countyscore
47.8
County Score
Lawn Care 75.5Cost of Living 66.6Weather & Climate 61.3

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Ohio

Slightly Below the National Median

Jefferson County earns a composite score of 47.8, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. This score suggests a lifestyle that is largely consistent with the average American experience but with some economic headwinds.

A Typical Eastern Ohio Profile

The county’s score of 47.8 sits slightly below the Ohio state average of 48.6. While it doesn't lead the state, it offers a competitive alternative to more expensive metropolitan areas.

Exceptional Housing Affordability

A high cost score of 66.6 reflects a very accessible housing market. With median gross rent at $792 and median home values at $120,600, residents enjoy significantly lower housing costs than the national average.

Economic and Risk Headwinds

The income score of 30.3 highlights a median household income of $56,983, which trails many neighboring regions. Additionally, a risk score of 33.3 indicates vulnerability to environmental or economic volatility.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Living

Jefferson County suits individuals or families who prioritize low-cost housing and a stable, small-town pace. It is particularly attractive for those with fixed incomes or remote jobs that allow them to leverage the low local prices.

2040608010037.366.643.54747.430.333.344.461.3Tax37.3Cost66.6Safety43.5Health47Schools47.4Income30.3Risk33.3Water44.4Weather61.347.8/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Jefferson County DNA

Foverall

How Jefferson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Jefferson County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Income (30.3/100), though Cost of Living (66.6/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
37.3-14.700000000000003
Cost
66.6+18.599999999999994
Safety
43.5-11.5
Health
47
Schools
47.4
Income
30.3-20.7
Risk
33.3-13.700000000000003
Water
44.4-13.600000000000001
Weather
61.3
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Jefferson County?

Many homeowners in Jefferson County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$120,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$792/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$120,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,983/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.8

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

Douglas County
Colorado
Median income: $145,737
47.8
De Witt County
Illinois
Median income: $64,802
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Goodhue County
Minnesota
Median income: $82,749
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McDowell County
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Median income: $55,527
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Madison County
Ohio
Median income: $83,229
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Lancaster County
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Median income: $83,703
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Calhoun County
South Carolina
Median income: $56,690
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Concho County
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Median income: $59,632
47.8

Nearby counties

Brooke County
West Virginia
70.7
Hancock County
West Virginia
67
Ohio County
West Virginia
66.6
Carroll County
Ohio
56.7
Harrison County
Ohio
54.6
Columbiana County
Ohio
53.1
Belmont County
Ohio
58.5
Beaver County
Pennsylvania
50.3

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jefferson County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson County taxes fall well below national average

With an effective tax rate of 1.012%, Jefferson County homeowners pay significantly less than the national median of $2,690 annually on a median home. The county's rate ranks in the bottom 25% nationally, meaning most Americans face steeper property tax bills.

Among Ohio's lowest-taxing counties

Jefferson County's 1.012% effective rate trails Ohio's state average of 1.148%, making it one of the more affordable counties for property taxes in the state. The median tax bill of $1,220 runs $925 below the state median of $2,145.

A tax haven compared to regional peers

Jefferson County's 1.012% rate beats neighboring Lawrence County (0.880%), Knox County (1.074%), and Logan County (1.046%), though Lawrence edges it slightly lower. Homeowners here enjoy some of the region's most favorable tax conditions.

What you actually pay each year

On Jefferson County's median home value of $120,600, the annual property tax bill averages $1,220 without a mortgage or $1,352 with one. That's roughly $102 per month for a typical homeowner—among the lowest in the state.

You might be paying too much already

Many Jefferson County homeowners are overassessed relative to market values, meaning they could file a formal appeal to reduce their tax burden. If you believe your home's assessed value doesn't match recent comparable sales, contacting your county auditor's office costs nothing and could save hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson County

via CostByCounty

Jefferson County: Below National Affordability

At 16.7%, Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio sits above the national baseline, indicating tighter housing affordability than typical U.S. households. With median household income of $56,983—roughly 24% below the national median of $74,755—renters and homebuyers here face steeper cost burdens relative to their earnings.

More Expensive Than Ohio Average

Jefferson County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio edges above Ohio's 15.6% state average, despite median rent of $792 sitting $81 below the statewide median of $873. This means lower absolute housing costs don't fully offset the county's lower incomes, making affordability comparatively tighter.

Affordable Rents, Tight Budgets

Jefferson County offers some of the lowest rents in this Ohio region at $792/month, undercutting neighbors like Lucas County ($911) and Lake County ($1,073). However, residents earn significantly less than adjacent counties, making percentage-of-income costs a more acute squeeze despite lower nominal rent.

Housing Takes 16.7% of Income

Renters spend $792 monthly on gross rent while homeowners carry $704 in monthly owner costs—both modest in absolute dollars but substantial relative to the $56,983 median household income. Combined with other living expenses, housing consumes a meaningful share of Jefferson County household budgets.

