countyscore
43.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 72.3Cost of Living 72.1

County Report Card

About Scioto County, Ohio

Scioto County Trails the National Median

Scioto County earns a composite score of 43.7, placing it below the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates the county faces more significant livability hurdles than the average American community.

Falling Short of the Ohio Average

With a 43.7 overall score, Scioto County sits nearly five points below the Ohio state average of 48.6. It ranks among the lower-performing counties in the state due to persistent economic and safety challenges.

Exceptional Water Quality and Low Housing Costs

The county excels in water quality with a score of 86.0 and offers strong affordability with a cost score of 72.1. Residents benefit from a low median gross rent of $749 and median home values of just $132,300.

Economic and Safety Factors Lag Behind

Income levels are a primary concern, as the income score sits at a low 13.6 with a median household income of $49,571. Safety and health also present challenges, scoring 28.4 and 31.8 respectively.

A Haven for Budget-Conscious Renters

Scioto County is best suited for individuals who prioritize low housing costs and reliable infrastructure over high income potential. It offers one of the most affordable entry points into the Ohio housing market.

Score breakdown

Tax33Cost72.1Safety28.4Health31.8Schools50.9Income13.6Risk29.8Water86Weather60.8
🏛33
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤31.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡29.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.3
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

Greenup County
Kentucky
58.8
Lewis County
Kentucky
64.8
Lawrence County
Ohio
53.2
Pike County
Ohio
50.9
Jackson County
Ohio
49.8
Adams County
Ohio
55.6
Carter County
Kentucky
66.3
Boyd County
Kentucky
45.1

Deep Dives

Scioto County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Scioto County

via TaxByCounty

Scioto's taxes rank well below nation

At 1.071%, Scioto County's effective tax rate sits 47% lower than the national median, placing it in the bottom quarter nationally. The median property tax bill here is just $1,417 annually—half the national median of $2,690.

Among Ohio's most affordable counties

Scioto ranks in the lower half of Ohio counties by tax rate, with its 1.071% rate running below the state average of 1.148%. This positions homeowners favorably against the typical Ohio county tax burden.

Lower taxes than most regional peers

Scioto's 1.071% rate beats nearby Seneca County (1.093%) and Tuscarawas County (1.080%), making it one of the more tax-friendly spots in south-central Ohio. The median home value of $132,300 is also notably lower than state neighbors, contributing to lower absolute tax bills.

What $132,300 home costs in taxes

The median Scioto County home valued at $132,300 generates an annual property tax of roughly $1,417. With a mortgage, expect to pay about $1,722 annually when accounting for full obligations.

Appeal overassessments to cut costs

Many Scioto County property owners are paying taxes on inflated assessed values. If your home assessment seems high relative to recent sales prices, filing a county appeal could reduce your annual bill by hundreds of dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Scioto County

via CostByCounty

Scioto's rent burden exceeds national norms

Scioto County residents spend 18.1% of household income on rent, significantly higher than the national average and a warning sign for affordability stress. With a median household income of $49,571—33% below the national median of $74,755—renters here face tighter budgets than most Americans.

Among Ohio's least affordable counties

Scioto's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks it above Ohio's state average of 15.6%, placing it among the state's most cost-burdened housing markets. The median rent of $749/month is actually $124 cheaper than Ohio's state median, but local incomes simply don't stretch far enough.

How Scioto stacks up nearby

Compared to neighboring Trumbull County (17.1% rent ratio) and Pike County to the south, Scioto faces some of Ohio's steepest housing-cost pressure relative to what residents earn. Seneca County to the north offers more breathing room at 15.0%, suggesting modest relief just 100 miles away.

Where Scioto's paycheck goes

The median renter spends $749/month on housing while earning $4,131/month, consuming nearly one-fifth of gross income before taxes or utilities. Homeowners pay $700/month on average for a $132,300 median home—a more affordable path if financing is accessible, but the median home value still requires significant down payment savings for low-income households.

Considering a move to Scioto?

If your household earns below $50,000 annually, Scioto offers some of Ohio's lowest median rents and home values, making homeownership more achievable than in wealthier counties. But verify your job market stability first—income growth here lags state and national trends, so arriving without secure employment could intensify affordability challenges.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Scioto County

via IncomeByCounty

Scioto lags far behind national income

At $49,571, Scioto County's median household income sits 34% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This gap ranks Scioto among the lowest-income counties nationally, placing it in the bottom 10% for household earnings across America.

Scioto ranks near bottom in Ohio

Scioto's median income of $49,571 trails Ohio's state average of $68,101 by nearly $18,500. Among Ohio's 88 counties, Scioto consistently ranks in the bottom tier for household earnings and economic opportunity.

