of activity common in large urban centers. Residents should stay informed about safety trends in their specific neighborhoods.

Below the Ohio Safety Average

Hamilton County’s safety score of 95.6 falls below the Ohio state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 2,809.9 is nearly double the state average of 1,412.3. Local law enforcement agencies work across 38 departments to address these urban safety challenges.

Comparing Hamilton to Regional Peers

Hamilton County has a higher crime rate than nearby Greene County and significantly more activity than Franklin County. This higher rate is typical for the state's most densely populated southern region. It remains the area of highest crime volume in this analysis.

Breaking Down the Local Crime Mix

Violent crime in Hamilton County is 402.7 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the largest factor, sitting at 2,407.2 incidents per 100,000. These numbers indicate that both personal safety and property protection require consistent attention.

Enhanced Home Protection Strategies

With property crime exceeding national levels, home security is vital in Hamilton County. Invest in high-quality alarm systems and ensure all outdoor areas are well-monitored by cameras. Active participation in neighborhood watch programs can also help improve local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hamilton County

via WeatherByCounty

Cincinnati’s Humid Subtropical Influences

Hamilton County’s 54.5°F average annual temperature is notably warmer than the national median. This southern Ohio climate leans toward humid subtropical, characterized by long, warm summers.

Leading the State in Temperature

At 54.5°F, Hamilton is consistently warmer than the 51.5°F Ohio average. It ranks as one of the state's warmest regions due to its southern latitude and urban heat island effects.

Wetter and Warmer than Central Ohio

With 46 inches of annual precipitation, Hamilton is wetter than its northern neighbor, Greene County. It also experiences 25 extreme heat days, far exceeding the state average.

Steamier Summers and Shorter Winters

July averages reach a high of 75.8°F, and residents face 25 days over 90°F annually. Snowfall is light for Ohio, totaling only 13.7 inches per year.

Manage Humidity and High Heat

Homeowners should prioritize dehumidification and robust cooling systems to handle 25 extreme heat days. Winter gear needs are lower here, as annual snow only averages 13.7 inches.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hamilton County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Ground in Hamilton County

Hamilton County’s soil averages a pH of 6.33, placing it very close to the national median of 6.5. This represents a much more neutral profile than the state average of 5.97, which is a major advantage for local gardeners.

Silt-Heavy Urban Soils

The soil contains 54.3% silt and 23.8% clay, the highest clay percentage among these eight counties. This mix is supplemented by 21.9% sand, resulting in a soil that is very effective at retaining nutrients but can be heavy to work.

Water Retention vs. Organic Matter

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.77%, falling below both the state and national averages. However, the available water capacity is high at 0.196 in/in, ensuring that the soil holds onto moisture effectively for your plants.

Solid Soil Performance

Hamilton County has a soil score of 63.1, which is just below the Ohio state average of 66.0. While local drainage classes are unlisted in this data, the high water capacity suggests the soil handles moisture well despite lower organic levels.

Urban Gardening in Zone 6b

Hamilton County's Zone 6b climate is perfect for everything from backyard vegetables to ornamental landscapes. Adding compost will help boost the low organic matter and unlock the full potential of your neutral-pH soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hamilton County

via LawnByCounty

High Performance with Warm Summer Peaks

Hamilton County scores a 79.2 for lawn difficulty, making it easier to manage than the state average. While this Zone 6b county is highly productive, gardeners must account for more intense summer heat than their northern neighbors.

Wet Winters and Hot Summer Days

The county sees 46.0 inches of rain annually, significantly more than the state average of 41.2 inches. However, 25 extreme heat days each year mean that lawns will likely go dormant in July without supplemental watering.

Ideal pH Levels Support Thick Turf

The soil pH of 6.33 is optimal for most grass species, ensuring that fertilizers work at maximum efficiency. With 23.8% clay, the soil is durable, though aeration may be needed to prevent compaction from heavy use.

Consistent Moisture Despite Seasonal Heat

Hamilton County had only 4 weeks of drought last year and currently reports 0% abnormal dryness. While the area is currently well-hydrated, the high number of heat days makes mulching and proper mowing heights essential.

Early Spring is Best for Seeding

Take advantage of the early last frost on April 16 to get your grass established before the summer heat arrives. Tall fescue is a top performer here due to its superior heat and drought tolerance.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hamilton County's county score?
Hamilton County, Ohio has a composite county score of 30.4 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 Hamilton County rank among counties in Ohio?
Hamilton County ranks #86 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 Hamilton County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Hamilton County is $3,652, with an effective tax rate of 1.51%. This earns Hamilton County a tax score of 10.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hamilton County?
The median household income in Hamilton County, Ohio is $72,470 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hamilton County earns an income score of 67.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hamilton County, Ohio a good place to live?
Hamilton County scores 30.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #86 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Hamilton 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 Hamilton County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.