56
County Score
Soil Quality 81.1Lawn Care 80.3Safety 75

County Report Card

About Logan County, Ohio

Strongly Above National Trends

Logan County earns a 56.0 composite score, placing it firmly ahead of the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates a high overall quality of life across most measurable dimensions.

One of Ohio's Leaders

With a score of 56.0, Logan County significantly exceeds the state average of 48.6. It stands as a model for balanced growth and community stability in the Western Ohio region.

Superior Safety and Schools

The county shines with a safety score of 75.0 and a school score of 69.3. Residents benefit from a secure community and strong educational outcomes, supported by a respectable $69,183 median household income.

Moderate Taxes and Water Concerns

The tax score of 34.7 and water score of 42.9 represent the county's primary areas for improvement. While not critical, these factors suggest a moderate tax burden and a need for continued infrastructure investment.

Perfect for Quiet Family Life

Logan County is an excellent choice for families seeking a safe, school-focused environment without the extreme costs of larger metros. It offers a balanced, high-performing lifestyle that ranks among the best in the state.

2040608010034.741.37560.669.364.846.842.956.1Tax34.7Cost41.3Safety75Health60.6Schools69.3Income64.8Risk46.8Water42.9Weather56.156/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Logan County DNA

Foverall

How Logan County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Logan County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (75/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (34.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
34.7-17.299999999999997
Cost
41.3
Safety
75+20
Health
60.6+10.600000000000001
Schools
69.3+15.299999999999997
Income
64.8+13.799999999999997
Risk
46.8
Water
42.9-15.100000000000001
Weather
56.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Logan County?

Many homeowners in Logan 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

$186,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$832/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$186,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,183/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Logan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Logan County

via TaxByCounty

Logan County taxes fall slightly below national level

Logan County's effective tax rate of 1.046% sits modestly below the national average, with median property taxes of $1,947 coming in about 28% below the national median of $2,690. The county offers homeowners a reasonably affordable tax environment by American standards.

Below Ohio average in a favorable middle position

Logan County's 1.046% effective rate trails Ohio's 1.148% state average, keeping median taxes at $1,947 versus the state median of $2,145. The county ranks in the lower half of Ohio's 88 counties for property tax burden.

Moderate taxes in central Ohio's range

Logan County's 1.046% rate sits between Jefferson County's lower 1.012% and Knox County's slightly higher 1.074%, placing it squarely in the middle of the region's variation. Central Ohio counties cluster within a relatively tight tax-rate band.

What you actually pay each year

On Logan County's median home value of $186,200, homeowners pay approximately $1,947 annually in property taxes without a mortgage, nearly identical at $1,959 with mortgage insurance included. That's roughly $162 per month—moderately affordable for Ohio homeowners.

Reassessment appeals are straightforward here

Logan County homeowners with assessed values above current market comparables should file appeals with the county auditor at no cost. Even modest reductions in assessed value translate to real annual savings that compound over decades of homeownership.

Cost of Living in Logan County

via CostByCounty

Logan County: Excellent National Position

Logan County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average by nearly a full percentage point, supported by a $69,183 median household income that approaches the U.S. median of $74,755. Housing here consumes a smaller share of household earnings than typical American counties.

Among Ohio's Most Affordable

Logan County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below Ohio's 15.6% state average—the lowest in this entire cohort—despite rent of $832 running below the state median. Strong income-to-housing balance positions Logan among the state's best affordability options.

Best Value Combination

Logan County pairs $832 rent—among the region's lowest—with a $69,183 income that exceeds Lawrence ($54,842) and Jefferson ($56,983) while remaining reasonable relative to higher-income counties. This combination delivers some of the region's best value-to-income alignment.

14.4% Rent-to-Income Ratio

Monthly rent of $832 consumes just 14.4% of the $69,183 median income, while homeowners spend $1,050, or roughly 18.2% of earnings. Logan County households retain substantial income share for savings, education, healthcare, and other priorities beyond housing.

Logan Offers Balanced Living

Logan County appeals to budget-conscious families seeking genuine affordability without sacrificing earning potential or community amenities. Whether renting or buying, Logan delivers the region's strongest income-to-housing balance for stable, sustainable household finances.

Income & Jobs in Logan County

via IncomeByCounty

Logan County nearly matches national income

Logan County's median household income of $69,183 sits 7% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting a modestly weaker local economy than the U.S. average. The gap is narrow enough to suggest Logan remains reasonably prosperous.

Solidly above Ohio average

Logan ranks in Ohio's middle-upper tier of counties, earning $1,082 above the state median of $68,101. Per capita income of $37,613 exceeds the state average by $1,971, showing moderate earning power across the population.

