CountyScore

Mahoning County

Ohio · OH

#74 in Ohio
63.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Mahoning County, Ohio

Strong livability, narrow national edge

Mahoning County's composite score of 67.2 sits 34% above the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the 67th percentile. This places the county among America's more livable regions, despite Ohio's post-industrial economic challenges.

Slightly below Ohio's statewide average

At 67.2, Mahoning County trails Ohio's 68.8 state average by 1.6 points, positioning it in the lower-middle tier of Ohio counties. However, its strong cost dimension keeps it competitive statewide.

Exceptional housing affordability

Mahoning County shines with a cost score of 82.3—the highest among these eight counties—thanks to a median home value of just $141,100 and gross rent of $775/month. These are among the most affordable housing markets in the region, opening homeownership to working families.

Low incomes constrain opportunity

The income score of just 19.7 reflects a median household income of $55,576, significantly below state peers and limiting purchasing power even in this affordable market. Tax burden (score 62.9, rate 1.400%) also runs higher than neighboring counties.

Ideal for affordability-first households

Mahoning County works best for first-time homebuyers, retirees on fixed incomes, and working families prioritizing low housing costs over wage growth. The trade-off is clear: exceptional affordability paired with limited income opportunities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax62.9Cost82.3SafetyComing SoonHealth68.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.7Risk16.4WaterComing Soon
🏛62.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡16.4
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 Mahoning County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

New Castle County
Delaware
63.3
Median income: $89,901
Okeechobee County
Florida
63.3
Median income: $52,288
Troup County
Georgia
63.3
Median income: $54,905
Sumner County
Kansas
63.3
Median income: $60,348
Otsego County
New York
63.3
Median income: $67,086

Deep Dives

Mahoning County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.