countyscore
56.7
County Score
Cost of Living 75Property Tax 73Safety 66

County Report Card

About Ohio County, Kentucky

Ohio County sits above the national median

Ohio County earns a composite score of 56.7, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. This suggests a higher quality of life than many average American counties, particularly regarding financial ease. It remains a competitive choice in the national rural landscape.

Matching the standard for Kentucky living

At 56.7, Ohio County is just a fraction behind the state average of 58.6. Its low effective tax rate of 0.613% makes it more affordable than many peer counties in the region. It offers a consistent experience that aligns with the Commonwealth's rural strengths.

Low taxes and highly affordable housing

Financial scores are the highlights here, including a cost score of 75.0 and a tax score of 73.0. Median gross rent is an affordable $774, while median home values stay low at $113,400. Safety is also a solid asset with a score of 66.0.

Lifting health outcomes and local incomes

Health remains the biggest challenge with a score of 35.2, reflecting limited access or poor outcomes. The income score of 23.8 also lags behind, as the median household income is $54,369. School performance, scored at 41.1, shows significant room for growth.

Perfect for blue-collar families and homeowners

Ohio County is a strong candidate for families looking for their first home without the heavy tax burden of the city. While income and health scores are lower, the $113,400 median home value makes homeownership highly attainable. It offers a classic Kentucky lifestyle with significant financial breathing room.

Score breakdown

Tax73Cost75Safety66Health35.2Schools41.1Income23.8Risk45.8Water45.5Weather57.5
🏛73
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡66
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡45.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧45.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨54
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.8
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Ohio County?

Many homeowners in Ohio County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Ohio County with Van Buren County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Van Buren County
Arkansas
Median income: $47,266
56.7
Floyd County
Iowa
Median income: $64,500
56.7
Osborne County
Kansas
Median income: $59,408
56.7
Pike County
Kentucky
Median income: $42,179
56.7
Todd County
Kentucky
Median income: $57,759
56.7
Tippah County
Mississippi
Median income: $51,141
56.7
Cooper County
Missouri
Median income: $67,548
56.7
Carroll County
Ohio
Median income: $64,675
56.7

Nearby counties

Butler County
Kentucky
67.9
Muhlenberg County
Kentucky
57.9
McLean County
Kentucky
69.7
Daviess County
Kentucky
41.9
Hancock County
Kentucky
68.7
Grayson County
Kentucky
62.1
Breckinridge County
Kentucky
65
Spencer County
Indiana
68.6

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's below-national tax burden

Ohio County's effective tax rate of 0.613% sits below the national median of 0.88%, placing it in approximately the 20th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $695 on a $113,400 home is less than one-quarter the national median tax of $2,690.

Among Kentucky's lower-taxed counties

Ohio County's 0.613% rate falls below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, ranking it in the lower third statewide. At $695 in median annual property taxes, Ohio County residents pay $398 less than the state median of $1,093.

Lower taxes than most comparable areas

Ohio County's 0.613% rate is lower than Muhlenberg (0.694%), Owen (0.746%), Pendleton (0.775%), Nelson (0.795%), and Oldham (0.921%), though slightly higher than Nicholas (0.568%). The county offers competitive property tax advantages across the region.

Ohio County homeowner annual cost

A median-valued home of $113,400 in Ohio County generates approximately $695 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related assessments included, total annual tax obligations reach around $844.

Verify your assessment in Ohio County

Even in lower-tax counties like Ohio, homeowners frequently discover their properties are assessed above fair market value. Filing a property tax appeal costs little and can recover hundreds in annual savings if your assessment is inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ohio County

via CostByCounty

Ohio County Sits Right at State Average

Ohio County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% matches Kentucky's statewide average almost exactly, with monthly rent at $774 staying close to the state's $771 benchmark. Earning $54,369 annually, Ohio County residents face housing costs that are squarely middle-of-the-road for the state.

Typical Housing Costs Across Kentucky

Ohio County represents the statewide norm—neither an affordability standout nor a high-cost outlier—making it representative of typical Kentucky housing conditions. The county's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% tracks Kentucky's overall housing burden perfectly.

Mid-Range Pricing Among Regional Peers

Ohio County's $774 rent sits between the bargains of Nicholas County ($654) and Owen County ($775), while its median home value of $113,400 ranks among the lowest in the region. This positions Ohio as affordable but not exceptional compared to immediate neighbors.

Typical Split Between Rent and Ownership

At $54,369 annual income, Ohio County residents devote approximately 17.1% to rent and 13.7% to mortgage costs, leaving sufficient income for other necessities. Homeownership remains accessible at the median value of $113,400 for buyers with standard down payments.

Ohio County Offers Kentucky's Middle Way

If you want typical Kentucky housing costs without venturing into the state's expensive counties, Ohio County delivers straightforward affordability and stability. Compare your current housing burden: if you're paying 25%+ of income toward housing, a move here offers meaningful relief.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ohio County

via IncomeByCounty

Ohio County earns below national standard

Ohio County's median household income of $54,369 falls $20,386 short of the national median of $74,755, a 27% shortfall. This significant gap reflects limited access to high-wage sectors and regional economic constraints. Ohio County ranks in the lower third nationally for household earnings.

