countyscore
56.3
County Score
Safety 97.5Income & Jobs 77Lawn Care 75.1

County Report Card

About Holmes County, Ohio

Holmes County Outshines National Peers

With a composite score of 56.3, Holmes County is a standout performer compared to the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high overall standard of living.

A Top-Tier Ohio County

Holmes County’s 56.3 score is far higher than the Ohio state average of 48.6. It is frequently recognized for its unique economic and social stability.

Exceptional Safety and Strong Incomes

The county boasts a near-perfect Safety Score of 97.5 and a high Income Score of 77.0. Residents earn a robust median household income of $74,774.

Taxes and Health Infrastructure

Low scores in Tax (30.3) and Health (31.2) mark the primary areas of concern. Home values are higher here than in neighboring counties, averaging $251,800.

A Haven for Prosperous Families

Holmes County is the premier choice for families seeking an exceptionally safe environment with high earning potential. It is ideal for those who value community cohesion and traditional living.

2040608010030.351.197.531.262.37739.630.856.1Tax30.3Cost51.1Safety97.5Health31.2Schools62.3Income77Risk39.6Water30.8Weather56.156.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Holmes County DNA

Foverall

How Holmes County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Holmes County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (30.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
30.3-21.7
Cost
51.1
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
31.2-18.8
Schools
62.3+8.299999999999997
Income
77+26
Risk
39.6
Water
30.8-27.2
Weather
56.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$251,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$773/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$251,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $74,774/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.8

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
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Counties with similar scores

Perry County
Arkansas
Median income: $60,078
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McDonough County
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Clay County
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Woodford County
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Le Sueur County
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James City County
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Hardy County
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Median income: $49,302
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Nearby counties

Wayne County
Ohio
45
Coshocton County
Ohio
52.8
Ashland County
Ohio
52.8
Knox County
Ohio
53.7
Tuscarawas County
Ohio
47.3
Richland County
Ohio
37.8
Stark County
Ohio
38
Medina County
Ohio
53.9

Deep Dives

Holmes County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Holmes County

via TaxByCounty

Holmes County approaches the national median

At 1.113%, Holmes County's effective property tax rate sits just below the national average, putting residents in the moderate range nationwide. The county's median property tax of $2,802 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, reflecting both higher home values and a rate slightly below national norms.

Slightly below Ohio's statewide average

Holmes County's 1.113% effective rate edges below Ohio's 1.148% average by just 35 basis points. This positions Holmes just below the state middle among Ohio's 88 counties.

Moderate tax burden in eastern Ohio region

Holmes County's 1.113% rate places it in the moderate tier of its regional peer group. Its $2,802 median property tax is notably higher than nearby counties, reflecting Holmes's higher median home value of $251,800.

Highest home values mean highest tax bills

A homeowner with a median-valued property ($251,800) in Holmes County pays approximately $2,802 in annual property taxes. Whether you carry a mortgage ($2,691) or own outright ($2,917), this represents the highest tax burden among the profiled counties.

Holmes homeowners should verify assessments closely

With higher home values, even small assessment errors can translate into larger dollars owed; verify your property's assessed value against recent comparable sales. An appeal in Holmes County could yield substantial savings if overassessment is found.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Holmes County

via CostByCounty

Holmes tops Ohio on affordability

At 12.4%, Holmes County's rent-to-income ratio is among the nation's best, allowing renters to keep significantly more income for other needs. The median household income of $74,774 nearly matches the national average, while rents of $773 remain below state and regional norms.

Ohio's most affordable county

Holmes County's 12.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks as the state's best, beating the Ohio average of 15.6% by a substantial 3.2 percentage points. This superior affordability combines strong incomes with reasonable housing costs.

Holmes edges out even Henry County

At 12.4%, Holmes County's rent-to-income ratio ranks just below Henry County's 13.1%, making it the region's most affordable. Both counties significantly outpace peers, though Holmes achieves this with higher home values ($251,800) reflecting a different market dynamic.

Holmes' exceptional housing math

On a $74,774 median household income, renters pay $773 monthly (12.4% of income), while homeowners pay $986 (15.8% of income). Both ratios sit well below the 30% affordability threshold, providing substantial household flexibility even with higher ownership costs.

Holmes County: Ohio's best value play

For anyone relocating to Ohio, Holmes County offers unmatched affordability combined with solid incomes and reasonable rents. The county's $251,800 median home value reflects market strength, but the 12.4% rent-to-income ratio ensures both renters and owners find genuine value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Holmes County

via IncomeByCounty

Holmes matches the national income

Holmes County's median household income of $74,774 essentially matches the national median of $74,755—a near-perfect alignment. This parity reflects Holmes's stable manufacturing and agricultural base, positioning it as an economic performer on par with the broader U.S. economy.

