countyscore
37.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 84.9Lawn Care 80.4Health 67.3

County Report Card

About Licking County, Ohio

Trailing the National Median

Licking County’s composite score of 37.9 falls significantly below the national median of 50.0. Despite high individual earnings, several environmental and social factors weigh down its overall ranking.

Below the Ohio Average

The county’s score of 37.9 sits over 10 points below the Ohio average of 48.6. While it is an economic hub, it struggles with dimensions that impact the daily experience of all residents.

Robust Incomes and Health

Licking County boasts an impressive income score of 84.9, with a median household income reaching $81,033. It also maintains a strong health score of 67.3, reflecting a population with good access to medical care.

High Risk and Safety Concerns

Low scores in environmental risk (21.1) and safety (26.1) are the primary drivers of the lower composite. Additionally, a cost score of 21.9 indicates that housing, with a median value of $250,700, is becoming less affordable.

Suits Wealthy Commuters

Licking County is best for high-earning individuals who can afford rising housing costs and prioritize a strong healthcare system. Those moving here should be prepared for the tradeoffs between high earnings and lower scores in safety and environmental resilience.

2040608010022.821.926.167.339.584.921.166.559.8Tax22.8Cost21.9Safety26.1Health67.3Schools39.5Income84.9Risk21.1Water66.5Weather59.837.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Licking County DNA

Foverall

How Licking County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Licking County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (84.9/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (22.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
22.8-29.2
Cost
21.9-26.1
Safety
26.1-28.9
Health
67.3+17.299999999999997
Schools
39.5-14.5
Income
84.9+33.900000000000006
Risk
21.1-25.9
Water
66.5+8.5
Weather
59.8
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$250,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$999/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$250,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $81,033/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.4

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

Siskiyou County
California
Median income: $55,499
37.9
Morgan County
Colorado
Median income: $75,407
37.9
Ingham County
Michigan
Median income: $64,354
37.9
Pike County
Mississippi
Median income: $41,578
37.9
Butler County
Missouri
Median income: $49,213
37.9
Greene County
Ohio
Median income: $85,218
37.9
Travis County
Texas
Median income: $97,169
37.9
Washington County
Texas
Median income: $75,085
37.9

Nearby counties

Fairfield County
Ohio
39.9
Knox County
Ohio
53.7
Perry County
Ohio
59.4
Muskingum County
Ohio
42.1
Franklin County
Ohio
41.9
Delaware County
Ohio
38.6
Coshocton County
Ohio
52.8
Morrow County
Ohio
51.7

Deep Dives

Licking County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Licking County

via TaxByCounty

Licking County taxes run above the national average

Licking County's effective tax rate of 1.256% and median property taxes of $3,150 exceed the national median of $2,690, placing the county in the top 35% nationally. Most American homeowners pay less than typical Licking County residents.

Among Ohio's higher-taxed counties

Licking County's 1.256% effective rate surpasses Ohio's 1.148% state average by a notable margin, with median taxes of $3,150 exceeding the state median of $2,145 by nearly 47%. The county ranks in Ohio's upper tier for property tax burden.

One of the region's pricier tax environments

Licking County's 1.256% rate exceeds Knox County (1.074%), Logan County (1.046%), and Jefferson County (1.012%), though it falls below Lorain County (1.444%) and Lake County (1.703%). Central Ohio shows substantial variation in tax rates across nearby counties.

What you actually pay each year

On Licking County's median home value of $250,700, homeowners pay approximately $3,150 annually without a mortgage, increasing to $3,387 with mortgage insurance included. That's roughly $280 per month—a significant burden compared to lower-tax counties in the state.

Assessment appeals could deliver real savings

In a higher-tax county like Licking, reducing an inflated assessed value can yield hundreds annually and thousands over a homeowner's tenure. If your assessed value hasn't been updated to reflect current market conditions or exceeds comparable nearby sales, filing an appeal is worth the effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Licking County

via CostByCounty

Licking County: Strong Income, Strong Homes

Licking County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio bests the national average, paired with a $81,033 median household income that outpaces the U.S. median by 8%. This county delivers one of the region's best affordability profiles, with incomes strong enough to support housing costs comfortably.

Ohio's Most Affordable County

Licking County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks below Ohio's 15.6% state average, the lowest in this cohort, reflecting robust median incomes that dwarf statewide norms. At $250,700, median home values also signal strong property appreciation potential statewide.

Highest Income, Best Affordability

Licking County's $81,033 median income outearns all neighbors, including Knox ($73,988) and Lake ($77,952), while its 14.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks best despite $999 rent running above several counties. This income-to-cost superiority positions Licking as the region's affordability leader.

14.8% of Income Covers Rent

Renters spend $999 monthly on gross rent—just 14.8% of the $81,033 median income—while homeowners carry $1,264, roughly 18.7% of household earnings. Licking County's elevated incomes provide substantial cushion for homeownership costs and other living expenses.

