CountyScore

Pike County

Ohio · OH

#40 in Ohio
68.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Pike County, Ohio

Clear national livability advantage

Pike County's composite score of 72.2 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top quartile nationally. This strong performance reflects exceptional affordability paired with favorable tax conditions.

Above-average county among Ohio peers

Pike County ranks above Ohio's state average of 68.8, positioning it in the stronger half of Ohio's 88 counties. The county outperforms most regional neighbors on the composite livability index.

Affordability and low taxes lead the way

Pike County excels with the lowest effective tax rate among these eight counties at 0.855% and a cost score of 81.9—the highest here. Median home values of $148,500 and rents averaging $833 per month make this one of Ohio's most budget-friendly counties.

Income levels lag significantly behind

Pike County's income score of just 15.7 is the lowest among these counties, with median household income at $49,552—about 32% below Putnam County. Safety, health, school quality, and environmental data remain unavailable, limiting full livability assessment.

Ideal for retirees and cost minimizers

Pike County is best suited for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, or households prioritizing maximum affordability over wage opportunities. The county delivers exceptional value and minimal tax burden, making it a strategic choice for those who can earn income elsewhere.

Score breakdown

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

Tax78.2Cost81.9SafetyComing SoonHealth61.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.7Risk56.9WaterComing Soon
🏛78.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤61.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡56.9
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 Pike County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Etowah County
Alabama
68.3
Median income: $53,070
Greene County
Arkansas
68.3
Median income: $56,793
Charlton County
Georgia
68.3
Median income: $48,534
Wilkes County
Georgia
68.3
Median income: $52,542
Greene County
Illinois
68.3
Median income: $60,976

Deep Dives

Pike County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pike County

via TaxByCounty

Pike County: Ohio's low-tax champion

Pike County boasts the lowest effective tax rate among these eight counties at 0.855%, well below the national median of 1.172%. The median property tax bill of just $1,269 is less than half the national median of $2,690, offering genuine tax relief.

Pike ranks among Ohio's cheapest tax counties

At 0.855%, Pike County's effective rate dramatically undercuts Ohio's state average of 1.148%, placing it in the lowest tier statewide. The median tax of $1,269 also sits well below Ohio's median of $2,145, delivering relief on both fronts.

Pike's the tax bargain of the region

Pike County's 0.855% rate is the lowest among all eight counties in this analysis, making it a tax haven relative to neighbors like Pickaway (1.034%) and Portage (1.296%). This advantage reflects Pike's rural character and lower property values.

Median home? Budget just $1,269 annually

On a typical Pike County home valued at $148,500, the annual property tax bill is only $1,269. With a mortgage, add about $88 to reach $1,357; without one, the bill drops to $1,156.

Even low-tax counties have assessment errors

Pike County residents enjoying low rates shouldn't assume their assessments are always accurate. If your home was recently valued significantly higher than comparable sales nearby, appeal your assessment through your county auditor—it costs nothing.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pike County

via CostByCounty

Pike stretches renters' budgets beyond comfort

Pike County's 20.2% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the national norm, driven by a median household income of just $49,552—33% below the national median of $74,755. For Pike renters, housing consumes a larger share of already-modest earnings than most Americans face.

Ohio's least affordable county here

Pike's 20.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Ohio's worst, standing 4.6 percentage points above the state average of 15.6%. The county's low median income, not low rents, drives this affordability crisis—a structural income challenge rather than a market excess.

Lowest rent, lowest income too

Pike's $833 median rent is the cheapest among these eight counties, but residents earn far less than neighbors like Pickaway ($72,927) and Putnam ($82,785). While Pike's rental costs are bargain-basement, its $49,552 median income makes even cheap rent feel expensive.

Income shortfall drives affordability strain

Pike renters pay $833 monthly on incomes averaging $49,552 annually, dedicating 20.2% to rent alone—nearly at the federal threshold for cost-burden. Homebuyers face $759 monthly payments, consuming 18.4% of income, leaving tight margins for other necessities.

