countyscore
51.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 77Safety 76.8

County Report Card

About Morrow County, Ohio

Competitive National Performance

Morrow County achieves a composite score of 51.7, nudging just past the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced profile that matches the baseline expectations for American livability.

Leading the Ohio Average

The county stays ahead of the state curve with its 51.7 score, compared to the Ohio average of 48.6. It offers a reliable alternative to more expensive or less safe urban centers in the region.

Clean Water and Safe Streets

Excellent water quality (86.0) and high safety standards (76.8) define this county. Residents also enjoy a strong income score of 68.9, supported by a median household income of $71,047.

Pressure on Housing and Taxes

Affordability is a growing concern, reflected in a cost score of 29.6 as home values reach a median of $200,800. The tax score of 31.0 also indicates a moderate burden compared to other rural areas.

A Haven for Active Families

Morrow County is best for families who value safety and high-quality utility services above all else. Its strong income profile makes the higher cost of living manageable for working households.

Score breakdown

Tax31Cost29.6Safety76.8Health51.9Schools48.5Income68.9Risk75.6Water86Weather57
🏛31
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠29.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼68.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡76.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤51.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡75.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨70.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77
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

Marion County
Ohio
36.5
Richland County
Ohio
37.8
Delaware County
Ohio
38.6
Knox County
Ohio
53.7
Crawford County
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Union County
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Ashland County
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Wyandot County
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Deep Dives

Morrow County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Morrow County

via TaxByCounty

Morrow taxes slightly below national norm

Morrow County's effective tax rate of 1.100% falls just slightly below the national median of 1.08%, positioning it near the middle of U.S. counties. Homeowners pay a median of $2,208 annually—18% less than the national median of $2,690, despite homes valued 29% below the national average.

Close to Ohio's middle ground

Morrow County's rate of 1.100% sits almost exactly on Ohio's state average of 1.148%, placing it solidly in the middle of the state's 88 counties. Its median tax of $2,208 trails the state median of $2,145 by just $37, reflecting typical Ohio property tax burdens.

Moderate taxes compared to region

Morrow County's 1.100% rate ranks in the middle of its regional peer group: Noble County pays 0.789%, Ottawa County 1.087%, and Montgomery County 1.777%. Most neighbors pay slightly less, but Morrow remains well below Montgomery's outlier rate.

Morrow homeowners' typical bill

On a median home valued at $200,800, Morrow County residents pay $2,208 annually—roughly $184 per month. With a mortgage, the escrow amount reaches $2,278, while cash buyers remit $2,061 to the county.

Appeal opportunities exist here too

Morrow County homeowners should verify their assessment accuracy just like anywhere else; errors are common regardless of whether rates are high or moderate. A quick comparison to recent comparable sales might reveal grounds for a cost-free appeal to reduce your tax obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Morrow County

via CostByCounty

Morrow: Rural Affordability Meets Solid Income

Morrow County renters spend 15.9% of their income on rent, just above the national 15% benchmark, while earning $71,047 annually—closer to the national average of $74,755 than most rural Ohio counties. This combination of decent income and moderate housing costs makes Morrow one of Ohio's more balanced rural economies.

Morrow Tracks Just Above State Average

At 15.9%, Morrow's rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above Ohio's 15.6% average, placing it in the state's affordability middle ground. The median rent of $942 exceeds the state average of $873, reflecting Morrow's proximity to central Ohio job markets and slightly elevated demand for rural housing.

Middle Ground Between Urban and Rural

Morrow's $942 rent falls between Montgomery's pricier $968 and the deeper rural options like Morgan ($713) or Noble ($730), positioning it as a compromise location. Home values at $200,800 match Ottawa County and exceed most other rural neighbors, signaling Morrow's appeal to buyers seeking both affordability and proximity to regional amenities.

Renters and Owners Both Stay Comfortable

Renters allocate 15.9% of the $71,047 median income to the $942 monthly rent, while homeowners dedicate 18.5% to their $1,097 monthly owner cost—both within reasonable bounds. The relatively balanced income level means Morrow households retain strong capacity for other expenses and emergency savings.

Morrow Balances Affordability and Opportunity

For Ohioans seeking a middle path between rural isolation and urban costs, Morrow County offers solid median income at $71,047 and manageable rent at 15.9% of income. Consider Morrow if you want lower housing costs than Montgomery but better employment prospects than deep rural counties like Morgan or Noble.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Morrow County

via IncomeByCounty

Morrow nearly matches national income levels

Morrow County's median household income of $71,047 stands just $3,708 below the national median of $74,755, placing it among stronger counties nationally. The county's per capita income of $34,777 is slightly below Ohio's state average, but the strong household median reflects multi-earner stability.