Mid-pack among regional peers

Logan's $69,183 positions it between Lorain County ($70,693) and Madison County ($66,500), in the stable middle of west-central Ohio. It trails wealthy Licking ($81,033) but outperforms the region's lower-income counties like Champaign.

Strong housing affordability

Logan's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio is among Ohio's best, offering renters substantial breathing room and the highest savings potential. Median home value of $186,200 is reasonable relative to household income, supporting homeownership accessibility.

Logan County: steady wealth growth

With solid income and excellent affordability, Logan residents have room to build savings and invest for retirement. Focus on automated retirement contributions, emergency funds, and tax-advantaged college savings to maximize long-term financial security.

Safety in Logan County

via CrimeByCounty

Logan County Among Top National Performers

Logan County is one of the safest in the region with an elite safety score of 99.1. Its total crime rate of 594.4 per 100K is remarkably lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Outpacing the Ohio Average for Safety

The county far exceeds the Ohio state average safety score of 97.8. Logan's total crime rate of 594.4 per 100K is less than half the state average of 1,412.3.

Logan County Leads Region in Safety

Logan County maintains a lower crime profile than Licking County, which has three times the crime rate. It stands as a leader in public safety compared to most surrounding counties.

Violent Crime is Minimal in Logan

Violent crime is minimal at 86.8 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also low, with only 507.6 incidents reported per 100K residents.

Maintaining Safety Through Daily Habits

Excellent safety scores are maintained through proactive community efforts. Residents can help keep these numbers low by securing windows and doors every night without fail.

Schools in Logan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in Five Districts

Logan County operates 13 public schools serving 6,295 students across five districts. This streamlined infrastructure consists of 5 elementary, 3 middle, and 5 high schools.

Superior Graduation and Quality Scores

Logan County excels with a 94.4% graduation rate, far exceeding the 87% national benchmark. Its school score of 57.2 also beats the state average, demonstrating high quality despite a per-pupil spend of $7,633.

Bellefontaine City at the Center

Bellefontaine City is the primary district, serving 2,205 students through four schools. Benjamin Logan Local and Indian Lake Local also serve significant portions of the county, totaling over 3,000 students between them.

Primarily Rural and Close-Knit

Eleven of the 13 schools are in rural settings, giving the county a distinct community-focused feel. Bellefontaine High School is the largest at 692 students, contributing to an average school size of 484 across the county.

Discover High-Performing Rural Schools

For families seeking quiet surroundings without sacrificing academic excellence, Logan County is a standout. Look for homes near these districts to enjoy top-tier graduation rates and strong school scores.

Disaster Risk in Logan County

via RiskByCounty

Logan County's below-average risk profile

With a composite risk score of 53.21, Logan County falls slightly below the national average and carries a Relatively Low rating. This positioning reflects one of the safer natural hazard environments in the region.

One of Ohio's safer counties

Logan County's 53.21 score sits just below Ohio's 55.03 state average, placing it in the lower-risk tier of the state. It represents one of the safer counties for natural hazard exposure in Ohio.

Lower risk than most adjacent counties

Logan County's 53.21 score is notably lower than surrounding counties in northwest Ohio, making it a safer-than-average area. Its minimal wildfire risk (6.68) particularly distinguishes it from regional norms.

Earthquakes and tornadoes are primary hazards

Earthquake risk unexpectedly reaches 69.21 in Logan County, the highest among its hazard exposures, likely due to regional seismic activity. Tornado risk (61.20) and flood exposure (67.68) are secondary concerns but still measurable.

Focus on earthquake and tornado coverage

Logan County residents should ensure their homeowners policies include earthquake protection, which is often sold separately and frequently overlooked. Standard wind and tornado coverage is also important given the 61.20 tornado score.

Water Quality in Logan County

via WaterByCounty

Logan County Faces Compliance Hurdles

Logan County receives a D grade for drinking water, with six health violations recorded in the last five years. The violation rate of 26.9 per 100K is near the Ohio state average of 32.9.

Water Bodies Meet Federal Standards

Seven water bodies were assessed in the 2022 cycle, all showing 0.0% impairment. These sites currently meet the Clean Water Act §303(d) standards despite the county's drinking water challenges.

Dense Monitoring Network in Logan

56 monitoring sites have provided 4,279 measurements over the last five years. Physical and inorganic groups are the most frequently measured indicators in the county.

