countyscore
51.3
County Score
Cost of Living 82.8Lawn Care 76.9Weather & Climate 63.8

County Report Card

About Meigs County, Ohio

Above the National Median

Meigs County achieves a composite score of 51.3, which is slightly above the national median of 50.0. It offers a surprising level of livability compared to many peer counties across the country.

Exceeding the Ohio Average

Meigs County outperforms the Ohio state average of 48.6. Its score profile is bolstered by exceptional housing affordability that few other counties in the state can match.

Unmatched Housing Affordability

The county features a staggering cost score of 82.8, with a median home value of only $113,400. This affordability is paired with a safety score of 61.4, offering a secure environment on a budget.

Struggling Health and Income

Economic opportunity is limited, with an income score of 9.0 and a median household income of $46,701. Furthermore, the health score of 27.6 suggests residents may face challenges in accessing medical services.

A Haven for Retirees

Meigs County is an excellent fit for retirees or remote workers with fixed incomes looking to maximize their purchasing power. While health and local wages are low, the combination of safety and cheap housing is hard to beat.

Score breakdown

Tax39.1Cost82.8Safety61.4Health27.6Schools44.4Income9Risk47.1Water51.8Weather63.8
🏛39.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡61.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤27.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡47.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧51.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨55.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76.9
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

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41.4
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Deep Dives

Meigs County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Meigs County

via TaxByCounty

Meigs County offers exceptionally low taxes

At 0.985%, Meigs County's effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 15% nationally, well below the national median of 1.3%. With a median annual tax of just $1,117 on a $113,400 home, Meigs is among the most affordable counties in America for property taxation.

Meigs ranks among Ohio's lowest-tax counties

Meigs County's 0.985% effective rate falls well below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, placing it in the lowest tier statewide. The county's median tax of $1,117 is the lowest among the eight counties examined, offering significant ongoing savings.

Meigs rivals Marion and Monroe for value

Meigs County's 0.985% rate nearly matches Marion County's 0.980% and exceeds Monroe County's 0.870%, though Meigs' higher home values result in slightly higher annual bills. For homebuyers prioritizing low property taxes, Meigs competes favorably with any county in the region.

Median home = just $1,117 annual tax

On Meigs County's median home value of $113,400, the 0.985% rate produces only $1,117 in annual property taxes. This is less than half the national median tax bill, providing substantial long-term savings for property owners.

Small assessments warrant extra verification

Even at Meigs County's modest tax levels, overassessment occurs when property appraisals lag behind falling market values or neighborhood changes. Since the county's median home is valued under $114K, a successful appeal reducing assessed value by 10% could free up $100+ annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Meigs County

via CostByCounty

Meigs County struggles on two fronts

Meigs County renters spend 18.1% of their income on housing—the worst affordability in this region and well above the national 15% standard—while earning $28,054 below the U.S. median. This rural county faces compounding challenges of low wages and relatively high rents.

Ohio's least affordable county for renters

Meigs County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks as the worst in Ohio, nearly 2.5 percentage points above the state average of 15.6%. At $704 monthly rent paired with just $46,701 in median income, affordability here is a serious challenge.

Lowest income, highest burden in region

Meigs County has the lowest median household income ($46,701) of any county in this analysis, yet its 18.1% rent burden is the highest. Even though rent is relatively cheap at $704, the wage gap makes housing unaffordable here.

Meigs budgets stretched to breaking

The median Meigs County household earning $46,701 annually spends $704 on rent or $621 on mortgage costs monthly. Renters allocate 18.1% of income to housing while homeowners spend 15.9%—renters here face serious affordability stress.

Meigs County requires careful financial planning

Relocating to Meigs County only makes sense if you have strong employment prospects or remote income—local wages are among Ohio's lowest. Thoroughly assess your earning potential before moving, as affordability here depends almost entirely on income stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Meigs County

via IncomeByCounty

Meigs faces steep national income disadvantage

Meigs County's median household income of $46,701 falls dramatically below the U.S. median of $74,755, a shortfall of more than $28,000. This significant gap places Meigs among America's lower-income counties, reflecting deep economic challenges.

Meigs ranks lowest in Ohio income survey

Meigs County's median household income of $46,701 trails Ohio's state average of $68,101 by more than $21,400, making it the lowest-earning county among the eight reviewed. The county's per capita income of $25,684 is similarly the lowest, far below the state average of $35,642.

Meigs struggles most among regional peers

At $46,701, Meigs County's median household income ranks last among all nearby counties, falling well short of Marion County ($57,306), Mahoning County ($55,576), and Monroe County ($58,962). The gap to prosperous Medina County ($92,660) exceeds $45,900, underscoring Meigs's severe economic disadvantage.

Housing costs consume a large budget share

Meigs County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% indicates substantial housing cost burden, approaching the danger zone where residents must sacrifice other essentials. With below-average incomes and a median home value of $113,400, housing stability remains precarious for many Meigs County households.

