Scioto County's composite score of 71.2 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of American counties. This 42% advantage reflects strong fundamentals in taxes and housing affordability across the region.
2 / 5
A solid performer in Ohio rankings
Scioto's 71.2 score edges above Ohio's state average of 68.8, positioning it among the more livable counties in the state. The county's strength in cost of living particularly bolsters its overall standing.
3 / 5
Unbeatable affordability and low taxes
Scioto shines brightest in housing affordability with a cost score of 84.4, supported by a median home value of $132,300 and gross rent of $749 per month. A tax score of 72.1 backed by an effective tax rate of 1.071% makes this county exceptionally accessible for budget-conscious families.
4 / 5
Income growth lags significantly behind
The county's income score of 15.8 reveals a critical gap, with median household income at just $49,571—well below state and national norms. Data on health, schools, safety, and environmental factors remains unavailable, leaving important livability questions unanswered.
5 / 5
Best for cost-conscious retirees and families
Scioto County suits people who prioritize low housing costs and minimal tax burden over high earning potential. It's an excellent fit for retirees on fixed incomes or families seeking affordable homeownership in an economically challenged region.
Scioto County's composite score of 71.2 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of American counties. This 42% advantage reflects strong fundamentals in taxes and housing affordability across the region.
A solid performer in Ohio rankings
Scioto's 71.2 score edges above Ohio's state average of 68.8, positioning it among the more livable counties in the state. The county's strength in cost of living particularly bolsters its overall standing.
Unbeatable affordability and low taxes
Scioto shines brightest in housing affordability with a cost score of 84.4, supported by a median home value of $132,300 and gross rent of $749 per month. A tax score of 72.1 backed by an effective tax rate of 1.071% makes this county exceptionally accessible for budget-conscious families.
Income growth lags significantly behind
The county's income score of 15.8 reveals a critical gap, with median household income at just $49,571—well below state and national norms. Data on health, schools, safety, and environmental factors remains unavailable, leaving important livability questions unanswered.
Best for cost-conscious retirees and families
Scioto County suits people who prioritize low housing costs and minimal tax burden over high earning potential. It's an excellent fit for retirees on fixed incomes or families seeking affordable homeownership in an economically challenged region.
Score breakdown
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🏛72.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.