countyscore
39.3
County Score
Lawn Care 76.5Weather & Climate 60.2Disaster Risk 52.7

County Report Card

About Hocking County, Ohio

Hocking County Faces National Headwinds

Hocking County scores 39.2, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This indicates significant areas for improvement compared to typical U.S. counties.

Trailing the Ohio State Average

The county’s 39.2 score falls nearly 10 points behind the Ohio average of 48.6. This suggests that the county lacks some of the amenities found in other parts of the state.

Natural Stability and Fair Costs

Hocking's strongest suits are its Risk Score of 52.7 and a Cost Score of 51.0. Rent is relatively affordable at $806 per month for a typical resident.

Safety and Health Concerns

The county struggles with a very low Safety Score of 20.0 and a Health Score of 33.3. These factors suggest limited local infrastructure for wellness and emergency response.

Best for Self-Sufficient Individuals

This county suits people who prioritize proximity to natural beauty and a lower cost of living over social services. It is ideal for those who value independence and can manage their own security and health needs.

Score breakdown

Tax37Cost51Safety20Health33.3Schools48.3Income43.4Risk52.7Water39.5Weather60.2
🏛37
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡20
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤33.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡52.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧39.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨52.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76.5
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

Fairfield County
Ohio
39.9
Vinton County
Ohio
48.2
Perry County
Ohio
59.4
Athens County
Ohio
41.4
Pickaway County
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Morgan County
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Ross County
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Jackson County
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Deep Dives

Hocking County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hocking County

via TaxByCounty

Hocking County sits below the national average

At 1.014%, Hocking County's effective property tax rate ranks below the national median, offering meaningful savings for homeowners. The county's median property tax of $1,748 remains 35% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below Ohio's statewide effective rate

Hocking County's 1.014% effective rate trails Ohio's 1.148% average by 134 basis points. This positions Hocking in the lower-to-middle range among Ohio's 88 counties.

Middle ground between Highland and Jackson counties

Hocking County's 1.014% rate sits between Highland (0.940%) and Jackson (0.954%), making it moderate within southern Ohio's low-tax cluster. Its $1,748 median tax is higher than both neighbors, reflecting slightly higher home values.

Median home owner pays $1,748 annually

A homeowner with a median-valued property ($172,300) in Hocking County pays approximately $1,748 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,914; without, it drops to $1,449.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Hocking County residents should compare their assessed value against local market data and recent comparable sales. An appeal is often free and can succeed if your property is found to be overvalued relative to similar homes in the area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hocking County

via CostByCounty

Hocking's rent slightly above average

At 15.8%, Hocking County's rent-to-income ratio edges slightly above the national average, indicating renters here spend marginally more on housing than typical Americans. The median household income of $61,366 is 18% below national levels, but rents of $806 remain moderate for the region.

Near-average affordability statewide

Hocking County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just above Ohio's state average of 15.6%, placing it squarely in the middle of county affordability rankings. This near-average position reflects statewide housing cost dynamics.

Hocking among less affordable options

At 15.8%, Hocking's rent-to-income ratio ranks higher than Henry, Holmes, and Highland counties but lower than Harrison and Jackson. The county's $806 median rent is moderate, but lower incomes relative to peers create slightly higher cost burdens.

Hocking's split affordability picture

On a $61,366 median household income, renters spend $806 monthly (15.8% of income), while homeowners pay $898 (17.6% of income). Homeownership costs approach the 20% threshold, though the median home value of $172,300 suggests solid long-term equity potential.

Hocking for renters, scrutinize ownership

Relocating to Hocking County works better for renters than aspiring homeowners, given stronger renter affordability relative to ownership costs. The county's moderate rents and growing home values make it appealing for those prioritizing flexibility over immediate homeownership.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hocking County

via IncomeByCounty

Hocking's income falls short nationally

Hocking County's median household income of $61,366 trails the national median of $74,755 by 18%. This gap is typical for rural Ohio counties that depend on tourism, small manufacturing, and service-sector employment.

Below Ohio's county median

At $61,366, Hocking County earns 10% less than Ohio's average county median of $68,101, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 88 counties. This positioning reflects Hocking's status as a smaller rural economy within the state.

Hocking earns similarly to regional peers

Hocking County's $61,366 income sits between Highland County ($62,008) and Jackson County ($58,409), clustering with other south-central Ohio rural counties. This regional pattern suggests shared economic structures centered on smaller towns, tourism, and agriculture.

Rent costs consume a notable share

At 15.8%, Hocking County's rent-to-income ratio sits near the affordability warning zone, with renters spending roughly $813 monthly. While still below the 20% danger threshold, this ratio leaves less flexibility for households balancing other costs and savings goals.