Licking County: Premium Choice

Licking County is ideal for dual-income families or professionals seeking strong earning potential paired with responsible housing costs and excellent home values. If you want the region's best affordability profile without sacrificing higher-value housing stock, Licking County delivers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Licking County

via IncomeByCounty

Licking County tops regional income

Licking County's median household income of $81,033 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $6,278, ranking it in the nation's upper 30%. This 8% premium reflects a prosperous, diversified economy.

Ohio's income leaders

Licking ranks in Ohio's top 10 most prosperous counties, outearning the state median of $68,101 by 19%. Per capita income of $41,543 surpasses the state average by 17%, indicating broad-based household wealth and earning stability.

Outpaces all central Ohio rivals

Licking's $81,033 exceeds nearby Delaware ($76,000), Pickaway ($62,000), and Franklin County suburbs, establishing it as central Ohio's income leader. Only Lake County ($77,952) approaches Licking's earning power in the state's northern belt.

Excellent affordability metrics

Licking's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio is among Ohio's best, leaving households with surplus income for saving and investment. Median home value of $250,700 is substantial but manageable given the county's strong earning base.

Licking County: wealth-building hub

With top-tier income and minimal housing burden, Licking residents enjoy exceptional opportunity to accumulate wealth. Maximize 401(k)s, explore investment properties, establish taxable brokerage accounts, and consider charitable giving to optimize long-term financial growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Licking County

via CrimeByCounty

Licking County Crime Below National Levels

Licking County maintains a safety score of 97.1, which indicates a generally secure environment. The total crime rate of 1,807.2 per 100K remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Licking County Tracks Near State Averages

Licking County sits just below the Ohio state average safety score of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1,807.2 per 100K is higher than the state average of 1,412.3.

Higher Incident Rates Than Rural Neighbors

Licking County sees higher crime activity than neighboring Knox County, which reports only 679.9 incidents per 100K. However, it remains significantly safer than urban centers like Lucas County.

Property Crimes Drive Local Crime Data

Property crime drives local statistics at 1,674.1 per 100K. The violent crime rate of 133.1 per 100K is notably lower than the national average of 369.8 per 100K.

Security Focus for Licking County Families

With property crime being the primary local concern, residents should focus on securing valuables. Installing a comprehensive home alarm system can provide a strong deterrent against theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Licking County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Reach Across 63 Schools

Licking County supports nearly 30,000 students through a network of 63 schools and 12 districts. The system includes 27 elementary schools and 16 high schools, providing a deep pipeline for regional growth.

Steady Growth and Lean Spending

The county matches the state graduation average at 88.4% while operating with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,960. While the school score of 52.6 is slightly below the state average, the county remains a major educational hub for Central Ohio.

Massive Enrollment in Leading Districts

Reynoldsburg City and Newark City are the largest districts, together serving over 13,000 students across 30 schools. Southwest Licking Local also stands out with 4,794 students across 8 campuses.

A Balance of Country and Suburb

Licking County is split between 33 rural and 29 suburban schools, reflecting its geography. Newark High School is the largest campus with 1,424 students, and the county average of 486 students per school ensures a variety of campus sizes.

Central Ohio Living Near Large Districts

Licking County is an excellent choice for those wanting a mix of rural space and suburban school resources. Find your next home in a district that fits your family's pace and priorities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Licking County

via RiskByCounty

Licking County faces high natural hazard risk

Licking County's composite risk score of 78.91 substantially exceeds the national average with a Relatively Low rating. This county experiences significant cumulative exposure to multiple natural disaster types.

Among Ohio's highest-risk counties

At 78.91, Licking County ranks in the state's top tier, far exceeding Ohio's 55.03 average. Only a handful of Ohio counties carry comparable or higher composite risk scores.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Licking County's 78.91 score outpaces most central Ohio neighbors, making it a relative natural hazard hotspot. Its exceptional flood and tornado risks particularly distinguish it from adjacent counties.

Floods, earthquakes, and tornadoes converge

Licking County faces extreme flood risk at 85.97 and unusually high earthquake exposure at 65.87, a combination uncommon in Ohio. Tornado risk of 61.45 adds a third significant hazard, creating a complex risk profile.

Multi-hazard insurance strategy essential

Flood insurance is critical for Licking County residents given the 85.97 score, particularly for properties near water features. Standard homeowners coverage should include earthquake protection—rare in Ohio but justified by the county's 65.87 score—along with comprehensive wind and tornado coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Licking County

via WaterByCounty

Strong Compliance Record for Licking County

Licking County maintains a B grade with a low violation rate of 2.7 per 100K. With only three health violations in five years, the county performs significantly better than the state average of 32.9.

Broad Watershed Health Across Ten Sites

Ten different water bodies were assessed in the 2022 cycle, and all 10 met federal standards. This 0.0% impairment rate across a wide sample indicates a robust and healthy local ecosystem.

