CountyScore

Pickaway County

Ohio · OH

#51 in Ohio
67.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Pickaway County, Ohio

Well above the national livability median

Pickaway County scores 68.0 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper tier of livability nationally, reflecting strengths in affordability and tax burden.

Slightly below Ohio's average

Among Ohio's 88 counties, Pickaway ranks around the middle of the pack with a score just below the state average of 68.8. The county holds its own regionally while remaining competitive on core quality-of-life measures.

Taxes and housing costs excel

Pickaway shines in affordability, with a cost score of 73.3 and median home values of $235,700 paired with modest rents of $965 per month. The county's tax score of 73.2 reflects an effective tax rate of just 1.034%, making it attractive for budget-conscious households.

Income growth potential remains limited

The county's income score of 31.0 is notably low, with median household income at $72,927—below what the overall livability score might suggest. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unavailable, leaving important aspects of livability unmeasured.

Right fit for budget-first families

Pickaway County suits families and retirees prioritizing low housing costs, reasonable taxes, and stable blue-collar employment. The county offers solid livability at an affordable price point, though those seeking higher wage opportunities may look elsewhere.

Score breakdown

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

Tax73.2Cost73.3SafetyComing SoonHealth71.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome31Risk49.1WaterComing Soon
🏛73.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡49.1
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 Pickaway County with another county →

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Garland County
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Berrien County
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Median income: $50,414

Deep Dives

Pickaway County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Pickaway County

via TaxByCounty

Pickaway's taxes run below national median

At 1.034%, Pickaway County's effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median of 1.172%, placing the county in the lower-tax half of American counties. The median property tax bill here is $2,438, compared to the national median of $2,690—a savings of $252 annually for a typical homeowner.

Pickaway ranks mid-range among Ohio counties

Pickaway's 1.034% effective rate falls below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, meaning residents pay less than most other Ohioans. The county's median tax of $2,438 exceeds the state median of $2,145, reflecting slightly higher property values rather than higher rates.

Competitive with Pike, lighter than Portage

Among regional peers, Pickaway sits in the middle: Pike County taxes less at 0.855%, while Portage County taxes significantly more at 1.296%. Pickaway's 1.034% rate offers a balanced middle ground for a central Ohio homeowner.

Own a median home? Expect $2,438 yearly

A typical Pickaway County home valued at $235,700 carries an annual property tax bill of $2,438. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $2,561 when additional taxes are factored in; without a mortgage, homeowners pay $2,244.

You might be overassessed—consider appeal

Across Ohio, many homeowners are paying taxes on inflated property assessments. If your home's assessed value seems too high compared to recent sales in your neighborhood, you can file a formal appeal with your county auditor at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pickaway County

via CostByCounty

Pickaway's rent burden rivals the nation

Pickaway County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% sits just slightly above the national average, meaning renters here spend a manageable share of their income on housing. With a median household income of $72,927—nearly matching the national median of $74,755—the county offers reasonable affordability for wage earners.

Middle of the Ohio affordability pack

Pickaway's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks near the state average of 15.6%, positioning it squarely in Ohio's middle tier for housing affordability. The county's median rent of $965 exceeds Ohio's state average of $873, reflecting its slightly tighter rental market.

Pricier than rural southern Ohio

Pickaway renters pay $965 monthly, notably more than Pike County ($833) and Ross County ($858), but less than Portage County ($1,036). Compared to neighboring Preble County's $803 rent, Pickaway's rental market commands a $162 monthly premium.

Rent and mortgages split the budget

Pickaway households spend $965 on rent or $1,157 on mortgage payments while earning a median $72,927 annually. That means renters allocate 15.9% of income to rent alone, while homebuyers commit 19% to monthly ownership costs—both manageable by national standards.

Solid middle ground for Ohio movers

Pickaway offers balanced housing costs with above-state-average income levels, making it attractive for professionals seeking affordable Ohio living without sacrificing wages. If you're comparing counties, Pickaway's affordability rivals Portage but undercuts the premium of larger urban areas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pickaway County

via IncomeByCounty

Pickaway holds steady near national median

Pickaway County's median household income of $72,927 sits just 2.4% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the middle of the pack nationally. This solid performance reflects a community with incomes comparable to typical American households, despite modest regional economic shifts.

Above-average earnings in Ohio

At $72,927, Pickaway's median household income outpaces Ohio's state average of $68,101 by roughly 7%. The county ranks among Ohio's stronger earners, benefiting from a mix of manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors that support working families.

Solid standing among Ohio peers

Pickaway earns more than Pike County ($49,552) and Richland County ($57,649), but trails Putnam County's $82,785—the region's income leader. Compared to similarly sized Portage County ($72,822), Pickaway's incomes are virtually identical, suggesting comparable economic vitality across central Ohio.

Rent remains affordable here

Pickaway's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% falls well below the widely accepted affordability threshold of 30%, meaning renters spend roughly one-sixth of household income on housing. Combined with a median home value of $235,700, the county offers reasonable housing costs for both renters and homebuyers.

Build on Pickaway's solid income base

With median household income above the national average and housing costs staying affordable, Pickaway households have a strong foundation to invest in retirement savings, education, and wealth-building. Starting early with an emergency fund and tax-advantaged accounts can help families maximize their $72,927 earning potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Pickaway County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy slightly below U.S. average

Pickaway County residents live to an average of 74.4 years, about 0.4 years below the U.S. average of 74.8 years. Just under 1 in 5 residents (17.8%) report poor or fair health, tracking close to national norms for a rural Midwestern county.

Pickaway ranks near Ohio's middle

At 74.4 years, Pickaway's life expectancy sits slightly below Ohio's state average of 74.8 years. The county's uninsured rate of 6.7% outperforms the state average of 7.5%, suggesting stronger insurance access than many of its neighbors.

Healthier than Pike, similar to Sandusky

Pickaway's 74.4-year life expectancy edges out Pike County (69.7 years) by 4.7 years, reflecting better overall health outcomes. Its uninsured rate of 6.7% mirrors Sandusky County at 6.1%, showing comparable insurance coverage across the region.

Decent care access but tight specialist supply

Pickaway has 40 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, adequate for routine care, but only 234 mental health providers per 100,000—below what many counties offer. The 6.7% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 15 residents navigate healthcare without coverage.

Check coverage options this year

If you're among Pickaway's 6.7% uninsured, the marketplace and Medicaid may offer affordable plans. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local health department to explore options that fit your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pickaway County

via RiskByCounty

Pickaway sits below the national average

With a composite risk score of 50.92, Pickaway County faces relatively low natural disaster risk compared to the national average. The county's "Relatively Low" rating means residents experience fewer high-impact hazards than most U.S. counties.

Middle of the pack in Ohio

Pickaway's risk score of 50.92 falls slightly below Ohio's state average of 55.03, positioning it in the safer half of Ohio counties. The county ranks as a moderate-risk area within its state.

Safer than Pike, similar to Ross

Pickaway (50.92) carries notably less risk than neighboring Pike County (43.13) but sits slightly higher than nearby Ross County (62.88). Among its peers, Pickaway represents a balanced risk profile for central Ohio.

Floods and tornadoes are the main threats

Flooding poses Pickaway's greatest hazard risk at 65.97, more than 15 points above the state average. Tornado risk ranks second at 52.86, making severe spring storms a legitimate concern for residents.

Flood insurance should be your priority

With flood risk nearly 16 points above state average, standard homeowners policies won't cover water damage—you need separate flood insurance. Secure tornado-resistant shelter plans and regularly update emergency supplies, especially during spring severe weather season.

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.