countyscore
54.2
County Score
Soil Quality 73.5Lawn Care 72.4Schools 69.5

County Report Card

About Seneca County, Ohio

Outperforming the National Median Score

Seneca County secures a 54.2 composite score, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high overall quality of life relative to the rest of the United States.

A Top Performer in the Buckeye State

Seneca's 54.2 score puts it well above the Ohio state average of 48.6. It stands out as a balanced and competitive county within the state's regional landscape.

High-Quality Schools and Stable Incomes

Education is a major draw here, with a school score of 69.5 leading the county's metrics. Income levels are also solid, supported by a score of 54.6 and a median household income of $65,020.

Navigating High Tax Burdens

The county faces its toughest challenge in the tax dimension, where it scores 31.6 due to an effective tax rate of 1.093%. Water quality also shows room for improvement with a moderate score of 50.6.

Ideal for Growing Families

With its strong schools and balanced scores across safety and health, Seneca County is a premier choice for families. It offers a stable environment where educational quality and income stability align.

Score breakdown

Tax31.6Cost58.3Safety54.2Health56.7Schools69.5Income54.6Risk53.2Water50.6Weather55.1
🏛31.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠58.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡54.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤56.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓69.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡53.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧50.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.4
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

Sandusky County
Ohio
55.5
Crawford County
Ohio
48.5
Wyandot County
Ohio
67.1
Hancock County
Ohio
46.4
Huron County
Ohio
56.9
Wood County
Ohio
51.1
Ottawa County
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Erie County
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47.4

Deep Dives

Seneca County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Seneca County

via TaxByCounty

Seneca stays well below national average

Seneca County's effective tax rate of 1.093% ranks substantially lower than the national median, placing it among the more affordable counties nationwide. The median annual property tax of $1,489 is nearly 45% below the national median of $2,690.

Light tax burden for an Ohio county

At 1.093%, Seneca's effective rate falls below the Ohio state average of 1.148%, putting it in the lower-tax quartile statewide. This favorable position makes Seneca competitive on tax burden among its peer counties.

Comparable to Scioto, lighter than Stark

Seneca's 1.093% rate closely matches Scioto County (1.071%) and substantially undercuts Stark County (1.318%), making northwest Ohio relatively tax-friendly. The median home value of $136,200 reflects the region's affordability across both property values and tax bills.

What $136,200 home costs annually

A median Seneca County home valued at $136,200 carries an annual property tax of about $1,489. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $1,563 when accounting for escrow and additional obligations.

Check your assessment for savings

Seneca County homeowners should verify their assessed values against comparable recent sales in their neighborhoods. Overassessed properties are common, and county appeal processes can recover hundreds in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Seneca County

via CostByCounty

Seneca hits Ohio's sweet spot for renters

Seneca County renters spend just 15.0% of household income on rent, better than Ohio's 15.6% state average and close to the healthy national benchmark. At $65,020 median income, residents earn 13% above the national median, creating genuine breathing room in the rental market.

More affordable than most Ohio counties

Seneca's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio places it among Ohio's more livable housing markets, outperforming the state average. A median rent of $814/month—$59 below the state median—means Seneca offers competitive pricing without the income sacrifice other counties demand.

Seneca's sweet spot in northwest Ohio

Seneca sits between higher-cost Shelby County (14.9% ratio) and affordable Scioto County (18.1%), making it an accessible middle ground. Nearby Sandusky County renters face similar conditions, confirming Seneca's position as a balanced option in the region.

Income and housing balance in Seneca

Renters earn $5,418/month on average and pay $814 for housing—a manageable 15% of gross income that leaves room for other expenses. Homeowners spend $775/month on a $136,200 median home value, offering an affordable entry point to ownership without regional sacrifice.

Seneca works for balanced budgets

If you earn between $50,000 and $75,000 annually, Seneca delivers genuine affordability without the hidden costs of boom-and-bust markets. The county's stable, moderate pricing makes it ideal for families prioritizing housing security over rapid career growth.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Seneca County

via IncomeByCounty

Seneca earns 13% below national average

Seneca County's median household income of $65,020 falls short of the U.S. median of $74,755 by about $9,735. This places Seneca in the lower-middle income tier nationally, roughly in the 35th percentile among American counties.

Slightly below Ohio's middle-income mark

At $65,020, Seneca's median income sits about $3,081 below Ohio's state average of $68,101. The county ranks in Ohio's middle quintile for household earnings, suggesting moderate economic stability compared to peer counties statewide.

