CountyScore

Hardin County

Ohio · OH

#28 in Ohio
68.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Hardin County, Ohio

Hardin County outpaces the nation

With a composite score of 70.8, Hardin County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 71st percentile nationally. This means the county outperforms roughly 7 in 10 U.S. counties on overall livability metrics.

Above Ohio's county average

Hardin County's 70.8 score exceeds Ohio's state average of 68.8, positioning it in the upper tier of Ohio's 88 counties. The county demonstrates stronger-than-typical livability conditions across the state.

Affordability and tax relief shine

The county excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 83.3, supported by median home values of $134,800 and rents of just $733/month. A tax score of 70.7 reflects an effective tax rate of 1.122%, offering modest tax burden compared to national standards.

Income growth lags behind peers

The income score of 21.3 signals a weaker earning potential, with a median household income of $58,001 that trails many comparable counties. Additional data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors is not yet available to complete the full livability picture.

Best for budget-conscious families

Hardin County suits families and retirees prioritizing low housing costs and modest tax burdens over high earning potential. The county's strong affordability metrics make it appealing to those seeking financial stability in a rural Ohio setting.

Score breakdown

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

Tax70.7Cost83.3SafetyComing SoonHealth61.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.3Risk75.6WaterComing Soon
🏛70.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤61.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡75.6
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 Hardin County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Coffee County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $64,672
Walker County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $54,509
Arkansas County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $60,831
Jackson County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $41,215
Sevier County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $51,641

Deep Dives

Hardin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hardin County

via TaxByCounty

Hardin's tax rate sits well below national average

At 1.122%, Hardin County's effective property tax rate ranks in the bottom half nationally—meaning residents pay significantly less than the typical American homeowner. The county's median property tax of $1,513 is roughly 44% lower than the national median of $2,690, putting it in the lower-tax tier across the country.

Slightly below Ohio's statewide average

Hardin County's 1.122% effective rate trails Ohio's 1.148% state average by just 26 basis points. Among Ohio's 88 counties, this positions Hardin in the middle-to-lower range for tax burden.

More affordable than most rural Ohio peers

Hardin's 1.122% rate sits comfortably between Harrison County (1.039%) and Henry County (1.177%), making it a moderate option in northwest Ohio. The county's $1,513 median tax is lower than Henry (1.954%) but higher than Harrison County's $1,226.

Own a typical home? Expect $1,513 yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued property ($134,800) in Hardin County pays approximately $1,513 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,716; without, it drops to $1,245.

Many Hardin homeowners could appeal assessments

Studies suggest 10-20% of homeowners nationwide are overassessed and could successfully lower their tax bills through an appeal. Hardin County residents should review their property's assessed value against comparable homes and market data to ensure they're not paying more than they should.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hardin County

via CostByCounty

Hardin rents beat the national curve

At 15.2%, Hardin County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, meaning renters here spend less of their paychecks on housing than typical Americans. The county's median rent of $733 per month is 16% cheaper than the national median, even though household incomes here lag 22% behind the national average.

Better than most Ohio counties

Hardin County's 15.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the more affordable in Ohio, beating the state average of 15.6% by a narrow margin. This positions renters here slightly ahead of most Ohio peers when it comes to housing cost burden.

Hardin stands competitive regionally

Compared to neighboring counties, Hardin's $733 rent is lower than Henry County ($866) and Huron County ($824), but slightly higher than Harrison County ($753). For homeowners, Hardin's $791 monthly cost is among the region's most affordable, making it competitive on both fronts.

Where Hardin dollars go

On a $58,001 median household income, the typical Hardin renter spends $733 monthly (15.2% of income), while homeowners pay $791 (16.3% of income). Both figures align closely with affordability thresholds, leaving residents modest but workable amounts for other expenses.

Consider Hardin for balanced living

If you're weighing Ohio counties for relocation, Hardin offers below-average rents and modest income requirements without the housing cost premiums of neighboring regions. The county's median home value of $134,800 and dual affordability for renters and owners make it worth serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hardin County

via IncomeByCounty

Hardin's income lags national average

Hardin County's median household income of $58,001 sits 22% below the national median of $74,755. This gap reflects broader economic challenges in rural northwest Ohio, where manufacturing and agricultural sectors face ongoing transitions.

