countyscore
52.5
County Score
Cost of Living 85Disaster Risk 81.8Lawn Care 77.4

County Report Card

About Morgan County, Ohio

Exceeding the National Median

Morgan County earns a composite score of 52.5, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. This suggests a quality of life that holds its own against the typical American county.

Outperforming the State Average

With a score of 52.5, Morgan County outperforms the Ohio state average of 48.6. It stands out as a more resilient option compared to many of its neighboring rural counties.

Superior Affordability and Low Risk

The county excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 85.0, anchored by a low median rent of $713. It also boasts high environmental stability with a risk score of 81.8.

Economic and Infrastructure Gaps

Low earnings are a challenge, as the median household income of $55,971 leads to an income score of only 27.6. Additionally, the water infrastructure needs attention, currently scoring just 23.6.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Retirees

This county is a perfect fit for those on a fixed income or retirees looking to minimize housing costs. A low effective tax rate of 0.906% makes it an attractive destination for long-term financial stability.

Score breakdown

Tax44.8Cost85Safety43.3Health41.6Schools44.6Income27.6Risk81.8Water23.6Weather62.5
🏛44.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡43.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡81.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧23.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨53.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77.4
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

Athens County
Ohio
41.4
Muskingum County
Ohio
42.1
Noble County
Ohio
70.4
Perry County
Ohio
59.4
Washington County
Ohio
49.9
Wood County
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Hocking County
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Guernsey County
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52.2

Deep Dives

Morgan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Morgan County

via TaxByCounty

Morgan taxes fall well below U.S. median

Morgan County's effective tax rate of 0.906% sits significantly below the national median of 1.08%, ranking it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties. Homeowners pay a median of just $1,216 annually—nearly 55% less than the national median of $2,690.

Among Ohio's lowest-tax counties

Morgan County ranks near the bottom of Ohio's 88 counties with an effective rate of 0.906%, well below the state average of 1.148%. Its median tax of $1,216 is 43% lower than Ohio's median of $2,145, offering genuine relief for property owners.

Lowest-taxed county in the region

Morgan County's 0.906% rate is the lowest among its regional neighbors: Muskingum County pays 0.946%, Perry County 0.929%, and Montgomery County 1.777%. This advantage means Morgan homeowners enjoy roughly $400–$1,700 in annual savings compared to adjacent counties.

Morgan's modest tax burden

On a median home valued at $134,200, Morgan County residents pay $1,216 annually—just $101 per month. Those with mortgages might see $1,383 in escrow, while cash buyers typically remit $1,049 directly to the county.

Even low taxes can be wrong taxes

Even in a low-tax county like Morgan, some homeowners are still overassessed or entitled to exemptions they haven't claimed. Reviewing your assessment and filing an appeal if warranted costs nothing and could provide additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Morgan County

via CostByCounty

Morgan: Beating National Affordability Standards

Morgan County renters spend just 15.3% of their income on rent, matching the national affordability threshold and outperforming the national median household income gap—Morgan's $55,971 income is 25% below the national average of $74,755, yet housing remains remarkably affordable. This efficiency reflects Morgan's rural character and lower overall cost structure.

Morgan Exceeds Ohio's Housing Affordability

At 15.3%, Morgan's rent-to-income ratio sits just below Ohio's state average of 15.6%, ranking it among the state's more affordable counties despite having one of the lowest median household incomes. The median rent of $713 runs $160 below the state average, signaling strong affordability for renters in this southeastern Ohio county.

Most Affordable in the Rural Cluster

Morgan's $713 median rent is the lowest among its peer rural counties, undercutting Noble ($730), Perry ($727), and Muskingum ($811) by meaningful margins. Similarly, Morgan's $579 median owner cost is the cheapest in this group, making it the most housing-affordable option for budget-conscious Ohioans considering rural living.

Housing Costs Stay Well Below Danger Zone

The $713 monthly rent represents just 15.3% of Morgan's $55,971 median household income, while homeowners allocate only 12.4% to their $579 monthly owner cost—both well below the 30% affordability threshold. This leaves Morgan households with substantially more income for food, healthcare, and savings than residents in less affordable counties.

Morgan Offers Maximum Housing Affordability

If you're seeking the most affordable housing in Ohio, Morgan County delivers: renters pay just 15.3% of income on rent, and homebuyers find median prices near $134,200. The trade-off is job scarcity and distance from urban centers, but for remote workers or retirees, Morgan's combination of low costs and rural peace is compelling.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Morgan County

via IncomeByCounty

Morgan County faces significant income gap

Morgan County's median household income of $55,971 lags the national median by $18,784, placing it in the lower quartile nationally. The county's per capita income of $29,431 also falls below Ohio's average of $35,642, indicating a tighter economic landscape.

Ranks among Ohio's lower-income counties

At $55,971, Morgan County's median household income places it in the lower third of Ohio counties, well below the state average of $68,101. This gap reflects limited job diversity and outmigration of working-age residents from the area.

