countyscore
24.8
County Score
Lawn Care 72.9Water Quality 70.1Soil Quality 67.5

County Report Card

About Lucas County, Ohio

A Challenging National Ranking

Lucas County holds a composite score of 24.8, which is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This reflects deep-seated challenges in several key livability dimensions.

Well Below State Averages

The county’s score of 24.8 is roughly half the Ohio state average of 48.6. As an urban center, it struggles to compete with the suburban and rural counties that dominate the state's higher rankings.

Good Water and Healthcare

Despite a low overall score, the county earns a strong 70.1 for water quality and a respectable 44.8 for health. These amenities provide a foundation for those living within the city limits of Toledo.

Safety and Tax Burdens

The safety score of 4.8 and tax score of 6.2 are among the lowest in the state. Residents face a high effective tax rate of 1.746% alongside significant concerns regarding public safety and environmental risk (7.6).

Suited for Urban Pioneers

Lucas County is best for those who thrive in an urban environment and prioritize access to healthcare and city infrastructure over low taxes or safety. It remains a challenging environment for families looking for a traditional suburban profile.

Score breakdown

Tax6.2Cost35.4Safety4.8Health44.8Schools20.3Income39.2Risk7.6Water70.1Weather57
🏛6.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠35.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡4.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤44.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓20.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡7.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧70.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.9
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

Wood County
Ohio
51.1
Monroe County
Michigan
43.1
Sandusky County
Ohio
55.5
Henry County
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Lenawee County
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Ottawa County
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Fulton County
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Seneca County
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Deep Dives

Lucas County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lucas County

via TaxByCounty

Lucas County imposes among nation's highest taxes

Lucas County's effective tax rate of 1.746% ranks in the top 5% nationally, making it one of America's most tax-burdened counties despite a relatively modest median home value of $155,200. The median annual tax bill of $2,710 rivals or exceeds much costlier regions nationwide.

Ohio's second-highest property tax rate

Lucas County's 1.746% effective rate is surpassed in Ohio only by Lake County, with median property taxes of $2,710 running 26% above the state median of $2,145. The county imposes a steep burden on homeowners.

The region's highest tax burden overall

Lucas County's 1.746% rate exceeds all nearby counties including Lake County (1.703%), Lorain County (1.444%), and Licking County (1.256%) by substantial margins. It's clearly the most expensive county for property taxes in the immediate region.

What you actually pay each year

On Lucas County's median home value of $155,200, homeowners pay an estimated $2,710 annually without a mortgage, rising to $3,003 with mortgage insurance included. That's roughly $251 per month—exceptionally high given the relatively modest property values.

Assessment appeals are especially valuable here

In Ohio's second-highest-taxing county, even small reductions in assessed value deliver outsized annual savings that compound significantly over time. Lucas County homeowners should carefully review whether their property's assessed value reflects current market conditions and file appeals if overassessed.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lucas County

via CostByCounty

Lucas County: Strained Affordability

Lucas County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most strained, matching Lawrence County's burden despite higher absolute rent at $911. With a median household income of $60,095—nearly 20% below the U.S. median—housing costs consume a significantly larger share here than typical American households.

Second-Most Strained in Ohio

Lucas County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Ohio's tightest, well above the 15.6% state average, driven by the region's lower incomes rather than elevated rents. At $911, rent runs $38 above the state median, but the income gap exacerbates affordability pressure.

Lower Income, Higher Rent Burden

Lucas County pairs a $60,095 median income—higher than only Lawrence and Jefferson—with $911 rent that outpaces most regional neighbors, resulting in the second-steepest rent-to-income ratio in this cohort. This combination leaves residents with less financial flexibility than similar counties.

18.2% of Income to Housing

At $911 monthly, rent consumes 18.2% of the $60,095 median income, while homeowners spend $1,002, roughly 19.9% of household earnings. Lucas County residents allocate nearly one-fifth of gross income to housing, constraining spending on other necessities.

Lucas Demands Careful Planning

Lucas County is best suited for remote workers, retirees, or professionals with above-local-average incomes who can offset regional earning constraints. Local job-seekers should thoroughly evaluate employment prospects and wages before relocating, as median incomes here rank among the region's lowest.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lucas County

via IncomeByCounty

Lucas County lags national income

Lucas County's median household income of $60,095 trails the national median of $74,755 by 20%, reflecting a regional economy struggling with manufacturing decline and wage stagnation. This substantial gap places Lucas among Ohio's weaker earners.

Below Ohio's median income

Lucas ranks in Ohio's bottom third of counties, earning $8,006 less than the state median of $68,101. Per capita income of $36,289 is slightly above the state average, but household-level earnings reveal structural income challenges.

Outpaced by surrounding counties

Lucas County's $60,095 slightly exceeds Sandusky County but falls well behind Wood County ($68,800) and significantly trails Lake County ($77,952). The $17,000+ gap with Licking County underscores Lucas's position as a lower-income region.

