countyscore
57.4
County Score
Lawn Care 86.8Soil Quality 75Safety 74.5

County Report Card

About Preble County, Ohio

Preble Beats National Averages

Preble County scores a strong 57.4, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This places it in the top tier of counties for overall livability nationwide.

A Top Performer in Ohio

At 57.4, Preble significantly outperforms the Ohio state average of 48.6. It serves as a regional leader in providing a balanced and high quality of life.

Public Safety and Stable Income

Safety is a hallmark of the area, earning a high score of 74.5. This is complemented by a robust income score of 69.3 and a median household income over $71,000.

Manageable Tax Burden

The local tax environment is the main area for improvement, with a score of 32.7. While the effective tax rate is 1.076%, it remains the lowest scoring dimension for this high-performing county.

Perfect for Secure Families

Preble is an excellent choice for families seeking a safe, high-earning environment without sacrificing school quality. It offers a well-rounded profile for those prioritizing security and financial stability.

Score breakdown

Tax32.7Cost49.6Safety74.5Health57Schools67.7Income69.3Risk56.7Water51.6Weather57.1
🏛32.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼69.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡74.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡56.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧51.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱86.8
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

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Butler County
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Wayne County
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Montgomery County
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Deep Dives

Preble County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Preble County

via TaxByCounty

Preble County slightly below national tax median

Preble County's effective tax rate of 1.076% sits just below the national median of 1.172%, offering moderate tax relief compared to the average American county. The median annual tax of $1,841 is substantially lower than the national median of $2,690, a difference of $849.

Preble slightly undercuts Ohio's tax rate

At 1.076%, Preble County's effective rate runs just below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, placing it in the lower-middle tier statewide. The median tax of $1,841 exceeds Ohio's median of $2,145, reflecting the county's lower property values.

Preble sits comfortably in the middle

Preble's 1.076% rate positions it between Pike's bargain-basement 0.855% and Pickaway's 1.034%, representing a moderate tax burden for the region. The rate is notably lower than Portage's 1.296%, offering southwestern Ohio residents solid value.

Budget $1,841 yearly on median home

A typical Preble County home valued at $171,100 incurs an annual property tax of $1,841. With a mortgage in place, the bill edges up to $1,870; without one, it drops to $1,791.

Appeal if your assessment seems inflated

Preble County homeowners, like all Ohioans, should verify their assessed value against current market sales. If your home's assessment is significantly higher than comparable properties sold recently, file a free appeal with your county auditor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Preble County

via CostByCounty

Preble leads Ohio on affordability

Preble County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among these eight counties and well below the national average, delivering genuine affordability for renters. With a median household income of $71,237 and modest $803 monthly rent, Preble residents enjoy breathing room in their budgets.

Among Ohio's most affordable counties

Preble's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks 2.1 percentage points below Ohio's 15.6% state average, placing it firmly in the state's most livable markets. The county combines below-average rent ($803) with solid income levels, a rare combination in rural Ohio.

Southern Ohio's affordability champion

Preble's $803 rent undercuts Pike ($833), Ross ($858), and Pickaway ($965), while its median income of $71,237 exceeds all three—a double advantage. Only Putnam offers better overall affordability metrics in this regional comparison.

Housing leaves income for other needs

Preble renters spend just $803 monthly on a median $71,237 annual income, dedicating only 13.5% to rent—well below the national comfort zone. Homebuyers commit $932 monthly, or 15.7% of income, leaving substantial room for savings and other expenses.

Move to Preble for maximum breathing room

If housing affordability is your priority, Preble County offers one of Ohio's sweetest combinations: low rent, solid incomes, and manageable cost-burden ratios. Compare Preble against Putnam and Sandusky to confirm it matches your income and lifestyle expectations.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Preble County

via IncomeByCounty

Preble earns slightly below national norm

Preble County's median household income of $71,237 trails the national median of $74,755 by 4.7%, placing it just below the typical American household. Despite this modest shortfall, the county maintains respectable earning capacity across its rural western Ohio base.

Outperforms Ohio's state average

At $71,237, Preble surpasses Ohio's state average of $68,101 by 4.6%, indicating above-average prosperity within the state. The county benefits from a mix of agricultural, light manufacturing, and service employment that sustains middle-class incomes.

Mid-tier earner in regional context

Preble's $71,237 income ranks above Pike County ($49,552), Richland County ($57,649), and Ross County ($59,819), but trails Putnam County's $82,785. The county's position reflects solid, if unspectacular, economic conditions relative to surrounding communities.

Housing costs are very manageable

Preble County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this analysis at 13.5%, freeing up more household dollars for other needs. With a median home value of $171,100, the county offers one of the most affordable housing markets while maintaining middle-class incomes.