Consider Jefferson if Value Matters

Jefferson County appeals to renters seeking affordability on a tighter budget, with rents among the lowest in the region. However, prospective homebuyers should compare the $120,600 median home value against neighboring counties' options to ensure long-term equity potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson County trails national income

Jefferson County's median household income of $56,983 sits 24% below the national median of $74,755. This gap reflects regional economic headwinds and employment patterns that differ from faster-growing metros nationwide.

Below-average income for Ohio

Jefferson ranks in the lower half of Ohio's 88 counties, earning $11,118 less than the state median of $68,101. Per capita income of $31,646 also lags the state average by $4,000, signaling limited individual earning power.

Outpaced by surrounding counties

Neighboring Belmont County and Carroll County report similar or higher incomes, while Jefferson's $56,983 positions it as one of the weaker earners in Eastern Ohio's cluster. The gap widens significantly with prosperous Lake County, which pulls in $77,952.

Rent remains manageable here

At 16.7% of income, Jefferson's rent-to-income ratio sits just below the 17% affordability threshold, meaning most renters can cover housing without strain. A median home price of $120,600 is among Ohio's lowest, offering entry-level homebuying opportunity.

Build wealth despite modest income

With affordable housing and moderate rent burdens, Jefferson County residents have room to save and invest. Consider automated retirement contributions, low-cost index funds, and first-time homebuyer programs to bridge the income gap over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jefferson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jefferson County Remains Safer Than National Average

Jefferson County maintains a total crime rate of 1,273.0 per 100K, which is nearly 50% lower than the national average. This strong performance earns the county an impressive safety score of 98.0 out of 100.

Jefferson Outperforms Ohio State Safety Averages

The county's safety score sits slightly above the Ohio state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1,273.0 per 100K remains well below the statewide average of 1,412.3.

Consistent Safety Performance Among Regional Neighbors

Jefferson County reports a total crime rate similar to Lorain County's 1,201.5 per 100K. Both counties offer significantly more secure environments than higher-density areas like Lucas County.

Property Crime Dominates Local Safety Statistics

Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at 1,139.7 per 100K. The violent crime rate stands at 133.3 per 100K, which is roughly one-third of the national average of 369.8.

Simple Steps to Maintain Community Safety

Even in safe areas, awareness helps maintain these low crime statistics. Consider installing doorbell cameras to discourage opportunistic property crimes and keep the neighborhood secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Jefferson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Solid Foundation Across Six Districts

Jefferson County supports 8,695 students across a network of 24 public schools. The infrastructure includes 12 elementary, 5 middle, and 6 high schools spread through six distinct districts.

High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county achieves a 90.6% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 87%. This performance comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $7,035, which is roughly half the national average of $13,000.

Steubenville City Leads the Way

Steubenville City is the largest district, serving 2,769 students across six schools. Other major providers include Indian Creek Local with 1,963 students and Buckeye Local with 1,406 students.

A Mix of Suburban and Rural Settings

With 10 suburban and 8 rural schools, the county offers a diverse learning environment and an average school size of 362 students. Harding Middle School is the largest campus with 752 students, while elementary schools like Pugliese West maintain a smaller, neighborhood feel.

Find Your Home Near Top Schools

Families looking for strong academic results and community-focused districts will find plenty of options in Jefferson County. Explore local real estate to find a home near these high-performing public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson County

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson County's moderate risk profile

With a composite risk score of 66.73, Jefferson County sits above the national average and carries a Relatively Low rating overall. This score reflects a county where natural hazards exist but remain manageable with proper preparation.

Mid-range risk among Ohio counties

Jefferson County's score of 66.73 exceeds Ohio's state average of 55.03, placing it in the higher-risk tier within the state. Among Ohio's 88 counties, this positions Jefferson as a moderate-concern area despite its Relatively Low rating.

Higher risk than surrounding counties

Jefferson County's 66.73 score outpaces most adjacent counties in the region. This elevated profile is driven primarily by flood risk, where Jefferson's 81.65 score significantly exceeds countywide baselines.

Floods and hurricanes pose most threat

Flood risk dominates Jefferson County at 81.65, making it the primary natural disaster concern for residents and businesses. Hurricane exposure (59.82) and tornado activity (50.19) round out the top three hazards, with the former more significant than average.

Prioritize flood insurance coverage

Jefferson County's exceptional flood risk makes flood insurance essential, even for properties not in mapped flood zones. Homeowners should also carry standard hazard insurance covering wind and tornado damage, particularly given the county's above-average hurricane exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Jefferson County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Challenges in Jefferson

Jefferson County currently holds a D grade with 14 health violations recorded over the last five years. While the violation rate of 24.7 per 100K is high, it remains lower than the Ohio state average of 32.9 per 100K.

Assessed Watersheds Meet Federal Standards

During the 2022 reporting cycle, all 5 assessed water bodies in the county met Clean Water Act standards. This 0.0% impairment rate indicates that the sites currently being tracked are healthy and free of top-tier pollutants.

Robust Monitoring Focused on Inorganics

A network of 37 monitoring sites captured 9,245 measurements over the past five years. Testing efforts prioritize inorganics and metals, providing a detailed look at the chemical makeup of local water sources.

