countyscore
41.7
County Score
Lawn Care 87.9Soil Quality 78.9Income & Jobs 73.9

County Report Card

About Pickaway County, Ohio

Pickaway Trails National Median Livability

Pickaway County's composite score of 41.7 sits below the national median of 50.0. This ranking places it in the bottom half of counties nationwide for overall quality of life.

A Lower Ranking Within Ohio

The county falls short of the Ohio state average composite score of 48.6. It struggles to keep pace with the livability standards set by higher-performing neighboring counties.

High Earnings and Community Health

Earning potential is a major asset here, with an income score of 73.9 and a median household income of $72,927. The county also performs well in healthcare access, securing a health score of 59.0.

Housing Costs and Public Safety

Affordability is a hurdle, as the cost score of 26.4 reflects higher home values averaging $235,700. Safety is also a concern, with a score of 25.3 trailing other regional indicators.

A Fit for Established Professionals

Pickaway is best suited for high-earning professionals who can navigate a more expensive housing market. It offers strong healthcare for families who prioritize income stability over immediate cost savings.

2040608010035.626.425.35954.373.949.149.763.3Tax35.6Cost26.4Safety25.3Health59Schools54.3Income73.9Risk49.1Water49.7Weather63.341.7/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Pickaway County DNA

Foverall

How Pickaway County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Pickaway County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (73.9/100) but notably weak in Safety (25.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
35.6-16.4
Cost
26.4-21.6
Safety
25.3-29.7
Health
59+9
Schools
54.3
Income
73.9+22.900000000000006
Risk
49.1
Water
49.7-8.299999999999997
Weather
63.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$235,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$965/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$235,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,927/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Counties with similar scores

White County
Arkansas
Median income: $53,435
41.7
Tuolumne County
California
Median income: $72,259
41.7
Lanier County
Georgia
Median income: $44,361
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Ogemaw County
Michigan
Median income: $51,983
41.7
Blue Earth County
Minnesota
Median income: $72,623
41.7
Gloucester County
New Jersey
Median income: $102,807
41.7
Lorain County
Ohio
Median income: $70,693
41.7
McCurtain County
Oklahoma
Median income: $50,175
41.7

Nearby counties

Ross County
Ohio
38
Fairfield County
Ohio
39.9
Fayette County
Ohio
40.4
Franklin County
Ohio
41.9
Hocking County
Ohio
39.3
Madison County
Ohio
47.8
Pike County
Ohio
50.9
Vinton County
Ohio
48.2

Deep Dives

Pickaway County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Pickaway County

via CrimeByCounty

Pickaway County Outpaces National Safety Averages

Pickaway County earns a strong safety score of 97.1 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1844.9 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Slightly Below the High Ohio Safety Average

While Pickaway remains safe, its 97.1 safety score sits just below the Ohio state average of 97.8. The local crime rate of 1844.9 per 100K is higher than the state average of 1412.3.

Comparing Crime Rates with Southern Neighbors

Pickaway County shows higher crime activity than neighboring Pike County, which reports 1060.7 per 100K. However, it remains much safer than Ross County to the south, where the rate jumps to 2627.4.

Property Crime Drives Local Incidents

The local landscape consists primarily of property crime at 1720.8 per 100K. Violent crime is relatively rare at 124.1 per 100K, well below the national mark of 369.8.

Secure Your Assets in Pickaway County

Since property crime accounts for the vast majority of local reports, residents should prioritize home security systems. Installing outdoor lighting and doorbell cameras offers effective deterrence against theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Pickaway County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Educational Framework in Pickaway County

Pickaway County supports 9,448 students across 21 public schools managed by four distinct districts. The infrastructure includes eight elementary, six middle, and five high schools, plus two specialized facilities. This diverse network ensures local access to education from the rural outskirts to town centers.

Strong Graduation Rates Outpace State Averages

The county achieves a 90.0% graduation rate, exceeding both the Ohio average of 88.3% and the national mark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $7,726 remains below the national average of $13,000, the composite school score of 55.1 stays competitive with the state norm. Current data on local bachelor's attainment levels is currently unavailable.

Teays Valley Local Leads Regional Enrollment

Teays Valley Local stands as the largest district, serving 4,366 students across eight different schools. Circleville City Schools follow with 2,171 students, providing a concentrated urban-edge education model. Notably, Pickaway County currently operates without any charter schools, focusing entirely on its traditional district framework.

Rural Charm with Suburban-Scale Facilities

The county features 12 schools in rural settings and nine in town locales, creating a balanced geographic mix. Students attend schools with an average enrollment of 472, though sizes vary significantly between campuses. Teays Valley High School is the largest with 1,196 students, while smaller elementary campuses offer a more intimate learning environment.

Invest in a Community Committed to Education

With graduation rates that lead the region, Pickaway County offers a compelling value for families. Prospective homebuyers should explore the high-performing Teays Valley and Circleville districts as they search for the perfect neighborhood. Local school quality continues to be a primary driver for property values in this growing area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Pickaway County

via WaterByCounty

Mixed Signals in Pickaway Drinking Water

Pickaway County holds a Grade D for water quality with 7 health violations over the last five years. Despite the low grade, its violation rate of 17.0 per 100,000 residents remains significantly better than the Ohio state average of 32.9.

