countyscore
57.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 78.9Schools 78Lawn Care 71.6

County Report Card

About Paulding County, Ohio

Surpassing National Benchmarks

Paulding County secures a composite score of 57.0, outperforming the national median of 50.0. It offers a solid mix of community stability and economic health.

Outpacing the State Average

The county's score of 57.0 sits well above the Ohio average of 48.6. It presents a more balanced profile than many other agricultural or industrial counties in the region.

Excellent Schools and Low Risk

Paulding County excels in education with a school score of 78.0 and high environmental resilience at 78.9. Housing is also quite affordable, with a median home value of just $126,800.

Critical Water Quality Gaps

The water score is a notable low point at 17.9, suggesting a need for significant infrastructure investment. The tax score of 31.9 also reflects a moderate burden relative to its peers.

Great for Growing Families

With top-tier schools and very low housing costs, this county is a magnet for young families. It is an excellent choice for those who value education and have a household income near the $68,167 median.

Score breakdown

Tax31.9Cost66.3Safety52.9Health55.5Schools78Income62.2Risk78.9Water17.9Weather53.3
🏛31.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼62.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡52.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤55.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓78
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡78.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧17.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71.6
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Paulding County?

Many homeowners in Paulding 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 Paulding County with Schley County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Schley County
Georgia
Median income: $59,647
57.1
Pulaski County
Kentucky
Median income: $50,943
57.1
Beauregard Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $64,995
57.1
Adams County
Mississippi
Median income: $40,250
57.1
Gentry County
Missouri
Median income: $57,458
57.1
Liberty County
Montana
Median income: $53,264
57.1
Susquehanna County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $66,930
57.1
Hamlin County
South Dakota
Median income: $83,194
57.1

Nearby counties

Defiance County
Ohio
55.5
Putnam County
Ohio
65.2
Van Wert County
Ohio
54.9
Henry County
Ohio
53.4
Allen County
Indiana
41.3
DeKalb County
Indiana
62.1
Williams County
Ohio
58.5
Allen County
Ohio
34

Deep Dives

Paulding County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Paulding County

via TaxByCounty

Paulding taxes fall slightly below U.S. norm

Paulding County's effective tax rate of 1.090% sits just slightly above the national median of 1.08%, positioning it near the U.S. average. Homeowners pay a median of $1,382 annually—49% less than the national median of $2,690—due to homes valued 55% below the national average of $281,900.

Below Ohio's average rate

Paulding County's rate of 1.090% runs below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, placing it in the lower half of the state's 88 counties. Its median tax of $1,382 is 36% cheaper than Ohio's median of $2,145, offering meaningful relief for property owners.

Competitive taxes in the region

Paulding County's 1.090% rate closely matches Ottawa County's 1.087% and Morrow County's 1.100%, putting it squarely in the regional peer group. All three counties run significantly below Montgomery County's 1.777% outlier rate.

Paulding's modest tax picture

On a median home valued at $126,800, Paulding County residents pay $1,382 annually—roughly $115 per month. With a mortgage, escrow reaches $1,410, while cash buyers typically remit $1,343 to the county.

Every homeowner should verify assessment

Paulding County homeowners should verify their assessments are accurate regardless of the county's moderate-tax status; errors happen everywhere. Filing a free appeal with the county auditor could lower your bill if your property's market value has changed or the assessment contains mistakes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Paulding County

via CostByCounty

Paulding: Ohio's Most Affordable Rental Market

Paulding County renters spend just 13.2% of their income on rent—the lowest ratio among all eight counties and well below the national 15% standard—while earning $68,167 annually. This exceptional affordability reflects Paulding's rural character combined with decent local employment, creating an unusual combination of low costs and moderate income stability.

Paulding Dominates Ohio's Affordability Rankings

At 13.2%, Paulding's rent-to-income ratio crushes Ohio's 15.6% average and ranks among the most affordable in the entire state. The median rent of $750 is the lowest in this eight-county sample, and Paulding's solid $68,167 median income means residents capture maximum affordability while retaining earning capacity.

