countyscore
38.6
County Score
Water Quality 71.1Lawn Care 62.4Cost of Living 61.8

County Report Card

About Mahoning County, Ohio

Facing Significant National Headwinds

With a composite score of 38.6, Mahoning County sits well below the national median of 50.0. It ranks in the lower tier of counties nationwide due to several socio-economic factors.

Trailing the Ohio Average

Mahoning County’s performance lags behind the Ohio state average of 48.6 by exactly 10 points. This ranking highlights the specific regional challenges facing this part of the state.

Affordable Living and Quality Water

The county offers a notable cost score of 61.8, supported by an affordable median gross rent of $775. It also boasts a strong water quality score of 71.1, providing a reliable utility foundation for residents.

Concerns in Safety and Risk

The safety score of 12.5 and risk score of 16.4 are the primary drivers of the county's lower ranking. These figures suggest significant room for improvement in community security and environmental resilience.

Suited for Budget-Conscious Renters

Mahoning County is best for individuals prioritizing low living expenses and affordable housing. Those who can navigate urban safety concerns will find the $141,100 median home value highly accessible.

Score breakdown

Tax17.3Cost61.8Safety12.5Health50.2Schools52.6Income26.7Risk16.4Water71.1Weather53.1
🏛17.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠61.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡12.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤50.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡16.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧71.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨56.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.4
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

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53.1
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52.2
Trumbull County
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Mercer County
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Beaver County
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Deep Dives

Mahoning County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Mahoning County

via TaxByCounty

Mahoning County's high tax rate stands out

At 1.400%, Mahoning County's effective tax rate ranks in the top 15% of U.S. counties, significantly above the national median of 1.3%. Despite lower home values here, the tax rate results in annual bills higher than many wealthier regions nationally.

Mahoning ranks among Ohio's highest rates

Mahoning County's 1.400% rate is the highest among the eight counties examined here and well above Ohio's state average of 1.148%. The county's median tax of $1,975 on a $141,100 home reflects the aggressive local levy structure.

Mahoning's rate far exceeds regional peers

Mahoning County's 1.400% effective rate is roughly 33% higher than Marion County's 0.980% and 9% higher than Medina County's 1.287%. This makes Mahoning among the most expensive places to own property in northeastern Ohio by tax burden.

Median $141K home costs $1,975 yearly

On Mahoning County's median home value of $141,100, the 1.400% rate generates an annual tax bill of $1,975. Homeowners with mortgages pay closer to $2,223, while those owning outright pay approximately $1,687.

High rates make appeals especially worthwhile

With tax rates this high, even a small reduction in assessed value yields meaningful savings for Mahoning County homeowners. If your property assessment hasn't been updated recently or differs significantly from recent neighborhood sales, challenging it during the appeal window could recoup hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mahoning County

via CostByCounty

Mahoning County's housing crunch is real

Mahoning County renters spend 16.7% of their income on housing, exceeding the national 15% affordability threshold and earning $19,179 less than the U.S. median. This creates significant housing pressure on local families despite cheaper rents.

Below-average affordability in Ohio

Mahoning County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Ohio's 15.6% state average, placing it among the state's less affordable counties. At $775 monthly rent, Mahoning undercuts the state average by $98, but wages here lag farther behind.

Cheaper than most, but incomes lag

Mahoning County's $775 rent is among the lowest in the region, but residents earn just $55,576 annually—well below neighbors like Madison County ($83,229). This income disadvantage undermines what otherwise looks like a bargain rent price.

Tight budgets for Mahoning households

The median Mahoning household earning $55,576 annually pays $775 in rent or $804 in mortgage costs monthly. Renters allocate 16.7% of income to housing while homeowners spend 17.3%, both above the recommended 15% threshold.

Mahoning offers low rents but verify job prospects

Mahoning County's bargain rents attract relocators, but the lower wage base means your earning potential matters more here than in wealthier counties. Research employment opportunities carefully before moving—housing is cheap partly because wages are tight.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mahoning County

via IncomeByCounty

Mahoning falls behind national income benchmarks

Mahoning County's median household income of $55,576 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $19,200, reflecting economic pressures facing many Rust Belt communities. Nationally, this positions Mahoning in the lower-middle income range among American counties.

Mahoning ranks below Ohio average

Mahoning County's median household income of $55,576 falls short of Ohio's state average of $68,101 by more than $12,500, indicating income challenges relative to peers statewide. The county's per capita income of $33,850 also trails the state average of $35,642.