Holmes exceeds Ohio's average

At $74,774, Holmes County earns 10% more than Ohio's average county median of $68,101, ranking among the state's better-performing counties. This above-average standing reflects stronger employment and wage conditions than most other Ohio regions.

Holmes leads its neighboring counties

Holmes County's $74,774 household income significantly exceeds Hardin County ($58,001) and Jackson County ($58,409), though trails Henry County's $79,267. This leadership position underscores Holmes's relative economic strength in north-central Ohio.

Housing costs are exceptionally affordable

Holmes County's 12.4% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among all eight counties, meaning renters spend roughly $773 monthly. This best-in-class affordability ratio maximizes household flexibility for essential expenses, savings, and discretionary spending.

Maximize advantage through diversified investing

With national-median income and the lowest rent ratio in this cohort, Holmes County residents enjoy ideal conditions for wealth-building. Households should consider maximizing 401(k) matching, opening education savings accounts, or exploring homeownership and investment property opportunities to compound long-term financial growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Holmes County

via CrimeByCounty

Holmes County reports unique safety data

Holmes County currently records a crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents, resulting in a perfect safety score of 100.0. This is significantly below the national average of 2,385.5, though it may reflect limited reporting.

Leading the state in reported safety

With a perfect 100.0 score, Holmes technically ranks as the safest county in Ohio compared to the state average of 97.8. Three agencies provided data for this period, showing a total absence of reported incidents.

Lower reported crime than all neighbors

Holmes County’s recorded rate of 0.0 is lower than every neighboring county, including Huron at 533.2. Residents should note that such a low number is exceptional and may not capture every local incident.

Zero reported violent or property crimes

Both violent and property crime rates are currently listed at 0.0 per 100,000. In practical terms, this suggests a very safe environment, though residents should remain aware of their surroundings.

Maintain safety even with low rates

While official reports show no crime, practicing basic home safety is always a wise decision. Secure your property and keep lines of communication open with neighbors to maintain this secure environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Holmes County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Schools in a Rural Landscape

Holmes County supports 17 public schools within two districts, serving a total of 3,433 students. The county is characterized by its high number of elementary schools, with 11 serving the community.

High Performance with Efficient Spending

The graduation rate is a strong 92.0%, comfortably beating the national average. Remarkably, this is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,727, which is below the state average.

West Holmes and East Holmes Lead

West Holmes Local is the largest district with 1,815 students, followed by East Holmes Local with 1,497. The county focuses on traditional public education, with no charter schools currently available.

Intimate and Nearly Entirely Rural

Sixteen of the 17 schools are located in rural settings, offering a very small average school size of 202 students. West Holmes High is the largest at 540 students, but most buildings offer a personal, quiet atmosphere.

Find Tranquility and Academic Success

Holmes County is perfect for buyers seeking small-school environments and high graduation rates. Look for homes in West Holmes or East Holmes to experience this unique rural educational character.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Holmes County

via RiskByCounty

Holmes County faces elevated disaster risk

At 60.40, Holmes County's composite risk score exceeds Ohio's 55.03 state average and sits above the national median. This relatively low rating signals above-average but manageable hazard exposure for residents and property owners.

Among Ohio's higher-risk counties

Holmes County's 60.40 score ranks it above the state average and in Ohio's upper-risk tier. The county faces more natural hazard exposure than the majority of Ohio's counties.

Riskiest county in its peer group

Holmes County's 60.40 score significantly exceeds all nearby counties: Hardin (24.43), Harrison (11.42), Henry (33.81), Highland (43.19), Jackson (35.75), and Hocking (47.30), and only trails Huron (50.29) among its eight-county cohort. It stands out as notably more hazard-exposed than its region.

Tornadoes and flooding lead, wildfire significant

Holmes County faces three substantial hazards: tornado risk (66.73), flood risk (71.18)—the highest in its peer group—and wildfire risk (46.88), all above or near state average. Hurricane (52.02) and earthquake (41.86) risks are secondary but noteworthy.

Build comprehensive, multi-hazard preparedness

Holmes County residents should bundle homeowners insurance with flood and earthquake coverage, then identify a tornado safe room and maintain a weather radio. Clear vegetation around your property, ensure proper drainage, and keep emergency supplies including water, medications, and documents in a waterproof, portable container.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Holmes County

via WaterByCounty

Failing Grade Due to High Violations

Holmes County earns an F grade with 7 health violations over the last five years. The violation rate of 62.4 per 100,000 residents is nearly double the Ohio average of 32.9.

