countyscore
68.2
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 96.7Property Tax 73.2

County Report Card

About Ohio County, Indiana

Significantly Outperforming the National Average

With a robust composite score of 68.2, Ohio County far exceeds the national median of 50.0. This ranking places the county in the top tier of American communities for overall livability.

A Leader in Indiana Livability

Ohio County is a standout in the state, comfortably beating the Indiana average composite score of 55.9. It serves as a high-performing example of quality of life in the southern Indiana region.

Elite Safety and Disaster Resilience

The county achieves nearly perfect marks in safety and risk, with scores of 97.5 and 96.7 respectively. Residents also benefit from a low 0.609% effective tax rate and solid health outcomes.

Improving Water Infrastructure and Affordability

The local water score of 32.4 indicates a need for continued investment in environmental infrastructure. A cost score of 43.5 also suggests that housing is slightly less affordable than in neighboring counties.

A Secure Haven for Quiet Living

Ohio County is best suited for retirees or remote workers who prioritize extreme safety and low natural disaster risk. It offers peace of mind and financial predictability in a scenic setting.

2040608010073.243.597.568.959.961.796.732.460.1Tax73.2Cost43.5Safety97.5Health68.9Schools59.9Income61.7Risk96.7Water32.4Weather60.168.2/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Ohio County DNA

C-overall

How Ohio County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Ohio County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Disaster Risk (96.7/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Water Quality (32.4/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
73.2+21.200000000000003
Cost
43.5
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
68.9+18.900000000000006
Schools
59.9
Income
61.7+10.700000000000003
Risk
96.7+49.7
Water
32.4-25.6
Weather
60.1
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Compare mortgage rates in Ohio County

Whether buying or refinancing in Ohio County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$193,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$852/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$193,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,942/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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
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Nearby counties

Switzerland County
Indiana
67.8
Dearborn County
Indiana
62.9
Boone County
Kentucky
47.3
Gallatin County
Kentucky
59.1
Ripley County
Indiana
66
Carroll County
Kentucky
59.7
Kenton County
Kentucky
49.8
Grant County
Kentucky
59.4

Deep Dives

Ohio County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ohio County

via TaxByCounty

Ohio County offers lower-than-average taxes

Ohio County's effective tax rate of 0.609% ranks in the bottom 20% nationally, well below the 0.87% median American rate. The county's median property tax of $1,179 represents less than 44% of the national median, making it exceptionally affordable for homeowners.

One of Indiana's lowest tax counties

At 0.609%, Ohio County's effective rate is notably below Indiana's state average of 0.671%, placing it in the lower tier of the state's 92 counties. The median tax of $1,179 is nearly identical to the state median of $1,199, despite the lower rate.

Ohio County is a regional tax bargain

Ohio County's 0.609% rate is the lowest among its neighbors, beating Orange County's 0.578% when adjusted for home values. This makes Ohio County an attractive option for southeastern Indiana homeowners seeking both affordability and reasonable services.

Your estimated annual Ohio County tax

On a median home valued at $193,500, Ohio County homeowners pay approximately $1,179 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, the estimate rises to $1,206; without, it drops to $1,101.

Challenge your assessment if values seem high

Even in a low-tax county like Ohio, roughly one in five homeowners may be overassessed relative to current market conditions. Filing an appeal with the county assessor costs nothing and could reduce your tax burden further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ohio County

via CostByCounty

Ohio County rents slightly elevated.

At 15.1%, Ohio County's rent-to-income ratio edges above the national standard, placing it just below what most American renters experience. The $852 monthly rent reflects a moderate cost relative to the county's $67,942 median household income, though less generous than national averages.

Mid-range affordability in Indiana.

Ohio County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Indiana's 15.6% state average, keeping it competitive with other counties statewide. This near-average standing suggests Ohio County offers typical Indiana-level housing costs without premium pricing.

Pricier rentals, pricier homes.

Ohio County's $852 rent is higher than Noble County ($776) and Orange County ($838), reflecting its position as a slightly pricier option in the region. However, its median home value of $193,500 remains reasonable for homebuyers seeking moderate-priced properties.

Housing splits income fairly evenly.

The typical Ohio County household earning $67,942 spends 15.1% of income on rent ($852/month) or 16.8% on mortgage costs ($946/month). This balanced housing burden leaves meaningful income available for other expenses, though less cushion than lower-cost counties nearby.

Balanced living near larger markets.

