countyscore
52.6
County Score
Cost of Living 82.4Disaster 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.

2040608010047.382.443.341.644.631.881.823.662.5Tax47.3Cost82.4Safety43.3Health41.6Schools44.6Income31.8Risk81.8Water23.6Weather62.552.6/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Morgan County DNA

Foverall

How Morgan County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Morgan County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (81.8/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (23.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
47.3
Cost
82.4+34.400000000000006
Safety
43.3-11.700000000000003
Health
41.6-8.399999999999999
Schools
44.6-9.399999999999999
Income
31.8-19.2
Risk
81.8+34.8
Water
23.6-34.4
Weather
62.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Morgan County?

Many homeowners in Morgan County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$150,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$742/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$150,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,351/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

36.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Morgan County with Elmore County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Elmore County
Alabama
Median income: $78,243
52.6
Lincoln County
Arkansas
Median income: $51,778
52.6
Burke County
Georgia
Median income: $53,014
52.6
Clark County
Idaho
Median income: $55,208
52.6
Macoupin County
Illinois
Median income: $70,805
52.6
Mahaska County
Iowa
Median income: $70,940
52.6
Grant Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $64,016
52.6
Arenac County
Michigan
Median income: $58,811
52.6

Nearby counties

Athens County
Ohio
41.4
Muskingum County
Ohio
42.3
Noble County
Ohio
70.5
Perry County
Ohio
58.4
Washington County
Ohio
49
Wood County
West Virginia
46.3
Hocking County
Ohio
38.9
Guernsey County
Ohio
51.5

Deep Dives

Morgan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 52.6 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 Morgan County rank among counties in Ohio?
Morgan County ranks #32 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 $1,268, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns Morgan County a tax score of 47.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Morgan County?
The median household income in Morgan County, Ohio is $59,351 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Morgan County earns an income score of 31.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Morgan County, Ohio a good place to live?
Morgan County scores 52.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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