Ohio County

Indiana · IN

#3 in Indiana
76.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Ohio County, Indiana

Ohio County stands well above U.S. average

Ohio County's composite score of 76.3 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by more than 50%, positioning it among the nation's more livable counties. This strong performance reflects balanced fundamentals and notably low tax burden.

Indiana's top performers include Ohio County

With a score of 76.3, Ohio County ranks above Indiana's average of 71.2, securing itself among the state's better-rated counties. It exemplifies the quality smaller Indiana counties can offer.

Taxes and health drive Ohio County's appeal

Ohio County excels with a tax score of 85.1 (effective rate 0.609%) and a health score of 73.8, both leading indicators of quality living. Its housing cost score of 78.7 keeps median home values affordable at $193,500.

Lower incomes limit overall earning potential

The county's income score of 27.7 reveals a median household income of $67,942, constraining wealth-building opportunities for families seeking higher earnings. Safety, schools, and water data remain unavailable for a complete livability picture.

Ideal for health-conscious, tax-sensitive residents

Ohio County appeals to retirees, healthcare workers, and families prioritizing health infrastructure and tax efficiency over career advancement. Its small-town character, low taxes, and solid health services make it a compelling choice for those seeking a slower pace of life.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax85.1Cost78.7SafetyComing SoonHealth73.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.7Risk96.7WaterComing Soon
🏛85.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠78.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼27.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
73.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
96.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Ohio County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

Health in Ohio County

via HealthByCounty

Ohio County Leads on Life Expectancy

At 78.0 years, Ohio County residents live significantly longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years—a 1.9-year advantage reflecting strong overall health outcomes. The county's 17.2% poor/fair health rate is among the best in the nation, indicating residents report better daily health than most Americans.

Indiana's Healthiest County by Life Span

Ohio County's 78.0-year life expectancy stands 2.9 years above Indiana's 75.1-year average, making it one of the state's healthiest communities. The uninsured rate of 7.8% is also below the state average of 8.4%, suggesting better insurance coverage and healthcare access than typical Indiana counties.

Clear Health Advantage Over Peers

Ohio County's 78.0-year life expectancy markedly exceeds Noble (75.8), Owen (72.8), and Pike (74.2) counties in the region. At 7.8% uninsured, Ohio County leads neighboring Noble (10.2%) and Parke (11.9%) in insurance coverage, though primary care provider data at 17 per 100K is limited compared to similar-sized counties.

Strong Coverage, Limited Provider Data

With fewer than 8% of residents uninsured, Ohio County provides strong health insurance access—one of Indiana's lowest uninsured rates. Primary care provider availability at 17 per 100K is modest; mental health provider data is unavailable, signaling a potential gap in documented behavioral health resources.

Keep Your Advantage Protected

Ohio County's strong insurance coverage rate shows the value of staying covered—if you're among the uninsured, explore options through Indiana's marketplace or Medicaid. Maintaining coverage ensures you preserve the county's health gains and protect yourself against unexpected medical costs.

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.

ByCounty Network

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