Bokengehalas Creek Flows at Half Capacity

Bokengehalas Creek at De Graff currently records 28 cfs, which is 54% of its 52 cfs long-term mean. This level shows the creek is flowing significantly below its historical average.

Prioritize Filtration and Testing

Due to the D grade and six health violations, residents should consider certified water filtration systems and stay informed on local alerts. The watershed is currently healthy, but low streamflow at 54% requires careful monitoring of contaminants.

Weather & Climate in Logan County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Midwestern Continental Zone

Logan County averages 51.3°F annually, making it slightly cooler than the national median. This climate features distinct seasonal shifts typical of the inland Ohio plateau.

Just Below State Averages

The county's 51.3°F average is slightly cooler than the 51.5°F state average. It experiences more frequent extreme heat than Lake County despite having the same annual average.

Slightly Drier Than Madison

Logan County receives 42.1 inches of precipitation, nearly identical to the state average. This is slightly less than the 42.3 inches seen in neighboring Madison County.

Sharp Summer Heat Peaks

Despite its northern lean, Logan County sees 16 days of 90°F weather each year. Winters are cold with a 29.4°F average, though specific annual snowfall totals are not currently recorded.

Manage Summer Humidity Spikes

With 16 extreme heat days, residents should ensure air conditioning units are serviced by late May. Outdoor planning should account for the 42.1 inches of rain distributed throughout the year.

Soil Quality in Logan County

via SoilByCounty

High-scoring Alfisols in Logan

Logan County boasts a high soil score of 81.1, driven by its nutrient-rich Alfisols. The average pH of 6.09 is among the highest in the state, nearing the national median of 6.5. This favorable chemistry means less work for gardeners and farmers to get their soil ready for planting.

Heavy silt loam with clay strength

The soil is a silt loam consisting of 50.0% silt and 22.1% clay, the highest clay percentage among its neighbors. This clay content provides excellent structure and nutrient-holding capacity. While it may be slightly heavier to till, the trade-off is a much more resilient growing medium.

Top-tier water capacity and organic richness

Logan County excels in fertility with an available water capacity of 0.211 in/in, far surpassing the state average of 0.186. Combined with 6.88% organic matter—significantly higher than the state's 4.85%—this soil is a powerhouse. It effectively captures and stores both rain and nutrients for plant use.

Well-drained and productive ground

Classified as well drained and Hydrologic Group C, these soils move water efficiently while maintaining necessary moisture levels. This makes Logan County particularly suitable for a wide range of uses, from intensive farming to residential construction. You won't often find standing water issues in these well-structured soils.

Thriving in the 6a Heartland

Logan County's 6a zone and superior soil quality make it ideal for high-yield vegetable gardens and lush lawns. The high available water capacity is perfect for thirsty crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons. This is some of the best soil in Ohio—get outside and take advantage of it.

Lawn Care in Logan County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Lawn Conditions in Logan County

Logan County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 80.3, making it one of the easiest places in Ohio to grow grass. It sits well above the national average of 50.0, providing a hospitable Zone 6a environment. The combination of soil quality and climate makes for highly resilient turf.

Moderate Heat and Consistent Rainfall

The county averages 42.1 inches of rain annually, providing plenty of natural irrigation for local yards. With 16 extreme heat days and 3,239 growing degree days, the climate is warm enough for vigorous growth but rarely oppressive. This leads to a standard mowing season that peaks in May and June.

Superior Well-Drained Soils in Logan

Logan County features well-drained silt loam with a pH of 6.09, falling perfectly within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. The 22.1% clay content provides great nutrient holding capacity, while the 21.9% sand ensures air reaches the root zone. Most homeowners here will find they need fewer soil amendments than in other parts of the state.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Conditions

Currently, 99.2% of Logan County is classified as abnormally dry (D0), following 9 weeks of drought over the past year. To protect your lawn, avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day and keep the blade height high. These steps reduce plant stress while the well-drained soil awaits the next rainfall.

Reliable Growth Starts in Late April

The best time to start your Logan County lawn is after the April 26 last frost or during the reliable cooling period before October 27. Kentucky bluegrass is a local favorite because it thrives in the well-drained silt loam found across the county. Early fall is the gold-standard time for overseeding to fill in any summer gaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Logan County's county score?
Logan County, Ohio has a composite county score of 56 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 Logan County rank among counties in Ohio?
Logan County ranks #18 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 Logan County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Logan County is $1,947, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Logan County a tax score of 34.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Logan County?
The median household income in Logan County, Ohio is $69,183 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Logan County earns an income score of 64.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Logan County, Ohio a good place to live?
Logan County scores 56/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Logan 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 Logan County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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