Physical and Inorganic Testing Records

Eight monitoring sites recorded 847 measurements over the last five years. Local testing primarily tracks physical properties and inorganic substances to ensure consistent water quality.

Extreme Low Flow in Licking River

The Licking River near Newark is currently flowing at 186 cfs, just 29% of its 649 cfs long-term mean. This critical drop in flow indicates a severe departure from typical seasonal volumes.

Managing Resources During Record Lows

While compliance is strong and the watershed is healthy, the Licking River is at a critical 29% flow level. Residents should be prepared for water conservation measures to protect the integrity of the source water.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Licking County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Midwestern Climate Profile

Licking County’s 51.9°F average temperature reflects a classic humid continental climate found across the central United States. It sits just a fraction below the national median temperature.

The Heart of Ohio Weather

At 51.9°F, the county is almost perfectly aligned with the Ohio state average of 51.5°F. It serves as a reliable benchmark for the state's overall climatic conditions.

Typical Central Ohio Precipitation

The county records 41.9 inches of annual precipitation, slightly above the state average of 41.2 inches. This is very similar to Madison County’s 42.3 inches but with fewer extreme heat days.

Balanced Seasonal Extremes

Residents experience 14 days of 90°F heat during summers that average 71.9°F. Winters bring 19.3 inches of snow and a seasonal temperature average of 31.1°F.

Prepare for Variable Winters

A mix of 19.3 inches of snow and frequent freeze-thaw cycles requires durable driveway materials. Standard insulation is effective for the 14 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Licking County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Alfisols of Licking County

Licking County features Alfisols, a highly productive soil order known for its natural fertility. The average pH is 5.90, which is very close to the state average of 5.97 but still under the national 6.5 median. This makes it one of the more balanced soil profiles in the region for general farming.

Silt loam: The gardener's favorite

The dominant texture is silt loam, composed of 53.2% silt, 25.6% sand, and 18.1% clay. This specific ratio is highly prized for its perfect balance of drainage, aeration, and nutrient storage. It provides a stable environment for everything from corn to garden vegetables.

Reliable water and steady fertility

The available water capacity is 0.189 in/in, slightly exceeding the state average of 0.186 in/in. Organic matter sits at 4.30%, just below the state average of 4.85% but double the national median. This combination ensures plants have a steady supply of both water and nutrients throughout the season.

Moderately well-drained silt

These soils are classified as moderately well drained and belong to Hydrologic Group C. This means they have a somewhat slow rate of water transmission, which is excellent for holding moisture but may require tiling in low spots. It is a predictable soil for both agricultural production and suburban landscaping.

A versatile start in Zone 6a

The 6a hardiness zone and silt loam texture make this county a prime location for traditional Ohio staples like pumpkins and sweet corn. The soil's ability to hold water makes it resilient against short dry spells. Whether you are planting a small raised bed or a large plot, Licking County’s soil is on your side.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Licking County

via LawnByCounty

Licking County Leads in Lawn Ease

With a difficulty score of 80.4, Licking County offers some of the most favorable lawn conditions in the state. This score significantly beats both the national average of 50.0 and the Ohio average of 76.0. Homeowners in this Zone 6a area benefit from a climate that perfectly balances growth and stress.

Balanced Weather for Moderate Mowing

Licking County receives 41.9 inches of annual rain, closely matching the state average. The 14 extreme heat days and 3,230 growing degree days mean the lawn stays active without the excessive growth spurts seen in wetter regions. This climate supports a predictable maintenance routine from spring through autumn.

Ideal Silt Loam for Licking County

The soil is classified as a moderately well-drained silt loam, which is nearly ideal for turfgrass roots. A pH of 5.90 is very close to the 6.0 target, meaning only minor lime applications may be needed. The 18.1% clay and 25.6% sand mix provides excellent stability and moisture retention for the lawn.

Managing Abnormal Dryness in Licking

While the county only saw 6 weeks of drought last year, 32.1% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry (D0). Residents should focus on conserving water by only irrigating in the early morning to minimize evaporation. This proactive approach helps the silt loam soil maintain its moisture levels during dry patches.

Perfect Seeding Windows in Zone 6a

Kentucky bluegrass and turf-type tall fescue thrive in these well-drained silt loams. Plan to seed after the last frost on April 29, or take advantage of the late summer window before the October 18 first frost. The reliable soil drainage makes fall establishment particularly successful for new lawns.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Licking County's county score?
Licking County, Ohio has a composite county score of 37.9 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 Licking County rank among counties in Ohio?
Licking County ranks #78 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 Licking County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Licking County is $3,150, with an effective tax rate of 1.26%. This earns Licking County a tax score of 22.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Licking County?
The median household income in Licking County, Ohio is $81,033 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Licking County earns an income score of 84.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Licking County, Ohio a good place to live?
Licking County scores 37.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #78 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Licking 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 Licking 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.