countyscore
49.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 81.5Lawn Care 75.4Health 75

County Report Card

About Lake County, Ohio

Meeting the National Standard

Lake County earns a 49.4 composite score, landing almost exactly on the national median of 50.0. This indicates a balanced profile that mirrors the typical American suburban experience.

Staying Above the State Average

With a score of 49.4, Lake County ranks higher than the Ohio state average of 48.6. It provides a more stable economic environment than many other industrial counties in the region.

High Earnings and Public Safety

The county shines with an income score of 81.5 and a safety score of 73.9. Residents earn a median household income of $77,952 and enjoy a secure environment with high marks for health (75.0).

Heavy Tax and Cost Pressures

The tax score of 7.0 is remarkably low, driven by a high effective tax rate of 1.703%. When combined with a cost score of 21.9, it's clear that residents pay a high premium for the county's amenities.

Best for High-Earning Professionals

Lake County is perfect for professionals who value safety and health services and have the income to manage a higher tax burden. It offers a high-quality suburban lifestyle for those who prioritize community stability over low taxes.

20406080100721.973.97559.281.522.770.164.9Tax7Cost21.9Safety73.9Health75Schools59.2Income81.5Risk22.7Water70.1Weather64.949.4/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Lake County DNA

Foverall

How Lake County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lake County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (81.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
7-45
Cost
21.9-26.1
Safety
73.9+18.900000000000006
Health
75+25
Schools
59.2
Income
81.5+30.5
Risk
22.7-24.3
Water
70.1+12.099999999999994
Weather
64.9+8.900000000000006
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Lake County?

Many homeowners in Lake 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

$199,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,073/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$199,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$42,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $77,952/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.1

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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Nearby counties

Geauga County
Ohio
55.7
Ashtabula County
Ohio
46.5
Cuyahoga County
Ohio
30.4
Trumbull County
Ohio
39.3
Portage County
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42.8
Summit County
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33.7
Lorain County
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41.7
Mahoning County
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38.6

Deep Dives

Lake County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lake County

via TaxByCounty

Lake County taxes rank among nation's highest

Lake County's effective tax rate of 1.703% places it in the top 10% nationally, well above the national median of 1.074% and pushing median bills to $3,405 versus the national $2,690. This northeastern Ohio county imposes one of America's steepest property tax burdens.

Ohio's third-highest property tax rate

Lake County's 1.703% effective rate dramatically exceeds Ohio's state average of 1.148%, making it one of the state's most expensive counties to own property. Residents pay a median of $3,405 annually—59% above the state median of $2,145.

Significantly higher than nearby counties

Lake County's 1.703% rate towers above Licking County (1.256%), Lorain County (1.444%), and Lucas County (1.746%), making it the second-highest burden in the immediate region. Only Lucas County exceeds Lake's tax burden among neighboring counties.

What you actually pay each year

On Lake County's median home value of $199,900, homeowners pay an estimated $3,405 annually without a mortgage, rising to $3,466 with mortgage insurance included. That's roughly $284 per month—more than double the national average in raw dollars.

High taxes make appeals especially worthwhile

In a high-tax county like Lake, even a modest assessment reduction yields substantial annual savings—potentially hundreds or thousands over time. Review your property's assessed value against comparable recent sales; if it's inflated, filing a formal appeal with your county auditor could pay dividends for years.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lake County

via CostByCounty

Lake County: High Costs, Higher Incomes

Lake County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national benchmark, though its $77,952 median household income runs 4% above the U.S. median of $74,755. Residents here earn more but also pay considerably more for housing than the typical American household.

Priciest County in This Cohort

Lake County tops this region with a $1,073 median rent—23% above Ohio's $873 state average—pushing its 16.5% rent-to-income ratio above the state average of 15.6%. The premium reflects Lake County's position as a higher-cost suburban market.

Premium Pricing for Suburban Appeal

Lake County's $1,073 rent substantially exceeds Jefferson ($792), Lawrence ($830), and Logan ($832), reflecting its more developed suburban infrastructure and amenities. At $199,900, median home values also rank among the region's highest, signaling strong market demand.

16.5% of Income Goes to Rent

Renters allocate $1,073 monthly to gross rent—16.5% of the $77,952 median income—while homeowners carry $1,135 in monthly costs, roughly 17.5% of household earnings. Despite higher absolute costs, Lake County's above-average incomes keep percentage-based affordability reasonable.

Lake County for Suburban Comfort

Lake County suits higher-earning professionals seeking suburban amenities and above-average schools, with strong incomes to support elevated housing costs. If you prioritize community infrastructure and don't need minimum-cost housing, Lake County rewards earned income.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lake County

via IncomeByCounty

Lake County exceeds national income

Lake County's median household income of $77,952 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $3,197, placing the county in the nation's upper-middle tier. This 4% premium reflects a stronger-than-average regional economy.

