countyscore
50.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 75.3Schools 62.5

County Report Card

About Pike County, Ohio

Pike Meets National Livability Benchmarks

Pike County earns a composite score of 50.9, narrowly exceeding the national median of 50.0. This suggests a quality of life that is competitive with the average American county.

Outperforming the State Average

With a score of 50.9, the county outperforms the Ohio state average of 48.6. It stands out as a strong regional option among southern Ohio counties.

Clean Water and Strong Schools

Water quality is exceptional, boasting an elite score of 86.0. Education is another bright spot, with a school score of 62.5 supported by affordable living costs.

Income and Health Hurdles

Local income levels present a challenge, as the score of 13.5 reflects a median household income of $49,552. Health outcomes also lag behind, scoring 32.3 compared to other categories.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Families

Pike is a great choice for families who value quality schools and clean natural resources over high salary potential. It suits those seeking a low-cost lifestyle in a high-performing state location.

Score breakdown

Tax48.6Cost57.6Safety53.1Health32.3Schools62.5Income13.5Risk56.9Water86Weather57.5
🏛48.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡53.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡56.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.3
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 →
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Nearby counties

Ross County
Ohio
38
Highland County
Ohio
53.4
Scioto County
Ohio
43.7
Adams County
Ohio
55.6
Jackson County
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49.8
Lewis County
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Fayette County
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Greenup County
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Deep Dives

Pike County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Pike County

via CrimeByCounty

Pike County Maintains Exceptional Safety Standards

Pike County boasts an impressive safety score of 98.3, placing it well above national averages. Its total crime rate of 1060.7 per 100,000 is less than half the national rate of 2,385.5.

Beating the Ohio State Average

The county's safety score of 98.3 exceeds the Ohio average of 97.8. Local law enforcement manages a total crime rate of 1060.7 per 100K, which is lower than the state's 1412.3 average.

A Safety Leader Among Neighbors

Pike County is significantly safer than adjacent Ross and Pickaway counties. With only 1060.7 incidents per 100K, Pike offers a more secure environment than the regional average.

Understanding Pike's Low Crime Profile

Property crime sits at 931.8 per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 128.9. These figures mean Pike residents face much lower risks than the typical American citizen.

Strengthening Your Home Security

Despite low rates, most local incidents involve property. Basic measures like deadbolts and motion-activated lights help maintain Pike's reputation as a secure community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Pike County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact Learning Networks in Pike County

Pike County manages a focused education system of 14 public schools serving 4,723 total students across five districts. The landscape consists of six elementary, three middle, and five high schools tailored to the county's smaller population. This structure allows for a high degree of community connection within the local school system.

High Performance with Targeted Investment

The county earns an impressive 57.7 composite school score, outperforming the state average of 54.8. Pike County invests $9,159 per pupil, which is higher than the Ohio average of $7,994, resulting in a solid 89.1% graduation rate. These figures demonstrate that the county is effectively translating its financial investment into student success.

Waverly City and Scioto Valley Anchors

Waverly City is the largest district, educating 1,694 students across its four schools. Scioto Valley Local also plays a major role, hosting the county's largest individual school, Piketon Jr/Sr High, with 672 students. Like many neighbors, the county relies exclusively on traditional public districts rather than charter school options.

Intimate Schools in a Rural Setting

Education here feels personal, with an average school size of only 337 students, well below many suburban averages. Ten of the 14 schools are located in rural areas, while the remaining four serve town centers. This small-scale environment is exemplified by schools like Waverly Primary, which serves just 432 students in a tight-knit setting.

Find Your Future in Pike County Schools

Families seeking a school system that balances high scores with small class sizes will find much to love here. As you research local real estate, consider the districts of Waverly and Piketon for their strong academic standing. Homeownership in Pike County offers the benefit of a high-performing rural education for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Pike County

via WeatherByCounty

A Southern-Leaning Climate in Central Ohio

Pike County’s 53.9°F annual average temperature is slightly cooler than the national median but warmer than most of its peers. The county receives a robust 43.3 inches of precipitation, making it wetter than the average U.S. location. It displays a clear transition toward the more humid and warmer climates of the U.S. South.