Mahoning struggles among regional peers

At $55,576, Mahoning's median household income ranks near the bottom of neighboring counties, exceeding only Meigs County ($46,701) and Monroe County ($58,962). The gap to stronger performers like Miami County ($74,175) and Madison County ($83,229) underscores local economic headwinds.

Housing costs strain budgets here

Mahoning County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% signals tighter housing affordability, pushing closer to the 30% stress threshold where households must stretch to afford shelter. With median incomes below state and national levels, housing cost burden falls disproportionately on lower-income residents.

Strategic planning builds financial security

Facing income headwinds, Mahoning residents benefit most from disciplined budgeting, emergency savings funds, and seeking opportunities for income growth. Even modest investments in education, skills training, or side income can compound over time into meaningful wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mahoning County

via CrimeByCounty

Mahoning County Faces Higher Crime Volume

Mahoning County reports a total crime rate of 2,570.0 per 100,000, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. Consequently, the county receives a safety score of 95.9 out of 100.

Trailing Ohio Safety Benchmarks

With a safety score of 95.9, Mahoning falls below the Ohio state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate is nearly double the state average of 1,412.3, despite active monitoring from 24 reporting agencies.

Higher Incidents Than Nearby Counties

Mahoning County sees higher crime activity than Miami County, which records 2,191.7 incidents per 100,000. This rate is also significantly higher than Medina County's low rate of 673.4.

Analyzing Violent and Property Trends

The violent crime rate stands at 313.2 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the most frequent issue, reaching a rate of 2,256.8 per 100,000.

Fortify Your Mahoning Home

Given the higher property crime rates, professional home security monitoring is a wise investment. Ensure all entry points have reinforced locks and keep valuables out of sight from street-level windows.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mahoning County

via HealthByCounty

Mahoning County health lags nationally

At 73.4 years, Mahoning County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 72.4 years by just 1 year—but the county's 20.4% poor/fair health rate matches the national average, indicating persistent chronic disease burden. This is a county managing but not thriving in the national health landscape. Residents face moderate health challenges typical of many post-industrial regions.

Below Ohio's health benchmark

Mahoning County's 73.4-year life expectancy falls short of Ohio's 74.8-year average by 1.4 years, placing it in the lower half of state rankings. The uninsured rate of 6.4% is slightly better than Ohio's 7.5%, suggesting adequate insurance coverage masks deeper health challenges. Life expectancy gaps often point to deeper economic and social factors beyond insurance alone.

Surrounded by healthier counties

Mahoning County's 73.4-year life expectancy ties with Monroe County but lags Mercer County (77.4), Madison County (76.2), and especially Medina County (79.0) by 4-6 years. Its 20.4% poor/fair health rate matches Madison's but exceeds Medina's 14.9%, revealing a wider health gap across the region. The county faces upstream challenges its neighbors do not.

Strong provider access, unmet need

Mahoning County boasts 103 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—nearly triple the county average—and 474 mental health providers per 100,000, among the highest in the state. Yet 6.4% of residents remain uninsured, and life expectancy lags suggest barriers beyond provider availability, such as poverty, addiction, or healthcare utilization patterns. Good access alone does not guarantee good health outcomes.

Ensure you can access local providers

With Mahoning County's abundant primary and mental health providers, securing health insurance maximizes your ability to use them for preventive and ongoing care. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to explore coverage options, especially if you're uninsured or under-insured. Your county's robust provider network is only valuable if you're connected to it.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mahoning County

via SchoolsByCounty

Large Infrastructure Spanning 27 Districts

Mahoning County features a robust education system with 77 total public schools and a massive enrollment of 28,903 students. This network is managed by 27 different school districts, offering a wide variety of educational pathways.

Meeting State Benchmarks in Performance

The county's graduation rate of 88.1% sits just below the state average but remains higher than the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure of $8,108 exceeds the state average of $7,994, reflecting a commitment to student funding.

Youngstown and Boardman Drive Enrollment

Youngstown City is the largest district with 17 schools and 4,639 students, while Boardman Local serves 3,726 students. Charter schools are a significant presence here, making up over 14% of the county's total school options.

Suburban and City School Diversity

Educational settings are diverse, with 32 suburban and 26 city schools across the county. Fitch High School in the Austintown Local district is the largest individual school, serving 1,228 students in a suburban environment.

A Diverse Range of Educational Options

From high-performing suburban districts to urban charter options, Mahoning County provides families with significant choice. Research neighborhoods in Austintown or Boardman to find the right academic fit for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mahoning County

via RiskByCounty

Mahoning County faces above-average risk

Mahoning County's composite risk score of 83.62 earns a Relatively Moderate rating, placing it 52% above Ohio's 55.03 state average. The county experiences elevated exposure to multiple hazard types simultaneously, making it one of Ohio's higher-risk areas. This elevated profile demands active preparedness planning across several disaster categories.