Strategic savings build financial stability

With median income at $61,366 and moderately tight housing costs, Hocking County households benefit from deliberate financial planning. Starting with automatic payroll deductions to savings or retirement accounts—even $50–100 monthly—compounds into meaningful wealth over time while maintaining monthly budget discipline.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hocking County

via CrimeByCounty

Hocking County tracks near national crime rates

Hocking County records 2,081.5 total crimes per 100,000 residents, which is closer to the national average of 2,385.5 than many other Ohio counties. This data results in a safety score of 96.7.

Slightly below the Ohio safety average

Hocking's safety score of 96.7 falls just below the Ohio state average of 97.8. While the crime rate is lower than the national level, it exceeds the state average of 1,412.3 per 100,000.

Highest crime rate in the immediate region

At 2,081.5 crimes per 100,000, Hocking is significantly less safe than neighbor Jackson County at 1,332.8. Local law enforcement from two reporting agencies works to manage these higher regional figures.

Higher property crime requires resident awareness

The county faces 1,804.0 property crimes per 100,000, which is the primary driver of the local crime rate. Violent crime stands at 277.5, which is lower than the national average but higher than many neighboring counties.

Prioritize home security and awareness

Because property crime is more prevalent here, Hocking residents should invest in high-quality deadbolts and alarm systems. Community watch participation and bright outdoor lighting can also reduce risk.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hocking County

via HealthByCounty

Hocking County trails national health standards

Hocking County residents have a life expectancy of 72.6 years, falling 3.5 years short of the U.S. average of 76.1 years. One in four (23.8 percent) report poor or fair health, well above the national average of 18 percent, signaling high rates of chronic disease and limited disease management. These gaps persist despite emerging healthcare investments.

Lower-ranked county within Ohio

Hocking County's 72.6-year life expectancy falls 2.2 years below Ohio's 74.8-year average, placing it among Ohio's lower-performing counties for longevity. The 23.8 percent poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds Ohio's median, reflecting higher prevalence of chronic illness and disability. Residents experience worse health outcomes than most Ohioans.

Strong provider access despite rural challenges

Hocking County bucked rural trends with 43 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well above Hardin (29) and Harrison (21)—and exceptional mental health access at 243 per 100,000. This provider abundance suggests focused county investments in healthcare infrastructure and suggests access is not the primary barrier to better health. Instead, economic factors and health behaviors may drive worse outcomes.

Provider access can't overcome broader barriers

Despite above-average primary care and exceptional mental health provider density, Hocking County's uninsured rate stands at 8.5 percent, above Ohio's 7.5 percent. When residents lack insurance, even good provider networks can't reach them—delayed diagnoses and unmanaged chronic diseases result, driving up poor health rates.

Use Hocking County's strong providers

Hocking County has invested heavily in healthcare providers—don't miss out by remaining uninsured. Visit healthcare.gov to find affordable coverage and unlock access to the primary care and mental health services your county has made available.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hocking County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Unified District for Hocking Students

Hocking County operates eight public schools, largely concentrated in a single district serving 3,828 students. The system is built around six elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Strong Spending Targets Academic Growth

The county invests $9,127 per pupil, well above the state average of $7,994. While the 83.0% graduation rate trails the state average, the county score of 54.4 reflects consistent performance.

Logan-Hocking Local Centralizes Learning

The Logan-Hocking Local district serves 3,540 students, making it the heart of the county's educational system. No charter schools operate in the area, ensuring all public funding remains within the local district.

Larger Campuses in Town and Rural Areas

The average school size is 479 students, with Logan-Hocking Middle School reaching an enrollment of 1,084. Facilities are split between five rural sites and three town-based campuses.

Discover Homes in the Logan-Hocking District

Living in Hocking County means access to a unified school system with high per-pupil investment. Families should look for homes near Logan to be close to the county's primary educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hocking County

via RiskByCounty

Hocking County faces moderate disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 47.30, Hocking County runs slightly below Ohio's 55.03 state average and above the national median. This relatively low rating reflects above-average but not extreme hazard exposure.

Mid-tier risk across Ohio

Hocking County's 47.30 score places it near Ohio's state average, ranking it in the moderate-risk middle of the state's counties. It faces more natural hazard exposure than Ohio's safest counties but less than the highest-risk regions.

Riskier than western peers, safer than eastern

Hocking County's 47.30 score exceeds Hardin (24.43), Harrison (11.42), Henry (33.81), and Jackson (35.75), but trails Highland (43.19), Holmes (60.40), and Huron (50.29). Its position reflects southeastern Ohio's moderately elevated hazard exposure.