Neighbors earn significantly more

Surrounding counties paint a starker picture: Trumbull County ($55,088) earns 11% more, while Pike and Jackson counties to the south report similar struggles. Scioto's income disparity suggests economic challenges specific to the region's industrial base and job market.

Rent remains manageable despite low income

Scioto's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% keeps housing costs reasonable relative to earnings—below the 30% affordability threshold. However, with median household income so low, even this favorable ratio leaves households with limited discretionary income for savings and emergencies.

Build stability through intentional savings

Scioto households earning $49,571 annually benefit from setting even modest savings goals—$50 to $100 monthly can create crucial emergency reserves. Consider free financial literacy resources and employer retirement plans to grow wealth despite current income constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Scioto County

via CrimeByCounty

Scioto Outperforms National Safety Averages

Scioto County's total crime rate of 1729.6 per 100K sits comfortably below the national average of 2385.5. This performance earns the county a high safety score of 97.3 out of 100.

Tracing Scioto's Safety Against Ohio Averages

Scioto's crime rate exceeds the Ohio state average of 1412.3 per 100K. Consequently, its safety score of 97.3 falls slightly behind the state's average score of 97.8.

Regional Comparisons Show Moderate Incident Levels

While Scioto sees more crime than some rural neighbors, it remains significantly safer than Ohio's largest urban centers. Five reporting agencies work to manage a crime volume that is higher than the state mean but lower than national levels.

Understanding Violent and Property Crime Risks

Property crime drives the local statistics with 1478.6 incidents per 100K. The violent crime rate of 251.0 is higher than the state average of 180.9 but stays well below the national mark of 369.8.

Securing Your Property in Scioto County

Because property crime is the primary concern, residents should focus on home security basics like deadbolts and motion lighting. Visible deterrents are effective at discouraging opportunistic theft in the community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Scioto County

via HealthByCounty

Scioto faces a significant health gap

At 69.2 years, Scioto County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average by roughly 6 years and lags Ohio's state average of 74.8 years by 5.6 years. One in four residents (23.1%) report poor or fair health, well above national norms, signaling widespread health challenges across the county.

Among Ohio's healthiest challenges

Scioto County ranks near the bottom of Ohio's 88 counties for life expectancy, placing it in the lowest quartile statewide. The county's poor/fair health rate of 23.1% is among the highest in the state, reflecting deeper structural health disparities.

Struggling compared to nearby counties

Scioto's 69.2-year life expectancy falls 4.6 years below neighboring Pike County (estimated 73.8 years) and significantly trails Adams County and Jackson County averages. The county's poor health rate of 23.1% is notably higher than most surrounding counties, indicating concentrated challenges.

Limited providers, urgent access needs

With only 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below the state average—Scioto residents often wait longer for routine care. The county's 7.4% uninsured rate is nearly in line with the state average, but mental health services are notably available with 917 providers per 100K, well above state norms.

Check your coverage options today

If you're among the 7.4% of Scioto County residents without insurance, healthcare options exist. Visit Healthcare.gov or Ohio's Medicaid program to explore plans that fit your budget and health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Scioto County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network Serving Scioto County

Scioto County operates 32 public schools across 12 districts, serving a total of 11,264 students. The infrastructure is primarily composed of 12 elementary and 11 high schools that form the backbone of the local community.

Graduation Rates Meet National Benchmarks

The county's 87.5% graduation rate slightly exceeds the national average of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $8,062 is higher than the Ohio average, the overall school score of 54.5 sits just below the state median.

Minford and Portsmouth Lead the Way

Minford Local is a major district with 1,261 students, while Portsmouth City manages the county's largest individual campuses. Charter schools have a minimal presence here, representing only 3.1% of all public institutions.

Small Schools in Rural Settings

With 22 of 32 schools in rural locales, the average enrollment is a modest 352 students per school. Portsmouth Elementary is the largest facility with 805 students, offering a different scale than the county's smaller rural outposts.

Finding a Home in Scioto Schools

Families seeking a traditional rural education will find diverse options across Scioto’s 12 districts. Consider how school proximity and district performance can impact your long-term property value and quality of life.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Scioto County

via RiskByCounty

Scioto ranks above average nationally

Scioto County's composite risk score of 70.23 places it in the relatively low category, but it sits above the national average for overall disaster risk. This means residents face moderate exposure to multiple natural hazards compared to the typical American county.

Higher risk than most Ohio counties

With a score of 70.23, Scioto County ranks above Ohio's state average of 55.03, putting it among the state's more hazard-prone regions. Only a few Ohio counties face greater composite risk exposure than Scioto.

