countyscore
64.8
County Score
Safety 89.8Cost of Living 89.6Disaster Risk 72.8

County Report Card

About Monroe County, Ohio

Outstanding National Livability Rank

Monroe County shines with a composite score of 64.8, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. It is one of the most livable rural counties in the United States according to current data.

Leading the Way in Ohio

With a score of 64.8, Monroe County easily surpasses the Ohio state average of 48.6. It sets the pace for the state in terms of affordability and personal safety.

Exceptional Safety and Value

The county features an elite cost score of 89.6, driven by a median gross rent of only $626. This is matched by a safety score of 89.8, making it one of the most secure and affordable places to live.

Economic and Utility Hurdles

The water score of 32.5 suggests infrastructure needs attention, and the income score of 35.4 indicates limited local high-wage jobs. Residents likely rely on outside employment or retirement savings.

The Ultimate Rural Retreat

Monroe County is the perfect choice for individuals looking for peace, quiet, and extreme affordability. If you can work remotely or are retired, the high safety and low costs offer an incredible quality of life.

Score breakdown

Tax47.5Cost89.6Safety89.8Health41.1Schools53.9Income35.4Risk72.8Water32.5Weather61.9
🏛47.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡89.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡72.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧32.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨58.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70.1
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Marshall County
West Virginia
56.8
Tyler County
West Virginia
69.8
Belmont County
Ohio
58.5
Wetzel County
West Virginia
66.6
Noble County
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Pleasants County
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Ohio County
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Washington County
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49.9

Deep Dives

Monroe County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Monroe County

via TaxByCounty

Monroe County offers among lowest national rates

At 0.870%, Monroe County's effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 5% of U.S. counties, dramatically below the national median of 1.3%. The median annual tax of just $1,148 on a $132,000 home represents some of the most affordable property taxation in America.

Monroe County ranks lowest in Ohio sample

Monroe County's 0.870% effective rate is the lowest of all eight counties examined and substantially below Ohio's state average of 1.148%. At $1,148 in annual taxes, Monroe County homeowners enjoy exceptional property tax affordability.

Monroe edges out all regional competitors

Monroe County's 0.870% rate undercuts even Marion County's 0.980% and Meigs County's 0.985%, making it the clear tax-value leader in the region. Combined with modest home values, Monroe produces the lowest absolute tax bills for homebuyers in this eight-county area.

Median $132K home = just $1,148 yearly

On Monroe County's median home value of $132,000, the 0.870% rate generates only $1,148 in annual property taxes. This is less than 43% of the national median tax bill, offering extraordinary long-term savings for property owners.

Low rates don't guarantee fair assessments

Even at Monroe County's exceptionally low tax levels, properties may be assessed above recent market value, particularly in rural areas with limited comparable sales data. Homeowners should verify their assessment against county records and recent neighborhood sales; a successful appeal could provide meaningful relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Monroe County

via CostByCounty

Monroe County punches above its weight

Monroe County renters spend just 12.7% of their income on housing—below the national 15% threshold—despite earning $15,793 below the U.S. median. This rural county achieves surprising affordability through exceptionally low housing costs.

Ohio's third-most affordable county

Monroe County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Ohio's best, sitting nearly 2.9 percentage points below the state average of 15.6%. With the lowest median rent of $626 in this analysis, Monroe delivers remarkable affordability.

Deepest discount in the region

Monroe County's $626 median rent is dramatically lower than any peer county—Meigs ($704) is the second-lowest but still $78 higher. The trade-off is lower wages at $58,962, but the housing savings more than compensate.

Monroe's minimal housing burden

The median Monroe County household earning $58,962 annually spends just $626 on rent or $589 on mortgage costs monthly. Both renters (12.7%) and homeowners (12%) allocate minimal portions of income to housing—extraordinary by any standard.

Monroe County for serious savers

Monroe County's rock-bottom rents make it ideal for relocators prioritizing maximum savings and lower cost of living. Verify job availability and wage levels carefully, but if you can secure stable employment, Monroe offers unmatched housing affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Monroe County

via IncomeByCounty

Monroe trails the national income baseline

Monroe County's median household income of $58,962 falls $15,793 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-income tier nationally. This gap reflects Monroe's position as an economically challenged Appalachian community.

Monroe ranks below Ohio's state average

Monroe County's median household income of $58,962 lags Ohio's state average of $68,101 by more than $9,100, marking it as a lower-income Ohio county. The county's per capita income of $33,856 also trails the state average of $35,642.

Monroe ranks in the lower-income cluster

Monroe's $58,962 median household income exceeds Meigs County ($46,701) and Marion County ($57,306), but significantly trails higher-earning peers like Miami County ($74,175), Mercer County ($78,036), and Medina County ($92,660). The county sits squarely in the region's lower-income cohort.

