countyscore
53.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 80.5Schools 66.2

County Report Card

About Highland County, Ohio

Highland County Beats the Median

The county earns a 53.4 composite score, placing it several points above the national median of 50.0. It offers a solid baseline of livability for residents.

Competitive Quality of Life in Ohio

Highland County’s score of 53.4 sits well above the Ohio state average of 48.6. It holds its own as a reliable choice for those seeking a rural Ohio lifestyle.

Superior Water and Solid Schools

With a Water Score of 86.0 and a School Score of 66.2, Highland County excels in essential services. Housing remains affordable with a median home value of $157,000.

Health and Income Gaps

Healthcare access is a struggle, reflected in a low Health Score of 35.8. The median household income of $62,008 suggests moderate local economic growth.

A Reliable Rural Choice

Highland County is an excellent fit for families who value clean water and decent schools at an affordable price. It is best for those who are comfortable traveling for specialized medical care.

2040608010042.457.25635.866.245.356.88665.2Tax42.4Cost57.2Safety56Health35.8Schools66.2Income45.3Risk56.8Water86Weather65.253.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average1 below average

Highland County DNA

Foverall

How Highland County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Highland County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Health (35.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
42.4-9.600000000000001
Cost
57.2+9.200000000000003
Safety
56
Health
35.8-14.200000000000003
Schools
66.2+12.200000000000003
Income
45.3
Risk
56.8+9.799999999999997
Water
86+28
Weather
65.2+9.200000000000003
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Highland County?

Many homeowners in Highland 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

$157,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$757/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$157,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,008/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.1

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 Highland County with Liberty County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Liberty County
Florida
Median income: $53,824
53.4
Oglethorpe County
Georgia
Median income: $69,784
53.4
Jersey County
Illinois
Median income: $79,104
53.4
Montgomery County
Missouri
Median income: $61,042
53.4
Henry County
Ohio
Median income: $79,267
53.4
Adams County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $81,071
53.4
Blount County
Tennessee
Median income: $74,607
53.4
Hemphill County
Texas
Median income: $72,052
53.4

Nearby counties

Clinton County
Ohio
46.8
Fayette County
Ohio
40.4
Pike County
Ohio
50.9
Brown County
Ohio
58.4
Adams County
Ohio
55.6
Ross County
Ohio
38
Clermont County
Ohio
45.9
Warren County
Ohio
47.3

Deep Dives

Highland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Highland County

via TaxByCounty

Highland County offers rare tax affordability

At 0.940%, Highland County boasts one of the lowest effective property tax rates in the nation, ranking in the bottom 10% nationwide. The county's median property tax of $1,475 is nearly 45% below the national median of $2,690, making it exceptionally affordable.

Ohio's cheapest according to effective rate

Highland County's 0.940% effective rate significantly undercuts Ohio's 1.148% average, beating the state norm by 208 basis points. This positions Highland among Ohio's absolute cheapest counties for property tax burden.

Lowest rate among peer southern Ohio counties

Highland County's 0.940% rate is the lowest in its regional peer group, well below Hocking (1.014%) and Jackson (0.954%). At $1,475 in median annual tax, Highland delivers the region's most favorable tax environment.

Budget roughly $1,475 for median home

A homeowner with a median-valued property ($157,000) in Highland County pays approximately $1,475 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that total rises slightly to $1,534; without, it drops to $1,378.

Even low rates warrant assessment review

Even in tax-friendly Highland County, assessment errors occur—verify your property's value aligns with recent comparable sales data. If you suspect overassessment, filing an appeal often costs nothing and could yield significant savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Highland County

via CostByCounty

Highland's balanced national position

Highland County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, though median household income of $62,008 trails the national figure by 17%. Modest rents relative to regional and national standards create an affordable rental market despite below-average incomes.

Solidly affordable across Ohio

At 14.7%, Highland County's rent-to-income ratio ranks better than the Ohio state average of 15.6%, positioning it among more affordable counties statewide. This advantage benefits both renters and prospective homebuyers seeking value.

Highland maintains regional balance

Highland's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% compares favorably to neighboring counties like Hocking (15.8%) and Jackson (15.9%), though Henry County (13.1%) remains the clear leader. At $757 monthly rent, Highland undercuts most peers while maintaining balanced housing costs.

Highland's housing cost distribution

On a $62,008 median household income, renters pay $757 monthly (14.7% of income), while homeowners pay $903 (17.5% of income). Homeownership costs rise above ideal thresholds, but median home values of $157,000 offer reasonable equity-building potential.