Top third of Ohio counties

Lake ranks among Ohio's 20 richest counties, outearning the state median of $68,101 by nearly 15%. Per capita income of $43,197 exceeds the state average by 21%, showing wealth is broadly distributed across households.

Leads Northeast Ohio cluster

Lake County pulls ahead of Cuyahoga ($67,000) and Lorain ($70,693), solidifying its position as the prosperity leader in greater Cleveland's ring counties. Only Licking County ($81,033) and Summit County surpass it in the state.

Housing costs are balanced

Lake's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio leaves households with ample discretionary income, comfortably below the 17% threshold. Median home value of $199,900 is reasonable relative to the county's strong earning power.

Lake County: invest for the future

Above-average income and modest housing costs create an ideal platform for aggressive saving and investing. Lake residents should maximize 529 college funds, explore real estate investments, and target tax-advantaged retirement accounts to accelerate wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lake County

via CrimeByCounty

Lake County Boasts Elite Safety Rating

Lake County maintains an elite safety score of 99.0, reflecting its status as a highly secure community. The total crime rate of 622.7 per 100K is roughly one-quarter of the national average.

One of Ohio's Most Secure Counties

Lake County significantly exceeds the Ohio average safety score of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 622.7 per 100K is among the lowest recorded for urbanized counties in the state.

Outperforming Regional Peers in Public Safety

Lake County maintains a lower crime rate than Lorain County, which records 1,201.5 incidents per 100K. It shares a similarly high safety profile with other high-ranking counties like Logan.

Violent Crime Remains Remarkably Low

Property crime sits at 558.5 per 100K, while violent crime remains very low at 64.2 per 100K. Residents face much lower risks than the national violent crime average of 369.8.

Preserving Peace of Mind at Home

Low crime rates are a community achievement that requires continued vigilance. Smart locks and monitored alarm systems provide extra peace of mind for local property owners.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lake County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Infrastructure Along the Lake

Lake County operates a robust system of 63 public schools across 12 districts, serving nearly 29,000 students. The landscape features 26 elementary schools and 13 high schools to accommodate a large suburban population.

Competitive Results in Suburban Ohio

The county maintains a 91.3% graduation rate, which is higher than both the state and national averages. With a $7,753 per-pupil expenditure, Lake County invests heavily in its students to maintain a composite school score of 55.8.

Large Districts Define the Region

Mentor Exempted Village and Willoughby-Eastlake City are the educational powerhouses, each serving over 7,100 students. These districts offer extensive resources, including 27 schools between them and a single charter school option.

Suburban Excellence and Large Campuses

A staggering 59 of the county's 63 schools are in suburban locales, creating a consistent educational environment. Mentor High School is the county's largest, enrolling 2,405 students, while the average school size stays near 467.

Join a Premier Suburban School System

Lake County is perfect for families seeking diverse extracurriculars and large, well-resourced schools. Start your home search today in one of Ohio's most established suburban education hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lake County

via RiskByCounty

Lake County's elevated risk score

Lake County's composite score of 77.35 places it well above the national average with a Relatively Low rating despite the higher number. This reflects significant natural hazard exposure that requires serious preparedness planning.

Among Ohio's highest-risk counties

At 77.35, Lake County's score substantially exceeds Ohio's 55.03 state average, ranking it in the top tier of the state's most hazard-exposed counties. Few Ohio counties carry comparable composite risk scores.

Notably riskier than surrounding areas

Lake County's 77.35 score significantly outpaces most neighboring counties, making it a relative hotspot for natural hazards in northeast Ohio. Its combination of tornado and flood risks particularly exceeds regional norms.

Tornadoes and floods dominate landscape

Lake County faces exceptional tornado risk at 75.19—among the highest in the state—and extreme flood exposure at 86.10. Together, these two hazards account for most of the county's elevated composite risk.

Comprehensive coverage is critical here

Lake County residents must carry robust homeowners insurance with full wind and tornado coverage due to the exceptional 75.19 tornado score. Flood insurance is equally essential, particularly for any property within 500 feet of a waterway or low-lying area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lake County

via WaterByCounty

Lake County Maintains High Compliance

Lake County earns an A grade with only two health violations reported in five years. Its violation rate of 0.9 per 100K is drastically lower than the state average of 32.9.

Clean Bill of Health for Assessed Watersheds

In the 2022 assessment cycle, all 3 monitored water bodies met federal Clean Water Act standards. The resulting 0.0% impairment rate matches the state’s best-performing counties for this period.

Active Data Collection in Lake County

39 monitoring sites have recorded 11,959 measurements over the last five years. Data collection is robust, focusing heavily on physical properties and nutrient levels.

