countyscore
53.2
County Score
Schools 75Lawn Care 67.4Water Quality 62.6

County Report Card

About Lawrence County, Ohio

Strong National Standing

Lawrence County’s composite score of 53.2 places it well above the national median of 50.0. This strong performance highlights its status as a desirable place to live compared to many peers nationwide.

A Top Performer in Ohio

Outpacing the state average of 48.6, Lawrence County ranks as one of the more livable counties in Ohio. Its balanced profile offers a higher quality of life than many neighboring southern Ohio counties.

Excellent Schools and Safety

The county achieves a standout school score of 75.0 and a solid safety score of 61.2. These metrics, combined with an affordable effective tax rate of 0.880%, make it highly attractive for families.

Income and Health Gaps

A low income score of 24.7 reflects a median household income of $54,842, which remains a primary challenge. The health score of 32.8 also suggests room for improvement in local wellness outcomes and medical access.

Ideal for Young Families

With its strong schools and low taxes, Lawrence County is a prime location for young families focused on education and safety. It offers a high standard of living for those whose careers or businesses can thrive despite the lower local income median.

Score breakdown

Tax46.8Cost58.9Safety61.2Health32.8Schools75Income24.7Risk29Water62.6Weather58.1
🏛46.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠58.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡61.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓75
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡29
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧62.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨52.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Boyd County
Kentucky
45.1
Cabell County
West Virginia
41.6
Gallia County
Ohio
48
Greenup County
Kentucky
58.8
Scioto County
Ohio
43.7
Wayne County
West Virginia
55.5
Jackson County
Ohio
49.8
Mason County
West Virginia
68

Deep Dives

Lawrence County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lawrence County

via TaxByCounty

Lawrence County offers the nation's lowest taxes

Lawrence County's effective tax rate of 0.880% ranks in the bottom 5% nationally, with median property taxes of just $1,193 compared to the national median of $2,690. Few American counties offer property owners such a favorable tax advantage.

Ohio's most affordable county for property taxes

Lawrence County's 0.880% effective rate beats every other Ohio county, sitting 23% below the state average of 1.148% and producing median taxes of just $1,193 versus the state median of $2,145. It's the clear winner for tax-conscious Ohio homebuyers.

A regional tax bargain by a significant margin

Lawrence County's 0.880% rate undercuts Jefferson County (1.012%), Knox County (1.074%), and Logan County (1.046%) by meaningful margins. Southern Ohio residents here enjoy one of the region's most favorable tax environments.

What you actually pay each year

On Lawrence County's median home value of $135,600, annual property taxes average just $1,193 without a mortgage, rising slightly to $1,290 with mortgage insurance factored in. That's roughly $99 per month—among America's lowest homeowner property tax burdens.

Even modest appeals offer meaningful relief

Given already-low taxes, Lawrence County homeowners may feel less urgency to appeal, but any overassessment still warrants correction. If your assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales in your neighborhood, contacting the county auditor costs nothing and could free up tax dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lawrence County

via CostByCounty

Lawrence County: Most Strained Affordability

Lawrence County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this cohort and exceeds the national average, driven by a median household income of just $54,842—26% below the U.S. median. Housing costs here consume a notably larger share of household earnings than most American counties.

Challenging Affordability Statewide

Lawrence County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Ohio's most strained, well above the 15.6% state average, despite rent of $830 running below the state median of $873. Low incomes—not high rents—drive the affordability challenge here.

Lowest Income, Tightest Squeeze

Lawrence County's $54,842 median income ranks lowest in this region, significantly undercutting even Jefferson ($56,983) and Lucas ($60,095), though its $830 rent remains reasonable in absolute terms. The income-to-cost mismatch creates the region's most acute affordability burden.

18.2% of Income Lost to Rent

At $830 monthly, rent consumes 18.2% of the $54,842 median income—the steepest share in this cohort—while homeowners spend $748, roughly 16.3% of earnings. For Lawrence County households, housing leaves less margin for saving, healthcare, or education.

Lawrence Demands Income Flexibility

Lawrence County appeals primarily to remote workers or retirees with income sources independent of local job markets, offering the region's lowest housing costs. Traditional job-seekers should carefully assess local employment opportunities, as median incomes here reflect limited local earning potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lawrence County

via IncomeByCounty

Lawrence County faces income gap

Lawrence County's median household income of $54,842 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly 27%, making it one of Ohio's weaker-earning regions. This substantial gap signals structural economic challenges that require attention.

Among Ohio's lowest earners

Lawrence ranks in Ohio's bottom 20% of counties, earning $13,259 less than the state median of $68,101. Per capita income of $29,610 is the lowest in this survey, indicating limited employment options and wage growth.