Building wealth from challenging circumstances

Meigs residents can strengthen finances by prioritizing basic emergency savings, reducing high-interest debt, and exploring free or low-cost financial education resources. Even modest investments in personal development and income growth can meaningfully improve long-term financial stability for Meigs families.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Meigs County

via CrimeByCounty

Meigs County Maintains High Safety Standards

Meigs County achieves a high safety score of 98.6. The county's total crime rate of 890.2 per 100,000 is roughly 63% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Surpassing the Ohio State Average

The county's safety score of 98.6 is better than the Ohio average of 97.8. Its crime rate of 890.2 remains well below the state average of 1,412.3, supported by 6 reporting agencies.

Meigs Compared to Neighboring Counties

Meigs County tracks closely with Madison County's crime rate of 873.5. It is significantly safer than Marion County, where residents face more than double the total crime rate.

Understanding the Meigs Crime Profile

Violent crime in Meigs County sits at 170.8 per 100,000, which is slightly lower than the state average. Property crimes account for the rest of the total at a rate of 719.4 per 100,000.

Securing Your Meigs County Home

Protecting your property from theft is the best way to maintain local safety. Simple habits like locking vehicles and installing smart lighting can effectively deter most property-related incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Meigs County

via HealthByCounty

Meigs County faces critical health crisis

At 70.8 years, Meigs County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 72.4 by 1.6 years, the worst in the entire comparison group. With 24.1% reporting poor or fair health—well above the national average of 21%—nearly one in four Meigs residents reports chronic health problems. This county is a public health emergency requiring urgent intervention.

Ohio's unhealthiest county in cohort

Meigs County's 70.8-year life expectancy falls 4.0 years below Ohio's 74.8-year average, the steepest gap in the state among comparison counties. The 24.1% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average, and the 8.8% uninsured rate is the highest here, suggesting access barriers compound health challenges. Meigs residents face the most severe health burden in Ohio relative to state norms.

Worst health outcomes by far

Meigs County's 70.8-year life expectancy is 8.2 years below Medina County (79.0) and trails every other peer, even Monroe County (73.6) by 2.8 years. Its 24.1% poor/fair health rate is 9.2 percentage points worse than Medina's best and 1.9 points worse than Marion's, the second-worst. Meigs is isolated in its health crisis within the region.

Severe healthcare desert with barriers

Meigs County has only 14 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in the comparison group—and just 138 mental health providers per 100,000, leaving critical gaps. The 8.8% uninsured rate, highest in the cohort, means nearly one in twelve residents lacks coverage to access the few providers available. Residents face both supply and affordability crises in healthcare access.

Getting covered is urgent in Meigs

With 8.8% uninsured and only 14 primary care providers per 100,000, securing health insurance in Meigs County is critical to your survival and quality of life. Visit healthcare.gov immediately or contact the Meigs County health department to explore Medicaid and marketplace coverage. Insurance unlocks access to the limited providers in your county and is your lifeline to care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Meigs County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Districts in a Tight-Knit County

Meigs County maintains a small educational footprint with just eight public schools serving 3,076 total students. These schools are managed by three local districts: Meigs, Eastern, and Southern Local.

Competitive Performance on Local Funding

The graduation rate of 86.5% is nearly on par with the national average of 87.0%. While the $7,783 per-pupil expenditure is lower than the state average, the county manages a school score of 53.4, close to the state median.

Meigs Local at the Center

Meigs Local is the dominant district, managing four schools and over 1,600 students. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring that all 3,000+ students attend traditional public institutions.

Entirely Rural Learning Environments

Every single school in Meigs County is classified as rural, offering students a consistent and familiar environment. Meigs High School is the largest campus in the county with 592 students, while others like Meigs Middle serve roughly 346.

Find Your Home in Rural Meigs

For families who value a rural lifestyle and small school sizes, Meigs County offers a unique and stable environment. Explore properties near the Meigs Local or Eastern Local districts to join this close-knit community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Meigs County

via RiskByCounty

Meigs County carries near-average risk

Meigs County's composite risk score of 52.96 earns a Relatively Low rating, sitting just 4% below Ohio's 55.03 state average. The county experiences slightly lower-than-average hazard exposure overall, though concentrated vulnerabilities exist in specific areas. This near-average profile makes Meigs County representative of typical Ohio disaster risk.

Slightly safer than Ohio's average

Meigs County ranks near the middle of Ohio's county risk profiles with a 52.96 composite score, marginally below the 55.03 state average. The county avoids the extreme hazard concentrations seen in higher-risk areas while maintaining modest vulnerabilities across several categories. This positioning reflects a balanced, moderate-risk environment for southeast Ohio.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Meigs County's 52.96 score compares favorably to eastern peers like Mahoning County (83.62) and Marion County (61.10) while tracking slightly above Madison County (24.90). The county presents a reasonable middle ground within its regional context. This moderate standing makes it safer than several industrial-area neighbors while maintaining realistic preparedness needs.

