countyscore
38
County Score
Lawn Care 79Soil Quality 71Water Quality 66.2

County Report Card

About Ross County, Ohio

Ross Trails National Standards

Ross County's composite score of 38.0 sits significantly below the national median of 50.0. This suggests the county faces hurdles in maintaining a competitive quality of life.

Ranking Lower in Ohio

Compared to the Ohio average of 48.6, Ross County ranks in the lower tier of the state. It struggles to compete with more affluent neighboring districts.

Clean Water and Low Home Prices

Water quality is a bright spot with a score of 66.2, while a cost score of 48.6 provides a path to homeownership. The median home value of $158,500 is notably affordable.

Safety and Community Risk

Safety remains the biggest challenge, scoring a low 11.7. Risk factors and income levels also remain below average, further impacting the county's overall livability.

Best for Affordable Homeownership

Ross is a fit for retirees or remote workers who prioritize low housing costs and natural resource quality. It serves those looking for a low-cost entry into the Ohio property market.

Score breakdown

Tax38.4Cost48.6Safety11.7Health42.6Schools44Income38.5Risk37.1Water66.2Weather58.7
🏛38.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠48.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤42.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡37.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧66.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨71
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱79
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Ross County?

Many homeowners in Ross County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Ross County with Yolo County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Yolo County
California
Median income: $88,818
38
Logan County
Colorado
Median income: $55,074
38
Polk County
Florida
Median income: $63,644
38
Montcalm County
Michigan
Median income: $64,892
38
Washtenaw County
Michigan
Median income: $87,156
38
Stark County
Ohio
Median income: $65,740
38
Whatcom County
Washington
Median income: $80,989
38
Dane County
Wisconsin
Median income: $88,108
38

Nearby counties

Pickaway County
Ohio
41.7
Pike County
Ohio
50.9
Fayette County
Ohio
40.4
Highland County
Ohio
53.4
Jackson County
Ohio
49.8
Vinton County
Ohio
48.2
Hocking County
Ohio
39.3
Fairfield County
Ohio
39.9

Deep Dives

Ross County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ross County

via TaxByCounty

Ross County taxes slightly below national median

Ross County's effective tax rate of 0.995% sits just below the national median of 1.172%, offering modest savings relative to the average American county. The median property tax of $1,577 is substantially below the national median of $2,690, providing $1,113 in annual relief on a typical home.

Ross runs below Ohio's state average rate

At 0.995%, Ross County's effective rate falls below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, positioning it in the lower-tax half of Ohio counties. The median tax of $1,577 sits well below Ohio's median of $2,145, reflecting Ross County's lower property values.

Ross County offers solid regional value

Ross's 0.995% rate ranks among the lowest in this group, trailing only Pike (0.855%) and Putnam (0.976%), and beating Pickaway (1.034%). Southern Ohio residents in Ross County enjoy genuine tax advantages over much of the state.

Median home costs $1,577 in annual taxes

A typical Ross County home valued at $158,500 generates an annual property tax bill of $1,577. With a mortgage, add $132 to reach $1,709; without one, the bill drops to $1,399.

Don't assume your assessment is correct

Even in low-tax Ross County, some homeowners may be overassessed relative to current market values. If your home's assessed value appears high compared to recent comparable sales, request a free reassessment from your county auditor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ross County

via CostByCounty

Ross renters face above-average burden

Ross County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average, driven by a median household income of $59,819—20% below the national median. The county's $858 monthly rent is moderate, but tight incomes amplify the affordability squeeze.

Above-state-average cost burden

Ross's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks 1.6 percentage points above Ohio's 15.6% state average, placing it among the state's more stressed rental markets. The $858 median rent slightly exceeds the state average of $873, creating a compound affordability challenge.

Pricier than Pike and Preble

Ross renters pay $858 monthly, exceeding Pike ($833) and Preble ($803) but trailing Pickaway ($965) and Portage ($1,036). Ross residents earn less than most neighbors, magnifying the relative housing cost burden.

Incomes stretched by housing costs

Ross households allocate $858 to rent or $848 to mortgages while earning $59,819 annually, committing 17.2% to rent and 17.0% to ownership costs. These ratios approach or exceed the federal cost-burden threshold, leaving modest room for other needs.

Consider Ross for local roots only

Ross County offers moderate rents but weak incomes, making it best suited for relocators with established local connections or remote work security. If you're job-hunting in Ohio, compare Ross's employment prospects against stronger-income counties like Putnam or Pickaway.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ross County

via IncomeByCounty

Ross County trails national income levels

Ross County's median household income of $59,819 runs 19.9% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting economic pressures in this south-central Ohio community. While not among the lowest-earning counties nationally, the gap signals meaningful income constraints.