Struggles alongside Appalachian peers

Lawrence County's $54,842 income nearly matches Pike County and trails Scioto County, reflecting shared Appalachian economic realities. The county faces a $22,000+ gap versus prosperous Licking County, highlighting stark regional disparities within Ohio.

Rent burden is concerning

At 18.2% of income, Lawrence's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the 17% affordability threshold, straining renters' budgets and leaving less for savings. Median home value of $135,600 is affordable but reflects limited purchasing power overall.

Build wealth through planning

Lawrence County residents face tighter budgets but can still save by prioritizing high-yield savings and low-cost investing. Seek employer matches, use tax refunds for IRA contributions, and access community development resources to build long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lawrence County

via CrimeByCounty

Lawrence County Maintains Strong National Standing

Lawrence County reports a total crime rate of 893.2 per 100K, coming in well below the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a strong safety score of 98.6.

Lawrence County Ranks Above Ohio Average

The county ranks better than the state average safety score of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 893.2 per 100K is also significantly lower than the Ohio statewide average of 1,412.3.

Safer Living than Neighboring Licking County

Lawrence County offers a more secure environment than Licking County, where the crime rate is twice as high. Its safety profile is very comparable to other mid-sized counties like Jefferson.

Property Concerns Far Outweigh Violent Crime

Most reported incidents involve property crime at 782.8 per 100K. Violent crime stays low at 110.4 per 100K, which is less than a third of the national violent crime rate.

Proactive Home Security for Lawrence Residents

Securing your home's perimeter is the best way to prevent property incidents. Consider joining neighborhood watch programs to keep local crime rates trending downward.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lawrence County

via HealthByCounty

Lawrence County faces severe health crisis

Lawrence County's life expectancy of 70.0 years ranks 8 full years below the national average of 78.0 years—one of the starkest disparities in Ohio. With 24.1% of residents in poor or fair health, the county's disease burden far exceeds the national rate of 17.8%.

Ohio's lowest life expectancy county

Lawrence County's 70.0-year life expectancy is the lowest in Ohio, sitting 4.8 years below the state average of 74.8 years. This profound gap signals a public health emergency requiring immediate, sustained investment in prevention, treatment, and community support.

Severe health disadvantage in Appalachia

Lawrence County's 70.0-year life expectancy trails every neighboring county dramatically: Jefferson County (71.8 years) by 1.8 years, and counties across the state by even wider margins. The 24.1% poor/fair health rate is the highest in its region and signals compounding health challenges.

Paradox of providers but limited outcomes

Lawrence County has 47 primary care providers and a remarkable 811 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, yet life expectancy remains critically low—suggesting systemic barriers to care access and utilization. The uninsured rate of 7.0% is near state average, indicating coverage alone does not solve the county's deep health crisis.

Insurance is step one toward healthier futures

Lawrence County residents deserve access to comprehensive care and support. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to secure coverage, and connect with local health departments for addiction treatment, chronic disease management, and preventive services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lawrence County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Across the Ohio River

Lawrence County provides 24 public schools for its 9,297 students, managed by nine distinct school districts. The infrastructure includes 9 high schools and 8 elementary schools, ensuring localized access to education.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

The county achieves a remarkable 94.5% graduation rate, surpassing the state average by more than 6 percentage points. The county also invests more per student ($8,139) than the state average, resulting in a high school score of 58.4.

Diverse Districts and Local Control

Fairland Local and Ironton City are key districts, serving 1,425 and 1,386 students respectively. Rock Hill Local operates the county's largest individual school, Rock Hill Elementary, which enrolls 723 students.

A Suburban-Rural Educational Blend

With 15 suburban and 9 rural schools, students experience a mix of community environments. The average school size is 387 students, offering a personal touch that larger urban districts often lack.

Settle Near Top-Tier Graduation Success

Lawrence County offers some of the highest graduation rates in Ohio, making it a top choice for families. Explore homes for sale to give your children an advantage in these successful districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lawrence County

via RiskByCounty

Lawrence County sits above national average

Lawrence County's composite risk score of 70.99 exceeds the national baseline and carries a Relatively Low rating. This positioning indicates meaningful natural hazard exposure that warrants attention from residents and property owners.

Higher-risk county in Ohio

At 70.99, Lawrence County's score substantially exceeds Ohio's state average of 55.03, placing it in the upper range of the state's risk profile. It ranks among counties with notably elevated natural disaster exposure.

Most hazardous county in its region

Lawrence County's 70.99 composite score exceeds most adjacent Appalachian counties in the southern part of the state. Its elevated flood risk particularly distinguishes it from neighboring areas with lower riverine exposure.

Floods and wildfires pose distinct threats

Flood risk dominates at 83.75, reflecting the county's river systems and topography, while wildfire exposure (53.24) significantly exceeds state averages. Tornadoes (48.25) remain a secondary concern but still present measurable risk.