Streams Currently Meet Federal Safety Goals

Current EPA data from 2022 shows that 0% of the 8 assessed water bodies in the county are impaired. Local streams are currently meeting Clean Water Act standards for their designated uses.

Pesticide and Organic Compound Tracking

Five monitoring sites have generated 783 measurements in the last five years. Data collection in Holmes County focuses heavily on organic compounds and pesticide levels.

Killbuck Creek Surge Hits 150%

Killbuck Creek is currently running high at 683 cfs, which is 150% of its typical long-term mean. This surge indicates recent heavy rainfall or significant upstream runoff.

Managing Surges and Contaminants

High streamflow can increase turbidity and runoff-related contaminants like pesticides. Residents should be aware that these surges often challenge the filtration capacity of local drinking water systems.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Holmes County

via WeatherByCounty

Steady Temperatures in Amish Country

Holmes County maintains an annual average of 50.2°F, which is slightly cooler than the national median. The area experiences the classic four-season cycle with moderate rainfall.

Cooler Than the Statewide Median

At 50.2°F, Holmes County is cooler than the 51.5°F Ohio state average. Its annual precipitation of 40.7 inches is just shy of the statewide average of 41.2 inches.

Colder Winters Than Southern Neighbors

Holmes County's 29.3°F winter average is colder than Hocking County's 31.2°F average. Consequently, Holmes deals with about 20.1 inches of snow, nearly 7 inches more than Hocking.

Moderate Summers and Snowy Winters

July brings an average of 72.0°F, and the county sees 12 days of extreme heat per year. Winter sets in with a January average of 26.8°F, supporting 20.1 inches of total snowfall.

Balance Winter Heat and Summer Air

Efficient home heating is a priority for the 29.3°F average winter temperatures. Residents should also plan for about 12 days of 90°F heat during the summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Holmes County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Alfisols for Productive Land

Holmes County features Alfisols with a pH of 5.56 and an overall soil score of 56.1. Although the pH is lower than the state average of 5.97, the soil is minerals-rich. These soils are historically known for their productivity in temperate climates.

Workable Silt Loam Foundations

The dominant texture is silt loam, composed of 49.9% silt and 27.9% sand. With a low clay content of 15.7%, this soil is easy to till and less likely to form heavy, sticky clods. It provides an excellent physical medium for root expansion and water movement.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

The organic matter content is high at 6.41%, which is significantly better than the state average of 4.85%. However, the available water capacity of 0.167 in/in is slightly below the state benchmark. This combination means the soil is fertile but requires consistent watering during dry periods.

Well Drained and Efficient

These soils are classified as well drained and fall into hydrologic group C. This ensures that excess water moves away from plant roots efficiently, preventing saturation issues. It is an ideal profile for both construction and agriculture because it stays stable and dry.

Orchard and Garden Excellence

Set in hardiness zone 6a, Holmes County is a prime location for orchards and diverse vegetable gardening. The high organic levels mean you'll have a great start for organic farming practices. Get out and plant some hardy perennials to take advantage of this well-drained silt loam.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Holmes County

via LawnByCounty

Establishment Success in Holmes

Holmes County scores a 75.1 for lawn ease, just a hair below the state average but still very manageable. This Zone 6a area provides a reliable environment for homeowners to establish permanent, healthy turf.

Perfect Precipitation for Grass

Annual precipitation of 40.7 inches provides nearly exactly what a healthy lawn needs to thrive. With only 12 extreme heat days, grass avoids the worst of the summer scorch, though 2,884 growing degree days suggest a moderate growth pace.

Utilizing Well-Drained Loam

The well-drained silt loam is an excellent foundation for root systems, though the 5.56 pH indicates a need for alkalizing amendments. A relatively low clay content of 15.7% helps prevent the soil from becoming overly compacted.

Consistent Moisture for Turf

With 0.0% of the area currently in drought, the county remains resilient despite 6 weeks of dry conditions last year. To maintain this health, mow high to encourage deeper root systems that can tap into the silt loam moisture.

Seeding Hardy Cool-Season Grass

Hardy cool-season grasses are ideal for the Zone 6a winters in Holmes County. Wait until after the May 2 frost to seed, and keep an eye on the early October 14 fall frost for end-of-season winterization.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Holmes County's county score?
Holmes County, Ohio has a composite county score of 56.3 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 Holmes County rank among counties in Ohio?
Holmes County ranks #17 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 Holmes County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Holmes County is $2,802, with an effective tax rate of 1.11%. This earns Holmes County a tax score of 30.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Holmes County?
The median household income in Holmes County, Ohio is $74,774 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Holmes County earns an income score of 77/100 on CountyScore.
Is Holmes County, Ohio a good place to live?
Holmes County scores 56.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Holmes 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 Holmes 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.