Yellow Creek Flows Below Typical Levels

Yellow Creek near Hammondsville currently records a discharge of 96 cfs, which is only 58% of its long-term mean. This reduction in flow suggests a drier period for the primary local stream system.

Steps for Jefferson County Residents

Given the D compliance grade and 14 violations, residents should stay alert to utility notices and consider supplemental home filtration. Monitoring for metals remains a local priority, especially as streamflow drops to 58% of its typical volume.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jefferson County

via WeatherByCounty

Appalachian Plateau Weather Patterns

Jefferson County averages 51.4°F, which is typical for the humid continental climate of the Appalachian Plateau. It offers a balanced mix of warm summers and cold, snowy winters.

Matching the State Temperature Profile

Jefferson County's 51.4°F average temperature almost perfectly matches the Ohio state average. Its 42.4 inches of annual precipitation is also very close to the 41.2-inch statewide norm.

Comparable Heat to Jackson County

Jefferson and Jackson counties both experience 11 days of extreme heat above 90°F annually. However, Jefferson's 73.1°F July average makes for slightly warmer summer peaks than Jackson.

Consistent Heat and Cold Swings

January temperatures average 28.4°F, while July heats up to an average of 73.1°F. While specific annual snowfall totals are currently unavailable, neighboring counties suggest a significant winter presence.

Plan for High Summer Humidity

The 11 days of extreme heat require efficient air conditioning for indoor comfort. Residents should also monitor local precipitation closely, as the county receives 42.4 inches of rain annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jefferson County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soil in Jefferson's hills

Jefferson County's soil is notably acidic with an average pH of 5.61, falling well below the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data for the region is limited, this acidity suggests a need for soil amendments in traditional vegetable gardening. Gardeners should expect to manage pH levels to unlock essential nutrients for most crops.

A silty foundation for local growth

The soil composition is dominated by silt at 49.3%, balanced by 24.2% sand and 19.0% clay. This mix provides a smooth texture that is generally easy to work and manage. The balanced clay content helps retain nutrients while the silt ensures the soil doesn't compact as easily as pure clay would.

High organic matter despite lower storage

At 7.00%, Jefferson's organic matter far exceeds the state average of 4.85% and the national average of 2.0%. However, its available water capacity of 0.156 in/in sits below the Ohio average of 0.186 in/in. This means while the soil is naturally rich in nutrients, it holds onto moisture less effectively during dry spells.

Navigating Jefferson's water movement

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are unavailable for this county's primary soil profiles. However, the high silt and moderate clay percentages suggest the ground likely moves water at a steady, moderate pace. Local builders and farmers should perform site-specific tests to confirm drainage rates before major projects.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 6b

With a 6b hardiness zone and high organic matter, this soil is ideal for acid-loving berries and hardy perennials. Blueberries and rhododendrons will thrive in the naturally low pH environment. Start a garden today by testing your specific plot to see if your vegetables need a lime boost.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jefferson County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Lawn Ease in Jefferson County

With a lawn difficulty score of 75.5, maintaining grass here is significantly easier than the national median of 50.0. This Hardiness Zone 6b region offers a hospitable environment that aligns closely with the Ohio state average score of 76.0. Residents find the climate generally supports steady turf growth without constant intervention.

Ample Rainfall Supports Lush Jefferson Lawns

Jefferson County receives 42.4 inches of annual precipitation, slightly exceeding the state average of 41.2 inches. With 3,116 growing degree days and only 11 extreme heat days, turf avoids the scorched conditions common in southern states. This balance allows for a consistent mowing schedule from late April through October.

Addressing Acidic Soils in Jefferson County

The local soil pH of 5.61 sits below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, likely requiring lime applications to improve nutrient uptake. While specific drainage data is unavailable, the mix of 19.0% clay and 24.2% sand suggests a foundation that needs periodic aeration. Testing your soil helps ensure these minerals support deep root development.

Low Current Drought Risk for Local Grass

Jefferson County experienced 9 weeks in drought over the past year, but currently reports 0% abnormally dry area. To maintain this resilience, homeowners should water deeply and infrequently to encourage roots to reach further into the soil. Maintaining a taller grass height also helps shade the soil surface during dry spells.

Planting Success Between Jefferson Frosts

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are ideal for this 6b zone, providing excellent durability and color. The best window for seeding opens after the last spring frost on April 29 or during the cooler autumn weeks following October 28. Start your lawn projects in late summer to capitalize on the cooling temperatures and natural rainfall.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson County's county score?
Jefferson County, Ohio has a composite county score of 47.8 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 Jefferson County rank among counties in Ohio?
Jefferson County ranks #51 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 Jefferson County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Jefferson County is $1,220, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Jefferson County a tax score of 37.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson County?
The median household income in Jefferson County, Ohio is $56,983 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson County earns an income score of 30.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson County, Ohio a good place to live?
Jefferson County scores 47.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Jefferson 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 Jefferson County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.