Prioritize flood and wildfire insurance

Lawrence County's extreme flood risk makes flood insurance non-negotiable, especially for properties near the Ohio River and tributary systems. Homeowners in wooded areas should also ensure their policies include adequate wildfire and wind coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lawrence County

via WeatherByCounty

Ohio's Warm Southern Gateway

With an annual average of 54.3°F, Lawrence County is warmer than the national median and most of the Midwest. This region functions as a transition zone into more humid, southern weather patterns.

Ranking High for State Heat

Lawrence County is significantly warmer than the Ohio average of 51.5°F. It consistently ranks as one of the warmest counties in the state due to its southernmost position.

Warmer and Wetter Than Neighbors

The county averages 47.6 inches of precipitation, far exceeding the 41.9 inches found in Licking County. It also experiences 27 extreme heat days, nearly double that of central Ohio counties.

Long Summers and Light Snow

Summers are hot with 27 days hitting 90°F and a July average of 75.2°F. Winters remain mild with an average of 34.5°F and only 9.9 inches of annual snowfall.

Focus on Cooling Systems

High-efficiency HVAC is a priority here to manage the nearly month-long stretch of 90°F days. The light 9.9-inch snowfall means winter gear requirements are minimal compared to northern Ohio.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lawrence County

via SoilByCounty

Deeply acidic, high-organic southern soil

Lawrence County has a low average pH of 5.38, well below the national median of 6.5. This high acidity is often found in forested, high-organic environments common to southern Ohio. It represents some of the most acidic soil in the state, requiring careful management for most agricultural uses.

Silty soil with low clay

The soil composition is 44.1% silt and 21.0% sand, with a relatively low clay content of 15.7%. This mix creates a friable texture that is easy for roots to penetrate and simple for gardeners to dig. However, the low clay levels mean the soil lacks the natural 'stickiness' that helps hold water and nutrients.

Incredible organic matter levels

Lawrence County boasts a staggering 14.82% organic matter, nearly triple the Ohio average of 4.85%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is low at 0.150 in/in compared to the state average of 0.186. This indicates a soil that is nutrient-dense but dries out quickly, requiring consistent moisture management.

Water flow in the southern hills

Drainage class data is limited for this area, but the low clay and high organic matter suggest a porous structure. Water likely moves through these soils rapidly, which is great for preventing rot but challenging for water retention. Mulching is highly recommended to preserve the moisture the soil does manage to capture.

Warmth and wealth in Zone 7a

As one of the few Ohio counties in Zone 7a, Lawrence County supports a longer growing season and warmer-weather plants. The massive organic content is a dream for heavy feeders like tomatoes and peppers if the acidity is balanced. Leverage this natural fertility to build a thriving, productive home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lawrence County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Southernmost Ohio

Lawrence County has a lawn difficulty score of 67.4, the most challenging in this group but still better than the national 50.0 average. As a Zone 7a region, it faces unique pressures that other Ohio counties do not. Heat and humidity play a much larger role in lawn health here on the Kentucky border.

Intense Heat Days Impact Lawrence Lawns

Lawns here endure 27 extreme heat days annually, nearly double the state average of 15 days. While the 47.6 inches of rain is high, the 3,627 growing degree days mean grass grows fast and requires frequent mowing. This combination of high heat and moisture can increase the risk of fungal diseases in the turf.

Southern Soils Require pH Adjustments

The local soil pH is 5.38, which is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most grasses. With a low sand content of 21.0% and 15.7% clay, the soil can be prone to poor structure if not managed with organic amendments. Regular soil testing is vital here to manage the nutrient imbalances caused by high acidity.

Fast Recovery Despite Summer Heat

Lawrence County saw only 4 weeks of drought last year and currently reports no abnormally dry areas. However, with 27 heat days, moisture evaporates quickly, making efficient irrigation critical. Use rain barrels to capture the high annual rainfall for use during those frequent hot, dry afternoons.

Heat-Tolerant Grasses for Zone 7a

In this warmer 7a zone, heat-tolerant Tall Fescue is the most reliable choice for year-round green. Aim for spring planting after April 30 or fall seeding before the October 30 frost. The warmer climate allows for a slightly longer establishment period for new seed compared to northern Ohio.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lawrence County's county score?
Lawrence County, Ohio has a composite county score of 53.2 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 Lawrence County rank among counties in Ohio?
Lawrence County ranks #30 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 Lawrence County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Lawrence County is $1,193, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Lawrence County a tax score of 46.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lawrence County?
The median household income in Lawrence County, Ohio is $54,842 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lawrence County earns an income score of 24.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lawrence County, Ohio a good place to live?
Lawrence County scores 53.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Lawrence 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 Lawrence County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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