countyscore
38.9
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.

2040608010036.3502033.348.342.752.739.560.2Tax36.3Cost50Safety20Health33.3Schools48.3Income42.7Risk52.7Water39.5Weather60.238.9/100
This county
National avg
4 below average

Hocking County DNA

Foverall

How Hocking County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Hocking County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (20/100), though Disaster Risk (52.7/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
36.3-15.700000000000003
Cost
50
Safety
20-35
Health
33.3-16.700000000000003
Schools
48.3
Income
42.7-8.299999999999997
Risk
52.7
Water
39.5-18.5
Weather
60.2
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Hocking County?

Many homeowners in Hocking 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

$186,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$808/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$186,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,960/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.7

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 Hocking County with Hall County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Fairfield County
Ohio
39.9
Vinton County
Ohio
48.4
Perry County
Ohio
58.4
Athens County
Ohio
41.4
Pickaway County
Ohio
41.1
Morgan County
Ohio
52.6
Ross County
Ohio
37.1
Jackson County
Ohio
50.3

Deep Dives

Hocking County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 38.9 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 Hocking County rank among counties in Ohio?
Hocking County ranks #72 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 $1,852, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Hocking County a tax score of 36.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hocking County?
The median household income in Hocking County, Ohio is $62,960 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hocking County earns an income score of 42.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hocking County, Ohio a good place to live?
Hocking County scores 38.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.