Highland appeals to strategic relocators

If renting flexibility matters more than immediate homeownership, Highland County delivers strong value with below-average rent burdens. The county's median home value of $157,000 and competitive rental market create multiple paths to stable, affordable housing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Highland County

via IncomeByCounty

Highland's income lags national average

Highland County's median household income of $62,008 falls 17% below the national median of $74,755. This gap reflects the economic patterns typical of south-central Ohio's rural counties, where agricultural and small-business economies create more modest household earnings.

Slightly below Ohio's average

At $62,008, Highland County sits 9% below Ohio's average county median of $68,101, ranking in the middle-lower range of the state's 88 counties. This positions Highland just underneath the state average, suggesting moderate economic performance compared to state peers.

Highland earns modestly in its region

Highland County's $62,008 household income falls between Jackson County ($58,409) and Hocking County ($61,366), placing it in a cluster of mid-range rural incomes. All three counties share similar economic structures centered on smaller towns and service sectors.

Housing affordability supports savings

Highland County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio is comfortably affordable, with renters spending roughly $763 monthly on housing. This below-threshold ratio leaves household budgets flexible enough to accommodate essential expenses and modest savings contributions.

Leverage affordable housing for investing

Highland County's median income of $62,008 and healthy 14.7% rent ratio create opportunity for intentional financial growth. Starting or increasing contributions to retirement accounts, opening a high-yield savings account, or exploring homeownership can help residents build equity and long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Highland County

via CrimeByCounty

Highland County maintains a strong safety record

Highland County achieves a safety score of 98.4, driven by a total crime rate of 1,007.3 per 100,000 residents. This rate is significantly lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

A reliable performer in Ohio safety

The county ranks well above the Ohio average safety score of 97.8. Six reporting agencies ensure that Highland’s total crime rate stays below the state average of 1,412.3 per 100,000.

Safe relative to regional neighbors

Highland’s crime rate of 1,007.3 is higher than Hardin’s 845.8 but compares favorably to Jackson County’s 1,332.8. It remains one of the safer jurisdictions in its part of the state.

Property crimes are the main concern

Violent crime is rare here, with just 92.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. Property crime stands at 914.9, which is less than half the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Securing your Highland County home

With property crime as the most common issue, visible security measures like signage and cameras are effective. These tools help maintain the county's low incident rates and protect your assets.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Highland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Educational Reach in Highland

Highland County features 18 public schools across four districts, serving 6,641 students. The network is robust, providing eight elementary, five middle, and five high schools.

High Success Rates and Strong Investment

The county achieves a 91.3% graduation rate, beating both the state and national averages. Local investment is healthy, with $8,521 spent per pupil compared to the state median of $7,994.

Hillsboro City Schools Anchor the County

Hillsboro City is the largest district, managing five schools and 2,215 students. The county maintains a traditional public school focus, with zero charter schools currently in operation.

A Mix of Town and Country Schools

While 15 schools are in rural settings, three serve town centers, offering varied environments for families. Hillsboro High is the largest facility with 654 students, though many schools remain intimate and community-focused.

Invest in a Home Near Great Schools

Highland County's high graduation rates make it an attractive spot for families to settle. Check out listings near Greenfield or Hillsboro to find properties within these successful districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Highland County

via RiskByCounty

Highland County faces elevated regional risk

At 43.19, Highland County's composite risk score exceeds the national average and sits just below Ohio's 55.03 state average. This relatively low rating indicates moderate—not high—hazard exposure compared to the typical American county.

Mid-range risk among Ohio counties

Highland County's 43.19 score places it slightly below the state average, ranking it in Ohio's moderate-risk tier. The county faces more natural hazard exposure than safer peers but less than Ohio's highest-risk areas.

Higher risk than most nearby counties

Highland County's 43.19 score exceeds Hardin (24.43), Harrison (11.42), Henry (33.81), and Jackson (35.75), but trails Hocking (47.30), Holmes (60.40), and Huron (50.29). It sits at the higher end of its regional peer group's risk profile.

Earthquakes, wildfire, and flooding dominate

Highland County's top three risks are earthquake (61.96), wildfire (60.34), and flood (56.65)—all above state average and representing genuine hazard exposure. Tornado risk (56.20) also approaches state average levels, while hurricane risk remains moderate at 45.89.

Invest in comprehensive hazard coverage

Beyond standard homeowners insurance, Highland County residents should seriously consider earthquake and flood endorsements, which are typically sold as separate policies. Create a defensible space around your home to reduce wildfire risk, and ensure your emergency supplies include water, medications, and important documents.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Highland County

via WaterByCounty

Highland County Achieves Perfect Compliance

Highland County earns a perfect A grade with zero health violations recorded over the last five years. This performance significantly outperforms the state average violation rate of 32.9.

Assessed Streams Meet Clean Water Standards

Federal records from 2022 indicate that 0% of the 3 assessed water bodies in the county are impaired. Local streams currently meet the baseline requirements of the Clean Water Act.