Ohio County offers reasonable housing costs with proximity to regional opportunities, making it smart for those seeking affordability plus accessibility. Run the numbers against your current situation—the moderate rent might free up budget room while keeping you near what you need.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ohio County

via IncomeByCounty

Ohio trails the national income benchmark

Ohio County's median household income of $67,942 falls $6,813 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. However, the county's per capita income of $36,210 exceeds Indiana's state average of $34,773, suggesting concentrated earning power among some households.

Below Indiana's state income average

Ohio County's median household income of $67,942 ranks slightly below Indiana's state average of $68,681 by just $739, positioning it near the middle of the state's 92 counties. This places Ohio among Indiana's moderately-earning communities with room for economic growth.

Ohio compares favorably to surrounding counties

Ohio County's $67,942 median household income exceeds Owen ($59,586), Orange ($64,758), and Perry ($61,099), though it lags Noble ($70,908) and Porter ($85,828). Among its regional peers, Ohio demonstrates solid competitive positioning.

Rental costs require careful budgeting

Ohio County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% is manageable but trending higher than ideal, meaning households allocate roughly half the sustainable 30% threshold to rent. With a median home value of $193,500, residents should carefully evaluate their housing choices to maintain financial flexibility.

Strategic planning strengthens Ohio finances

Ohio County households earning a median of $67,942 can build wealth through disciplined budgeting that prioritizes savings and investments alongside housing costs. Explore employer retirement plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and financial counseling services to maximize economic resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ohio County

via CrimeByCounty

Ohio County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Ohio County achieves a perfect safety score of 100.0, indicating an exceptionally low crime environment. While the national total crime rate is 2,385.5 per 100,000 people, Ohio County reports zero crimes for the 2022 data period.

A Safety Leader in Indiana

The county's safety score exceeds the Indiana state average of 98.9. This puts Ohio County in the top tier of the state’s 92 counties for public safety.

Low Crime Compared to Regional Averages

Ohio County reports a crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000, which is significantly lower than the state average of 693.8. It stands out as a remarkably quiet area compared to surrounding Indiana communities.

Understanding the Data Gaps

Data from 2022 shows 0.0 violent and 0.0 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Because these figures come from a single reporting agency, they should be interpreted as a sign of high safety rather than a total absence of incidents.

Maintaining a Secure Community

Even with record-low crime numbers, maintaining home security remains a smart practice. Simple steps like installing motion-sensor lighting can help keep these impressive statistics stable.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Ohio County

via SchoolsByCounty

Ohio County's Intimate Single-District System

Ohio County maintains a streamlined education infrastructure with just three public schools serving a total of 825 students. This single-district system provides one elementary, one middle, and one high school for the entire community.

High Graduation Rates in Rising Sun

Students here excel with a 95.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the 87.0% national average and the 92.6% state average. The county invests $6,794 per pupil, which is higher than the Indiana state average of $5,507.

The Rising Sun-Ohio County Community

The Rising Sun-Ohio County Community school district manages 100% of the county's public enrollment. With zero charter schools present, the district focuses its resources on its three core campuses.

Rural Learning in Small Settings

All three schools are located in rural settings, fostering a close-knit academic environment with an average school size of 275 students. Ohio County Elementary is the largest campus with 409 students, while the middle school remains highly personal with only 190 students.

Small Town Charm, Big Results

If you are looking for a community where every teacher knows your child's name, Ohio County is an ideal destination. Consider a home here to benefit from some of the highest graduation rates in the region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ohio County

via RiskByCounty

Ohio County: Indiana's Safest Haven

Ohio County's composite risk score of 3.37 ranks it in the Very Low category—dramatically below Indiana's 45.52 average and among the safest counties nationally. This small county on Indiana's southeastern border enjoys exceptional protection from the full spectrum of natural disasters.

The Safest County in Indiana

Ohio County ranks at or near the bottom of Indiana's 92-county risk list, with a composite score that is less than 8 percent of the state average. Its low exposure across nearly every hazard type makes it a statistical outlier for natural disaster risk in the state.

Dramatically Safer Than Surrounding Counties

Ohio County's 3.37 score is a fraction of nearby Orange (40.49), Perry (35.02), and Owen (35.11), making it substantially safer than all adjacent counties. This exceptional safety profile distinguishes it as a true low-risk enclave in south-central Indiana.

Tornado Risk Remains the Primary Concern

Even in Ohio County's remarkably safe profile, tornado risk scores 34.48—the highest hazard type, though still well below state averages. All other hazards, from flood (7.76) to wildfire (0.89), remain minimal concerns for residents.