Rent burden is elevated

At 18.2% of income, Lucas's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the 17% affordability threshold, straining renter budgets and limiting savings capacity. Median home value of $155,200 remains affordable but reflects broader earning constraints.

Lucas County: build despite constraints

Even with tighter incomes, Lucas residents can grow wealth through disciplined planning and accessible tools. Prioritize employer 401(k) matching, use high-yield savings accounts, and leverage first-time homebuyer programs to build financial resilience over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lucas County

via CrimeByCounty

Lucas County Faces Public Safety Challenges

Lucas County faces significant public safety challenges with a safety score of 94.4. The total crime rate of 3,536.2 per 100K is considerably higher than the national average of 2,385.5.

Crime Rates Exceed Ohio State Average

Lucas County ranks below the Ohio state average safety score of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 3,536.2 per 100K is more than double the statewide average of 1,412.3.

Lucas County Sees Concentration of Incidents

Lucas County reports much higher crime rates than its regional neighbors like Lorain or Licking. Recent data shows a concentrated need for enhanced public safety measures compared to surrounding areas.

Violent and Property Crime Breakdown

Violent crime is a major concern at 774.9 per 100K, more than double the national average. Property crime is also elevated, reaching 2,761.3 incidents per 100K residents.

Layered Defense for Lucas County Homes

In higher-activity areas, layered security is the best defense for homeowners. Using a mix of alarms, cameras, and reinforced entries can significantly reduce the risk of property loss.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lucas County

via HealthByCounty

Lucas County significantly below national health

At 73.4 years, Lucas County's life expectancy falls 4.6 years short of the national average of 78.0 years. With 22.0% of residents in poor or fair health—well above the national rate of 17.8%—the county faces substantial health challenges.

Ranks below Ohio average for life expectancy

Lucas County's 73.4-year life expectancy trails Ohio's state average of 74.8 years by 1.4 years, indicating below-average health outcomes across the county. This gap reflects ongoing struggles with chronic disease, mental health, and access barriers.

Trailing health outcomes in Northwest Ohio

Lucas County's 73.4-year life expectancy lags behind Lake County (77.0 years) by 3.6 years and Lorain County (76.0 years) by 2.6 years. The 22.0% poor/fair health rate is among the highest in the region, signaling concentrated health challenges.

Urban providers offset uninsured barrier

Lucas County has the highest primary care provider density in this dataset at 86 per 100,000 residents and strong mental health capacity at 474 providers per 100,000, yet its 6.9% uninsured rate and poor health outcomes suggest access and utilization barriers remain. Urban concentration of providers may leave some neighborhoods underserved.

Connect with Lucas County's healthcare resources

Lucas County residents have access to abundant healthcare providers—now ensure you're covered to use them. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to secure Medicaid, Marketplace coverage, or employer benefits, and partner with providers on preventive and chronic care management.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lucas County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Vast Urban Educational Ecosystem

Lucas County hosts 140 public schools serving 73,257 students across 40 districts. This massive network includes 87 elementary schools and a high density of 32 charter schools, making up nearly 23% of all schools.

Facing Urban Educational Challenges

The graduation rate of 68.1% and school score of 42.1 reflect the complexities of a large urban system. The county spends $7,046 per pupil, which is below both the state average and the national benchmark of $13,000.

Toledo City and Innovative Charters

Toledo City is the largest district with 21,745 students across 57 schools. Notably, the Ohio Virtual Academy charter school enrolls 14,334 students, representing a significant portion of the county's educational landscape.

City-Centric with Diverse Options

Ninety-four of the 140 schools are located in city settings, providing an urban feel with an average school size of 527 students. Large campuses like Whitmer High and Sylvania Northview offer comprehensive high school experiences.

Explore Unique Educational Opportunities

With a high concentration of charter and specialty schools, Lucas County offers unique choices for every learner. Investigate the diverse neighborhoods of Toledo and its suburbs to find a home near these varied educational paths.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lucas County

via RiskByCounty

Lucas County faces highest natural disaster risk

Lucas County's composite risk score of 92.40 is among the highest in the nation and carries a Relatively Moderate rating. This county represents one of America's most hazard-exposed natural disaster zones.

Ohio's highest-risk county by far

At 92.40, Lucas County ranks highest among all 88 Ohio counties in composite risk, dramatically exceeding the state average of 55.03. No other county in Ohio approaches this level of natural hazard exposure.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding counties

Lucas County's 92.40 score far surpasses all adjacent counties in northwest Ohio and Michigan border regions. Its combination of extreme tornado, flood, and earthquake risks creates a uniquely dangerous natural disaster environment.

Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes converge

Lucas County faces catastrophic tornado risk at 97.33—the highest in Ohio—and extreme flood exposure at 95.42. Earthquake exposure reaches 88.14, reflecting the county's unique seismic and meteorological hazard profile.