Physical and Inorganic Data Collection

A small footprint of 4 monitoring sites has contributed 685 measurements to federal databases recently. Data collection primarily tracks physical characteristics and inorganic compounds.

No Live Gauge Data Available

There is currently no active USGS streamgage providing real-time discharge data for Highland County. Local water managers rely on drinking water compliance and upstream signals to monitor trends.

Maintain Your Clean Water Access

While drinking water compliance is excellent, the limited monitoring footprint suggests residents should remain vigilant about private well health. Support local efforts to expand stream monitoring to better track future changes.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Highland County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer Trends in Southern Ohio

Highland County maintains an annual average of 52.3°F, trending closer to the national median than its northern neighbors. This climate profile offers a slightly longer growing season than many other Midwestern locales.

Above the Ohio Temperature Average

With an average temperature of 52.3°F, Highland ranks among the warmer counties in the state, exceeding the 51.5°F Ohio average. It is also significantly wetter than the state norm, receiving 46.7 inches of precipitation annually.

Warmer and Wetter Than Adjacent Counties

Highland County's 52.3°F average outpaces Hocking County's 51.6°F mark. Additionally, Highland receives over 5 inches more annual precipitation than the state average, distinguishing it from drier neighbors like Henry County.

Milder Winters with Moderate Snowfall

Winter temperatures average a relatively mild 31.6°F, leading to a lower annual snowfall of 18.1 inches. In the summer, July peaks at 73.2°F with only 10 extreme heat days reaching above 90°F.

Prioritize Rain Readiness and Moisture Control

Given the high annual precipitation of 46.7 inches, residents should focus on high-capacity gutter systems and basement waterproofing. The moderate 10 days of extreme heat make Highland an ideal spot for summer outdoor recreation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Highland County

via SoilByCounty

Stable Ultisols in the Heartland

Highland County is dominated by Ultisols with a pH of 6.11, which is slightly higher than the state average of 5.97. The county’s overall soil score is 58.8, indicating a reliable agricultural foundation. These soils are often quite weathered but remain productive with proper management.

Silky Silt Loam Texture

The soil is classified as a silt loam, containing 56.5% silt and balanced portions of sand and clay at 21.7% each. This texture provides a smooth feel and excellent capacity for nutrient retention. It offers a great balance between drainage and stability for various land uses.

Consistent Water Capacity

The organic matter level is 2.16%, which meets the national average but is lower than the state’s 4.85%. However, its available water capacity of 0.187 in/in is almost identical to the state average. This provides a consistent environment for plants, ensuring they have access to water when needed.

Moderately Well Drained Land

The land is categorized as moderately well drained and belongs to hydrologic group C. This means water infiltrates at a fair rate, though some areas may stay damp after heavy rains. These conditions are generally favorable for farming but may require attention during wet seasons.

Hardy Growth in Zone 6b

Located in zone 6b, Highland County is well-suited for a variety of hardwoods and garden staples. The silt loam texture is forgiving for new gardeners and supports a diverse range of ornamental plants. Whether you are planting a small vegetable patch or a large orchard, the soil here is a reliable partner.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Highland County

via LawnByCounty

Highland County's Premier Growing Conditions

Highland County is a lawn lover's paradise with a high difficulty score of 80.5. This score far outpaces the state average of 76.0, making it one of the easiest places in Ohio to maintain green space.

Optimal Rain for Lush Growth

Lawns benefit from a generous 46.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average of 41.2 inches. Having only 10 extreme heat days per year means less browning and a longer period of active growth.

The Power of Silt Loam

The soil is composed of silt loam and is classified as moderately well-drained, providing an ideal environment for root health. A pH of 6.11 sits comfortably in the optimal range, requiring few chemical amendments for success.

Excellent Resilience to Dry Weather

Current data shows 0.0% of the county in drought, continuing a trend of only 5 drought weeks over the past year. Maintaining a lush lawn here is straightforward, requiring only minimal supplemental water during rare dry streaks.

Capitalizing on a Long Season

Zone 6b allows for a wide variety of cool-season grasses, including high-quality Kentucky Bluegrass blends. For best results, start your projects after the April 24 spring frost to capitalize on the region's long growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Highland County's county score?
Highland County, Ohio has a composite county score of 53.4 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 Highland County rank among counties in Ohio?
Highland County ranks #29 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 Highland County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Highland County is $1,475, with an effective tax rate of 0.94%. This earns Highland County a tax score of 42.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Highland County?
The median household income in Highland County, Ohio is $62,008 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Highland County earns an income score of 45.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Highland County, Ohio a good place to live?
Highland County scores 53.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Highland 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 Highland County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.