Strong foundation for savings

With housing consuming just 13.5% of income, Preble County households have exceptional room to build savings and invest in their futures. Prioritizing a retirement plan and investment strategy can help families convert their solid earning power into long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Preble County

via CrimeByCounty

Preble County Ranks Among the Safest

Preble County achieves an elite safety score of 99.0, far surpassing the national average. Its total crime rate of 603.5 per 100,000 is approximately 75% lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the State Safety Level

With a safety score of 99.0, Preble is significantly safer than the average Ohio county. Its total crime rate of 603.5 per 100K is less than half the state average of 1412.3.

A Regional High Point for Safety

Preble County maintains much lower crime levels than eastern neighbors like Pickaway. Seven reporting agencies work together to keep the local rate at a modest 603.5 per 100K.

Minimal Violent Crime Rates Reported

Preble sees very little violent crime, reporting just 73.3 per 100K. Property crime is also exceptionally low at 530.2, making it one of the most secure counties in the region.

Maintain Your Secure Community

Low crime rates are a community asset that residents can help protect. Ensuring windows and garages are locked remains a simple but effective way to prevent the few property crimes that occur.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Preble County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy near national, health concerns rising

Preble County residents live to 74.5 years, nearly identical to the U.S. average of 74.8 years. However, 19.6% report poor or fair health, above national norms and suggesting health challenges despite average lifespan.

Preble slightly above Ohio average

At 74.5 years, Preble's life expectancy slightly exceeds Ohio's state average of 74.8 years. The 6.0% uninsured rate is the lowest in this eight-county group and well below Ohio's 7.5% average, indicating strong coverage access.

Best insurance access, middle-range health outcomes

Preble's 6.0% uninsured rate is the best in this cohort, yet its 19.6% poor/fair health rate exceeds counties with higher uninsured rates—suggesting insurance alone doesn't guarantee good health. Life expectancy at 74.5 years ranks middle in the group.

Primary care shortage, limited mental health providers

Preble County has just 17 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in this region—and only 101 mental health providers per 100,000. Despite excellent insurance coverage at 6.0% uninsured, residents face real barriers finding doctors to see.

Coverage is strong; finding a doctor isn't easy

Preble's 6.0% uninsured rate is excellent, but you need to know that primary care availability is tight. When you're covered, call ahead to ensure your chosen provider is accepting new patients or consider telehealth options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Preble County

via SchoolsByCounty

High-Achieving Rural Schools in Preble County

Preble County operates 17 public schools across six districts, educating a total of 5,778 students. The system is evenly distributed with six elementary, five middle, and five high schools, plus one specialized facility. It is a streamlined infrastructure designed to serve the county's primarily rural population.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Lead the Way

Preble County boasts a standout 92.5% graduation rate, significantly higher than both the state and national averages. The county matches the state's per-pupil spending at $7,989 and earns a strong composite school score of 57.0. These results indicate that the county is getting an excellent return on its educational investment.

Eaton Community City Dominates Local Education

Eaton Community City is the county's largest district, managing four schools and 1,862 students. Twin Valley Community and Tri-County North serve smaller cohorts, providing localized education for several hundred students each. There are no charter schools in the county, reflecting a strong community reliance on traditional public districts.

A Personalized, Town-and-Country Feel

With 13 of 17 schools situated in rural areas, the educational experience here is defined by open space and smaller campuses. The average school size is just 340 students, with Eaton High School being the largest at 577 students. This smaller scale ensures that teachers and administrators can maintain close connections with their students.

Secure Your Family's Future in Preble

Preble County is an ideal choice for buyers who prioritize high graduation rates and small-town school values. The Eaton and Twin Valley districts offer stable, high-quality options for those looking to relocate to a quieter area. Consider the academic strength of these local schools as you evaluate your next home purchase.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Preble County

via RiskByCounty

Preble ranks as relatively low-risk

Preble County's composite risk score of 43.29 earns a "Relatively Low" rating, placing it below the national disaster risk average. The county experiences fewer widespread natural hazards than most U.S. regions.

Below average for Ohio overall

At 43.29, Preble County scores well below Ohio's state average of 55.03, making it one of the state's safer counties. This 12-point advantage reflects notably lower exposure to multiple hazard types.

Tied with Pike, safer than Pickaway

Preble (43.29) essentially matches Pike County's risk level while significantly outperforming Pickaway (50.92) and Putnam (32.86) in southwestern Ohio. Its balanced risk profile makes it one of the region's more protected counties.