Flooding dominates; earthquakes secondary

Flood risk (68.83) is Hocking County's standout hazard—one of the county's highest scores and well above state average. Earthquake (34.64) and tornado (33.78) risks are secondary concerns, while wildfire (12.69) and hurricane (15.44) pose minimal threat.

Prioritize flood insurance and drainage

Flood insurance is essential in Hocking County, especially if your property is near a waterway or in a flood-prone zone—check FEMA flood maps to understand your risk. Ensure gutters, downspouts, and yard drainage direct water away from your foundation, and keep important documents and photos stored safely outside your home.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hocking County

via WeatherByCounty

Hocking County Matches National Middle-Ground

Hocking County averages 51.6°F annually, aligning almost perfectly with the national climate trends for the lower Midwest. The humidity and rainfall patterns are typical for the Appalachian foothills.

The Benchmark for Ohio Weather

Hocking County sits right at the state average of 51.5°F for temperature and 41.2 inches for precipitation. It serves as a near-perfect meteorological representative for the entire state of Ohio.

Drier Winters Than Jackson County

While Hocking and Jackson counties share similar temperatures, Hocking sees much less annual snow at just 13.4 inches. This makes it one of the less snow-prone counties in its immediate southern Ohio cluster.

Humid Summers and Low Snowfall

Summer averages hit 71.1°F, with residents enduring about 13 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Despite winter lows averaging 31.2°F, the county only records about a foot of snow per year.

Versatile Seasonal Gear is Key

With 13.4 inches of snow, a heavy-duty blower may not be necessary, but standard winter tires remain a smart choice. HVAC systems should be optimized for the 13 days of high heat to maintain indoor comfort.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hocking County

via SoilByCounty

Developing Entisols in Forest Country

Hocking County's soil consists of Entisols with a fairly acidic pH of 5.53, well below the national median of 6.5. This contributes to a soil score of 52.7, reflecting the young and relatively undeveloped nature of the local earth. These soils are often found in areas where landscape changes are more frequent.

High Silt Content Challenges

The soil contains 57.1% silt, making it feel floury when dry and slippery when wet. With 22.9% sand and 18.7% clay, the physical structure relies heavily on the silt fraction. This mix requires careful timing for tilling to avoid damaging the soil's structure.

Moderate Water Capacity

Organic matter is relatively low at 2.51% compared to the state average of 4.85%. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.191 in/in is slightly higher than the state average of 0.186. This helps native vegetation and crops survive dry spells more effectively than in many other counties.

Adapting to Sloped Hydrology

The Entisol classification suggests these soils are often found on slopes, where erosion control is a primary concern. While specific drainage classes are unavailable, the high silt content can lead to slow infiltration and runoff issues. Managing water flow is critical for maintaining soil health in this region.

Lush Native Growth in 6b

Hocking County's environment in zone 6b is ideal for forests and acid-tolerant plants like blueberries and ferns. Gardeners may need to apply lime to raise the pH for more sensitive vegetables. Embrace the natural acidity by planting native species that thrive in these woodland-like soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hocking County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth in Hocking County

Hocking County aligns closely with the state average, earning a solid 76.5 lawn difficulty score. This Zone 6b region offers predictable conditions that are much easier to manage than the national median of 50.0.

Matching the State Climate

The county receives 41.2 inches of rain annually, matching the state average perfectly. With 13 extreme heat days and 3,121 growing degree days, the climate supports steady growth with only moderate summer maintenance.

Amending Acidic Hocking Soil

Soil pH averages 5.53, which is quite acidic and may hinder nutrient uptake without regular lime treatments. The soil contains 18.7% clay and 22.9% sand, providing a balanced texture despite limited data on specific drainage classes.

Low Risk of Drought Stress

Drought is rarely a major concern here, with only 6 weeks of drought recorded in the last year. Currently, 0.0% of the county faces dry conditions, ensuring that natural rainfall handles most of the irrigation heavy lifting.

Timing Your Hocking Lawn Start

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue perform well in this temperate climate. Ensure seeding occurs after the late spring frost on April 30 to avoid damaging young shoots before the October 14 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hocking County's county score?
Hocking County, Ohio has a composite county score of 39.3 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 Hocking County rank among counties in Ohio?
Hocking County ranks #71 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 Hocking County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Hocking County is $1,748, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Hocking County a tax score of 37/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hocking County?
The median household income in Hocking County, Ohio is $61,366 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hocking County earns an income score of 43.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hocking County, Ohio a good place to live?
Hocking County scores 39.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #71 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Hocking 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 Hocking 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.