Unmatched Affordability Among Rural Peers

Paulding's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio and $750 median rent substantially outperform all comparable rural counties: Noble (15.8%, $730), Morgan (15.3%, $713), and Perry (13.5%, $727). Even among better-income counties, only Ottawa (14.4%) approaches Paulding's affordability efficiency, and Ottawa costs more in absolute rent dollars.

Minimal Income Goes to Housing

The $750 monthly rent consumes just 13.2% of Paulding's $68,167 median income, while homeowners dedicate only 13.8% to their $781 monthly cost—both exceptionally efficient ratios. Paulding households retain 86% or more of income for all other expenses, emergency savings, and discretionary spending—a luxury in today's housing market.

Paulding: Unbeatable Housing Value in Ohio

For maximum housing affordability in Ohio, Paulding County is unmatched: 13.2% rent-to-income ratio, $750 median rent, and solid $68,167 median income create an ideal equation. Consider Paulding if you want to minimize housing costs while maintaining reasonable local employment options—it's the rare county where affordability doesn't require sacrificing opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Paulding County

via IncomeByCounty

Paulding slightly trails national median

Paulding County's median household income of $68,167 falls $6,588 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the moderate range nationally. The county's per capita income of $35,657 nearly matches Ohio's state average of $35,642, indicating balanced individual earning power.

Modest performer within Ohio rankings

At $68,167, Paulding County ranks just slightly above the Ohio state average of $68,101, placing it squarely in the middle of state counties. The county's solid positioning reflects stable agricultural and manufacturing employment.

Middle-tier income among regional peers

Paulding County's $68,167 median income ranks above Montgomery County ($64,403), Muskingum County ($59,203), Morgan County ($55,971), and Noble County ($55,360), but trails Ottawa County ($75,728) and Morrow County ($71,047). The county occupies a comfortable middle position regionally.

Lowest rent burden in the region

Paulding County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.2% is the lowest in the region, offering exceptional housing affordability for renters and homebuyers. Despite the lowest median home value of $126,800, strong incomes make homeownership highly accessible.

Paulding's affordability fuels saving power

With a median household income of $68,167 and the region's lowest housing costs at just 13.2% of income, Paulding County residents have exceptional capacity to save and invest. Capture this advantage by directing housing savings to retirement accounts, educational funds, or wealth diversification strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Paulding County

via CrimeByCounty

Public Safety in Paulding County

Paulding County reports a total crime rate of 1062.3 per 100,000, well below the national average of 2385.5. This low incidence rate earns the county a high safety score of 98.3.

Paulding Compared to Ohio Standards

With a crime rate of 1062.3, the county remains safer than the Ohio average of 1412.3. Its safety score of 98.3 also ranks above the state average of 97.8.

Comparing Regional Crime Rates

Paulding's crime rate of 1062.3 is significantly lower than Montgomery County's rate of 2586.0. Five reporting agencies provide the data that confirms Paulding as a relatively safe place in the region.

Property vs. Violent Crime Trends

Property crime in Paulding County stands at 812.7 per 100,000, while violent crime is 249.6. Both categories remain below the national rates of 2015.7 and 369.8, respectively.

Home Security Tips for Paulding Residents

Paulding County is statistically safer than many peers, but home security should never be neglected. Ensuring that all windows and doors are securely locked is a simple yet effective way to deter property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Paulding County

via HealthByCounty

Paulding Lives Longer Than National Average

Paulding County's 76.9-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years, positioning residents among America's longer-lived populations. However, 21.0% report poor or fair health, indicating that extended lifespan includes significant chronic disease burden.

Above Average Longevity, Modest Uninsured Rate

Paulding's 76.9-year life expectancy beats Ohio's state average of 74.8 years by over two years, ranking among the state's healthiest counties. Its 8.0% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 7.5%, leaving a small but significant population without coverage.