Flooding and hurricane concerns lead

Meigs County faces elevated flood risk (72.74) and hurricane risk (55.65), both running above the state average. Tornado risk remains moderate at 25.51, while wildfire risk is minimal at 8.37. The county's southeast Ohio location positions it for hurricane remnant impacts and riverine flooding more than tornado exposure.

Flood and wind coverage matter here

Flood insurance should be a priority for Meigs County residents given the elevated 72.74 flood risk, particularly if you live near the Ohio River or tributaries. Standard homeowners coverage addressing wind and hail protects against the 55.65 hurricane risk and severe weather. Combined, these two coverage types address Meigs County's primary natural disaster exposures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Meigs County

via WeatherByCounty

Meigs County Faces Warmer Appalachian Weather

At 52.7°F, Meigs County’s annual average temperature aligns closely with the national median for temperate zones. It experiences a mix of southern warmth and typical Midwestern seasonality.

Leading the State in Heat

Meigs is warmer than the Ohio average of 51.5°F, ranking among the state's more temperate southern counties. This warmth is driven by mild winters where January averages stay above freezing at 30.5°F.

Abundant Rainfall Along the River

The county receives 43.8 inches of rain annually, surpassing the state average of 41.2 inches. This makes Meigs significantly wetter than its northern neighbors, fueling its lush river-valley landscape.

Short Winters and Steamy Summers

Meigs enjoys relatively light winters with only 13.7 inches of snow on average. However, summer brings 12 days of extreme heat above 90°F, with July temperatures peaking at an average of 73.1°F.

Focus on Moisture and Heat Management

Homeowners should ensure proper drainage systems to handle the high 43.8-inch annual rainfall. Reliable air conditioning is essential for the 12 annual extreme heat days common in this southern Ohio region.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Meigs County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Southern Ohio

Meigs County soils are notably acidic with an average pH of 5.52. This is significantly lower than both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 5.97. While specific taxonomic data is limited, the chemical profile suggests a landscape shaped by significant leaching.

Sand and Silt Drive Soil Texture

The soil is comprised of 49.4% silt and 27.8% sand, with clay accounting for 17.4%. This relatively low clay content helps with drainage and prevents the soil from becoming overly sticky. The high sand and silt ratio provides a medium-textured soil that is generally manageable for gardening.

Rich Organic Matter Boosts Growth

At 5.70%, the organic matter in Meigs County is well above the state average of 4.85%. However, the available water capacity of 0.171 in/in is lower than the state average of 0.186. This means that while the soil is nutrient-rich, it may require more frequent watering during dry spells.

Monitoring Local Hydrologic Conditions

Official drainage class and hydrologic group data are limited for this county, requiring individual site assessments. The composition suggests moderate drainage, but the lack of clay may lead to faster runoff in sloped areas. Homeowners should plan for erosion control if their property has significant elevation changes.

Warm Opportunities in Zone 6b

Meigs County sits in the slightly warmer Zone 6b, allowing for a broader range of plants and a longer season. The acidic soil is a natural fit for blueberries, azaleas, and other acid-loving species. It is an ideal environment to establish a unique and diverse home landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Meigs County

via LawnByCounty

Welcoming weather in Meigs County

Meigs County scores a 76.9 for lawn ease, placing it right on par with the Ohio state average. As a zone 6b county, it offers a slightly longer window for warm-season growth compared to its northern neighbors.

High precipitation fuels rapid growth

At 43.8 inches of annual rain, Meigs is wetter than the state average of 41.2 inches. This moisture, combined with 3,306 growing degree days, means your lawn will grow vigorously and require frequent mowing throughout the season.

Acidic soil challenges turf health

A soil pH of 5.52 is quite acidic for traditional turfgrasses, which prefer a range between 6.0 and 7.0. With 27.8% sand in the mix, nutrients may leach away quickly, making regular soil testing and pH adjustments essential.

Strong resilience to dry weather

Meigs County is currently drought-free and saw only 4 weeks of drought over the previous year. The abundant rainfall usually covers your lawn's needs, but you should still monitor for heat stress during the 12 annual days that top 90°F.

Leveraging a longer growing season

The 6b hardiness zone allows for a wide variety of cool-season grasses, such as Turf-Type Tall Fescue. Your best seeding window opens after the April 27 frost and closes before the relatively early fall frost on October 14.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Meigs County's county score?
Meigs County, Ohio has a composite county score of 51.3 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 Meigs County rank among counties in Ohio?
Meigs County ranks #37 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 Meigs County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Meigs County is $1,117, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Meigs County a tax score of 39.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Meigs County?
The median household income in Meigs County, Ohio is $46,701 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Meigs County earns an income score of 9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Meigs County, Ohio a good place to live?
Meigs County scores 51.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Meigs 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 Meigs County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.