Below Ohio average despite strengths

At $59,819, Ross County trails Ohio's state average of $68,101 by 12.1%, suggesting economic challenges despite the county seat in Chillicothe. Manufacturing decline and limited job growth have pressured household earnings across the region.

Mid-range earner with mixed fortunes

Ross County's $59,819 income ranks above Pike County ($49,552) and Richland County ($57,649), but significantly below Putnam County ($82,785). The county occupies the lower-middle tier among regional peers, reflecting moderate economic challenges.

Housing costs consume significant income

Ross County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% means renters spend roughly one-sixth of household earnings on housing, straining budgets. With a median home value of $158,500 and below-average incomes, homeownership requires careful financial planning.

Build resilience through steady saving

Ross County households earning $59,819 should prioritize building emergency reserves and exploring employer retirement plans before investing in growth assets. Even modest regular savings can create financial stability and open pathways to wealth accumulation over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ross County

via CrimeByCounty

Ross County Exceeds National Crime Averages

Ross County reports a total crime rate of 2627.4 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.9.

Higher Crime Activity Relative to Ohio

The county's total crime rate is nearly double the Ohio average of 1412.3. Consequently, its safety score of 95.9 is lower than the state average of 97.8.

Regional Comparison with Southern Ohio

Ross County has a higher crime rate than neighboring Pike (1060.7) and Pickaway (1844.9). This suggests a more active local crime environment than seen in adjacent counties.

Property Crime is the Major Driver

Property crime in Ross County is high at 2440.3 per 100K, exceeding the national property crime average. Violent crime is 187.1 per 100K, which is slightly above the state average.

Defend Your Property and Peace of Mind

Given the high property crime rate, securing your home is essential. Use high-quality locks, motion sensors, and security cameras to protect your family and belongings.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ross County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy significantly below U.S. average

Ross County residents live to just 72.2 years, 2.6 years below the U.S. average of 74.8 years. Over 1 in 5 residents (21.7%) report poor or fair health, far exceeding national norms.

Ross trails Ohio on life expectancy

At 72.2 years, Ross County's life expectancy falls 2.6 years behind Ohio's state average of 74.8 years. The 21.7% poor/fair health rate ranks among the worst in the state, indicating serious population health challenges.

Second-worst outcomes in the region

Ross's 72.2-year life expectancy is second-lowest in this cohort, trailing only Pike County's 69.7 years by 2.5 years. The 21.7% poor/fair health rate is surpassed only by Pike's 23.7%, showing Ross faces substantial health headwinds.

Most primary care providers, strong mental health

Ross County boasts 66 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in this group—and 609 mental health providers per 100,000, offering robust access to care. Yet 6.8% remain uninsured, and the underlying health disparities persist despite availability.

Get insured, explore preventive care

Ross's 6.8% uninsured rate leaves coverage gaps; healthcare.gov and Medicaid enrollment can close them. With plentiful providers available, insured residents should prioritize preventive checkups and mental health support to improve Ross County's health trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ross County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Educational Access in Ross County

Ross County manages 25 public schools that serve a total of 10,988 students across nine districts. The county features a balanced mix of nine elementary, seven middle, and seven high schools, along with two specialized centers. This infrastructure provides comprehensive coverage for both the town of Chillicothe and the surrounding rural areas.

Graduation Rates and Strategic Investment

Ross County currently reports an 84.6% graduation rate, trailing the Ohio state average of 88.3%. However, the county invests $8,089 per pupil, which exceeds the state average and signals a commitment to improving student resources. The composite school score of 53.0 indicates that while challenges exist, the foundations for growth are present.

Chillicothe City and Union-Scioto Anchors

Chillicothe City is the county's primary district, serving 2,741 students across five campuses. Union-Scioto Local also plays a major role, hosting the county's largest campus, Unioto Elementary, which serves 1,020 students. There are no charter schools in Ross County, with all students enrolled in the traditional district system.

Town Centers Meet Rural School Districts

The county’s schools are split between 17 rural locations and 8 town settings, reflecting the local geography. While the average school size is 440 students, large facilities like Chillicothe High School offer a more traditional, large-scale high school experience. This mix allows families to choose between centralized town schools and more remote rural options.

Find Your Home in the Heart of Ross County

Families moving to Ross County often look toward the Chillicothe City or Greenfield districts for their established reputations. As you explore the local real estate market, consider how school district boundaries align with your commute and lifestyle. High per-pupil spending indicates a community that values its future through its schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ross County

via RiskByCounty

Ross faces elevated national risk

Ross County's composite risk score of 62.88 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating above-average natural disaster exposure. The county experiences more hazard threats than most American regions.