Strong Longevity Despite Limited Providers

Paulding's 76.9-year life expectancy ranks second-highest in this group, behind only Noble County's exceptional 80.7 years, yet outperforming Muskingum (74.4 years) and Montgomery (73.3 years). With only 21 primary care providers per 100K, Paulding achieves health success without abundant healthcare infrastructure.

Rural County Achieves Health Despite Scarcity

Paulding's 21 primary care and 64 mental health providers per 100,000 residents represent limited capacity, yet the county maintains strong life expectancy and moderate disease burden. Provider scarcity may be offset by community health factors, preventive care emphasis, or population health genetics.

Secure Your Health Coverage

With 8.0% of Paulding residents uninsured, securing health insurance protects you and your family against unexpected costs. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid, ACA plans, and employment-based coverage today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Paulding County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Education in Northwest Ohio

Paulding County serves 2,910 students through 10 schools organized into 3 districts. The county features 5 elementary schools, ensuring a strong foundation for its youngest learners.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

The county boasts an elite 94.3% graduation rate, one of the highest in Ohio. This success is paired with a strong 59.2 school score and an above-average per-pupil spend of $8,561.

Paulding Exempted Village Takes the Lead

The Paulding Exempted Village district is the county's largest, enrolling 1,348 students across four schools. Traditional public education is the standard here, with no charter schools in operation.

Small Schools in a Rural Landscape

With 7 of the 10 schools in rural areas, students enjoy a quiet, focused environment. Schools are intimate, averaging just 291 students, with Paulding Elementary being the largest at 434.

Invest in a County That Prioritizes Graduation

For families where academic completion is the top priority, Paulding’s 94% graduation rate is a major draw. Search for properties in the Wayne Trace or Paulding districts to give your children a head start.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Paulding County

via RiskByCounty

Paulding ranks among nation's safest counties

Paulding County's composite risk score of 21.15 earns a "Very Low" rating and places it well below the U.S. average, ranking among the safest counties in America. Residents enjoy substantially lower exposure to natural disasters compared to most U.S. communities.

One of Ohio's lowest-risk counties

Paulding County's 21.15 score sits well below Ohio's 55.03 state average, placing it firmly in the state's safest tier. The county's exceptionally low wildfire risk (4.42) contributes significantly to this favorable standing.

Among the safest in its region

Paulding County (21.15) is safer than Ottawa County (59.16) and comparable to Morgan County (18.23) and Morrow County (24.40). This positions it among northwestern Ohio's most secure areas overall.

Tornado risk is the primary local concern

Paulding County's tornado risk of 51.24 is its highest hazard score, though it remains below state average and reflects the county's northern Great Plains exposure. All other hazards—earthquake, flood, wildfire, and hurricane—score below 51, creating a manageable and relatively focused risk profile.

Standard insurance covers most risks

Paulding County residents can typically rely on conventional homeowners insurance without specialized flood or windstorm riders given the county's exceptional safety profile. Focus on confirming that your policy includes adequate coverage for tornado-related wind damage, the county's primary hazard concern.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Paulding County

via WeatherByCounty

A Brisk Northern Profile in Northwest Ohio

Paulding County’s annual average of 50.3°F is significantly cooler than the national median. The region receives 37 inches of annual precipitation, which is lower than the typical U.S. average. This landscape faces the brunt of cold continental air masses moving across the flat plains.

Cooler Than the Average Ohio County

The county stays more than a degree cooler than the 51.5°F state average. Its northern position and flat topography contribute to its lower thermal ranking among Ohio's 88 counties. It is also drier than the state average, receiving 37 inches of rain compared to the 41.2-inch state mark.

Drier and Frostier Than Central Neighbors

Paulding is significantly drier than Perry County, receiving over 6 inches less annual precipitation. While Perry enjoys a milder winter average of 30.0°F, Paulding drops to 27.5°F during the December to February stretch. This makes the local climate feel much more rugged than counties to the southeast.

Harsh Winters and Hot Summer Spikes

Winter brings 23.6 inches of snow and a biting January average of 24.7°F. Despite the cold start to the year, summer delivers 16 extreme heat days reaching 90°F or higher. This 50-degree swing between January and July highlights the county's intense seasonal volatility.

