56.9
County Score
Safety 77.6Lawn Care 71.1Soil Quality 70.4

County Report Card

About Huron County, Ohio

Huron County Leads the Pack

The county earns a high composite score of 56.9, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. It is one of the more desirable counties in the country by these metrics.

Outperforming the State of Ohio

At 56.9, Huron County significantly outpaces the Ohio average of 48.6. It represents a high-water mark for quality of life in the region.

Strong Safety and Educational Foundation

The county features a Safety Score of 77.6 and a School Score of 70.0. It maintains a balanced housing market with median home values of $158,900.

High Tax and Average Affordability

A Tax Score of 34.6 indicates a relatively high local burden for residents. The Cost Score of 48.0 shows that while not expensive, it is less of a bargain than some neighbors.

A Balanced Choice for Families

Huron County is a strong all-rounder for families who prioritize safety and good schools. It offers a stable, high-quality environment without the extreme costs of major metropolitan areas.

2040608010034.64877.652.37056.749.760.654.6Tax34.6Cost48Safety77.6Health52.3Schools70Income56.7Risk49.7Water60.6Weather54.656.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average1 below average

Huron County DNA

Foverall

How Huron County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Huron County tracks close to the national average across most dimensions, with a slight edge in Safety (77.6/100) and room for improvement in Property Tax (34.6/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
34.6-17.4
Cost
48
Safety
77.6+22.599999999999994
Health
52.3
Schools
70+16
Income
56.7
Risk
49.7
Water
60.6
Weather
54.6
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Huron County?

Many homeowners in Huron 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

$158,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$824/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$158,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,972/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

36.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Huron County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Huron County

via TaxByCounty

Huron County remains well below national average

At 1.047%, Huron County's effective property tax rate sits comfortably below the national median, placing residents in the lower-tax half nationwide. The county's median property tax of $1,664 is roughly 38% lower than the national median of $2,690, offering clear affordability.

Slightly below Ohio's statewide effective rate

Huron County's 1.047% effective rate trails Ohio's 1.148% average by 101 basis points. This positions Huron in the lower-to-middle range among Ohio's 88 counties.

Moderate option in northwest and north-central Ohio

Huron County's 1.047% rate sits between Harrison (1.039%) and Hardin (1.122%), placing it in the moderate zone for northwest Ohio. Its $1,664 median tax reflects its location and regional economic profile.

Budget approximately $1,664 per year

A homeowner with a median-valued property ($158,900) in Huron County pays roughly $1,664 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the figure is $1,673; without, it dips to $1,648.

Assessment review could unlock savings

Huron County homeowners should compare their assessed value to recent comparable properties in their neighborhood. If your assessment appears inflated relative to market data, filing an appeal—often at no cost—can lower your tax burden.

Cost of Living in Huron County

via CostByCounty

Huron balances above-average income

At 15.0%, Huron County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the national average, supported by a median household income of $65,972—12% above the national figure. Rents of $824 remain moderate, creating a genuinely balanced housing affordability picture.

Better than Ohio's average

Huron County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks better than Ohio's state average of 15.6%, placing it among the more affordable counties statewide. This advantage stems from stronger-than-average incomes paired with reasonable rents.

Huron competes competitively regional

At 15.0%, Huron's rent-to-income ratio falls between peers like Hardin (15.2%) and Highland (14.7%), with median rent of $824 reflecting regional pricing. The county's above-average income supports stronger overall affordability than lower-income neighbors.

Huron's strong income cushion

On a $65,972 median household income, renters pay $824 monthly (15.0% of income), while homeowners pay $910 (16.6% of income). Both figures sit comfortably below the 30% threshold, reflecting the county's above-average incomes providing genuine household flexibility.

Huron offers balanced relocation choice

If you're relocating to Ohio seeking balanced affordability and income stability, Huron County delivers both through above-average earnings and below-average housing burdens. The county's median home value of $158,900 and competitive rents create appealing options for renters and owners alike.

Income & Jobs in Huron County

via IncomeByCounty

Huron's income approaches national median

Huron County's median household income of $65,972 trails the national median of $74,755 by 12%. This modest gap reflects Huron's mixed economy of agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors in northwest Ohio.

Slightly below Ohio's average

At $65,972, Huron County sits 3% below Ohio's average county median of $68,101, placing it near the state midpoint. This near-average positioning reflects economic conditions typical of Ohio's mid-range rural and small-town counties.

