CountyScore

Licking County

Ohio · OH

#72 in Ohio
63.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Licking County, Ohio

Licking County beats the national norm

Licking County scores 65.2 on the composite index, 15.2 points above the national median of 50.0. This reflects solid performance in the measured dimensions, though slightly below state average.

Slightly below Ohio's statewide performance

At 65.2, Licking County scores 3.6 points below Ohio's average of 68.8. The county ranks in the middle-to-lower tier among Ohio's 88 counties.

Highest incomes in this group

Licking County's income score of 36.3 and median household income of $81,033 are the highest in this county set. This strong earning power supports the region's $250,700 median home value.

Higher housing costs and taxes

The median home value of $250,700 and effective tax rate of 1.256% are notably higher, reflecting a more developed suburban market. Safety, health, school, and water data gaps remain.

Suburban choice for affluent families

Licking County appeals to higher-income families seeking quality suburban living and strong earning potential. It's less suitable for budget-conscious households or those with modest incomes.

Score breakdown

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

Tax66.9Cost71.1SafetyComing SoonHealth73.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome36.3Risk21.1WaterComing Soon
🏛66.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡21.1
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 Licking County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Pinal County
Arizona
63.5
Median income: $77,588
Rockdale County
Georgia
63.5
Median income: $72,349
Logan County
Illinois
63.5
Median income: $64,188
Perry County
Illinois
63.5
Median income: $59,286
Lyon County
Kansas
63.5
Median income: $59,078

Deep Dives

Licking County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Licking County

via HealthByCounty

Licking County meets national health standards

With a life expectancy of 75.9 years, Licking County falls 2.1 years short of the national average of 78.0 years but still ranks solidly in the healthy range. Only 17.7% of residents report poor or fair health, closely matching the national rate of 17.8%.

Above-average outcomes across Ohio

Licking County's 75.9-year life expectancy exceeds Ohio's state average of 74.8 years, placing it among the state's healthier counties. This consistent performance reflects stable healthcare access and favorable community health metrics.

Strong health outcomes in Central Ohio

Licking County's 75.9-year life expectancy ranks close to Lake County (77.0 years) and outpaces Jefferson County (71.8 years) by 4.1 years. The county's 17.7% poor/fair health rate suggests well-balanced community wellness compared to regional peers.

Excellent coverage with adequate provider access

Licking County's uninsured rate of 6.0% is among the lowest in Ohio, well below the state average of 7.5%. The county provides 37 primary care providers and 165 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, offering reasonable access to both primary and behavioral health care.

Keep coverage strong in Licking County

With one of Ohio's lowest uninsured rates, Licking County has built solid health security. Continue protecting your family by reviewing coverage options annually at healthcare.gov and connecting with local clinics to access preventive care and wellness services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.