countyscore
37.8
County Score
Lawn Care 79.8Soil Quality 62.7Weather & Climate 60.8

County Report Card

About Richland County, Ohio

Richland Faces Livability Challenges

Richland County struggles with a composite score of 37.8, landing well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects significant socioeconomic hurdles.

Below the State Average

The county remains below the Ohio state average of 48.6. It lags behind many regional counterparts in safety and tax competitiveness.

Affordable Living and Healthcare

Affordability is the main draw here, with a cost score of 57.5 and a median gross rent of only $791. Community health also remains a relative strength with a score of 51.0.

Safety and Local Economy

Safety is a primary concern with a low score of 19.7, while the tax score of 21.3 impacts budgets. Income levels are also low, reflecting a median household income under $58,000.

A Fit for Budget Seekers

Richland suits individuals seeking a very low cost of living and affordable rental options. It is best for those who prioritize healthcare access and cheap housing over local safety rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax21.3Cost57.5Safety19.7Health51Schools35.2Income32.2Risk38.7Water42.4Weather60.8
🏛21.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡19.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤51
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓35.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡38.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧42.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨62.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱79.8
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

Ashland County
Ohio
52.8
Morrow County
Ohio
51.7
Crawford County
Ohio
48.5
Knox County
Ohio
53.7
Huron County
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Holmes County
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Marion County
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Wayne County
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Deep Dives

Richland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Richland County

via TaxByCounty

Richland County ranks above national tax median

Richland County's effective tax rate of 1.288% exceeds the national median of 1.172%, placing it in the higher-tax tier nationally. The median property tax of $1,984 tops the national median of $2,690, though on a lower home value—reflecting a notably higher tax burden relative to property worth.

Richland ranks among Ohio's high-tax counties

At 1.288%, Richland County's effective rate runs well above Ohio's state average of 1.148%, placing it in the higher-tax echelon statewide. The median tax of $1,984 falls below Ohio's median of $2,145, but only because Richland homes are worth considerably less.

Richland's the high-tax neighbor

Richland's 1.288% rate trails only Portage's 1.296% among these eight counties, making it the second-priciest from a tax perspective. Homeowners here bear a substantially heavier burden than Pike (0.855%) or Putnam (0.976%) residents.

Budget $1,984 yearly on median home

A typical Richland County home valued at $154,000 incurs an annual property tax bill of $1,984. With a mortgage, that climbs to $2,078; without one, it drops to $1,846.

High-tax county: verify your assessment

In Richland County's high-tax environment, even a modest overassessment adds up quickly in wasted dollars. Review your home's assessed value against recent comparable sales and file a free appeal with your county auditor if the assessment seems inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Richland County

via CostByCounty

Richland's affordability masked by low income

Richland County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds the national average, driven by a median household income of $57,649—23% below the national median. While rents are modest, the county's income constraints limit true affordability.

Moderate affordability, weak income

Richland's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio sits above Ohio's 15.6% state average, revealing a county where housing costs consume a larger income share than typical for the state. The $791 median rent ranks among the lowest, but it's not low enough to offset modest wage levels.

Cheapest rents, but lowest incomes too

Richland's $791 rent matches Sandusky as the cheapest in this group, but its $57,649 median income ranks second-lowest after Pike. The county offers bargain housing but limited earning potential compared to peers like Putnam ($82,785) or Pickaway ($72,927).

Tight margins despite low costs

Richland renters pay $791 monthly on a median $57,649 annual income, dedicating 16.5% to rent and leaving limited cushion for emergencies. Homebuyers commit $837 monthly, or 17.4% of income, approaching the federal cost-burden threshold.

Right for cost minimizers only

Richland appeals to relocators prioritizing absolute rent savings, but the county's income levels suggest limited career advancement opportunities. Compare Richland's job market against higher-wage counties like Putnam or Pickaway to ensure the savings are worth the wage trade-off.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Richland County

via IncomeByCounty

Richland significantly lags national income

Richland County's median household income of $57,649 falls 22.9% short of the national median of $74,755, indicating substantial economic challenges. This gap reflects structural headwinds in a manufacturing-dependent county navigating post-industrial economic shifts.

Below-average earnings across Ohio

At $57,649, Richland County trails Ohio's state average of $68,101 by 15.3%, ranking among the state's lower-income communities. The county's economic struggles concentrate in areas once dominated by manufacturing, now facing ongoing adjustment challenges.

