CountyScore

Ross County

Ohio · OH

#55 in Ohio
66.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Ross County, Ohio

Strong national livability with local upside

Ross County scores 70.7 on the composite index, significantly exceeding the national median of 50.0 and demonstrating solid national-level livability. The county ranks among the stronger performers on affordability and tax burden.

Above Ohio average, solid regional standing

Ross County scores 70.7, exceeding Ohio's state average of 68.8 and ranking in the upper half of the state's 88 counties. The county competes favorably with most regional neighbors on the composite livability measure.

Low taxes and affordable housing appeal

Ross County delivers a tax score of 74.3 with an effective rate of just 0.995%, paired with a cost score of 80.1 offering median home values of $158,500 and rents averaging $858 per month. This combination makes the county highly attractive for budget-conscious households.

Income growth lags regional standards

Ross County's income score of 22.4 with median household income at $59,819 trails most peer counties, suggesting limited high-wage employment locally. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remain unavailable for complete assessment.

Excellent fit for frugal, self-sufficient families

Ross County appeals to families and retirees prioritizing minimal housing costs and taxes, particularly those earning income from sources outside the county. The county works best for those whose livelihood doesn't depend on local job markets.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.3Cost80.1SafetyComing SoonHealth66SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.4Risk37.1WaterComing Soon
🏛74.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡37.1
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 Ross County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

McIntosh County
Georgia
66.7
Median income: $50,348
Washington County
Georgia
66.7
Median income: $44,009
Montgomery County
Iowa
66.7
Median income: $63,190
Haskell County
Kansas
66.7
Median income: $69,138
Miami County
Kansas
66.7
Median income: $88,000

Deep Dives

Ross County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.