Clean Bill for Assessed Watersheds

According to the 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle, 0% of the six assessed water bodies in the county are listed as impaired. These results suggest that local streams currently meet Clean Water Act standards for their designated uses.

Broad Physical and Nutrient Monitoring

Monitoring efforts are robust, with 34 sites generating 4,630 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical characteristics, nutrients, and inorganic materials to track local water chemistry.

Scioto River Flows Below Average

The Scioto River at Circleville currently flows at 1,640 cfs, which is just 48% of its long-term typical discharge. This lower-than-normal flow indicates a significant dry spell for this major drainage area of 3,217 square miles.

Monitor Trends During Dry Spells

With the Scioto River at 48% of its typical flow, contaminants can become more concentrated in source water. Residents should stay informed about the county's Grade D compliance status by reviewing annual water quality reports from their local utility.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pickaway County

via WeatherByCounty

Pickaway County Nears National Temperature Medians

With an annual average of 54.3°F, Pickaway County sits very close to the national median temperature of 55°F. It receives 40.9 inches of precipitation, almost matching the national standard for annual rainfall. This represents one of the more thermally moderate locations in the American Midwest.

Among the Warmest Counties in Ohio

Pickaway is nearly 3 degrees warmer than the Ohio state average of 51.5°F. This makes it a thermal hotspot for the region, ranking high for heat among the state's 88 counties. Its precipitation levels perfectly mirror the state average of 41.2 inches.

Hotter and Sunnier Than Noble County

Pickaway County experiences nearly three times as many extreme heat days as Noble County to its east. While Noble stays mild with only 7 days over 90°F, Pickaway swelters through 19 such days annually. This makes Pickaway one of the more intense summer climates in south-central Ohio.

Hot Summers and Light Winter Snow

July is particularly warm here, averaging 75.4°F with nearly three weeks of extreme heat. Winters remain relatively mild for Ohio, seeing only 15.4 inches of snow and a January average above freezing at 30.8°F. The summer average of 74.1°F makes this a prime region for heat-loving crops.

Prepare for Heavy Summer Cooling Needs

Residents should invest in high-efficiency air conditioning to handle the 19 days of extreme summer heat. Winter preparations are less intensive than in northern Ohio, as the county receives only 15.4 inches of snow. Ensure irrigation is available for gardens during the hot, 75°F July stretch.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pickaway County

via SoilByCounty

A Perfect Balance in Pickaway

Pickaway County's Alfisols hit the national median pH of exactly 6.50, far outperforming the more acidic state average of 5.97. This silty clay loam texture provides a versatile foundation for high-yield agriculture across the county's landscape.

Silty Soils Build Strong Foundations

The soil mix consists of 48.7% silt and 29.4% sand, creating a workable environment that resists compaction. With 20.2% clay content, the ground retains enough minerals to keep the soil productive throughout the growing season.

Retaining Water When it Counts

While the 3.44% organic matter trails the state average of 4.85%, it still comfortably exceeds the national average of 2.0%. Most impressively, the available water capacity of 0.197 in/in beats the Ohio average, ensuring crops remain hydrated during dry spells.

Naturally Well-Drained Acreage

The dominant well-drained classification makes this land ideal for varied farming and construction projects. Falling into hydrologic group C, the soil has a moderate rate of water transmission, preventing excessive runoff while managing moisture effectively.

A High-Scoring Garden Paradise

With a high soil score of 78.9 and a 6b hardiness zone, Pickaway is built for success with corn, soybeans, and hearty perennials. You should start a vegetable garden here knowing your soil quality is significantly better than the state average.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pickaway County

via LawnByCounty

A Top-Tier Environment for Pickaway Lawns

Pickaway County earns an impressive 87.9 lawn difficulty score, far outperforming the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 76.0. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, homeowners here enjoy one of the most favorable grass-growing environments in Ohio.

High Growth Potential with Robust Summer Heat

The county receives 40.9 inches of annual precipitation, which sits perfectly within the ideal range for lush turf. While 3,751 growing degree days fuel rapid development, the 19 extreme heat days each year exceed the state average and require diligent summer irrigation.

Near-Perfect Soil Chemistry for Turfgrass

The local soil features an ideal pH of 6.50, meaning most nutrients are readily available without heavy lime applications. This well-drained silty clay loam provides a stable foundation that balances moisture retention with essential aeration.

Consistent Moisture with Low Drought Stress

Pickaway County remains resilient, with only five weeks spent in drought conditions over the past year. Current data shows 0% of the area is abnormally dry, allowing homeowners to stick to standard watering schedules of one inch per week.

Kick Off the Growing Season in April

The frost-free window typically begins after April 17, making it the perfect time to seed tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass. With a long growing season lasting until late October, these cool-season grasses have ample time to establish deep roots.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pickaway County's county score?
Pickaway County, Ohio has a composite county score of 41.7 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 Pickaway County rank among counties in Ohio?
Pickaway County ranks #67 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 Pickaway County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Pickaway County is $2,438, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns Pickaway County a tax score of 35.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pickaway County?
The median household income in Pickaway County, Ohio is $72,927 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pickaway County earns an income score of 73.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pickaway County, Ohio a good place to live?
Pickaway County scores 41.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #67 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Pickaway 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 Pickaway County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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