Second-lowest income in sample

Richland's $57,649 income ranks above only Pike County ($49,552) among the eight counties studied, though it lags stronger peers like Putnam County ($82,785) by $25,000. The county faces more severe income constraints than most of its surrounding communities.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Richland County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% indicates housing costs consume a significant share of limited income. With a median home value of $154,000 and below-average household earnings, affordability pressures limit families' ability to save and invest.

Focus on skills and income growth

Richland County households earning $57,649 should prioritize income growth through education, certification, or skill development before aggressive investing. Free financial counseling and employer benefits exploration can help families build security despite current earnings constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Richland County

via CrimeByCounty

Richland County Remains Below National Crime Levels

Richland County holds a safety score of 96.7. While lower than some neighbors, its total crime rate of 2091.9 per 100,000 remains safer than the national average of 2,385.5.

Navigating State Crime Averages

Richland's total crime rate of 2091.9 per 100K is higher than the Ohio state average of 1412.3. This puts its safety score of 96.7 slightly below the state benchmark of 97.8.

Comparing Rates in North Central Ohio

Richland County experiences more crime than nearby Sandusky County, which reports a rate of 917.1. However, Richland is safer than Ross County, which sees 2627.4 incidents per 100K.

Evaluating Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime stands at 260.0 per 100K, which is higher than the state average but lower than the national rate. Property crime is the main contributor to local figures at 1831.9 per 100K.

Prioritize Home Security and Awareness

With property crime as the primary concern, Richland residents should use visible security measures. Security cameras and alarm systems are proven tools to reduce the risk of burglary.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Richland County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy at national baseline, health concerns clear

Richland County residents live to 74.0 years, just below the U.S. average of 74.8 years. However, 19.6% report poor or fair health, and 7.2% lack insurance—both above national averages.

Richland underperforms on most health measures

At 74.0 years, Richland's life expectancy trails Ohio's state average of 74.8 years. The 7.2% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 7.5%, and the 19.6% poor/fair health rate signals persistent health challenges.

Middle outcomes, gaps in coverage and health

Richland's 74.0-year life expectancy ranks fifth among the eight counties studied. The 7.2% uninsured rate and 19.6% poor/fair health rate place Richland below peers like Portage and Putnam but above Pike's crisis levels.

Strong primary care, good mental health support

Richland County provides 47 primary care providers and 481 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—solid capacity for both essential and specialized care. The 7.2% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 14 residents navigate healthcare without coverage.

Find coverage that works for your situation

Richland's 7.2% uninsured rate is higher than desirable; if you're uninsured or underinsured, healthcare.gov and local Medicaid offices can connect you with affordable plans. Visit Richland County Health Department for in-person enrollment help.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Richland County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Diverse School Network

Richland County supports a massive educational infrastructure of 46 public schools serving 18,843 students. Managed by 16 different districts, the system includes 19 elementary, 10 middle, and 13 high schools. This high number of districts provides a variety of educational philosophies and local leadership styles across the county.

Addressing Challenges in Graduation Rates

The county faces challenges with an 82.0% graduation rate, which sits below both the state average of 88.3% and the national 87.0%. Per-pupil spending of $7,678 is also slightly lower than the Ohio average of $7,994, contributing to a school score of 50.8. These numbers highlight an opportunity for growth and increased investment in local student outcomes.

Mansfield City and Charter School Options

Mansfield City is the largest district with 3,182 students, followed by Madison Local with 2,730. Unlike many neighboring counties, Richland features six charter schools which represent 13% of all schools in the area. These alternative options provide families with choices beyond the traditional public school framework.

A Blend of City, Suburb, and Rural Life

Richland County offers a unique locale mix with 15 rural, 14 city, and 13 suburban schools. The average school size is 410 students, but large facilities like Pioneer Career & Technology Center serve over 1,000 students. This variety means families can find everything from dense urban campuses to secluded rural schoolhouses.

Discover Diverse Neighborhoods and Schools

With 16 districts to choose from, Richland County offers a housing and schooling match for every lifestyle. Whether you prefer the suburban feel of Madison Local or the urban energy of Mansfield City, school proximity is a key factor to consider. Explore the region to find a home that aligns with your educational and community priorities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Richland County

via RiskByCounty

Richland faces above-average hazard exposure

Richland County's composite risk score of 61.32 exceeds the national average, despite its "Relatively Low" state-level classification. The county experiences higher natural disaster threats than typical U.S. counties.

Well above Ohio's state average

At 61.32, Richland County scores more than 6 points above Ohio's average of 55.03, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. The county ranks in Ohio's upper-middle tier for natural disaster exposure.