Grand River Flows at 69% Capacity

The Grand River near Painesville shows a current discharge of 722 cfs against a long-term mean of 1,041 cfs. While the river is at 69% of its typical flow, it remains a steady contributor to the local watershed.

Reliable Water with Constant Oversight

Lake County residents enjoy highly compliant drinking water and a healthy watershed. Continue to monitor nutrient levels, which are a primary focus of the county's nearly 12,000 recent measurements.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lake County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Great Lakes Climate

Lake County’s annual average temperature of 51.3°F sits just below the national median of roughly 53°F. This humid continental climate is heavily moderated by its northern border on Lake Erie.

Matching the Ohio Average

The county's 51.3°F average temperature closely tracks the Ohio state average of 51.5°F. It avoids the higher heat seen in southern Ohio while benefiting from the lake's thermal mass.

Wetter Than Inland Neighbors

Lake County receives 44.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average of 41.2 inches. This exceeds the 39.6 inches recorded in nearby Lorain County to the west.

Mild Summers and Steady Winters

July averages a comfortable 73.3°F with only 7 days per year reaching 90°F. While specific annual snowfall data is unavailable, winter temperatures average 30.7°F across the coldest months.

Prepare for High Moisture

Residents should invest in high-quality drainage and roofing to handle the 44.3 inches of annual rainfall. The rare extreme heat makes standard air conditioning sufficient for most summer days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lake County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly acidic soils by the lake

Lake County exhibits a very acidic average pH of 5.48, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This low pH is characteristic of many coastal-influenced regions and often requires lime applications for standard crops. Understanding this chemical baseline is essential for anyone growing in the region.

Sandy textures and easy tilling

The soil features a high sand content of 35.0% and a moderate 42.8% silt, with only 14.7% clay. This composition creates a light, well-aerated soil that warms up quickly in the spring. It is highly workable, making it a favorite for nursery operations and intensive gardening.

Exceptional organic richness near Erie

Organic matter in Lake County is an impressive 8.35%, nearly double the state average of 4.85%. Despite the high organic content, the available water capacity of 0.176 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.186 in/in. This soil is naturally fertile but may require irrigation during dry spells due to its sandy nature.

Rapid water movement through sand

While official drainage classes are not listed, the high sand and low clay percentages suggest relatively fast drainage. This prevents roots from drowning during wet periods but can lead to nutrient leaching. Local growers should focus on frequent, light fertilization to keep plants healthy.

Nursery capital of Zone 6b

The 6b hardiness zone and sandy, high-organic soil make Lake County perfect for woody ornamentals and fruit trees. Grapes and berries thrive here, benefiting from the quick-warming soil and lake-moderated climate. It is a fantastic place to start a backyard orchard or a decorative flower garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lake County

via LawnByCounty

Easy Lawn Care Near Lake Erie

Lake County scores a 75.4 for lawn ease, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. The Hardiness Zone 6b designation reflects the moderating influence of the lake, which prevents extreme temperature swings. This creates a stable environment for maintaining high-quality turf with moderate effort.

Higher Precipitation Levels in Lake County

The county receives a generous 44.3 inches of rain annually, significantly higher than the Ohio average of 41.2 inches. With only 7 extreme heat days, lawns here face some of the lowest heat stress in the state. This extra moisture and cool air keep grass green longer into the summer months.

Managing Acidic and Sandy Lake Soils

At a pH of 5.48, Lake County soils are among the more acidic in the region, requiring lime to unlock essential nutrients. The soil contains 35.0% sand, the highest in this group, which helps prevent waterlogging despite the high 44.3-inch rainfall. Regular organic matter additions can help these sandy soils hold onto nutrients more effectively.

Consistent Moisture in Lake County

Lake County experienced only 6 weeks of drought over the past year and is currently at 0% for all drought categories. Even with high rainfall, the sandy soil composition means lawns may dry out faster than clay-heavy neighbors. Focus on deep watering during the rare dry spells to sustain the lush growth typical of the lakefront.

Long Growing Season for Lake Residents

Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue are top choices for the tempered 6b climate. The growing window is generous, stretching from the last frost on April 26 to a late first frost on November 9. This extended autumn provides a perfect opportunity for late-season overseeding and root development.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake County's county score?
Lake County, Ohio has a composite county score of 49.4 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 Lake County rank among counties in Ohio?
Lake County ranks #45 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 Lake County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Lake County is $3,405, with an effective tax rate of 1.70%. This earns Lake County a tax score of 7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lake County?
The median household income in Lake County, Ohio is $77,952 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lake County earns an income score of 81.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lake County, Ohio a good place to live?
Lake County scores 49.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Lake 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 Lake 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.