Struggles compared to surrounding counties

Morgan County's $55,971 median income ranks last among its regional peers, including Noble County ($55,360 — nearly tied), Muskingum County ($59,203), and Montgomery County ($64,403). The county's economic challenges stand out against more prosperous neighboring regions.

Housing affordability a relative strength

Morgan County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% is among the lowest in the region, and median home values of $134,200 remain modest. While lower incomes challenge overall financial stability, housing costs are proportionally manageable.

Strategic planning essential for Morgan residents

With a per capita income of $29,431, Morgan County households benefit from low housing costs but face constraints on savings. Prioritize building an emergency fund and explore job training opportunities or economic development programs to increase household earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Morgan County

via CrimeByCounty

Morgan County's National Safety Profile

Morgan County reports a total crime rate of 1277.9 per 100,000 residents, nearly half the national average of 2385.5. This low frequency of crime earns the county a strong safety score of 98.0.

Comparing Safety to the Ohio Average

The county's safety score of 98.0 is higher than the state average of 97.8, marking it as one of Ohio's safer regions. Its total crime rate of 1277.9 also remains lower than the statewide average of 1412.3.

Neighborly Safety Metrics

Morgan County is significantly safer than neighboring Muskingum County, which has a much higher crime rate of 1990.9 per 100,000. This data comes from 2 reporting agencies serving the local community.

Local Crime Statistics and Risks

Violent crime in Morgan County occurs at a rate of 281.6 per 100,000, staying below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also low at 996.3, compared to the national rate of 2015.7.

Prioritizing Home Safety in Morgan

While crime rates are lower than average, maintaining situational awareness is key to keeping Morgan County safe. Residents can further enhance their peace of mind by installing outdoor motion sensors or cameras.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Morgan County

via HealthByCounty

Morgan: Three Years Below National Life Expectancy

Morgan County residents live to an average of 73.3 years, matching Montgomery County but falling three years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. One in five (20.2%) report poor or fair health, reflecting a community facing significant health burdens.

Rural County Struggles with Health Ranking

Morgan County's 73.3-year life expectancy sits below Ohio's state average of 74.8 years, placing it among the state's lowest-performing counties for longevity. The uninsured rate of 8.9% exceeds Ohio's state average of 7.5%, leaving nearly one in 11 residents without coverage.

Isolated: Fewer Providers Than Peer Counties

Morgan's 7 primary care providers per 100,000 residents is dramatically lower than neighboring Muskingum County (53 per 100K) and state-average counties like Montgomery (95 per 100K). With only 198 mental health providers per 100,000, Morgan faces a severe access crisis in behavioral health care.

Rural Healthcare Desert Creates Real Hardship

Morgan County's extreme scarcity of primary care—among the lowest in Ohio—forces residents to travel long distances for routine checkups and chronic disease management. Combined with an 8.9% uninsured rate, many residents delay or skip medical care, deepening health disparities.

Uninsured? Get Protected Now

Morgan County's 8.9% uninsured rate means thousands lack basic health access and financial protection. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit healthcare.gov to explore coverage options—critical in a county where provider scarcity already makes care difficult to access.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Morgan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in a Single District

Morgan County operates a streamlined system of just 6 schools, all managed under the Morgan Local district. This centralized network serves 1,668 students across 3 elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Investing in Rural Student Success

The county spends $9,422 per pupil, notably higher than the $7,994 Ohio average though lower than national figures. The current 77.0% graduation rate reflects ongoing challenges compared to the state's 88.3% benchmark.

A Unified Morgan Local Community

Morgan Local is the sole provider for the region, ensuring all 1,668 students benefit from a consistent administrative vision. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county lines.

Small Classes and Rural Roots

With an average school size of just 278 students, Morgan offers a highly personal educational environment. The largest facility is Morgan High School with 519 students, set against a predominantly rural landscape.

Find Home in a Tight-Knit School Community

Morgan County is ideal for those seeking a single-district community where every neighbor knows the local school. Search for homes near McConnellsville to stay close to the heart of this unified school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Morgan County

via RiskByCounty

Morgan enjoys rare very low risk status

Morgan County's composite risk score of 18.23 earns a "Very Low" rating, placing it well below the U.S. average and in the safer tier of American counties. This favorable profile means residents face substantially lower exposure to major natural disasters compared to most of the nation.

Among Ohio's safest counties overall

Morgan County's 18.23 score sits far below Ohio's 55.03 state average, ranking the county among the state's lowest-risk areas. This safety advantage reflects relatively modest exposure across all major hazard types.

Safest in its regional peer group

Morgan County (18.23) is significantly safer than nearby Muskingum County (70.93) and substantially safer than state-average counties like Ottawa (59.16). Its low risk profile makes it one of the most secure areas in southeastern Ohio.