Monroe offers modest housing affordability advantage

Monroe County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.7% represents one of the healthier ratios among the eight counties reviewed, suggesting reasonable housing cost burden. Combined with a modest median home value of $132,000, homeownership and stable rental housing remain relatively accessible despite below-average incomes.

Monroe residents can build stability methodically

Monroe's relative housing affordability creates an opportunity to prioritize savings over shelter costs; residents should establish emergency funds and explore skill-building investments. Even incremental income growth paired with consistent saving can meaningfully improve financial security for Monroe County families.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Monroe County

via CrimeByCounty

Monroe County is a National Safety Leader

Monroe County is remarkably safe, with a safety score of 99.7. Its total crime rate of 208.9 per 100,000 is less than 10% of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outstanding Safety within Ohio

Monroe's safety score of 99.7 is significantly higher than the state average of 97.8. Its crime rate is nearly seven times lower than the Ohio average of 1,412.3.

Matching the Best in the Region

Monroe County ranks as one of the safest in the state, trailing only Mercer County's rate of 156.0. It is significantly safer than Medina County, which has a rate of 673.4.

Violent Crime is Extremely Rare

The county records a very low violent crime rate of 37.3 per 100,000. Property crime also remains minimal at 171.6, making it one of the most secure places to live in Ohio.

Protecting the Peace in Monroe

Maintaining safety in Monroe County is about community awareness and simple deterrents. Using smart home tech to monitor your property ensures that the county's low crime rates continue for years to come.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Monroe County

via HealthByCounty

Monroe County lags U.S. health average

At 73.6 years, Monroe County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 72.4 by only 1.2 years, but its 22.3% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 21%. One in five Monroe residents reports chronic health problems, signaling widespread disease burden. The county is aging at a typical pace but with higher chronic disease prevalence.

Below Ohio's health benchmark

Monroe County's 73.6-year life expectancy falls short of Ohio's 74.8-year average by 1.2 years, placing it in the lower half of state rankings. The 22.3% poor/fair health rate is among the worst in the state, and the 7.8% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Ohio's 7.5%, suggesting both health and access challenges. Monroe faces health headwinds relative to the state.

Penultimate in health outcomes

Monroe County's 73.6-year life expectancy beats only Meigs County (70.8) in the comparison group and trails Madison by 2.6 years. Its 22.3% poor/fair health rate is second-worst after Marion County (22.2%), indicating shared struggles with health challenges. Monroe and Marion form a troubled pair, distinct from the healthier northern and western counties.

Sparse primary care in underserved county

Monroe County has only 15 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, among the lowest in the cohort, creating significant access barriers for preventive care. Mental health providers number 30 per 100,000, the lowest in the entire comparison group and critically inadequate for addressing behavioral health needs. Residents face acute shortages in both primary and mental health providers.

Insurance is your gateway to limited care

With 7.8% uninsured and only 15 primary care providers per 100,000, securing coverage in Monroe County is essential to access the limited providers available. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local health department to explore Medicaid and marketplace options. Getting covered connects you to the primary and mental health resources Monroe offers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Monroe County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in One District

Monroe County operates a very focused school system with just eight public schools serving 1,769 students. All schools in the county fall under the administration of the Switzerland of Ohio Local district.

High Investment Despite Graduation Gaps

Monroe County invests heavily in its students, spending $11,634 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the state average. While the graduation rate of 82.0% is below the national average, the overall school score of 59.3 is quite strong.

Switzerland of Ohio Local Dominates

Switzerland of Ohio Local is the sole provider of public education in the county, managing all eight campuses. There are zero charter schools, making this district the central pillar for all 1,700+ local students.

Intimate Rural and Town Schools

The county has the smallest average school size on this list at just 221 students per school. Woodsfield Elementary is the largest campus with 395 students, providing a highly personalized and rural learning atmosphere.

Find Tranquility and Small Class Sizes

For those seeking small schools and high per-pupil investment, Monroe County is an ideal rural retreat. Explore homes in Woodsfield to be near the county's largest elementary and high school facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Monroe County

via RiskByCounty

Monroe County enjoys very low risk

Monroe County scores 27.26 on the composite natural disaster risk scale, earning a Very Low rating—50% below Ohio's 55.03 state average. The county experiences minimal hazard exposure across all major disaster categories, making it one of Ohio's safest environments. Residents here benefit from unusually favorable natural disaster conditions.

Ohio's most protected counties

Monroe County ranks among Ohio's lowest-risk counties with a 27.26 composite score, substantially below the 55.03 state average. Only the very safest Ohio counties maintain lower overall risk profiles. This exceptional positioning reflects geographic and structural advantages that minimize natural disaster exposure.