Maximum protection strategies essential

Lucas County residents must carry flood insurance, maximum tornado/wind coverage, and earthquake protection given the exceptional 97.33 tornado, 95.42 flood, and 88.14 earthquake scores. Investing in a residential safe room or storm shelter is strongly recommended for this highest-risk county in Ohio.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lucas County

via WeatherByCounty

Continental Climate With Lake Influence

Lucas County averages 52.2°F annually, placing it quite close to the national median temperature. Its position on Lake Erie creates a unique blend of inland heat and lake breezes.

Warmer Than Many Northern Counties

Despite its northern location, Lucas County's 52.2°F average is higher than the state average of 51.5°F. This is driven by warmer summer peaks compared to its lakefront neighbors.

Ohio’s Drier Northwest Corner

Lucas County receives only 35.0 inches of annual precipitation, significantly less than the state average of 41.2 inches. However, it still sees a robust 37.4 inches of annual snowfall.

Hot Summers and Snowy Winters

Summers are active with 19 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 75.4°F. Winters are cold and snowy, averaging 30.1°F with 37.4 inches of accumulation.

Irrigation and Snow Removal

Lower annual rainfall of 35.0 inches means lawns may require more frequent summer watering. Residents must also prepare for significant winter cleanup given the 37.4-inch snow average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lucas County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral-leaning soils in the Maumee Valley

Lucas County features a pH of 6.40, which is the closest in this group to the national median of 6.5 and higher than the state average. This near-neutral acidity is excellent for most plants, allowing for maximum nutrient uptake without heavy amendments. It is some of the most chemically balanced soil in the state.

Sandy soil for superior drainage

Over half of the soil here is sand at 51.7%, complemented by 28.2% silt and 18.4% clay. This sandy texture is unique for the region and makes for exceptionally well-aerated soil. However, it can be prone to drying out and may require more frequent watering than silty soils.

Lower water storage in sandy ground

Available water capacity is 0.166 in/in, sitting below the state average of 0.186 due to the high sand content. Organic matter is 4.07%, also trailing the state average of 4.85%. While naturally less fertile than heavier soils, the excellent pH makes the nutrients that are present very accessible to plants.

Managing fast water movement

Specific drainage classifications are not listed, but the 51.7% sand content indicates very fast drainage. This is ideal for plants that hate 'wet feet,' but it means nutrients can wash away quickly after heavy rain. Adding compost is a great way for local growers to improve both water and nutrient retention.

Sandy success in Zone 6b

Zone 6b and sandy soil are perfect for root crops like carrots and parsnips, which grow straight and deep without resistance. Lavender and other Mediterranean herbs will also love the excellent drainage found here. Start your garden with confidence knowing your pH is already in the 'sweet spot'.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lucas County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Lawns in Sunny Lucas County

Lucas County earns a 72.9 lawn difficulty score, remaining well above the national median despite local climate challenges. This Zone 6b county is slightly more difficult for lawns than the Ohio average of 76.0. Success here depends on managing sunlight and soil moisture carefully.

Low Rainfall and High Heat in Lucas

At just 35.0 inches of annual rain, Lucas County is significantly drier than the state average of 41.2 inches. Combined with 19 extreme heat days and 3,434 growing degree days, lawns here require more frequent watering to stay green. Homeowners should prepare for grass to go dormant earlier in the summer without irrigation.

High Sand Content and Balanced pH

Lucas County features a high sand content of 51.7%, which ensures excellent drainage but leads to rapid drying. The soil pH of 6.40 is the best in this group, sitting perfectly within the ideal range for nutrient availability. Because of the sand, adding compost or organic matter is essential to help the soil retain water.

Facing Severe Drought in Lucas County

The county is currently in a severe drought, with 98.3% of the area at D2+ levels and 29 weeks of drought over the last year. Water conservation is critical; consider letting your lawn go dormant rather than fighting the heat. When you do water, do so deeply before dawn to maximize every drop in this sandy soil.

Heat-Resistant Choices for Lucas Lawns

Drought-tolerant Tall Fescue is the top recommendation for the sandy, dry conditions in this 6b zone. Plant after the early last frost of April 22 or before the October 24 fall frost. Given the current severe drought, autumn seeding with a focus on deep watering will give your new grass the best chance.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lucas County's county score?
Lucas County, Ohio has a composite county score of 24.8 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 Lucas County rank among counties in Ohio?
Lucas County ranks #88 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 Lucas County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Lucas County is $2,710, with an effective tax rate of 1.75%. This earns Lucas County a tax score of 6.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lucas County?
The median household income in Lucas County, Ohio is $60,095 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lucas County earns an income score of 39.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lucas County, Ohio a good place to live?
Lucas County scores 24.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #88 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Lucas 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 Lucas 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.