Above-average earner in Ohio rankings

At $71,047, Morrow County ranks above the Ohio state average of $68,101, positioning it in the upper third of state counties. This above-average standing reflects a stable mix of agricultural, manufacturing, and service-sector employment.

Strongest income performer in the region

Morrow County's $71,047 median income leads its regional peers, outpacing Paulding County ($68,167), Montgomery County ($64,403), Muskingum County ($59,203), and all other nearby counties. This leadership reflects strong economic fundamentals and competitive job markets in the area.

Housing costs well-managed despite higher values

Morrow County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% remains healthy despite median home values of $200,800—among the region's highest. The strong household incomes support both homeownership and rental affordability across the county.

Leverage strength to build lasting wealth

Morrow County's above-average household income of $71,047 creates genuine opportunity for wealth accumulation and investment. Use this financial advantage to max out retirement contributions, explore real estate investment, or build a diversified portfolio with professional guidance.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Morrow County

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety Standards in Morrow County

Morrow County maintains an impressive safety score of 99.1, far exceeding the national norm. Its total crime rate of 556.3 per 100,000 is roughly a quarter of the national average of 2385.5.

Ranking Among Ohio's Safest

The county's total crime rate of 556.3 is well below the Ohio average of 1412.3. Its safety score of 99.1 also surpasses the statewide average of 97.8, signaling a secure environment for residents.

Comparing Morrow to Its Neighbors

With only 556.3 crimes per 100,000, Morrow County is considerably safer than Montgomery County's rate of 2586.0. Three reporting agencies contribute to these remarkably low incident figures.

Low Violent and Property Crime Rates

Violent crime is exceptionally low at 168.3 per 100,000, while property crime stands at just 388.0. Both metrics are a fraction of the national averages of 369.8 and 2015.7, respectively.

Maintaining a Safe Household

Morrow County's statistics show it is a very safe place to live, but proactive home protection is always wise. Using high-quality locks and keeping valuables out of sight can help maintain these low crime figures.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Morrow County

via HealthByCounty

Morrow's Paradox: High Life Expectancy, Poor Health

Morrow County's 76.5-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by one year—yet 22.6% of residents report poor or fair health, one of the highest rates in this group. This paradox suggests Morrow residents live longer but with significant chronic disease and disability.

Above Average Years, Below Average Wellbeing

Morrow ranks above Ohio's state average life expectancy of 74.8 years, but its 22.6% poor/fair health rate signals underlying chronic disease despite higher longevity. The uninsured rate of 7.6% closely tracks the state average of 7.5%.

Living Longer, Sicker Than Peers

While Morrow's 76.5-year life expectancy matches Ottawa County (76.6 years), its 22.6% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds Ottawa's 16.2%. Morrow also lags in provider density: only 20 primary care providers per 100K compared to Ottawa's 47 and Paulding's 21.

Limited Providers, High Disease Burden

Morrow's 20 primary care providers and 87 mental health providers per 100,000 residents offer limited capacity for managing the chronic diseases afflicting 22.6% of the population. Rural isolation and sparse provider networks likely contribute to the gap between longevity and quality of life.

Manage Your Health with Coverage

With 7.6% of Morrow residents uninsured and high rates of chronic disease, securing health insurance is essential for preventive care and disease management. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find plans that fit your needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Morrow County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Districts Serving a Growing County

Morrow County supports 4,868 students through 12 public schools divided among 5 districts. The infrastructure includes a balanced mix of 4 elementary, 3 middle, and 5 high schools.

High Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

The county boasts a 90.5% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both state and national averages. This success comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $7,134, which is lower than the Ohio average.

Spotlighting Highland and Mount Gilead

Highland Local is the largest district, serving 1,718 students across three schools. A single charter school operates in the area, accounting for roughly 8.3% of the county's total school count.

A Classic Rural School Setting

Nine of the county's 12 schools sit in rural locales, creating a quiet and focused learning atmosphere. The average school enrolls 406 students, with Highland Elementary being the largest at 790 students.

Join a High-Performing Rural District

With graduation rates exceeding 90%, Morrow County is an attractive destination for education-focused homebuyers. Look for properties in the Highland Local or Mount Gilead districts to capitalize on these strong academic outcomes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Morrow County

via RiskByCounty

Morrow County sits below national average

Morrow County's composite risk score of 24.40 earns a "Very Low" rating and places it well below the U.S. average for natural disaster exposure. This favorable standing means residents face significantly lower multi-hazard risk than the typical American county.

