CountyScore

Hamilton County

Ohio · OH

#84 in Ohio
58.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Hamilton County, Ohio

Hamilton County exceeds national livability median

Hamilton County's composite score of 61.1 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 65th percentile nationally. The county delivers above-average livability compared to most American counties, though improvements remain possible.

Below average among Ohio counties

Hamilton County scores 61.1 versus Ohio's state average of 68.8, placing it about 7.7 points below the typical Ohio county. The county ranks in the middle-to-lower tier of Ohio's livability landscape with stronger options available statewide.

Balanced affordability and manageable taxes

Hamilton County offers a cost score of 70.4 with median home values of $225,700 and rent at $1,005 monthly, providing reasonable housing affordability. The effective tax rate of 1.534% keeps the overall tax burden moderate for residents managing household budgets.

Income growth lags behind housing demand

The income score of 29.6, backed by a median household income of $70,816, represents a significant weakness relative to housing costs and statewide comparisons. Critical data on safety, health, schools, environmental risk, and water quality remain unavailable.

Suits budget-focused urban workers

Hamilton County appeals to working families and individuals seeking urban employment with manageable housing costs and moderate tax rates. The lower income profile suggests it attracts those prioritizing affordability over maximum earning potential.

Score breakdown

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

Tax59.1Cost70.4SafetyComing SoonHealth70.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.6Risk3.7WaterComing Soon
🏛59.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡3.7
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 Hamilton County with another county →

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Matagorda County
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Deep Dives

Hamilton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Hamilton County

via CostByCounty

Hamilton County runs above national average

Hamilton County residents spend 17.0% of income on rent, exceeding the national average of 15.6% by 1.4 percentage points. With median household income at $70,816 and rent at $1,005, Cincinnati's urban housing market demands a larger share of paychecks.

Cincinnati's affordability challenge

Hamilton County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% ranks it among Ohio's less affordable counties, above the state average of 15.6%. The median rent of $1,005 exceeds the state median by $132, reflecting Cincinnati's urban demand.

Urban prices, moderate incomes

Hamilton County's $1,005 median rent falls between rural Fulton ($832) and expensive Franklin ($1,233), but its median income of $70,816 is below both neighbors. Cincinnati's urban housing market takes a heavier toll relative to earning power.

Cincinnati rents bite harder

Renters here spend $1,005 monthly and homeowners $1,301 against median income of $70,816, consuming 17% and 22% respectively. Hamilton County homebuyers face the steepest burden among these eight counties, with nearly a quarter of income going to mortgages.

Cincinnati appeals to renters, challenges buyers

If you're considering Cincinnati, renting offers better affordability than homeownership relative to local incomes. Compare Hamilton County's job market and urban amenities carefully against the 17% rent burden and explore nearby Greene County for better homebuying balance.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Hamilton County

via HealthByCounty

Hamilton County's health mirrors national averages

Hamilton County's life expectancy of 75.5 years tracks near the U.S. average, though its 20% poor/fair health rate reflects ongoing chronic disease challenges. As Ohio's second-largest county, Hamilton's mixed health outcomes shape regional trends.

Hamilton County slightly outpaces Ohio average

At 75.5 years, Hamilton County's life expectancy exceeds Ohio's average of 74.8 years, though its 20% poor/fair health rate suggests significant health management needs. The county's size and urban density shape both strengths in provider access and challenges in health equity.

Hamilton County urban health infrastructure advantage

Hamilton County's 75.5-year life expectancy matches Franklin County while trailing Greene County (77.3 years) and Geauga County (80 years). With 110 primary care providers per 100K and 497 mental health providers, Hamilton maintains robust urban healthcare infrastructure rivaling Ohio's largest metros.

Hamilton County's uninsured rate below state average

At 6.2% uninsured, Hamilton County performs better than Ohio's state average of 7.5%, though roughly 56,000 residents lack health coverage. Strong provider availability (110 primary care and 497 mental health per 100K) makes insurance access the primary barrier rather than infrastructure.

Close coverage gaps in Greater Cincinnati

With 6.2% of Hamilton County uninsured, reaching that remaining 56,000 residents is critical to improving health outcomes across Cincinnati. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Hamilton County's health department to connect uninsured neighbors with affordable marketplace plans and Medicaid options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hamilton County

via RiskByCounty

Hamilton County faces elevated national risk

Hamilton County scores 96.34 on the composite risk scale, placing it among the highest-risk counties nationally. This relatively high rating reflects severe cumulative exposure, particularly to tornadoes and flooding, that far exceeds typical U.S. county levels.

Second-highest risk county in Ohio

Hamilton County's 96.34 score ranks second only to Franklin County within Ohio, far exceeding the state average of 55.03. The county's urban concentration in the Cincinnati metro area and river geography amplify its natural disaster vulnerability.

Dramatically riskier than adjacent counties

Hamilton County's 96.34 towers over neighboring Warren (42.15) and Clermont (51.68) Counties, reflecting Cincinnati's unique hazard profile. Its position along the Ohio River and major creek systems, combined with dense development, creates outsized exposure compared to surrounding rural counties.

Tornadoes and flooding pose extreme threats

Hamilton County faces tornado risk of 99.36 and flood risk of 96.91—among the highest in the nation for both hazards. Earthquake risk (92.68) also registers significantly, making structural resilience and emergency preparedness critical across the entire county.

Comprehensive insurance and planning are critical

Hamilton County residents must obtain standalone flood and earthquake insurance in addition to homeowners policies, given the county's exceptional dual exposure at 96.91 and 92.68 respectively. Investing in a basement safe room or above-ground tornado shelter and maintaining a 72-hour emergency kit are essential investments that can save lives during the severe events the county frequently experiences.

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.