Ohio's riskiest county for disasters

Mahoning County ranks as one of Ohio's most hazard-exposed counties with its 83.62 composite score—substantially higher than the 55.03 state average. The county faces above-average risk across nearly every disaster type measured. This statewide ranking reflects genuine vulnerability that residents should understand and plan for.

Significantly riskier than surrounding areas

Mahoning County's 83.62 risk score dramatically exceeds nearby counties like Medina County (68.96) and Miami County (61.39). Even Marion County to the west, at 61.10, carries substantially lower risk. Mahoning County's industrial history and geographic positioning create a unique hazard combination not seen in neighboring regions.

Floods, tornadoes, and wildfire dominate

Mahoning County faces exceptional tornado risk (91.16), flood risk (88.10), and wildfire risk (48.63)—all well above state averages. Earthquake risk (73.25) and hurricane risk (68.54) compound the county's hazard exposure. These overlapping threats mean residents need comprehensive disaster preparedness covering multiple scenarios.

Comprehensive insurance is essential here

Flood insurance is critical for Mahoning County residents given the 88.10 flood risk score—far above the state average. Standard homeowners policies covering wind and hail address the severe 91.16 tornado risk and support flood preparedness. Consider earthquake and additional wildfire coverage given the county's 73.25 earthquake and 48.63 wildfire scores.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Mahoning County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Alfisols Form the Foundation

Mahoning County is characterized by Alfisols with a silt loam texture and an average pH of 5.40. This pH is notably more acidic than both the national median of 6.5 and the Ohio average of 5.97. Local growers often need to apply lime to balance the soil for most standard crops.

Silt Loam Provides Balanced Texture

The soil contains 50.5% silt and 25.7% sand, balanced by 19.0% clay. This mix offers excellent nutrient retention and fair workability for local farmers. The high silt percentage ensures the soil remains soft to the touch and relatively easy to till.

Strong Organic Content and Water Storage

Mahoning's organic matter sits at 5.63%, comfortably beating the state average of 4.85%. Its available water capacity of 0.185 in/in matches the state average almost exactly. These figures suggest a soil that can sustain plants through brief dry spells without immediate stress.

Well-Drained Soils Simplify Land Use

The county features well-drained soils belonging to hydrologic group C. This drainage class is ideal for a variety of uses, from residential basements to deep-rooted orchards. Water moves through the profile at a steady pace, reducing the risk of root rot in sensitive plants.

Thriving in the 6a Hardiness Zone

Hardiness Zone 6a supports a diverse range of crops including apples, berries, and cool-season vegetables. Because the soil is acidic, acid-loving plants like blueberries and rhododendrons thrive here naturally. It is a fantastic place to start a backyard orchard or a vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mahoning County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate effort required in Mahoning County

Mahoning County earns a lawn difficulty score of 62.4, making it tougher to manage than the state average of 76.0. While still more favorable than the national median, homeowners in this 6a hardiness zone must work harder to overcome local soil and climate limitations.

Limited climate data suggests careful monitoring

Specific local temperature and precipitation averages are unavailable, but the regional 6a zone typically supports a standard cool-season growing cycle. Without exact heat day counts, you should monitor your grass closely for wilting during the peak of summer.

Acidic silt loam needs a lift

Your soil pH sits at 5.40, which is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for lawns. Because the silt loam texture is well-drained, applying lime is an effective way to raise the pH and unlock essential nutrients for your grass.

Managing pockets of abnormal dryness

About 18.9% of the county is currently experiencing abnormally dry conditions after seeing 4 weeks of drought this past year. To build resilience, keep your grass at a higher height to shade the soil and retain moisture during these dry spells.

Prepare for a cool-season success

Fine fescue is an excellent choice for the well-drained silt loams found throughout the county. Since specific frost dates are not recorded, local experts generally recommend seeding in early September when temperatures begin to dip.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mahoning County's county score?
Mahoning County, Ohio has a composite county score of 38.6 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 Mahoning County rank among counties in Ohio?
Mahoning County ranks #74 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 Mahoning County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Mahoning County is $1,975, with an effective tax rate of 1.40%. This earns Mahoning County a tax score of 17.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mahoning County?
The median household income in Mahoning County, Ohio is $55,576 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mahoning County earns an income score of 26.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mahoning County, Ohio a good place to live?
Mahoning County scores 38.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #74 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Mahoning 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 Mahoning 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.