Competitive with regional peers

Seneca ($65,020) earns slightly more than Tuscarawas ($64,494) but trails Shelby ($72,822) and Stark ($65,740). This regional clustering suggests consistent economic drivers across northwest Ohio, with modest variations in manufacturing and agricultural sectors.

Rent remains affordable and stable

Seneca's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% indicates strong housing affordability—well below the 30% threshold for healthy finances. The median home value of $136,200 aligns with regional pricing, allowing households to build equity without excessive debt burden.

Leverage affordability to invest long-term

With favorable housing costs, Seneca households can direct savings toward retirement accounts, education funds, or investment portfolios. At $65,020 median income, families who budget aggressively can accumulate meaningful wealth over 10–20 years through consistent investing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Seneca County

via CrimeByCounty

Seneca County Boasts Low Crime Rates

Seneca County reports a total crime rate of 1035.2 per 100K, which is less than half the national average. This exceptional data results in a safety score of 98.4 out of 100.

A Safety Leader in the State of Ohio

With a safety score of 98.4, Seneca outperforms the Ohio state average score of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1035.2 is significantly lower than the state average of 1412.3.

Seneca Stands Out Among Regional Peers

Six local agencies maintain a crime profile that is lower than many industrial neighbors in the region. The county serves as a model for public safety within the state's northern corridor.

Analyzing Low Violent Crime Figures

The county reports only 101.7 violent crimes per 100K, far below the state average of 180.9. Property crime accounts for 933.5 incidents per 100K, making up the vast majority of local law enforcement activity.

Simple Steps for a Safer Home

Even in safe areas like Seneca, basic security measures like locking doors and windows are essential. These simple habits help maintain the low crime rates that residents currently enjoy.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Seneca County

via HealthByCounty

Seneca matches Ohio's health baseline

Seneca County's 74.8-year life expectancy equals Ohio's state average but falls about 4 years short of the U.S. average of roughly 78.9 years. Just under one in five residents (19.8%) report poor or fair health, suggesting more stable overall wellness than some peer counties.

Middle of the pack statewide

At 74.8 years, Seneca County matches Ohio's average life expectancy, placing it squarely in the state's middle tier of health outcomes. The county's 19.8% poor/fair health rate sits below the state average, indicating relatively better health status.

Outperforming most surrounding counties

Seneca's 74.8-year life expectancy exceeds Hancock County's 74.3 years and rivals Wood County's performance. The county's 19.8% poor/fair health rate is notably lower than Fulton County's 20.5%, showing comparative health stability in northwest Ohio.

Fewer doctors, lower uninsured rates

Seneca has only 36 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, making access to routine care challenging in rural areas. The uninsured rate of 6.3% is better than the state average of 7.5%, though mental health provider availability at 178 per 100K remains below state norms.

Most Seneca residents have coverage

At 6.3% uninsured, Seneca County performs better than Ohio's average, but those without coverage should explore options at Healthcare.gov or contact Ohio Medicaid to ensure continuous protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Seneca County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Education in Seneca County

Seneca County manages 19 public schools across seven districts for a total enrollment of 5,594 students. The system is well-distributed with eight elementary and seven high schools providing a clear path for student advancement.

Exceptional Graduation Success

The county achieves a remarkable 95.1% graduation rate, far outpacing both the state average of 88.3% and the national average of 87%. This efficiency is notable as the per-pupil expenditure of $7,396 is lower than state and national benchmarks.

Tiffin City Schools Anchor the County

Tiffin City Schools is the largest district, operating seven schools for 2,593 students. Charter schools play a visible role in the county's educational landscape, making up 10.5% of the total school count.

A Mix of Town and Country

The average school size is 294 students, providing an intimate learning environment across 10 rural and 9 town-based campuses. Columbian High School in Tiffin is the largest single school with 729 students.

Invest in High-Performing Seneca Schools

For buyers prioritizing graduation outcomes, Seneca County offers some of the strongest results in the region. Exploring homes in the Tiffin or Hopewell-Loudon districts can lead to excellent educational opportunities for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Seneca County

via RiskByCounty

Seneca ranks well below national risk

Seneca County's composite risk score of 46.85 places it in the relatively low category and well below the national average, making it one of America's safer counties for natural disasters. This low score reflects minimal wildfire threat and moderate exposure to other hazards.

One of Ohio's safest counties

Seneca County's 46.85 score falls well below Ohio's state average of 55.03, ranking it among the state's lowest-risk regions. Only a handful of Ohio counties have composite risk scores lower than Seneca's.