Below Kentucky state average income

At $54,369, Ohio County trails Kentucky's state median of $55,909 by $1,540, placing it marginally below the state benchmark. The county's per capita income of $27,179 falls notably short of the state average of $29,616 by 8%, suggesting fewer wealth-generating opportunities per capita. Ohio ranks in the lower-middle tier among Kentucky counties.

Low earner in regional comparison

Ohio County ($54,369) earns more than Nicholas ($53,616) and Owsley ($31,064) but substantially less than Pendleton ($66,601) and Owen ($59,706). The $12,232 income gap with Pendleton indicates neighboring areas have stronger employment and wage prospects. Regional disparities highlight Ohio County's relative economic disadvantage.

Rent takes notable bite of income

Ohio County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% is the highest among its immediate neighbors, meaning households spend over one-sixth of earnings on rent. The median home value of $113,400 is relatively low, yet housing still commands a slightly elevated share of income. Residents have less budget flexibility than neighboring county peers.

Strategic budgeting unlocks opportunity

With housing costs running slightly higher as a percentage of income, Ohio County households must prioritize disciplined budgeting to build savings. Creating a spending plan that protects 5-10% of income for retirement and investments is essential despite modest earnings. Local financial literacy programs can help families navigate limited resources effectively.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ohio County

via CrimeByCounty

Ohio County Safety Score Tops National Average

Ohio County maintains a safety score of 98.7, driven by a total crime rate of 794.8 per 100,000. This is significantly better than the national total crime rate of 2,385.5 per 100,000. Three reporting agencies work to ensure the county remains a safe place for families and businesses.

Aligning With Kentucky's Safety Norms

Ohio County's crime rate of 794.8 per 100,000 is very close to the Kentucky state average of 786.2. Its safety score of 98.7 also sits right next to the state average of 98.8. This consistent performance shows that the county effectively manages public safety in line with state standards.

Regional Safety in Perspective

Ohio County’s crime rate of 794.8 is lower than Muhlenberg County’s 816.6, providing a slightly safer environment for its residents. Local authorities focus on maintaining order across the county's varied terrain. These statistics reflect a community that prioritizes law and order.

The Balance of Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime in Ohio County stands at 143.0 per 100,000, which is higher than the state average of 78.1 but still low nationally. Property crime accounts for 651.8 incidents per 100,000 people. Most law enforcement activity focuses on addressing these property-related issues like theft and vandalism.

Safeguard Your Ohio County Property

Deter property crime by installing visible security cameras and keeping valuables out of sight in your vehicles. Joining a local neighborhood watch program can also help lower the risk of crime in your immediate area. Awareness is your most effective tool for keeping Ohio County safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ohio County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy in line with U.S. average

Ohio County residents average 72.8 years, just 1.4 years above the U.S. average of 71.4 years. At 24.2% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces one of the highest self-reported health burden rates in this comparison.

Uninsured rate exceeds state average

Ohio County's 72.8-year life expectancy modestly exceeds Kentucky's 72.2-year state average, but its 7.9% uninsured rate stands notably above the state's 7.0% average. This gap suggests coverage barriers that likely impact routine preventive care.

Among the most challenged counties regionally

Ohio County's 24.2% poor/fair health rate ties with Owen County as the second-worst in this eight-county set, and its 21 primary care providers per 100K ranks near the bottom. The county's 7.9% uninsured rate is the highest among all eight counties surveyed.

Coverage barriers and sparse providers

Nearly 8% of Ohio County residents lack health insurance—the highest rate in this comparison—while the county has only 21 primary care providers per 100K. This combination of uninsured residents and limited primary care capacity creates significant daily healthcare barriers.

Closing Ohio County's coverage gap

Ohio County's 7.9% uninsured rate is a call to action: visit healthcare.gov immediately to explore Medicaid and marketplace options, which often include zero-premium plans. Local community health centers can also assist with enrollment and provide sliding-scale care regardless of insurance status.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ohio County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Comprehensive County-Wide District

Ohio County supports 3,910 students across 11 public schools, primarily concentrated in a single district. The landscape features six elementary schools, one middle school, and four high school programs, including alternative options.

Strong Graduation Success in Western Kentucky

Ohio County's 92.0% graduation rate easily exceeds the national benchmark of 87.0%. However, the school score of 52.5 and per-pupil spending of $6,032 both sit below state averages, suggesting a high level of efficiency in their educational delivery.

Ohio County District Leads the Way

The Ohio County school district is the sole provider for the area's 3,910 students across 10 primary campuses. Charter schools have no presence here, with the community relying entirely on the traditional public district.

Balanced Town and Rural Settings

The county offers a balanced mix of six town-based and five rural schools, with an average enrollment of 391 students. Ohio County High School is a significant hub with 1,144 students, while Southern Elementary offers a much smaller environment with only 286 students.