Among Ohio's riskier counties

At 62.88, Ross County exceeds Ohio's state average of 55.03 by nearly 8 points, ranking in the state's higher-risk tier. The county faces notably elevated exposure across multiple hazard types.

Ross ranks among region's riskiest

Ross (62.88) significantly exceeds nearby Pike (43.13) and Pickaway (50.92) but trails Portage (65.08) in southern Ohio. Its risk profile places it among the region's more hazardous counties.

Floods and wildfires are serious threats

Ross County's flood risk of 74.46 ranks among Ohio's worst, while wildfire risk at 48.54 significantly exceeds state patterns. These two hazards drive Ross's elevated composite risk significantly above state averages.

Flood insurance is essential coverage

With flood risk at 74.46, dedicated flood insurance is critical—standard homeowners policies exclude water damage entirely. Clear debris from wooded areas near your property, maintain gutters, and verify your insurance covers wildfire damage to structures and contents.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ross County

via WeatherByCounty

Ross County Matches the National Temperature Median

With an average annual temperature of 53.5°F, Ross County aligns closely with the United States median. This humid continental region experiences warmer overall conditions than much of the Great Lakes area.

Warmer Than the Average Ohio County

Ross County is notably warmer than the state average of 51.5°F. Its 53.5°F annual mean places it among the warmer southern half of Ohio's 88 counties.

A Warm Bridge Between North and South

Ross County’s 53.5°F average is warmer than northern neighbors like Richland at 50.5°F. However, it remains slightly cooler than Scioto County further south, which averages 54.9°F.

Extended Heat and Moderate Winter Temps

The county faces 22 extreme heat days annually where temperatures top 90°F. Winter stays slightly milder than the state average, with a January mean of 30.1°F.

Preparing for Significant Summer Heat Loads

Residents should invest in robust air conditioning systems to navigate the three weeks of 90-degree weather. While snowfall data is limited, the 32.8°F winter average suggests a mix of freezing and thawing cycles.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ross County

via SoilByCounty

Optimal Acidity for Growth

Ross County features an average soil pH of 6.02, which is slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.97. While taxonomic data is currently limited, this pH level is ideal for unlocking most essential plant nutrients.

Silky Silts of the Scioto Valley

The soil is dominated by 51.1% silt and 24.5% sand, offering a smooth texture that roots can easily navigate. The 18.9% clay content provides a decent exchange capacity to hold on to fertilizers.

Rich in Organic Life

Ross County boasts a high organic matter content of 5.23%, beating the already high state average of 4.85%. Its water capacity of 0.193 in/in further supports vigorous plant life through dry summer periods.

Deep Water Storage

Formal drainage classifications are limited, but the high organic content and available water capacity suggest a soil that manages moisture well. This profile generally provides a buffer against both light droughts and heavy rains.

Thriving in Zone 6b

With an impressive soil score of 71.0 and a warm 6b hardiness zone, Ross County is a gardener's dream. The high organic matter and favorable pH make it easy to start growing everything from tomatoes to timber.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ross County

via LawnByCounty

Warm Summers and Easy Maintenance in Ross

Ross County earns a 79.0 difficulty score, meaning homeowners find it easier to grow grass here than in many other parts of the country. This Zone 6b county features a robust growing season that starts earlier and lasts longer than northern Ohio peers.

Preparing for Significant Summer Heat

While specific precipitation data is limited, the 22 extreme heat days—significantly higher than the state average—suggest a high demand for water in July. The 3,538 growing degree days indicate a fast-paced season where mowing happens frequently.

Ideal pH for Nutrient-Hungry Turf

The soil pH of 6.02 is within the optimal range, ensuring that grass can absorb essential minerals from the 18.9% clay-rich soil. While texture data is limited, this pH level is perfect for establishing a lush, green carpet without heavy amendments.

Low Drought Impact in Recent Months

With only six weeks of drought in the past year and current conditions at 0% dry, Ross County is in good shape. Homeowners should keep an eye on the 22 annual heat days and water deeply to protect roots during temperature spikes.

Early Starts Benefit from Zone 6b Warmth

The frost usually clears by April 20, allowing for an early spring start to the lawn care season. Heat-tolerant cool-season grasses like tall fescue are the best choice to handle the 22 days of 90-degree temperatures.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ross County's county score?
Ross County, Ohio has a composite county score of 38 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 Ross County rank among counties in Ohio?
Ross County ranks #75 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 Ross County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Ross County is $1,577, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Ross County a tax score of 38.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ross County?
The median household income in Ross County, Ohio is $59,819 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ross County earns an income score of 38.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ross County, Ohio a good place to live?
Ross County scores 38/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #75 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Ross 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 Ross 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.