countyscore
42.1
County Score
Lawn Care 83.8Weather & Climate 68Soil Quality 59.3

County Report Card

About Muskingum County, Ohio

Trailing the National Median

Muskingum County’s composite score of 42.1 falls below the national median of 50.0. While it offers some benefits, it lags behind much of the country in safety and environmental resilience.

Below the State Average

At 42.1, the county sits below the Ohio state average of 48.6. It faces tougher conditions than many other counties in the state, particularly regarding public safety and local risk factors.

Accessible Health and Housing

The county maintains a respectable health score of 56.0. It also offers decent affordability with a cost score of 50.8 and a median home value of $170,100, which is accessible for many buyers.

Safety and Environmental Risks

Safety is the primary challenge with a score of 22.4, while environmental risk also tracks low at 29.1. These factors significantly impact the overall livability score for current residents.

Suited for Value-Seeking Renters

This county is a reasonable choice for those who need affordable housing options and reliable healthcare access. Renters will appreciate the $811 median gross rent despite the lower safety rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax42Cost50.8Safety22.4Health56Schools45.9Income36.4Risk29.1Water29.3Weather68
🏛42
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡22.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤56
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡29.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧29.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱83.8
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

Perry County
Ohio
59.4
Morgan County
Ohio
52.5
Coshocton County
Ohio
52.8
Licking County
Ohio
37.9
Guernsey County
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Noble County
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Fairfield County
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Hocking County
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Deep Dives

Muskingum County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Muskingum County

via TaxByCounty

Muskingum taxes run below U.S. median

Muskingum County's effective tax rate of 0.946% sits below the national median of 1.08%, placing it in the bottom 40% of U.S. counties for property tax burden. Homeowners pay a median of $1,609 annually—40% less than the national median of $2,690.

Well below Ohio's average

Muskingum County's rate of 0.946% runs below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, ranking it among the lower-tax counties in the state. Its median tax of $1,609 is 25% cheaper than Ohio's median of $2,145, providing meaningful savings for property owners.

Mid-range taxes in the region

Muskingum County's 0.946% rate falls between Morgan County's 0.906% and Perry County's 0.929%, making it competitive with its closest neighbors. Compared to the regional outlier Montgomery County at 1.777%, Muskingum homeowners save about $1,200 annually.

Muskingum's annual tax reality

On a median home valued at $170,100, Muskingum County residents pay $1,609 annually—roughly $134 per month. Those with mortgages see escrow of $1,747, while cash buyers typically remit $1,387 directly to the county.

Low taxes don't mean accurate assessments

Even in a relatively low-tax county, some Muskingum homeowners face inflated assessments or miss available tax exemptions. Filing an appeal with the county auditor is free and could reduce your already-reasonable tax burden even further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Muskingum County

via CostByCounty

Muskingum: Affordable Rents, Below-Average Income

Muskingum County renters spend 16.4% of their income on rent, slightly above the national 15% standard, while earning $59,203 annually—about 21% below the national average of $74,755. The affordable rent of $811 per month reflects Muskingum's rural character, even as lower incomes keep affordability ratios elevated.

Muskingum Lags Ohio's Affordability Average

At 16.4%, Muskingum's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Ohio's 15.6% average, ranking it among the state's less affordable counties despite modest rents. The gap reflects a combination of limited local employment and wages trailing both state and county medians, creating affordability pressure even in a low-cost market.

Cheapest Rents But Income Constraints

Muskingum's $811 median rent is the lowest among peer counties like Morgan ($713), though Muskingum's $59,203 median income is higher than Morgan's $55,971—the higher rent-to-income ratio results from income-to-housing misalignment. Owner costs at $888 run mid-range, making Muskingum attractive for renters but less advantageous for homebuyers relative to deeper-rural alternatives.

Income Pressure Drives Affordability Challenge

The $811 monthly rent consumes 16.4% of Muskingum's $59,203 median income, while homeowners dedicate 18.0% to their $888 monthly cost—both figures strain household budgets more than in higher-income counties. Limited wage growth in the region means residents here must budget carefully to cover other necessities alongside housing.

Muskingum for Cost-Conscious Renters

Muskingum County offers some of Ohio's cheapest rents at $811 monthly, ideal for remote workers or retirees with income from outside the county. If you're tied to local employment, however, Muskingum's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio and limited job market make it riskier—compare first with slightly pricier but economically stronger rural counties like Morrow or Perry.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Muskingum County

via IncomeByCounty

Muskingum trails nation by $15,500

Muskingum County's median household income of $59,203 falls $15,552 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle nationally. The county's per capita income of $31,418 also underperforms Ohio's state average of $35,642.

Below-average within Ohio counties

At $59,203, Muskingum County ranks below the Ohio state average of $68,101, placing it in the lower half of state counties. The gap reflects a manufacturing-dependent economy and limited high-wage job growth in recent years.