Basic Coverage Meets Your Needs

Your primary focus should be standard homeowners insurance with adequate tornado coverage, given the 34.48 tornado risk. The county's minimal flood and wildfire exposure means you can confidently skip those specialized policies.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Ohio County

via WaterByCounty

Ohio County faces significant drinking water challenges

The county receives an F grade due to 4 health violations recorded over five years. Its violation rate of 55.7 per 100,000 people exceeds the Indiana average of 42.3.

E. coli and mercury impact local watersheds

Approximately 27.3% of the 44 assessed water bodies in Ohio County are considered impaired. The 2022 reporting cycle identifies E. coli, mercury in fish tissue, and biological integrity as primary concerns.

Limited federal monitoring records available

There are currently no recent monitoring records for this county in the federal EPA Water Quality Portal. This lack of data limits the ability to track long-term chemical or biological trends in local streams.

No active streamflow gauges in Ohio County

The county currently lacks a representative USGS streamgage to provide live discharge data. This makes drinking water compliance records the primary signal for understanding local water health.

Prioritize filtration and follow fish advisories

Due to the failing compliance grade and mercury impairments, residents should consider point-of-use water filtration. It is also important to follow state consumption advisories for locally caught fish.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Ohio County

via SoilByCounty

Silky Alfisols of Ohio County

Ohio County’s soil is characterized by a silt loam texture and a pH of 6.20, sitting just above the state average of 6.08. These Alfisols represent mature, productive soils that are typical of Indiana’s forested history.

A Silt-Dominant Mineral Mix

This soil is 64.7% silt and only 14.6% sand, creating a smooth, floury texture that is highly fertile. However, the 20.7% clay content means the soil can become heavy and sticky when wet, requiring careful timing for spring tilling.

Steady Water Holding Capacity

The organic matter levels reach 2.18%, which beats the national average but trails the Indiana average of 4.90%. Its available water capacity of 0.203 in/in is nearly identical to the state benchmark, ensuring reliable moisture for crops.

Infiltration Limits for Builders

The county is moderately well drained but falls into hydrologic group D, indicating very slow infiltration rates when the soil is saturated. This can lead to high runoff during heavy storms, making erosion control essential on sloped land.

Thriving in Zone 6b

Positioned in hardiness zone 6b, this soil is perfect for deciduous fruit trees and late-summer vegetables. The 66.7 soil score suggests that with a little organic amendment, your home garden will thrive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ohio County

via LawnByCounty

Competitive Lawn Conditions in Ohio County

Ohio County’s lawn difficulty score of 67.4 is nearly on par with the Indiana state average of 71.0. This score reflects a hardiness zone of 6b, making it one of the more favorable regions for residential turf in the state. Maintenance is generally straightforward compared to the national median of 50.0.

High Heat and Ample Rainfall

The county receives 48.5 inches of rain annually, which is well above the state average and near the top of the ideal range for grass. However, lawns face 38 extreme heat days above 90°F, nearly double the state average of 20 days. This combination of high moisture and high heat increases the risk of fungal diseases during the summer.

Ideal pH for Nutrient Absorption

With a soil pH of 6.20, Ohio County falls perfectly within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for lawn health. The moderately well-drained silt loam provides a balanced environment for root development. Homeowners benefit from a soil structure that handles the area's high rainfall without becoming chronically waterlogged.

Short Dry Spells but High Heat

Lawns here only experienced 4 weeks of drought in the past year, far less than many neighboring counties. Currently, only 16.7% of the county is considered abnormally dry, but the 38 heat days remain a primary stressor. Watering in the early morning is vital to cooling the turf and preventing midday evaporation during heat waves.

Resilient Turf for a 6b Climate

Tall Fescue is a top recommendation for zone 6b due to its superior heat tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses. While local frost dates aren't tracked for this specific county, the warm July average of 77.8°F suggests a mid-autumn seeding is best. A healthy lawn here relies on managing those high-heat summer weeks with consistent hydration.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ohio County's county score?
Ohio County, Indiana has a composite county score of 68.2 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 Ohio County rank among counties in Indiana?
Ohio County ranks #5 among all counties in Indiana 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 Ohio County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Ohio County is $1,179, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Ohio County a tax score of 73.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ohio County?
The median household income in Ohio County, Indiana is $67,942 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ohio County earns an income score of 61.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ohio County, Indiana a good place to live?
Ohio County scores 68.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Ohio 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 Ohio County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.