Earthquake poses limited local concern

Morgan County's hazard profile is notably balanced and low: earthquake risk of 24.75 is its highest single threat, followed by hurricane risk at 36.42. Both scores remain well below state and national averages, reflecting the county's overall safety advantage.

Standard insurance typically sufficient

Morgan County residents can generally rely on standard homeowners insurance without specialized add-ons, though reviewing coverage limits annually remains sound practice. Flood insurance may be unnecessary for most homes, but property owners in mapped floodplains should still consult FEMA maps to verify their specific exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Morgan County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Conditions in Morgan County

Morgan County maintains a 52.2°F annual average temperature, placing it slightly above the national median. It features the classic four-season cycle common to the Eastern United States.

Warmer Than the State Median

The county's 52.2°F average is warmer than the Ohio-wide figure of 51.5°F. This creates a slightly milder climate than the northern half of the state.

Abundant Annual Precipitation

Morgan County receives 45.0 inches of precipitation every year, significantly more than the state average of 41.2 inches. This high moisture level supports the county's dense forests and agricultural land.

Humid Summers and Snowy Winters

The county averages 19.4 inches of snow annually, while summer features 12 days above 90°F. July is the warmest month, averaging 73.2°F, contrasted by January lows of 29.5°F.

Plan for Rain and Heat

The 45 inches of annual precipitation require careful attention to property drainage and roofing. Additionally, residents should prepare for nearly two weeks of extreme summer heat each year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Morgan County

via SoilByCounty

Morgan County’s acidic soil profile

The soil in Morgan County leans acidic with an average pH of 5.74, which is lower than both the state average of 5.97 and the national median of 6.5. While regional taxonomic classifications are not specified in the current data, this lower pH is typical for the rolling terrain of southeastern Ohio. Managing this acidity is the first step for any successful local agricultural project.

Silt-dominated soil for moisture retention

Morgan County soil contains a high silt concentration of 56.1% paired with 21.2% clay and 21.6% sand. This silty texture makes the soil feel floury when dry and slippery when wet, requiring careful timing for tilling to avoid clods. The balance of particles supports decent moisture retention but may be prone to erosion on slopes.

Moderate organic matter levels

With 2.80% organic matter, the county surpasses the national 2.0% benchmark but remains well below the state average of 4.85%. The available water capacity of 0.177 in/in is slightly lower than the state average of 0.186 in/in, suggesting the soil dries out faster during heat waves. Adding compost can help boost both the organic content and the soil's ability to hold onto water.

Evaluating drainage for rural land

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable for Morgan County’s dominant soil types in this set. The high silt percentage suggests that while water moves through the profile, the soil may stay damp longer than sandy alternatives. Homeowners should verify local drainage patterns before installing foundations or septic systems.

Planning for zone 6b success

Morgan County is located in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a region that benefits from a relatively long growing season. Native plants and acid-loving crops like blueberries can thrive in this soil when properly managed. Despite a lower soil score of 53.1, the landscape offers beautiful opportunities for woodland gardens and fruit orchards.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Morgan County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growth in Morgan County Lawns

Morgan County scores a 77.4 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it slightly above the state average and well ahead of the national median. Situated in Hardiness Zone 6b, the area provides a reliable environment for cool-season grasses. You will find lawn care here more manageable than in 77% of the United States.

Abundant Rain Supports Vigorous Grass Growth

Annual precipitation reaches 45.0 inches, providing more natural moisture than the state average of 41.2 inches. The county enjoys 3,213 growing degree days and only 12 extreme heat days, creating a moderate climate that limits lawn burnout. This balance means you can often rely on rainfall rather than constant manual watering.

Acidic Soils May Need Lime Treatment

At a pH of 5.74, Morgan County's soil is more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for lawns. The soil contains roughly 21.2% clay and 21.6% sand, necessitating regular aeration to prevent compaction. Adding lime can help neutralize the acidity and unlock essential nutrients for your grass.

Moderate Dry Spells Affect One-Quarter of Land

While the county had only 4 weeks of drought last year, currently about 24.9% of the area is considered abnormally dry. These conditions require localized attention to prevent brown patches from forming in sun-exposed spots. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn helps retain soil moisture during these dry intervals.

Timing the Season in Morgan County

Fine fescues and perennial ryegrass are excellent choices for the local Zone 6b climate. Plan your spring seeding after the last frost on April 27, or wait for the late summer cooling before the first frost on October 21. Consistent moisture during these windows ensures a thick, weed-resistant turf.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morgan County's county score?
Morgan County, Ohio has a composite county score of 52.5 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 Morgan County rank among counties in Ohio?
Morgan County ranks #34 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 Morgan County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Morgan County is $1,216, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Morgan County a tax score of 44.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Morgan County?
The median household income in Morgan County, Ohio is $55,971 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Morgan County earns an income score of 27.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Morgan County, Ohio a good place to live?
Morgan County scores 52.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Morgan 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 Morgan County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.