countyscore
50.9
County Score
Soil Quality 85Disaster Risk 75.6Lawn Care 73.6

County Report Card

About Hardin County, Ohio

Hardin County Holds the National Middle Ground

Hardin County earns a composite score of 50.9, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that is very consistent with typical American living standards.

Outperforming the Ohio State Average

The county’s 50.9 composite score beats the Ohio state average of 48.6. This performance marks it as a competitive option for residents seeking a balance of amenities within the Buckeye State.

A Low-Risk, Low-Cost Haven

Hardin excels in environmental stability with a high Risk Score of 75.6 and a Cost Score of 67.6. Residents enjoy high affordability with a median gross rent of only $733 per month.

Taxes and Healthcare Access Lags

The county faces challenges in Health and Tax scores, both sitting at a low 29.8. A median household income of $58,001 also trails more industrial neighbors in the region.

Stability for the Budget-Conscious

This county is best suited for individuals or families who prioritize low housing costs and environmental safety. It offers a predictable, affordable lifestyle for those who do not require proximity to major medical hubs.

Score breakdown

Tax29.8Cost67.6Safety63.5Health29.8Schools55Income32.8Risk75.6Water39.9Weather54.5
🏛29.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡63.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡75.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧39.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨85
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱73.6
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 →
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Nearby counties

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56
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46.4
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Deep Dives

Hardin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Hardin County

via CrimeByCounty

Hardin County is significantly safer than the national average

Hardin County maintains a total crime rate of 845.8 per 100,000 residents, which is nearly three times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This strong performance earns the county an impressive safety score of 98.7 out of 100.

Outperforming Ohio’s safety standards

With a safety score of 98.7, Hardin County exceeds the Ohio state average of 97.8. Data from four reporting agencies shows the county’s total crime rate is much lower than the statewide average of 1,412.3 per 100,000.

A regional leader in public safety

Hardin's crime rate of 845.8 sits in a favorable position compared to neighbors like Henry County, which reports a higher rate of 1,115.9. It remains a secure choice for residents when compared to more populous Ohio counties.

Low violent crime defines the local landscape

The county records just 91.4 violent crimes per 100,000 people, far below the national rate of 369.8. Property crime accounts for the remaining 754.4 incidents, meaning most law enforcement activity focuses on theft rather than physical harm.

Simple precautions for a safe community

While crime is low, 754.4 property incidents per 100,000 suggest that basic security measures are still valuable. Installing motion-sensor lights and keeping entryways visible can further deter opportunistic crimes in Hardin County.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Hardin County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Town Network for Growing Minds

Hardin County operates 14 public schools across six districts, serving a total of 4,056 students. This educational infrastructure includes five elementary, two middle, and seven high schools.

High Graduation Rates and Stable Investment

The county's 88.7% graduation rate outpaces both the Ohio average of 88.3% and the national 87% benchmark. Education is supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $8,204, which exceeds the state average.

Kenton City Leads the County Districts

Kenton City is the largest district, educating 1,836 students across its campuses. The county also features one charter school, which represents approximately 7% of the total local schools.

Rural Roots with Intimate Learning Environments

The landscape is primarily rural, with ten schools set in the countryside and four in town settings. While Kenton Elementary serves 1,028 students, the county average is a modest 290 students per school.

Find Your Home Near Hardin Schools

Families seeking high-performing rural schools should explore real estate options in Ada or Kenton. School quality remains a top driver for home values in this stable educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Hardin County

via WeatherByCounty

A Typical Midwest Continental Profile

Hardin County maintains an annual average of 50.8°F, placing it on the cooler side of the national median. It experiences the sharp seasonal transitions typical of the American Midwest.

Cooler than the Ohio Average

Hardin sits nearly a full degree below the 51.5°F Ohio state average. Its 37.6 inches of precipitation also lags behind the statewide average of 41.2 inches.

More Winter Snow than Neighbors

Hardin sees 25.8 inches of snow, which is more than Hancock to the north and Guernsey to the east. It remains cooler and wetter than its western neighbors on average.

Cold Winters and Brief Heat Spikes

The winter average is a cold 28.2°F, accompanied by 25.8 inches of snowfall. Summers are warm but brief, with 16 days reaching 90°F or higher.

Invest in Insulation and Winter Prep

With a winter average under 30°F, home insulation is a top priority for residents. Seasonal planning should account for 16 extreme heat days and roughly 2 feet of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hardin County

via SoilByCounty

A High-Scoring Soil Foundation

Hardin County boasts an impressive soil score of 85.0, far exceeding the state average of 66.0. The average pH of 6.31 is slightly acidic but remains very close to the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity creates a versatile environment for many different types of crops.

Balanced Texture for Agricultural Work

The soil contains a mix of 47.9% silt, 22.9% clay, and 22.4% sand. This composition provides excellent structural integrity while ensuring the earth remains workable for farmers and gardeners alike. The high silt content helps the soil feel smooth and retain essential minerals.

Superior Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter is high at 5.88%, beating both the state average of 4.85% and the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.216 in/in, this soil holds significantly more moisture and nutrients than the typical Ohio plot. This high fertility translates to excellent growing potential for high-yield harvests.

Reliable Water Retention

While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the balanced silt and clay proportions suggest stable water management. The high available water capacity indicates that the soil stores water efficiently during dry spells. Proper management ensures this moisture remains available to plant roots throughout the season.

Thriving in Zone 6a

The local hardiness zone 6a and superior soil quality make this county ideal for staples like corn and soybeans. These nutrient-dense soils also provide a perfect environment for starting a productive home vegetable garden. You can expect strong growth and high resilience from your plants here.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hardin County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Your Hardin County Lawn

Hardin County earns a 73.6 lawn difficulty score, making it easier than the national median but slightly more challenging than the Ohio average of 76.0. This Zone 6a region offers a generally hospitable climate for northern grasses to thrive with moderate effort.

Watering for the Hardin Climate

With 37.6 inches of annual precipitation, local lawns receive less water than the state average of 41.2 inches. High heat hits 16 days per year, requiring a consistent watering schedule to manage the 3,219 growing degree days.

Ideal pH for Green Turf

The soil maintains a healthy 6.31 pH, sitting right in the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most turfgrass. The balance of 22.9% clay and 22.4% sand creates a stable foundation, though limited drainage data suggests monitoring for standing water.

Combating Persistent Dry Spells

Lawns here faced 27 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the county currently experiences abnormally dry conditions. Residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to maximize moisture retention during these dry periods.

Seeding for Success in Hardin

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue are the top choices for this climate. Plan to seed after the last spring frost on April 22 or during the reliable window before the first fall frost on October 24.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hardin County's county score?
Hardin County, Ohio has a composite county score of 50.9 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 Hardin County rank among counties in Ohio?
Hardin County ranks #39 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 Hardin County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Hardin County is $1,513, with an effective tax rate of 1.12%. This earns Hardin County a tax score of 29.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hardin County?
The median household income in Hardin County, Ohio is $58,001 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hardin County earns an income score of 32.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hardin County, Ohio a good place to live?
Hardin County scores 50.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Hardin 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 Hardin 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.