Scioto faces steeper risks than nearby peers

Scioto's 70.23 score significantly exceeds Union County's 32.73 and Seneca County's 46.85, making it one of the riskier counties in its geographic region. Neighboring Tuscarawas County shows a similar profile at 69.02, suggesting a cluster of moderate risk in southern Ohio.

Flooding and earthquakes top concerns

Scioto County faces its greatest natural disaster risk from flooding (81.97) and earthquake hazards (62.56), both well above the state average. Tornado risk of 44.97 adds a secondary concern, though it remains below the state median.

Prioritize flood insurance now

Residents should secure comprehensive flood insurance immediately, as Scioto's flood risk of 81.97 is among the highest in Ohio. Earthquake coverage and wind/storm protection are also worth evaluating through your homeowner's policy.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Scioto County

via WeatherByCounty

Scioto County Exceeds National Temperature Averages

With an annual average of 54.9°F, Scioto County is warmer than the national median. Its position along the Ohio River gives it a milder climate than the typical Midwestern county.

One of Ohio's Warmest Southern Counties

Scioto County is significantly warmer than the state average of 51.5°F. It also experiences higher precipitation, totaling 43.1 inches annually compared to the state's 41.2 inches.

The Heat Leader of the Region

Scioto’s 54.9°F average makes it warmer than Ross County to the north. It also sees more extreme heat, with 26 days over 90°F compared to Richland's mere 8 days.

Hot Summers and Mild River Winters

Summers are intense with 26 days of extreme heat and a July average of 76.1°F. Winters are among the mildest in the state, with January temperatures averaging 32.1°F.

Focusing on Cooling and Moisture Control

Residents must prepare for nearly a month of 90-degree days with reliable HVAC systems. High annual precipitation and river proximity also make humidity control and basement waterproofing vital.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Scioto County

via SoilByCounty

Scioto's Acidic Foundation

The soil in Scioto County is notably acidic with an average pH of 5.54, falling below the state average of 5.97 and the national 6.5 median. While specific taxonomic data is limited, this lower pH suggests that local gardeners may need to add lime to optimize nutrient availability for most vegetables.

The Silty Mix of Scioto

The soil profile consists of 55.5% silt, 21.5% sand, and 18.4% clay. This silt-dominant mix offers a smooth texture that is easy to work, though it requires careful management to prevent surface crusting after heavy rains.

High Organic Potential

Scioto boasts a strong organic matter content of 5.22%, surpassing the state average of 4.85%. Its available water capacity of 0.188 in/in ensures that plants have a steady moisture reserve during the drier parts of the Ohio summer.

Managing Water Movement

While specific drainage classes are not currently recorded for this county, the high silt percentage typically facilitates moderate water movement. Gardeners should monitor for erosion on sloped terrain where the fine silt particles can wash away easily.

Growth in Zone 6b

In Hardiness Zone 6b, Scioto's rich organic matter supports a long and productive growing season. Start a garden with acid-loving crops like blueberries or azaleas, which will naturally thrive in these local soil conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Scioto County

via LawnByCounty

Manageable Growth in Scioto County

Scioto County earns a 72.3 lawn difficulty score, making it significantly easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0. While slightly below the Ohio average of 76.0, the USDA Hardiness Zone 6b climate supports a robust growing environment.

Warm Summers and High Rainfall

With 43.1 inches of annual precipitation, the county stays well within the ideal range for turf. However, 26 extreme heat days—well above the state average of 15—require careful monitoring to prevent summer grass stress.

Managing Acidic Clay Soil

The soil features a pH of 5.54, which is more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. Residents should consider lime applications to balance the 18.4% clay content and improve nutrient uptake, even where specific drainage data is unavailable.

Strong Local Drought Resilience

Scioto County shows strong resilience, experiencing only 5 weeks in drought over the past year. Current conditions are stable with 0% of the area categorized as abnormally dry, allowing for standard watering routines.

Best Grasses for Zone 6b

Cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue thrive here and handle the local heat better than most varieties. Aim to start your projects after the last spring frost on April 17 but before the first fall frost on October 25.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scioto County's county score?
Scioto County, Ohio has a composite county score of 43.7 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 Scioto County rank among counties in Ohio?
Scioto County ranks #62 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 Scioto County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Scioto County is $1,417, with an effective tax rate of 1.07%. This earns Scioto County a tax score of 33/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Scioto County?
The median household income in Scioto County, Ohio is $49,571 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Scioto County earns an income score of 13.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Scioto County, Ohio a good place to live?
Scioto County scores 43.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Scioto 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 Scioto 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.