Mid-range performer among peers

Muskingum County's $59,203 median income outpaces Morgan County ($55,971) and Noble County ($55,360) but trails Montgomery County ($64,403), Perry County ($64,737), and Morrow County ($71,047). The county sits in the moderate range of the regional economy.

Rents consume notable share of income

Muskingum County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% is among the region's highest, meaning renters allocate a larger share of earnings to housing. With a median home value of $170,100, affordability requires careful budgeting for many households.

Intentional saving can strengthen your future

With a median household income of $59,203, Muskingum County residents should prioritize even modest savings and investments. Explore employer 401(k) matches, IRAs, and low-cost index funds to build wealth despite income constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Muskingum County

via CrimeByCounty

Muskingum County Safety Overview

Muskingum County reports a total crime rate of 1990.9 per 100,000 people, which is lower than the national average of 2385.5. The county achieves a safety score of 96.9 based on 2022 data.

Where Muskingum Stands in Ohio

The county's crime rate of 1990.9 is higher than the Ohio average of 1412.3. This results in a safety score of 96.9, which is slightly below the state average of 97.8.

Local Comparison: Muskingum vs. Morgan

Muskingum's crime rate of 1990.9 is higher than neighboring Morgan County, which sits at 1277.9 per 100,000. Reports from 8 different agencies provide the data for this regional comparison.

Violent and Property Crime Facts

Property crime accounts for 1737.4 incidents per 100,000, while violent crime is 253.5. Both figures are lower than the national averages of 2015.7 for property and 369.8 for violent crime.

Keeping Your Muskingum Home Secure

While Muskingum is safer than the national average, property crime is still the most common local issue. Residents should consider basic deterrents like alarm systems to keep their property and families secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Muskingum County

via HealthByCounty

Muskingum Performs Better Than Rural Peers

Muskingum County's 74.4-year life expectancy falls 1.9 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years, but outperforms several neighboring counties. At 18.8%, its poor/fair health rate is the lowest in this group, suggesting better chronic disease management.

Near State Average, Strong Provider Access

Muskingum's 74.4-year life expectancy closely tracks Ohio's state average of 74.8 years, and its 6.8% uninsured rate is below the state average of 7.5%. With 53 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Muskingum offers solid healthcare infrastructure for a rural county.

Best Health Metrics in the Region

Muskingum's 74.4-year life expectancy and 18.8% poor/fair health rate outrank Morgan County (73.3 years, 20.2% poor/fair) and Montgomery County (73.3 years, 20.3% poor/fair). Its 6.8% uninsured rate is the lowest among these eight counties, reflecting better access to coverage.

Strong Foundation Supports Better Outcomes

Muskingum's 53 primary care providers and 227 mental health providers per 100,000 residents create a healthcare environment that enables routine care and mental health support. The combination of strong provider access and low uninsured rate (6.8%) translates into measurably better health outcomes than peer counties.

Keep Your Coverage Strong

Muskingum's success in health outcomes is built partly on low uninsured rates—but 6.8% of residents still lack coverage. If you're among them, visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to join the majority of Muskingum residents with protected access to care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Muskingum County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Comprehensive Network of 32 Schools

Muskingum County provides education to 14,265 students through 9 different school districts. The landscape includes 15 elementary schools and 9 high schools, offering broad coverage for the region.

Performance Meets State Expectations

The county's 88.4% graduation rate perfectly aligns with the Ohio state average. Schools operate with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,436 and maintain a respectable school score of 53.6.

Tri-Valley Leads the Local Districts

Tri-Valley Local is the largest district by enrollment, serving 2,913 students. Charter schools are a present but limited option here, making up 9.4% of the county's 32 schools.

Balanced Rural and Town Education

The county is evenly split between rural and town locales, with 17 and 15 schools respectively. Zane Grey Elementary is the largest individual school, enrolling 941 students in a town setting.

Build a Life Near Zanesville Schools

Muskingum County offers a blend of town amenities and rural space for growing families. Research homes near the high-performing Tri-Valley or East Muskingum districts to find the right fit for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Muskingum County

via RiskByCounty

Muskingum's risk moderately above U.S. average

Muskingum County's composite risk score of 70.93 rates as "Relatively Low" but exceeds the national average, placing it in the upper-middle tier of American disaster risk. Residents here face notably more natural hazard exposure than most U.S. counties.

Higher-risk county within Ohio

Muskingum County's 70.93 score substantially exceeds Ohio's 55.03 state average, ranking it among the state's more hazard-prone counties. Flood risk and tornado exposure drive much of this elevated profile.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Muskingum County (70.93) faces notably higher hazard exposure than Morgan County (18.23), Morrow County (24.40), and Perry County (25.99). Only Montgomery County (92.65) surpasses it in the region, making Muskingum a secondary risk hotspot in southeastern Ohio.

Flooding is the dominant local threat

Muskingum County's flood risk score of 83.81 represents its most serious hazard, reflecting the county's extensive waterway network and valley geography. Tornado risk at 56.33 poses a secondary but significant threat, particularly during spring storm seasons.

