CountyScore

Preble County

Ohio · OH

#20 in Ohio
69.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Preble County, Ohio

Strong performer on the national stage

Preble County scores 70.6 on the composite index, well above the national median of 50.0 and indicating top-quartile livability nationally. The county's performance reflects a balanced profile of affordable housing and manageable taxes.

Edges out Ohio's state average slightly

With a score of 70.6, Preble County ranks above Ohio's state average of 68.8, placing it in the upper half of the state's 88 counties. The county competes favorably with most regional neighbors on livability.

Housing costs and taxes stand out

Preble County boasts a cost score of 79.8—second-highest among these counties—with median home values of $171,100 and the lowest rents here at $803 per month. The tax score of 72.0 and effective rate of 1.076% add to the county's affordability appeal.

Income levels below state median

Preble County's income score of 29.9 with median household income at $71,237 trails several peer counties, suggesting limited higher-wage opportunities. Safety, health, education, and environmental data remain unavailable for complete assessment.

Best for families seeking value and stability

Preble County appeals to families and retirees seeking maximum housing affordability and low tax burden without sacrificing community stability. The county works especially well for those with moderate, steady incomes who prioritize keeping housing costs minimal.

Score breakdown

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

Tax72Cost79.8SafetyComing SoonHealth70.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.9Risk56.7WaterComing Soon
🏛72
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡56.7
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 Preble County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Baxter County
Arkansas
69.4
Median income: $48,427
Desha County
Arkansas
69.4
Median income: $36,064
Bleckley County
Georgia
69.4
Median income: $53,005
Dawson County
Georgia
69.4
Median income: $88,986
Lamar County
Georgia
69.4
Median income: $68,457

Deep Dives

Preble County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.