Huron earns above lower-income neighbors

Huron County's $65,972 household income exceeds Hardin County ($58,001) and Jackson County ($58,409), but falls short of Henry County ($79,267). This middle-ground position reflects Huron's moderate economic standing relative to its northwest Ohio peers.

Housing costs allow modest savings

At 15.0%, Huron County's rent-to-income ratio is comfortably affordable, with renters spending roughly $824 monthly from median household income. This healthy ratio leaves room for essential expenses and targeted savings, though households should monitor discretionary spending carefully.

Build consistent savings habits now

With median income of $65,972 and manageable housing costs, Huron County residents should establish consistent savings patterns—targeting 10-15% of household income toward emergency funds and retirement. Even modest, regular contributions through employer retirement plans compound into substantial wealth over time.

Safety in Huron County

via CrimeByCounty

Huron County is remarkably safe

Huron County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.2, with a total crime rate of only 533.2 per 100,000 residents. This is more than four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A standout for safety in Ohio

Huron far exceeds the Ohio average safety score of 97.8, making it one of the most secure counties in the state. Eight reporting agencies contribute to this data, reflecting widespread local law enforcement coverage.

Exceeding neighbors in public safety

With a crime rate of 533.2, Huron is safer than neighbor Harrison County at 592.0 and much safer than Hardin at 845.8. It stands as a regional leader in low crime statistics.

Violent crime is nearly nonexistent

The violent crime rate is just 51.3 per 100,000, while property crime is also low at 481.9. These numbers mean that criminal activity is rare across all categories for Huron residents.

Simple steps to stay secure

Keeping crime rates this low requires continued community effort and basic home security. Use smart lighting and ensure all entry points are locked to protect your home and maintain Huron’s high safety standard.

Schools in Huron County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Network Serving Huron Families

Huron County boasts 21 public schools across six districts, educating 7,395 students. This comprehensive system includes seven elementary, eight middle, and six high schools.

Outstanding Graduation Rates in Huron

The county's graduation rate stands at 92.9%, far exceeding both state and national averages. Funding is consistent at $8,102 per pupil, which is slightly higher than the state median.

Norwalk City Anchors the Education System

Norwalk City is the largest district, serving 2,541 students across six schools. Traditional public districts handle all student enrollment, as there are no charter schools in the county.

Vibrant Town Schools and Rural Campuses

With 12 schools in town locales and 9 in rural settings, the county offers diverse educational environments. Norwalk High is the largest facility with 739 students, while average school sizes stay around 352.

Choose Huron for Academic Excellence

Families value Huron County for its high graduation rates and variety of school settings. Explore properties in the Norwalk or Willard districts to find a home near these top-performing schools.

Disaster Risk in Huron County

via RiskByCounty

Huron County faces moderate-to-elevated risk

With a composite risk score of 50.29, Huron County slightly exceeds Ohio's 55.03 state average and sits meaningfully above the national median. This relatively low rating reflects above-average but not extreme natural hazard exposure.

Above average risk statewide

Huron County's 50.29 score places it just below the state average of 55.03, ranking it in Ohio's moderate-to-higher-risk cohort. The county faces more natural hazard pressure than many Ohio peers.

Second-riskiest in eight-county cohort

Huron County's 50.29 score is second only to Holmes County (60.40) and exceeds Hardin (24.43), Harrison (11.42), Henry (33.81), Highland (43.19), Jackson (35.75), and Hocking (47.30). Its elevated ranking reflects significant natural hazard exposure in northern Ohio.

Tornadoes and floods top the list

Tornado risk (67.27) and flood risk (60.53) are Huron County's two defining hazards, both above state average and representing genuine exposure. Earthquake (52.58) and hurricane (45.39) risks are secondary but notable, while wildfire (15.74) remains minimal.

Prepare for severe weather and water damage

Huron County homeowners should ensure flood insurance is in place and maintain a tornado safety plan with a designated shelter or safe room. Regular maintenance of gutters, downspouts, and yard drainage—combined with a weather radio and emergency kit—provides essential multi-hazard protection.

Water Quality in Huron County

via WaterByCounty

Huron County Outperforms State Averages

Huron County maintains a C grade with 4 health violations over five years. Its violation rate of 6.1 per 100,000 residents is significantly better than the Ohio average of 32.9.

Watersheds Comply with Federal Standards

According to the 2022 reporting cycle, 0% of the 4 assessed water bodies in Huron County are impaired. These streams currently comply with Clean Water Act standards for safety.