Seneca offers relative safety in region

Seneca's 46.85 score sits between the very-low-risk Union County (32.73) and the moderate-risk Stark County (87.95), making it a safer choice than most neighboring counties. Its tornado risk of 58.02 is notably higher than its flood risk of 61.16, distinguishing it from regional patterns.

Tornadoes pose the main threat

Seneca County's primary natural disaster concern is tornado risk at 58.02, significantly elevated compared to its minimal wildfire risk of just 2.83. Flood and earthquake risks remain moderate at 61.16 and 57.09 respectively.

Focus on tornado and wind coverage

Ensure your homeowner's policy includes strong wind and hail protection against tornadoes, Seneca's dominant hazard. Standard coverage typically addresses this, but verify your policy's tornado and wind deductible applies to your situation.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Seneca County

via WeatherByCounty

Seneca County Experiences Bracing Continental Air

The county's average annual temperature of 50.9°F sits below the national median. This climate is defined by cold winters and warm, humid summers typical of the northern Ohio plains.

A Cooler and Drier Ohio Profile

Seneca County's 50.9°F average is slightly lower than the 51.5°F state mean. Its annual precipitation of 38.7 inches also tracks below the statewide average of 41.2 inches.

Mirroring the Climate of the Plains

Seneca closely matches neighboring Shelby County in temperature, with both averaging roughly 50.9°F. However, Seneca receives 29.5 inches of snow, slightly more than Sandusky County to the north.

Consistent Cold Followed by Summer Spikes

January is cold with a 26.0°F average, while the county receives 29.5 inches of snow annually. The summer heat peaks with 16 days reaching 90°F or higher.

Winter Tires and Summer Sun Protection

With nearly 30 inches of snow, winter-ready vehicles are a local necessity. The 16 days of extreme heat require residents to have functional cooling and hydration plans for outdoor work.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Seneca County

via SoilByCounty

Seneca's Balanced pH Profile

Seneca County features a pH of 6.21, which is much closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average of 5.97. This balanced acidity level is ideal for a wide variety of crops and landscape plants without heavy modification.

Sand and Silt Balance

The soil composition is 34.8% sand and 42.2% silt, balanced by 19.8% clay. This relatively high sand content compared to neighbors improves drainage and allows the ground to warm up more quickly in the spring.

Reliable Water Storage

The soil holds moisture effectively with an available water capacity of 0.193 in/in, beating the state average of 0.186 in/in. At 4.67% organic matter, the soil provides a healthy environment for beneficial microbes and plant roots.

Flexible Soil Hydrology

Though official drainage classes are not listed, the sandy-silt mix generally promotes good vertical water movement. This makes Seneca's land versatile for both agricultural use and residential development.

Flourishing in Zone 6a

Seneca's 6a hardiness zone is perfect for cool-weather staples like brassicas and hardy root vegetables. The balanced pH and high water capacity make this an excellent region to start a backyard produce garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Seneca County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Conditions in Seneca County

Seneca County holds a 72.4 lawn difficulty score, nearly matching the state average and handily beating the national baseline. This Zone 6a county provides a solid foundation for gardeners, though recent weather patterns prove challenging.

Drier Air and Steady Degrees

Yearly precipitation totals 38.7 inches, which is slightly drier than the state average of 41.2 inches. With 16 extreme heat days and 3,194 growing degree days, lawns here require attentive watering during mid-summer.

Ideally Balanced Soil pH

The soil is remarkably balanced with a pH of 6.21, falling squarely within the ideal range for nutrient availability. A sand content of 34.8% helps with aeration, though homeowners should monitor moisture retention in the absence of specific drainage data.

Adapting to Recent Dry Spells

Conditions are currently tough, as 83.1% of the county is abnormally dry. After 28 weeks of drought in the past year, prioritizing water conservation and deep-root irrigation is essential for lawn survival.

Planting for Success in Zone 6a

Choose drought-tolerant cool-season blends to survive the frequent dry spells in this 6a zone. The prime window for establishing new grass opens after the April 23 frost and closes by October 23.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Seneca County's county score?
Seneca County, Ohio has a composite county score of 54.2 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 Seneca County rank among counties in Ohio?
Seneca County ranks #25 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 Seneca County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Seneca County is $1,489, with an effective tax rate of 1.09%. This earns Seneca County a tax score of 31.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Seneca County?
The median household income in Seneca County, Ohio is $65,020 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Seneca County earns an income score of 54.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Seneca County, Ohio a good place to live?
Seneca County scores 54.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Seneca 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 Seneca 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.