countyscore
70.4
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 86.6Cost of Living 83.3

County Report Card

About Noble County, Ohio

A National Leader in Livability

Noble County boasts an impressive composite score of 70.4, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the top-tier counties in the country for its specific mix of safety and value.

Top Performance in Ohio

With a 70.4 score, Noble County is a standout performer compared to the Ohio state average of 48.6. It offers a quality of life that is difficult to find elsewhere in the state.

Unmatched Safety and Stability

Noble County is exceptionally safe, earning a safety score of 97.5. Combined with a risk score of 86.6 and a cost score of 83.3, it provides a highly secure and affordable environment.

Lower Local Income Levels

The income score is the county's primary weakness at 25.9, reflecting a median household income of $55,360. Professional opportunities within the county lines may be more limited than in urban hubs.

The Ultimate Rural Sanctuary

This county is the perfect match for remote workers or retirees who prioritize peace and low costs. With a median rent of $730 and a low tax rate of 0.789%, it offers incredible financial breathing room.

Score breakdown

Tax54.1Cost83.3Safety97.5Health59.5Schools59.9Income25.9Risk86.6Water49.3Weather65.2
🏛54.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤59.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡86.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧49.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76.6
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

Guernsey County
Ohio
52.2
Morgan County
Ohio
52.5
Washington County
Ohio
49.9
Monroe County
Ohio
64.8
Muskingum County
Ohio
42.1
Pleasants County
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Belmont County
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Tyler County
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69.8

Deep Dives

Noble County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Noble County

via TaxByCounty

Noble taxes rank among nation's lowest

Noble County's effective tax rate of 0.789% ranks in the bottom 15% of U.S. counties, well below the national median of 1.08%. Homeowners pay just $1,178 annually—56% less than the national median of $2,690—making it one of Ohio's true tax bargains.

Lowest-tax county in Ohio

Noble County holds the lowest effective tax rate in Ohio at 0.789%, compared to the state average of 1.148%. Its median tax bill of $1,178 represents a 45% discount versus Ohio's median of $2,145—the state's cheapest property tax burden.

Significantly cheaper than all neighbors

Noble County's 0.789% rate beats every regional neighbor: Morgan County pays 0.906%, Perry County 0.929%, Muskingum County 0.946%, and Montgomery County 1.777%. This advantage translates to $400–$1,600 in annual savings for Noble homeowners compared to surrounding counties.

Noble's minimal tax burden

On a median home valued at $149,300, Noble County residents pay just $1,178 annually—less than $100 per month. With a mortgage, escrow amounts to $1,365, while cash buyers typically remit $1,055 to the county.

Even the lowest can be challenged

Noble County's low rates are attractive, but some homeowners still carry assessments higher than current market value justifies. A free appeal to the auditor's office is worth exploring if your property has declined in value or your assessment seems outdated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Noble County

via CostByCounty

Noble: Deep-Rural Affordability at National Standard

Noble County renters spend 15.8% of their income on rent, just above the national 15% affordability threshold, while earning $55,360 annually—27% below the national average of $74,755. The affordable $730 monthly rent reflects Noble's deeply rural, economically challenged character in southeastern Ohio.

Noble Slightly Exceeds Ohio's Average Ratio

At 15.8%, Noble's rent-to-income ratio marginally exceeds Ohio's 15.6% average, placing it near the state median despite being one of Ohio's poorest counties by income. The median rent of $730 runs $143 below the state average, but low incomes prevent Noble from achieving stronger affordability rankings.

Among the Most Affordable Rural Options

Noble's $730 rent undercuts peer counties Morgan ($713), Perry ($727), and Muskingum ($811), ranking it among Ohio's most affordable rental markets. Owner costs at $574 are the lowest in this cluster, making Noble the go-to choice for budget-focused homebuyers willing to accept limited economic opportunity.

Lowest Costs Match Lowest Incomes

The $730 monthly rent represents 15.8% of Noble's $55,360 median income, while homeowners allocate just 12.4% to their $574 monthly cost—both very low in absolute terms. However, this efficiency masks a deeper challenge: Noble's low incomes mean residents have little cushion for healthcare, education, or emergencies despite low housing costs.

Noble for Maximum Housing Cost Savings

Noble County offers among Ohio's cheapest housing: median rent of $730 and median home values around $149,300 make it ideal for those prioritizing low costs above all else. Be aware that Noble ranks among Ohio's lowest-income counties, so stable income from sources outside the local job market is virtually essential for financial security.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Noble County

via IncomeByCounty

Noble County significantly below national average

Noble County's median household income of $55,360 trails the U.S. median by $19,395, placing it in the lowest quartile nationally. The per capita income of $30,514 also falls notably below Ohio's state average of $35,642.

Ranks among Ohio's lowest-income counties

At $55,360, Noble County's median household income places it in the lowest tier of Ohio counties, nearly $13,000 below the state average of $68,101. This significant shortfall reflects limited economic diversity and rural employment challenges.