Gear Up for Snow and Summer Heat

Residents need reliable snow removal equipment to handle the nearly 24 inches of annual snowfall. HVAC systems must be versatile to manage both sub-freezing winters and over two weeks of 90°F summer heat. Moisture management is less of a concern here than in wetter counties like Portage.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Paulding County

via SoilByCounty

The productive Alfisols of Paulding County

Paulding County’s dominant soil order is Alfisols, which are known for their natural fertility and agricultural value. The average pH of 6.38 is very close to the national median of 6.5 and notably higher than the state average of 5.97. This makes the soil highly adaptable for a wide range of standard Ohio crops.

Heavy loam with high clay content

Classified as loam, the soil contains 28.7% clay, 41.8% silt, and 29.5% sand. This relatively high clay percentage means the soil can hold onto nutrients very well but may be prone to compaction if worked while wet. It is a heavy soil that requires careful management to maintain good structure.

Consistent moisture for growing crops

The soil has an available water capacity of 0.177 in/in, slightly below the state average, and an organic matter level of 2.64%. While organic matter is lower than the Ohio average of 4.85%, the Alfisol base provides a reliable environment for row crops. These factors contribute to a respectable soil score of 64.6.

Managing somewhat poorly drained land

The dominant drainage is 'somewhat poorly drained,' falling into hydrologic group B/D. This means the soil naturally stays wet for longer periods, which can delay spring planting without proper drainage tiles. Builders should take extra care with basement waterproofing and site grading in these areas.

Strong potential in zone 6a

In hardiness zone 6a, Paulding County is a powerhouse for traditional Ohio agriculture like corn and beans. For home gardeners, the loam texture is fantastic for heavy feeders like cabbage and squash. With its near-ideal pH, this is a great place to start your own backyard farm.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Paulding County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Harder Conditions in Paulding

Paulding County faces a moderate challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 71.6, falling below the Ohio average of 76.0. In Hardiness Zone 6a, homeowners must work harder to combat environmental stressors than in many other parts of the state. Despite the local difficulty, it remains easier to maintain a lawn here than the national median.

Limited Rain and Moderate Heat Pressure

With only 37.0 inches of annual precipitation, Paulding is drier than the state average of 41.2 inches. The county sees 16 extreme heat days and 3,144 growing degree days, which can quickly dry out the soil during July and August. You will likely need to supplement natural rainfall to keep your grass from turning dormant.

Managing Heavier Loam and Poor Drainage

The soil here is classified as somewhat poorly drained loam, featuring a high clay content of 28.7%. While the pH of 6.38 is nearly ideal for grass, the poor drainage can lead to waterlogging during heavy spring rains. Regular core aeration is vital to help water and air reach the root zone in these heavier soils.

Critical Drought Levels Cover the County

Paulding County is currently in a 'Severe' drought across 100% of its area, having suffered through 30 weeks of drought in the past year. This makes water conservation and efficient irrigation the top priority for all local homeowners. Use of rain barrels and smart controllers can help manage your lawn during these critical shortages.

Plan for Paulding's Precise Growing Season

Choose cool-season grasses that can handle heavy clay, such as certain varieties of Tall Fescue. Your best planting window begins after the last frost on April 25 and ends before the first frost on October 19. Ensure you have a solid irrigation plan in place before seeding, as young grass is very vulnerable to the current drought conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Paulding County's county score?
Paulding County, Ohio has a composite county score of 57.1 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 Paulding County rank among counties in Ohio?
Paulding County ranks #14 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 Paulding County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Paulding County is $1,382, with an effective tax rate of 1.09%. This earns Paulding County a tax score of 31.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Paulding County?
The median household income in Paulding County, Ohio is $68,167 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Paulding County earns an income score of 62.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Paulding County, Ohio a good place to live?
Paulding County scores 57.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Paulding 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 Paulding 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.