A Leader in Ohio Heat and Rainfall

Pike County significantly outpaces the state average of 51.5°F, making it one of Ohio's warmer regions. It also exceeds the state precipitation average by over two inches, receiving 43.3 inches of moisture annually. This makes the county both warmer and wetter than the typical Ohio locale.

Far Warmer Than Northern Portage County

Pike County feels like a different world compared to Portage County, recording 26 extreme heat days versus Portage’s 10. The winter contrast is even sharper, as Pike receives only 11.5 inches of snow compared to the 54 inches seen in the north. This represents one of the most temperate winter climates in the state.

Long Heat Waves and Minimal Snowfall

Pike County endures 26 days of temperatures at or above 90°F, concentrated during a hot 75.5°F July. Winters are the mildest among its neighbors, with a December-February average of 33.4°F and very little snow accumulation. The summer season is long and consistently humid.

Prioritize Cooling and Storm Drainage

Homeowners must ensure air conditioning units can handle nearly a month of extreme heat. Because snow is rare, only basic winter tools are needed, but heavy rain requires excellent property drainage. Planning for outdoor activities should account for the high 26-day heat count.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pike County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Silt Loam of the Uplands

Pike County features Alfisols with a dominant silt loam texture and an average pH of 5.67. This makes the local ground more acidic than both the state average of 5.97 and the national median of 6.5.

High Silt for Easy Working

A heavy 51.9% silt concentration gives these soils a smooth, flour-like feel that is exceptionally easy to till. Combined with 24.3% sand and 19.0% clay, the soil offers a balanced medium for root penetration.

Solid Water Retention Capacity

Pike County boasts 3.99% organic matter, nearly doubling the national average. Its available water capacity of 0.189 in/in sits just above the state average, providing a reliable reservoir for plant growth.

Rapid Water Infiltration

Categorized in hydrologic group A, these soils allow water to move quickly through the profile. The well-drained status is excellent for preventing root rot but may require more frequent watering during intense heat waves.

Zone 6b Growth Potential

In hardiness zone 6b, the soil score of 60.6 supports a wide variety of timber and fruit crops. Gardeners can thrive here by adding a bit of lime to balance the natural acidity of the silt loam.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pike County

via LawnByCounty

Managing a Moderate Lawn Challenge in Pike

With a difficulty score of 75.3, Pike County is roughly on par with the Ohio state average but much easier than the national median of 50.0. This Zone 6b region offers a hospitable climate, though summer heat presents a higher hurdle than in northern counties.

Navigating High Rainfall and Intense Summer Heat

Pike receives a generous 43.3 inches of rain annually, yet 26 extreme heat days—nearly double the state average—can quickly scorch tender grass. This combination of moisture and heat means mowing schedules must be frequent during the peak 3,634 growing degree days.

Acidic Silt Loam Requires Soil Balancing

The local soil pH of 5.67 is significantly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, likely requiring lime applications to unlock nutrients. Despite the acidity, the well-drained silt loam texture prevents the standing water issues common in other parts of the state.

Low Drought Risk Aids Turf Health

Over the last year, Pike County experienced only four weeks of drought, and current conditions show no abnormally dry areas. Residents should focus on deep, infrequent watering during those 26 high-heat days to maintain root depth.

Establish Tall Fescue Before Summer Heat

The last spring frost usually passes by April 21, providing a prime window to start new lawns before the July heat peaks. Tall fescue is highly recommended here for its superior heat tolerance compared to other cool-season varieties.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pike County's county score?
Pike County, Ohio has a composite county score of 50.9 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 Pike County rank among counties in Ohio?
Pike County ranks #40 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 Pike County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Pike County is $1,269, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns Pike County a tax score of 48.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pike County?
The median household income in Pike County, Ohio is $49,552 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pike County earns an income score of 13.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pike County, Ohio a good place to live?
Pike County scores 50.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Pike 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 Pike 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.