Tied with Morgan as region's lowest earner

Noble County's $55,360 median income essentially matches Morgan County ($55,971) as the lowest in the region, trailing Muskingum County ($59,203), Montgomery County ($64,403), and all wealthier peers. The two counties face similar economic pressures and limited opportunity gaps.

Housing affordability an economic anchor

Noble County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% and median home value of $149,300 offer relative affordability for residents. Housing costs remain manageable despite modest household earnings, providing financial breathing room.

Start small, build consistent wealth habits

With a per capita income of $30,514, Noble County households should focus on steady, disciplined saving even in small amounts. Explore matched savings programs through employers or community organizations, and consider financial literacy resources to maximize your earnings potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Noble County

via CrimeByCounty

Noble County Data Limitations

Noble County currently shows a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000, which is atypical compared to the national average of 2385.5. This results in a safety score of 100.0, though this figure requires careful interpretation.

State Context for Noble County

While Noble County's recorded crime rate is lower than the Ohio average of 1412.3, the data is based on only one reporting agency. This limited reporting likely explains why the safety score sits at 100.0 compared to the state average of 97.8.

Noble Compared to Surrounding Areas

The zero-reported-crime figure in Noble County contrasts sharply with neighboring Muskingum's rate of 1990.9. It is important to note that single-agency reporting may not capture all local incidents.

Breaking Down the Reported Data

Both violent and property crime rates are currently listed as 0.0 per 100,000 in 2022 records. Residents should remain cautious as these numbers may reflect reporting gaps rather than a total absence of crime.

General Safety Precautions Still Apply

Regardless of reporting levels, basic safety measures are always a good idea for homeowners. Keeping doors locked and being a vigilant neighbor are effective ways to maintain personal security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Noble County

via HealthByCounty

Noble County Leads Nation in Life Expectancy

At 80.7 years, Noble County's life expectancy ranks among the highest in America, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.4 years by over four years. Yet 22.2% of residents report poor or fair health, showing that longevity doesn't guarantee healthy aging.

Ohio's Longevity Leader, Despite High Uninsured Rate

Noble County's 80.7-year life expectancy dramatically exceeds Ohio's state average of 74.8 years, making it one of the state's healthiest counties by this metric. However, its 8.7% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 7.5%, creating a coverage gap despite exceptional longevity.

Extraordinary Longevity in a Rural County

Noble's 80.7-year life expectancy towers above all peer counties: nearly six years above Morgan County (73.3 years) and nearly four years above Ottawa County (76.6 years). This exceptional longevity contrasts sharply with Noble's sparse healthcare infrastructure and higher uninsured rate.

Limited Providers in Long-Living County

Noble County's only 7 primary care providers and 119 mental health providers per 100,000 residents create significant access challenges, yet residents achieve remarkable longevity. The 8.7% uninsured rate suggests that social factors, not just healthcare access, drive Noble's exceptional life expectancy.

Protect Your Long Life with Coverage

With 8.7% of Noble residents uninsured, nearly one in 11 families lack health protection despite living in one of America's longest-living counties. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to secure coverage that protects your future health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Noble County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education with Big Results

Noble County operates just 4 public schools across 2 districts, serving a total of 1,676 students. The system is split evenly with 2 elementary and 2 high schools to cover all grade levels.

Exceptional Scores in Southeast Ohio

The county achieves an impressive composite school score of 57.5, well above the state average. Students benefit from $9,412 in per-pupil spending and an 87.7% graduation rate that beats the national benchmark.

Noble Local and Caldwell Exempted

Noble Local is the larger of the two districts with 973 students, while Caldwell Exempted Village serves 703. There are currently no charter schools in the county, focusing all resources on traditional public education.

Personalized Learning in Town and Country

Schools are split between town and rural settings, offering a quintessential small-town Ohio experience. Shenandoah Elementary is the largest school with 712 students, while Caldwell High remains intimate with just 209.

Find Quality Schools in a Quiet Setting

Noble County’s high school scores make it a hidden gem for families seeking quality education without the urban crowd. Consider exploring homes in the Shenandoah or Caldwell areas for a supportive learning environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Noble County

via RiskByCounty

Noble County enjoys exceptional safety

Noble County's composite risk score of 13.45 earns a "Very Low" rating and ranks among the safest counties in the entire United States. This exceptional profile means residents have substantially lower natural disaster exposure compared to the vast majority of American communities.

One of Ohio's safest counties

Noble County's 13.45 score is less than one-quarter of Ohio's 55.03 state average, placing it among the state's most secure areas. The county's uniform low scores across all hazard types reinforce this safety advantage.

Safest in the surrounding region

Noble County (13.45) is the safest county in its peer group, outscoring Morgan County (18.23), Morrow County (24.40), and Perry County (25.99). This makes it a genuine low-risk haven within southeastern Ohio.

Hurricane risk tops a very low list

Noble County's highest hazard score is hurricane risk at 48.98, which remains well below state average and reflects the county's distance from coastal systems. All other hazards—earthquake, tornado, flood, and wildfire—score below 35, creating an exceptionally balanced and minimal risk profile.

