CountyScore

Ohio County

Kentucky · KY

#65 in Kentucky
70.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Ohio County, Kentucky

Strongly Above-Average Livability

Ohio County scores 76.8, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by more than 53%, reflecting solid livability across multiple dimensions. Low taxes and affordable housing establish it as an attractive smaller Kentucky county.

Matching Kentucky's Top Performance

At 76.8, Ohio County ranks above the state average of 75.0, placing it among Kentucky's better-performing counties. The score reflects consistent strength in cost and tax efficiency across the county.

Affordability and Tax Efficiency

Ohio County delivers a cost score of 85.1 with median home values of $113,400 and $774 monthly rents, among the lowest in the region. The 0.613% effective tax rate produces an 85.0 tax score, demonstrating excellent fiscal value.

Income Growth Potential Limited

An income score of 18.9 reflects median household income of $54,369, constraining economic advancement for working-age residents. Critical gaps in safety, health, and school data prevent full assessment of quality-of-life factors.

Great for Value-Seeking Families

Ohio County suits cost-conscious families, remote workers, and retirees prioritizing low expenses and taxes over local earning potential. The strong affordability profile makes it an excellent choice for those with stable income from outside the county.

Score breakdown

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

Tax85Cost85.1SafetyComing SoonHealth63.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome18.9Risk45.8WaterComing Soon
🏛85
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡45.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Ohio County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Covington County
Alabama
70.8
Median income: $50,886
Conway County
Arkansas
70.8
Median income: $51,212
Chaffee County
Colorado
70.8
Median income: $70,909
Union County
Georgia
70.8
Median income: $65,697
Warren County
Georgia
70.8
Median income: $46,776

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'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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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