Richland matches peers in risk level

Richland (61.32) sits between Portage (65.08) and Sandusky (56.74) in north-central Ohio, representing a mid-to-high risk zone. Its exposure patterns align more closely with higher-risk adjacent counties than lower-risk ones.

Floods and tornadoes are primary threats

Flooding represents Richland's top hazard at 71.56, while tornado risk at 62.34 poses significant spring-season danger. Together these hazards drive Richland's above-average composite risk.

Prioritize flood insurance immediately

With flood risk at 71.56, separate flood insurance is non-negotiable—standard policies won't protect you from water damage. Install a sump pump and backup power, maintain proper grading around your home, and review tornado safety plans annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Richland County

via WeatherByCounty

Richland Stays Brisk Compared to National Medians

Richland County maintains an average annual temperature of 50.5°F, placing it below the national median. This humid continental climate experiences distinct seasons with significant variations between summer and winter extremes.

A Cooler Corner of the Buckeye State

The county's 50.5°F average is a full degree cooler than the Ohio state average of 51.5°F. This lower temperature ranking reflects its position in the north-central highlands of the state.

Managing More Snow Than Its Neighbors

While neighboring Summit County averages 52.0°F, Richland remains notably cooler and wetter. Its 49.2 inches of annual snowfall is significantly higher than Sandusky County’s 26.2 inches.

Cold Winters and Mild Summer Afternoons

Winter dominates with 49.2 inches of snow and a January average of 26.1°F. Summers are relatively comfortable, recording only 8 days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F.

Winter Preparedness is Essential for Residents

Homeowners should prioritize high-efficiency heating and heavy-duty snow removal equipment to handle the nearly 50 inches of annual snow. The mild summer heat means cooling systems face less strain than in southern Ohio.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Richland County

via SoilByCounty

Richland's Typical Ohio Soil

Richland County's soil average pH is 5.80, closely tracking the state average of 5.97. While specific soil order data is limited, the chemical profile suggests a standard temperate forest soil history.

Consistent Silty Texture

With 52.0% silt and 27.5% sand, the soil has a reliable texture for most residential and agricultural uses. The 17.0% clay content is enough to help bind soil particles without making it too difficult to dig.

Strong Organic Matter Content

Organic matter is a strong suit here at 4.64%, nearly matching the high Ohio state average. The available water capacity is 0.185 in/in, which is essentially on par with the state average of 0.186.

Standard Water Handling

Though formal drainage classes are not listed in recent surveys, the silt-heavy composition suggests moderate permeability. This usually means the land supports a wide range of uses from landscaping to small-scale farming.

Garden Readiness in Zone 6a

With a 62.7 soil score and 6a hardiness, Richland County is ready for spring planting. The high organic matter means you can grow a lush, healthy garden with minimal initial soil amendments.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Richland County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growing with Minimal Heat Stress

Richland County scores a solid 79.8 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it one of the easier places in the state to keep a lawn. Its Zone 6a classification and low frequency of extreme heat make it a haven for traditional cool-season grasses.

Cooler Summers and Plentiful Rainfall

With only 8 extreme heat days—well below the state average of 15—Richland lawns rarely suffer from heat-induced dormancy. The 42.5 inches of annual precipitation provides a steady supply of moisture for the 3,040 growing degree days.

Acidic Soils Need a Nutrient Boost

A soil pH of 5.80 indicates that Richland's earth is naturally acidic and may benefit from a lime application to reach the ideal 6.0 range. The 17.0% clay content provides some moisture retention without the heavy drainage issues found in thicker clays.

A Reliable Climate for Consistent Greenery

Richland has seen only four weeks of drought over the last year and currently has zero abnormally dry areas. This stability allows for a low-maintenance approach to watering, relying largely on the county's consistent rainfall.

Wait for May to Seed Richland Lawns

Because the last spring frost typically occurs on April 30, it is best to wait until early May to start new grass. Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass thrive here thanks to the lack of intense summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Richland County's county score?
Richland County, Ohio has a composite county score of 37.8 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 Richland County rank among counties in Ohio?
Richland County ranks #79 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 Richland County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Richland County is $1,984, with an effective tax rate of 1.29%. This earns Richland County a tax score of 21.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Richland County?
The median household income in Richland County, Ohio is $57,649 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Richland County earns an income score of 32.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Richland County, Ohio a good place to live?
Richland County scores 37.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #79 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Richland 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 Richland 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.