Basic homeowners insurance sufficient

Noble County residents can confidently rely on standard homeowners insurance without specialized flood or windstorm riders given the county's very low overall risk. Annual policy reviews to confirm coverage limits and deductibles are the only routine insurance maintenance necessary.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Noble County

via WeatherByCounty

Noble County Aligns With Regional Climate Norms

Noble County maintains an annual average temperature of 51.5°F, falling several degrees below the national median of approximately 55°F. This humid continental climate experiences distinct season changes typical of the Ohio River Valley. While local precipitation data is unavailable, the temperature profile suggests a standard Midwestern rhythm.

A Perfect Mirror of Ohio’s Average Temperature

The county’s 51.5°F annual average perfectly matches the Ohio state average. It sits comfortably in the middle of the pack, avoiding the colder extremes of the lake-effect north and the warmer humid air of the south. This makes Noble a reliable benchmark for the state’s overall thermal trends.

Cooler Summers Than Western Neighbors

Compared to Pickaway County to the west, Noble stays notably cooler during the peak of summer. While Pickaway averages 19 extreme heat days, Noble only sees about 7 days per year reaching 90°F. This difference provides residents with a milder summer experience than many of their regional neighbors.

Consistent Warmth and Steady Winter Chills

Summers are temperate with a July average of 71.9°F, while January lows dip to a chilly 29.1°F. The county avoids extreme heat spikes, recording only 7 days annually where temperatures hit the 90°F mark. Residents experience a winter average of 31.8°F, keeping the ground frequently frosted.

Preparing for Standard Ohio Variability

Homeowners should prioritize efficient heating systems for the sub-freezing January nights. Although extreme heat is rare, basic air conditioning remains essential for the humid 71.9°F July average. Outdoor plans rarely face the intense heat waves seen in more southern Ohio counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Noble County

via SoilByCounty

Old and weathered Ultisols

Noble County is home to Ultisols, which are highly weathered soils typically found in older landforms. These soils have an average pH of 5.77, placing them below the national median of 6.5 and closer to the state average. This indicates that the soil is naturally acidic and may require lime to optimize nutrient availability for most garden plants.

Silt loam with high clay potential

The dominant texture is silt loam, featuring a high silt content of 55.3% and a notable 23.0% clay. This composition provides a smooth feel and excellent nutrient-holding capacity, though it can become slippery and hard to work when wet. The low sand content of 18.4% means that the soil relies heavily on its silt and clay for structure.

Stable water capacity and solid organic levels

The soil contains 4.17% organic matter, which is higher than the national average but slightly below the state benchmark of 4.85%. Its available water capacity of 0.180 in/in is nearly on par with the state average of 0.186 in/in. These balanced numbers help the county achieve a soil score of 59.4, providing a decent foundation for agriculture.

Well-drained with moderate infiltration

Noble County soils are predominantly well-drained and fall into hydrologic group B. This means the soil has a moderate infiltration rate and allows water to move through the profile relatively easily. This drainage class is excellent for many types of construction and prevents most crops from suffering 'wet feet'.

Successful growing in zone 6b

Noble County gardeners work within hardiness zone 6b, where the climate supports a diverse array of fruits and vegetables. Silt loam is particularly well-suited for growing berries, orchards, and hardy shrubs. Embrace the natural fertility of these ancient soils and start your garden this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Noble County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Results in the Heart of Appalachia

Noble County scores 76.6 on the lawn difficulty scale, aligning closely with the Ohio state average. Its location in Hardiness Zone 6b offers a stable environment for most standard lawn care practices. While it matches the state average, it remains significantly easier to manage than the national median of 50.0.

Cooler Summers Reduce Lawn Burnout

Noble County experiences only 7 extreme heat days annually, which is less than half of the Ohio average. This cool climate, combined with 3,016 growing degree days, means your grass is less likely to enter a dormant brown state in July. Despite limited local precipitation data, these lower temperatures help preserve existing soil moisture.

Strong Drainage in Native Silt Loam

The county features well-drained silt loam soil, which is excellent for preventing root rot and fungal issues. A pH of 5.77 suggests slightly acidic conditions that may require a lime supplement to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The soil's 23.0% clay content helps hold onto nutrients while the 18.4% sand ensures proper aeration.

Steady Moisture Levels Across the County

Only 0.1% of Noble County is currently abnormally dry, indicating very high resilience to drought at this time. Over the past year, the area faced only 6 weeks of drought, allowing turf to maintain deep, healthy root systems. Maintaining a sharp mower blade will help your grass heal faster and stay resilient.

Navigating the Noble County Growing Season

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass mixes perform well in this Zone 6b region. Your planting window opens after the last frost on April 30 and continues through a relatively early first frost on October 14. Focus on fall fertilization to help your lawn recover from the summer and prepare for the Ohio winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Noble County's county score?
Noble County, Ohio has a composite county score of 70.4 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 Noble County rank among counties in Ohio?
Noble County ranks #1 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 Noble County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Noble County is $1,178, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Noble County a tax score of 54.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Noble County?
The median household income in Noble County, Ohio is $55,360 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Noble County earns an income score of 25.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Noble County, Ohio a good place to live?
Noble County scores 70.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Noble 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 Noble 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.