Consider Pike carefully if wages matter

Pike offers some of Ohio's lowest rents, but the county's income levels suggest limited job markets compared to higher-earning neighbors. If you're relocating for work, compare Pike's wage opportunities against more affluent counties like Putnam or Pickaway before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pike County

via IncomeByCounty

Pike County faces income challenges

Pike County's median household income of $49,552 lags 33.7% behind the national median of $74,755, signaling significant economic strain. This gap reflects structural challenges common in rural Appalachian Ohio communities, where job availability and wage growth remain limited.

Lowest earners in Ohio sample

At $49,552, Pike County ranks substantially below Ohio's state average of $68,101—a difference of nearly $19,000 annually. Among the eight counties surveyed, Pike has the lowest median household income, highlighting concentrated economic hardship in this corner of southeastern Ohio.

Struggling amid stronger regional peers

Pike County's $49,552 income trails every neighboring county in this analysis, with Richland County ($57,649) earning 16% more and Putnam County ($82,785) earning 67% more. This disparity underscores Pike's position as the region's most economically challenged community.

Housing costs stretch budgets thin

Pike County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% pushes toward affordability limits, meaning renters allocate a fifth of household earnings to housing alone. Combined with limited income growth, families struggle to cover rent while funding essentials like healthcare, food, and transportation.

Prioritize financial stability first

Pike County households earning $49,552 should focus on building an emergency fund before investing, given the community's economic volatility. Free or low-cost financial literacy programs and employer retirement plans become critical tools for breaking cycles of limited wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Pike County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy notably below national average

Pike County residents live to just 69.7 years, a stark 5.1 years below the U.S. average of 74.8 years. Nearly 1 in 4 residents (23.7%) report poor or fair health, well above national averages and signaling serious health challenges.

Pike lags significantly behind Ohio

At 69.7 years, Pike County trails Ohio's state average of 74.8 years by 5.1 years—one of the widest gaps in the state. The 23.7% poor/fair health rate nearly doubles many neighboring counties, indicating Pike faces distinct health headwinds.

Worst outcomes in this eight-county region

Pike's 69.7-year life expectancy is the lowest among these eight counties, roughly 8.5 years behind Putnam County's 78.2 years. With a 23.7% poor/fair health rate, Pike residents experience substantially worse health than any peer county in this cohort.

Fewest primary care doctors, most mental health access

Pike has just 26 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in this group—yet boasts 1,348 mental health providers per 100,000, suggesting concentrated behavioral health resources. At 7.2% uninsured, 1 in 14 Pike residents lack coverage, compounding access challenges.

Explore Medicaid and marketplace coverage

Pike's 7.2% uninsured rate is above state average, but affordable options exist. Visit healthcare.gov to compare plans, or contact Pike County Health Department to learn about Medicaid eligibility and financial assistance programs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pike County

via RiskByCounty

Pike County faces well-below-average risk

Pike County's composite risk score of 43.13 ranks as "Relatively Low," placing it among safer regions nationally for natural disasters. The county experiences significantly fewer high-impact hazards than typical U.S. counties.

Safest county in our region

At 43.13, Pike County scores well below Ohio's average of 55.03, making it one of the state's lower-risk counties. This 12-point gap represents meaningful protection against statewide disaster patterns.

Pike leads its peer group in safety

Pike County (43.13) is notably safer than Pickaway (50.92), Preble (43.29), and Putnam (32.86) counties. Its low scores across multiple hazard types make it a relative haven in southern Ohio.

Floods remain Pike's primary concern

Flooding is Pike's highest-risk hazard at 63.87, though this still ranks below state flood risk patterns. Wildfire risk (24.17) and tornado risk (37.44) both remain manageable compared to neighboring counties.

Flood coverage is still essential

Even in low-risk Pike County, flood damage isn't covered by standard homeowners insurance—purchase a separate policy to protect your investment. Maintain gutters and drainage systems to reduce localized flooding around your property.

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.