CountyScore

Jefferson County

Ohio · OH

#46 in Ohio
67.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Ohio

Jefferson County beats the national average

Jefferson County scores 72.0 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the top half of U.S. counties and signals strong livability across measured dimensions.

Above Ohio's typical livability benchmark

At 72.0, Jefferson County ranks above Ohio's statewide average of 68.8. Among Ohio's 88 counties, this score positions Jefferson in the upper tier for overall livability.

Affordability and taxes shine here

Jefferson County excels in cost of living, with a 83.5 cost score and median home values of $120,600—the lowest among this group. Its tax score of 73.8 and 1.012% effective tax rate also rank favorably, making it an affordable choice for budget-conscious families.

Income growth lags peer counties

The county's income score of 20.6 is the lowest in this group, with a median household income of $56,983. Data on safety, health, schools, and water quality remain unavailable, limiting a complete livability picture.

Sweet spot for cost-conscious families

Jefferson County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordable housing and low taxes over higher incomes. It's ideal for those seeking small-town living with solid baseline livability scores and minimal tax burden.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax73.8Cost83.5SafetyComing SoonHealth67.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.6Risk33.3WaterComing Soon
🏛73.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤67.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡33.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Jefferson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lee County
Alabama
67.7
Median income: $61,123
Juneau City and Borough
Alaska
67.7
Median income: $100,513
Bacon County
Georgia
67.7
Median income: $50,310
Lee County
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67.7
Median income: $88,024
Clark County
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67.7
Median income: $70,625

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Jefferson County

via HealthByCounty

Jefferson County lags in life expectancy

At 71.8 years, Jefferson County's life expectancy falls 6.2 years short of the national average of 78.0 years. Nearly one in five residents (19.7%) report poor or fair health, compared to the national poor/fair health rate of 17.8%.

Among Ohio's lowest life expectancy counties

Jefferson County ranks in the bottom tier of Ohio counties for life expectancy, sitting 3.0 years below the state average of 74.8 years. This health gap signals persistent challenges in the county's healthcare landscape and community wellness.

Health disparities within Appalachian Ohio

Jefferson County's 71.8-year life expectancy trails neighboring Knox County (76.3 years) by 4.5 years and Licking County (75.9 years) by 4.1 years. The county's 19.7% poor/fair health rate is notably higher than both neighbors, suggesting deeper systemic health challenges.

Below-average uninsured rate masks access gaps

Jefferson County's uninsured rate of 6.5% actually beats the state average of 7.5%, yet the county has only 39 primary care providers per 100,000 residents. Mental health services are more robust at 317 providers per 100,000, though primary care shortages likely strain the system.

Explore coverage options for your family

Even with a lower uninsured rate, healthcare access remains challenging in Jefferson County. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to review Marketplace plans, Medicaid eligibility, and local resources tailored to your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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