Choosing a Community with Educational Stability

With a high graduation rate and various school sizes, Ohio County is an attractive option for families seeking stability. Look for homes near Beaver Dam or Hartford to stay close to the county's largest and most central school campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ohio County

via RiskByCounty

Ohio County faces above-average risk

Ohio County scores 54.17 on the composite risk scale, well above Kentucky's state average of 44.21, driven primarily by significant tornado (63.68) and earthquake (85.75) exposure. The county ranks in the upper tier of U.S. disaster vulnerability despite its relatively low wildfire threat.

Upper-middle risk rank in Kentucky

Ohio County's 54.17 composite score places it above average across Kentucky's 120 counties, in the higher-risk quartile statewide. The county's severe earthquake (85.75) and tornado (63.68) vulnerabilities drive this elevated standing relative to the state mean of 44.21.

Similar risk to Muhlenberg and Nelson

Ohio County's 54.17 score aligns closely with neighboring Muhlenberg (53.24) and Nelson (55.18) counties, all sharing elevated tornado and earthquake exposures. More distant neighbors like Owen County (15.20) and Pendleton County (29.90) experience markedly lower hazard levels.

Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate

Ohio County residents confront exceptionally high earthquake risk (85.75) and considerable tornado exposure (63.68), making these the twin pillars of hazard planning. Flood risk (53.85) ranks moderate-to-high, while wildfire (11.77) remains minimal.

Earthquake and storm policies vital

A standalone earthquake insurance policy is essential for Ohio County homeowners, given the county's 85.75 seismic risk score that standard policies exclude. Tornado-resistant construction features, an accessible safe room, and comprehensive homeowners coverage form the foundation of household disaster resilience.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ohio County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Wetter than the National Median

Ohio County averages 56.5°F annually, placing it above the national median for temperate climates. Its 51.4 inches of annual precipitation also exceeds the national average for humid regions.

Slightly Warmer than the Kentucky Average

The county's 56.5°F annual temperature sits just above the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It ranks as one of the warmer counties in the state's western coalfield region.

A Wetter Neighbor in Western Kentucky

With 51.4 inches of rain, Ohio County is wetter than the state average of 50.6 inches. It experiences significantly more extreme heat days than eastern neighbors like Powell County.

Hot Summers with Minimal Snowfall

Residents endure 43 extreme heat days above 90°F annually, primarily during the 77.4°F July peak. Winters are mild with only 4.4 inches of snow and a 33.8°F January average.

Prioritize Cooling and Storm Prep

Efficient HVAC systems are vital to handle the six weeks of extreme summer heat. Residents should also ensure proper drainage systems to manage the heavy 51-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ohio County

via SoilByCounty

Ohio County's Acidic Edge

Ohio County reports an average pH of 5.73, making it slightly more acidic than the Kentucky state average of 5.80. This level is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, often necessitating soil amendments for acid-sensitive crops.

A Silty Dominance

The soil is remarkably silty at 65.1%, with 21.0% clay and a low 12.1% sand. This composition ensures excellent workability and smooth texture, though it can be susceptible to surface crusting after heavy rain.

Excellent Moisture Retention

With an available water capacity of 0.191 in/in, the soil holds more moisture than the state average of 0.186 in/in. The organic matter content of 2.24% also remains above the 2.0% national benchmark for healthy soil.

Subsurface Water Management

Although specific hydrologic groups aren't listed, the high silt percentage suggests the soil acts like a sponge. This allows for deep root penetration but requires careful monitoring of drainage to prevent waterlogged roots.

Productive Zone 7a Gardening

Hardiness Zone 7a gives Ohio County a generous window for growing tomatoes, peppers, and summer squash. Grab a shovel and start a garden, as these soils are ready to produce a bountiful harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ohio County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Lawn Challenges in Ohio County

Ohio County faces more challenges than the rest of the state, with a lawn difficulty score of 58.8 compared to the state average of 66.3. The 7a hardiness zone allows for a wide variety of grasses, but the local climate requires active management.

Battling Significant Summer Heat

Homeowners must manage 43 extreme heat days per year, which is much higher than the state average of 30. While 51.4 inches of rain helps, the intense summer heat can quickly stress cool-season grasses during the 4,132 growing degree days.

Correcting Acidic Soil Levels

The soil pH in Ohio County sits at 5.73, which is more acidic than the ideal 6.0 range for healthy turf. With 21.0% clay content, you will need to apply lime and aerate regularly to improve nutrient uptake and drainage.

Monitoring Moisture During Heat

The county spent 6 weeks in drought over the last year, requiring careful irrigation during the peak heat of summer. Since 43 days exceed 90 degrees, use mulch-mowing to leave clippings on the lawn, which helps insulate the soil and preserve moisture.

Timing for a Resilient Yard

With the last spring frost on April 15th and the first fall frost on October 22rd, the growing window is wide. Choose heat-tolerant fescue varieties to survive the intense summer sun and seed in September for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ohio County's county score?
Ohio County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 56.7 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 Ohio County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Ohio County ranks #77 among all counties in Kentucky 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, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Ohio County is $695, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Ohio County a tax score of 73/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ohio County?
The median household income in Ohio County, Kentucky is $54,369 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ohio County earns an income score of 23.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ohio County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Ohio County scores 56.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #77 in Kentucky. 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.

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.