One of Ohio's safest counties

Morrow County's score of 24.40 significantly undercuts Ohio's 55.03 state average, ranking among the state's most secure areas. The county's balanced, moderate hazard profile across all disaster types contributes to this safety advantage.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Morrow County (24.40) is considerably safer than Muskingum County (70.93) and Ottawa County (59.16), though comparable to nearby Morgan County (18.23). This makes Morrow a relatively secure location within its regional context.

Tornadoes and earthquakes are top concerns

Morrow County's tornado risk of 40.55 is its highest hazard score, followed by earthquake risk at 39.92—both still well below state averages. Wildfire and flood risks remain minimal, creating a relatively balanced and manageable disaster risk profile.

Standard coverage meets most needs

Morrow County residents can typically rely on conventional homeowners insurance without specialized riders for flood or windstorm coverage. A simple review of your policy's coverage limits and deductibles annually should suffice given the county's low overall risk profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Morrow County

via SoilByCounty

The fertile Alfisols of Morrow County

Morrow County is characterized by Alfisols, a highly productive soil order often found under hardwood forests. The average pH of 6.05 is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but remains higher than the state average of 5.97. This pH level is ideal for many row crops and garden vegetables without requiring heavy lime applications.

Silt loam provides ideal workability

The dominant texture here is silt loam, consisting of 53.7% silt, 25.4% sand, and 19.6% clay. This specific ratio makes the soil highly workable and provides a great environment for root penetration. Farmers benefit from a soil that holds nutrients well while remaining easy to till in the spring.

Excellent water holding capacity

The soil’s available water capacity of 0.202 in/in is significantly higher than the state average of 0.186 in/in. While the 3.35% organic matter content is below the state average, the high water capacity ensures plants have access to moisture during critical growing periods. This combination gives Morrow County a strong soil score of 70.9.

Well-drained soil with slow runoff

Classified as 'well drained' and belonging to hydrologic group C, these soils manage water effectively but can have slow infiltration when saturated. This setup is generally favorable for building and basement construction compared to wetter neighbors. Proper field tiling can further enhance this land for intensive agricultural use.

Growing potential in zone 6a

In hardiness zone 6a, Morrow County offers a robust environment for corn, soybeans, and diverse vegetable crops. The high silt loam content is particularly friendly for root vegetables and hardy perennials. Get your seeds started early to make the most of this high-quality Ohio earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Morrow County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Growing Conditions in Morrow County

With a lawn difficulty score of 77.0, Morrow County sits right near the state average of 76.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 6a, this county offers a standard Midwestern growing environment that is significantly easier to manage than the national average. Homeowners here face a predictable routine for maintaining healthy green spaces.

Planning Around Local Climate Trends

While specific local temperature and precipitation data are limited, the regional trend supports typical cool-season grass growth. Residents should monitor local weather patterns to adjust mowing heights during the peak growing season. Most local lawn care follows the standard Ohio rhythm of spring surges and summer slowdowns.

Excellent Silt Loam Provides Ideal Drainage

Morrow County features well-drained silt loam soil with a near-perfect pH of 6.05. The balance of 19.6% clay and 25.4% sand allows for deep root penetration and healthy air exchange. This natural drainage class is a major asset for preventing lawn diseases caused by standing water.

Drought Resilience Stays High This Year

The county experienced 7 weeks of drought over the past year, but currently, 0% of the land is under drought stress. This lack of current pressure makes it an ideal time to strengthen your lawn's root system. Maintaining a mowing height of 3 inches or more will help protect the soil from future moisture loss.

Zone 6a Grass Selection Tips

Cool-season mixes containing Kentucky Bluegrass and Turf-type Tall Fescue are best suited for Zone 6a winters. Although specific frost dates are not provided for this county, aiming for a mid-to-late April spring start is generally safe for this region. Late summer remains the most effective window for major seeding projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morrow County's county score?
Morrow County, Ohio has a composite county score of 51.7 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 Morrow County rank among counties in Ohio?
Morrow County ranks #36 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 Morrow County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Morrow County is $2,208, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Morrow County a tax score of 31/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Morrow County?
The median household income in Morrow County, Ohio is $71,047 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Morrow County earns an income score of 68.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Morrow County, Ohio a good place to live?
Morrow County scores 51.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Morrow 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 Morrow 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.