Flood insurance strongly recommended

Given Muskingum County's 83.81 flood risk score, residents near waterways, valleys, or in mapped floodplains should secure separate flood insurance—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Verify your property's flood zone with FEMA and consider windstorm coverage to address the county's secondary tornado threat.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Muskingum County

via WeatherByCounty

Muskingum County's Mild Yearly Average

At 53.4°F, Muskingum County is warmer than the national median temperature. The region experiences a humid continental climate with a strong lean toward temperate conditions.

Surpassing the State Temperature Average

Muskingum remains significantly warmer than the state average of 51.5°F. This makes it one of the more pleasant counties in Ohio for those who prefer milder winters.

Drier Than State Averages

The county receives 39.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is less than the Ohio average of 41.2 inches. This slightly drier climate can be a benefit for outdoor construction and local agriculture.

Warm Summers and Soft Winters

July brings an average temperature of 74.2°F with 10 days of extreme heat over 90°F. While snowfall data is limited, the winter average of 33.0°F suggests a milder season than many northern peers.

Prepare for Warmth and Sunshine

With 10 days of extreme heat and a high July average, effective cooling is vital for home comfort. The lower precipitation levels of 39 inches make this a great area for outdoor planning and recreation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Muskingum County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soils in a rugged landscape

Muskingum County features an average soil pH of 5.78, which is lower than the Ohio state average of 5.97. This acidity is common for the unglaciated regions of the state, where soils have weathered over long periods. While specific taxonomic data isn't listed, managing the pH is a priority for any local grower aiming for high yields.

Fine-textured silty soils

The county's soil is composed of 51.5% silt, 23.3% sand, and 18.5% clay. This silty profile makes the ground susceptible to surface crusting after heavy rains, which can occasionally hinder seedling emergence. However, the relatively low clay content means the soil is less prone to the heavy 'gumminess' found in other parts of the state.

Exceptional organic matter levels

At 6.66%, Muskingum County boasts organic matter levels that are well above the state average of 4.85% and triple the national average. Despite this rich organic profile, the available water capacity is relatively low at 0.164 in/in. This means the soil is very fertile but requires consistent rainfall or irrigation to support thirsty plants.

Localized drainage patterns

While specific county-wide drainage classes are not provided in this dataset, the high organic matter often aids in maintaining some soil structure. Local topography heavily influences how water moves across the land, often leading to rapid runoff on hillsides. Developers and farmers should check local soil maps for site-specific hydrologic behavior.

A fertile start in zone 6b

Located in hardiness zone 6b, Muskingum County provides a long window for growing a wide variety of crops. The high organic matter is a massive asset for gardeners looking to grow nutrient-dense vegetables or lush ornamentals. With a little lime to balance the acidity, this soil can be incredibly productive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Muskingum County

via LawnByCounty

High Success Rates for Muskingum Lawns

Muskingum County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 83.8, making it one of the easier places in Ohio to grow grass. The county outperforms the state average score of 76.0 and is far more forgiving than the national median of 50.0. This Hardiness Zone 6b area is well-suited for high-quality residential turf.

Moderate Temperatures Favor Cool-Season Turf

The county receives 39.0 inches of annual rain, staying near the ideal range for lawn health. With only 10 extreme heat days per year—five fewer than the Ohio average—grass remains greener for longer during the summer months. 3,485 growing degree days provide ample energy for a vigorous spring green-up.

Address Soil Acidity for Better Nutrient Uptake

The average soil pH of 5.78 is slightly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which can limit how well your grass absorbs fertilizer. The texture consists of 18.5% clay and 23.3% sand, offering a lighter structure than many surrounding areas. A simple application of pelletized lime can significantly improve your lawn's health and color.

Widespread Dryness Signals Early Watering Needs

Currently, 83.1% of Muskingum County is classified as 'Abnormally Dry,' following 6 weeks of drought over the past year. This widespread dryness means you should monitor your lawn for signs of wilting or footprinting. Supplemental watering of 1 inch per week will be necessary if these dry conditions persist.

Optimal Planting Windows for Muskingum

Tall Fescue is a top recommendation for this climate due to its deep roots and moderate heat tolerance. Your prime growing season typically begins after the April 26 last frost and extends until the first frost on October 25. Aim to seed in early September to give your new lawn time to establish before the winter freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Muskingum County's county score?
Muskingum County, Ohio has a composite county score of 42.1 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 Muskingum County rank among counties in Ohio?
Muskingum County ranks #64 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 Muskingum County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Muskingum County is $1,609, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns Muskingum County a tax score of 42/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Muskingum County?
The median household income in Muskingum County, Ohio is $59,203 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Muskingum County earns an income score of 36.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Muskingum County, Ohio a good place to live?
Muskingum County scores 42.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #64 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Muskingum 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 Muskingum 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.