Below Ohio's county median

At $58,001, Hardin County earns 15% less than Ohio's average county median income of $68,101. Among Ohio's 88 counties, this places Hardin in the lower-earning tier, ranking closer to the state's rural counties than its urban centers.

Hardin earns less than nearby counties

Henry County neighbors earn $79,267—37% more than Hardin's $58,001. Meanwhile, Jackson County ($58,409) and Harrison County ($53,851) show similarly modest incomes, suggesting this region faces shared economic pressures across northwest and south-central Ohio.

Housing remains affordable here

Hardin County's 15.2% rent-to-income ratio is healthy, meaning renters spend roughly $733 monthly on average rent from a median household income. At this ratio, housing costs remain manageable compared to the national affordability concern of 20%+, though wages themselves need strengthening.

Build wealth through intentional planning

With median household income at $58,001, Hardin County residents benefit from relatively low housing costs—an ideal foundation for saving and investing. Starting even small contributions to retirement accounts or education savings plans today compounds into meaningful wealth over time, especially in communities with lower cost-of-living pressures.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Hardin County

via HealthByCounty

Hardin County lags on life expectancy

Residents in Hardin County live to an average age of 71.8 years, roughly 4 years less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. One in four adults report poor or fair health, a rate significantly above the national norm of 18 percent. These gaps signal persistent health challenges that demand attention.

Among Ohio's lower-ranked counties

Hardin County's life expectancy of 71.8 years trails Ohio's state average of 74.8 years by 3 points, placing it in the lower third of Ohio counties for health outcomes. With a 24.5 percent poor/fair health rate, residents experience worse self-reported health than the state median. These gaps point to deeper structural health disparities across the county.

Hardin faces steeper health challenges

Compared to neighboring Henry County (76.0 years) and Huron County (74.2 years), Hardin residents have noticeably shorter lifespans. While Hardin has 29 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—matching the state profile—mental health access lags at 69 per 100,000, well below Henry County's 134 per 100,000. Geographic isolation and provider shortages make specialist care especially difficult.

Healthcare access remains incomplete

An estimated 8.6 percent of Hardin County residents lack health insurance, slightly above Ohio's 7.5 percent average. With just 29 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and even fewer mental health specialists, daily healthcare reality means longer wait times and fewer treatment options for those facing depression, anxiety, or addiction.

Explore your health insurance options

If you're among the 8.6 percent of Hardin County residents without coverage, now is the time to explore your options. Visit healthcare.gov to find plans, subsidies, or Medicaid eligibility in your area—having insurance can mean the difference between preventive care and crisis treatment.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hardin County

via RiskByCounty

Hardin County faces very low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 24.43, Hardin County ranks well below the national average and sits significantly safer than Ohio's 55.03 state average. This very low rating means residents face minimal exposure to major natural disasters compared to the typical American county.

Among Ohio's safest counties overall

Hardin County's composite score places it in the safest tier statewide, with only a handful of Ohio counties scoring lower. The county's very low rating reflects relatively modest hazard exposure across all major disaster types.

Safest in its peer group

Hardin County's 24.43 score makes it safer than Harrison County (11.42 is lower, but Harrison is an outlier), Henry County (33.81), Highland County (43.19), and Hocking County (47.30). Its position as one of northwest Ohio's most resilient counties offers residents genuine peace of mind.

Earthquakes and hurricanes pose mild concern

Earthquake risk (48.85) and hurricane risk (43.60) represent Hardin County's two highest hazard scores, though both remain moderate in absolute terms. Flooding (40.20) and tornado risk (36.29) are also present but manageable, while wildfire risk is negligible at just 1.27.

Basic coverage keeps you prepared

Even low-risk counties benefit from standard homeowners insurance and a basic emergency kit covering water and medications. Consider a conversation with your insurance agent about flood and earthquake options, especially if your property is near a waterway.

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.