Tornadoes pose Preble's main threat

Tornado risk dominates Preble County at 76.65, making it the county's most significant natural hazard—significantly above Ohio's typical patterns. Earthquake risk at 63.17 ranks second, though less immediately threatening than spring storms.

Prepare for severe spring weather

With tornado risk at 76.65, develop a family tornado plan and identify safe shelter in your home—a basement or interior room away from windows. Ensure your homeowners insurance covers wind and hail damage, common tornado-related losses.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Preble County

via WeatherByCounty

A Standard Humid Continental Climate Profile

Preble County’s 51.2°F annual average temperature sits below the national median of 55°F. It receives 42.6 inches of precipitation, making it slightly wetter than the national average. This creates a landscape with four distinct seasons and reliable moisture for agriculture.

Closely Following Ohio’s Temperature Average

Preble County nearly matches the state average of 51.5°F, trailing by just a fraction of a degree. It is slightly wetter than the state average of 41.2 inches, recording 42.6 inches of rain and snow annually. It serves as a typical example of Western Ohio’s weather patterns.

Wetter Than Its Neighbor Putnam County

Preble County receives over 4 inches more annual precipitation than Putnam County to its north. While their temperatures are almost identical, Preble sees significantly less snow, recording only 12.4 inches compared to Putnam’s 21.6 inches. This makes Preble the wetter but less snowy of the two.

Moderate Summers and Brisk Winters

The county experiences 15 days of extreme heat annually, with July temperatures averaging 73.4°F. Winters are cold but not extreme, featuring a January average of 26.4°F and 12.4 inches of snow. Summer averages hover around a pleasant 71.8°F.

Balanced Seasonal Preparations Are Key

Residents should maintain HVAC systems for two weeks of extreme heat and winter lows in the mid-20s. With 42.6 inches of precipitation, ensuring clear gutters and proper yard grading is essential. Light snow gear is usually sufficient for the 12-inch annual total.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Preble County

via SoilByCounty

Near Neutral Soils in Preble

Preble County maintains an average pH of 6.48, making it nearly identical to the national median and much less acidic than the state average. While formal taxonomic classifications are limited in current records, the pH levels indicate a highly productive environment.

High Silt and Moderate Clay

The local soil consists of 53.2% silt and 21.1% clay, which suggests a fine-textured earth that holds nutrients well. With 25.7% sand, the soil remains porous enough to prevent heavy crusting.

Superior Water Storage Capacity

The organic matter content of 2.25% is lower than the state average, but still beats the national average. This is bolstered by an impressive water capacity of 0.205 in/in, which is among the highest in the region.

Stable Moisture Management

While specific drainage classes are not currently classified in the regional data, the high water capacity suggests the soil acts as a significant reservoir. This typically means a steady supply of moisture for deep-rooted crops throughout the summer.

A Top-Tier Soil Score

Preble County earns a high soil score of 75.0, well above the Ohio average of 66.0. Residents in zone 6a can feel confident starting a garden that will produce high yields of vegetables and grains.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Preble County

via LawnByCounty

Exceptional Conditions for Preble County Turf

Preble County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 86.8, indicating that growing a healthy lawn here is significantly easier than the national average. This Zone 6a county benefits from a balanced climate that supports consistent grass growth without extreme intervention.

Balanced Moisture and Moderate Summer Heat

The county averages 42.6 inches of rain per year, perfectly matching the needs of cool-season turf. With 15 extreme heat days, Preble aligns exactly with the state average, providing enough warmth for growth without excessive wilting.

High-Quality Soil Foundation for Easy Care

A soil pH of 6.48 puts Preble right in the ideal range for nutrient uptake, reducing the need for chemical corrections. While specific drainage and texture data are limited, the 21.1% clay content suggests the soil holds moisture well during dry spells.

Minor Dry Spells Call for Occasional Monitoring

About 4.1% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry, following five weeks of drought over the past year. Maintaining a three-inch mowing height will help shade the soil and preserve moisture during these brief dry periods.

Prime Seeding Starts in Late April

After the final frost around April 25, the 3,205 growing degree days provide plenty of energy for new seeds to take hold. A blend of perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass is well-suited for this reliable Zone 6a climate.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Preble County's county score?
Preble County, Ohio has a composite county score of 57.4 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 Preble County rank among counties in Ohio?
Preble County ranks #13 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 Preble County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Preble County is $1,841, with an effective tax rate of 1.08%. This earns Preble County a tax score of 32.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Preble County?
The median household income in Preble County, Ohio is $71,237 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Preble County earns an income score of 69.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Preble County, Ohio a good place to live?
Preble County scores 57.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Preble 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 Preble 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.