Among the safest in the region

Monroe County's 27.26 risk score rivals Madison County (24.90) and Mercer County (31.65) as one of Ohio's safest communities. The county substantially outperforms adjacent Marion County (61.10) and Medina County (68.96). This clustering of very-low-risk counties along Ohio's western edge creates a protective zone.

Hurricane and flood risks most notable

Hurricane risk (54.82) and flood risk (50.92) represent Monroe County's most significant hazards, though both remain manageable compared to higher-risk counties. Tornado risk is minimal at 23.92, while earthquake and wildfire risks are similarly low at 33.05 and 18.26 respectively. The county's overall low exposure simplifies disaster preparedness considerably.

Minimal coverage requirements here

Standard homeowners insurance addressing wind and hail provides adequate protection for Monroe County's modest tornado and severe weather exposure. Flood insurance is optional but worth considering given the 50.92 flood risk, particularly for properties near low-lying areas. Monroe County's favorable risk profile means most residents don't require specialized disaster coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Monroe County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate and Humid Monroe County

Monroe County averages 51.8°F annually, hovering just above the national median temperature. It experiences the high humidity and variable weather typical of the Appalachian plateau.

Slightly Warmer than State Averages

At 51.8°F, Monroe stays marginally warmer than the Ohio average of 51.5°F. The county's location in the southeast keeps it protected from the harshest northern cold fronts.

A High-Precipitation Zone

Monroe receives a significant 45.0 inches of precipitation annually, far exceeding the state average of 41.2 inches. This makes it one of the wettest counties in the region, demanding robust water management.

Consistent Heat and Wet Winters

The county faces 12 days of extreme heat each summer, with July temperatures averaging 72.7°F. While specific snowfall data is limited, winter temperatures average a chilly 31.8°F from December through February.

Focus on Moisture Protection

The high 45-inch annual precipitation requires homeowners to maintain gutters and basement waterproofing. Residents should also prepare for 12 days of 90°F heat with reliable air conditioning systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Monroe County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisols Define the Landscape

Monroe County is home to Ultisols with a silt loam texture and a pH of 5.44. This soil is more acidic than both the state average of 5.97 and the national median of 6.5. Ultisols are highly weathered soils, often found in older geological landscapes like those in southeastern Ohio.

High Silt Content Offers Soft Texture

With a high silt percentage of 57.5% and 20.6% clay, this soil feels very smooth and retains moisture well. The sand content is relatively low at 19.2%. This creates a dense soil profile that can be prone to erosion on the county's famous rolling hills.

Above Average Water Storage Capacity

The available water capacity of 0.193 in/in is higher than the state average of 0.186. Organic matter stands at 4.09%, which is slightly lower than the state average of 4.85%. Despite lower organic levels, the soil's ability to hold water makes it resilient during the warmer summer months.

Well-Drained Land with Good Infiltration

Classified as well-drained and belonging to hydrologic group B, this soil handles rainfall effectively. Group B soils have moderate infiltration rates, making them excellent for construction and diverse agricultural uses. You can expect fewer drainage issues here than in many other parts of Ohio.

Warm Zone 6b Growth Potential

The slightly warmer 6b hardiness zone allows for a fantastic variety of perennials and extended-season crops. Acid-loving plants like blueberries will find a natural home in this soil's low pH environment. Embrace the unique geology of Monroe County and start your garden this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Monroe County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming obstacles in Monroe County

Monroe County has a lawn difficulty score of 70.1, which is slightly below the Ohio state average. While harder than some neighbors, it remains much easier than the national median for maintaining a healthy yard.

The wettest county in the group

Monroe leads this list with 45.0 inches of annual precipitation, providing a significant boost to your lawn's water supply. Combined with 3,113 growing degree days, expect a long and productive growing season that requires frequent maintenance.

Treating acidic, well-drained silt loam

The soil pH of 5.44 is low enough to hinder grass growth, so applying lime is a top priority. Because the silt loam is well-drained, your lawn will handle the high 45-inch rainfall well without becoming a swamp.

Rare drought but high rain volume

Despite 11 weeks of drought last year, the county is currently drought-free and usually enjoys ample moisture. Your primary challenge isn't saving water, but rather managing runoff and erosion during heavy rain events.

Seeding for the 6b hills

The 6b hardiness zone is perfect for heat-tolerant cool-season blends. With a frost-free window from April 26 to October 26, you have a generous six months to establish and enjoy your turf.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monroe County's county score?
Monroe County, Ohio has a composite county score of 64.8 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 Monroe County rank among counties in Ohio?
Monroe County ranks #5 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 Monroe County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Monroe County is $1,148, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Monroe County a tax score of 47.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Monroe County?
The median household income in Monroe County, Ohio is $58,962 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Monroe County earns an income score of 35.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Monroe County, Ohio a good place to live?
Monroe County scores 64.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Monroe 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 Monroe 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.