Extensive Monitoring Coverage for Pesticides

Huron County boasts a high density of 82 monitoring sites, recording 4,260 measurements recently. These sites focus heavily on physical characteristics and pesticide levels in the water.

Limited Live Flow Monitoring

No active USGS streamgage currently provides real-time discharge data for Huron County. Residents rely on drinking water compliance and the county's extensive monitoring network for quality insights.

Awareness of Seasonal Runoff

With a strong monitoring network but a C grade, residents should check if their specific water provider has had recent violations. High pesticide monitoring activity suggests being mindful of seasonal agricultural runoff.

Weather & Climate in Huron County

via WeatherByCounty

Northern Latitude Influences Yearly Temps

Huron County averages 50.5°F annually, sitting below the national median due to its northern location. This climate is defined by cold winters and relatively warm, humid summers.

Colder and Snowier Than Average

Huron County's 50.5°F average temperature is a full degree cooler than the Ohio state average. It receives 32.7 inches of snow, which is significantly higher than many central and southern counties.

The Snow Capital of the Region

Compared to Henry County’s 24.7 inches of snow, Huron’s 32.7 inches represents a much heavier winter burden. Both counties share a similar number of extreme heat days at 15 per year.

Heavy Snow Meets High Heat

Huron experiences 15 days of heat above 90°F, even with its cold 28.8°F winter average. The 32.7 inches of annual snow often arrives in significant bursts during the peak winter months.

Equip for Serious Winter Snow

Strong snow removal equipment is a necessity given the 32.7-inch annual average. Residents also need robust cooling solutions for the 15 days of extreme summer heat.

Soil Quality in Huron County

via SoilByCounty

Strong Soils and Healthy Scores

Huron County boasts a solid soil score of 70.4, outperforming the state average of 66.0. The average pH is 5.91, which is remarkably close to the Ohio average of 5.97. This profile represents a stable and high-quality baseline for regional agriculture.

A Versatile Silt and Sand Mix

The soil contains 45.2% silt and 31.2% sand, providing a robust and versatile physical structure. With a clay content of 19.4%, the earth has enough binding power to hold nutrients without being difficult to cultivate. This balanced mix supports a wide variety of plant types and land uses.

Above-Average Fertility and Storage

Organic matter is impressive at 5.43%, which is higher than the state average of 4.85%. The soil also features a high available water capacity of 0.195 in/in, offering a better reservoir for plants than most Ohio counties. Your crops will be well-buffered against sudden dry spells here.

Stable Hydrology for Farming

The combination of high organic matter and balanced texture suggests a very reliable hydrologic profile. While specific drainage classes aren't listed, the high water capacity points to a soil that manages moisture effectively. This makes the land resilient and highly productive during the growing season.

Ideal for Large-Scale Harvests

Huron County’s location in zone 6a makes it perfect for growing cool-weather crops and diverse vegetables. The high organic levels mean you'll need less supplemental fertilizer to see great results. Start your garden today to benefit from some of the best soil scores in the state.

Lawn Care in Huron County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Challenges in Huron

Huron County presents a moderate challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 71.1. This is lower than the Ohio average of 76.0, primarily due to more frequent moisture stress in this Zone 6a region.

Heat Stress and Watering Needs

The county averages 40.1 inches of rain and 15 days of extreme heat annually. This combination requires a vigilant watering strategy to keep up with the 3,097 growing degree days that drive rapid spring growth.

Sandy Soils and Lime Needs

A soil pH of 5.91 is just below the ideal threshold, meaning a light application of lime could boost overall lawn health. The soil is relatively sandy at 31.2%, which helps with drainage but may require more frequent fertilization.

Managing Abnormally Dry Soil

Approximately 30.7% of the county is currently abnormally dry, following a year with 26 weeks of drought. Use mulch-mowing to return clippings to the soil, which helps retain precious moisture and nutrients during dry spells.

Optimal Planting Windows

Tall Fescue is a great choice here for its ability to handle the 31.2% sand content and periodic dry spells. The best planting window opens after April 25 and stays viable until the first fall frost on October 25.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Huron County's county score?
Huron County, Ohio has a composite county score of 56.9 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 Huron County rank among counties in Ohio?
Huron County ranks #15 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 Huron County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Huron County is $1,664, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Huron County a tax score of 34.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Huron County?
The median household income in Huron County, Ohio is $65,972 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Huron County earns an income score of 56.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Huron County, Ohio a good place to live?
Huron County scores 56.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Huron 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 Huron County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.