CountyScore

Shelby County

Ohio · OH

#43 in Ohio
68.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Shelby County, Ohio

Shelby delivers solid livability above national average

Shelby County's composite score of 70.2 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper echelon of American counties. This 40% advantage indicates strong fundamentals across the county.

Ranks among Ohio's better-positioned counties

Shelby's 70.2 score surpasses Ohio's state average of 68.8, securing it a competitive position within the state. The county achieves this through balanced performance across tax, cost, and income dimensions.

Lowest taxes paired with growing incomes

Shelby boasts Ohio's best tax score in this group at 73.9, backed by an effective tax rate of just 1.008%, the lowest of these eight counties. The income score of 30.9 and median household income of $72,822 reflect a relatively prosperous population with strong earning power.

Housing costs creeping higher

While still affordable, Shelby's cost score of 77.3 and median home value of $190,300 are highest in this comparison group, reflecting rising property values. Data on schools, health, safety, and environmental factors remains incomplete.

Perfect for upwardly mobile families and professionals

Shelby County appeals to professionals and families earning solid middle-to-upper-class incomes who value tax efficiency and aren't deterred by higher home prices. It's ideal for those seeking prosperity with minimal tax burden in a stable Ohio county.

Score breakdown

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

Tax73.9Cost77.3SafetyComing SoonHealth70.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.9Risk43.8WaterComing Soon
🏛73.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡43.8
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 Shelby County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Escambia County
Alabama
68.2
Median income: $44,447
Madison County
Alabama
68.2
Median income: $83,528
Cross County
Arkansas
68.2
Median income: $47,012
Poinsett County
Arkansas
68.2
Median income: $47,188
Morgan County
Colorado
68.2
Median income: $75,407

Deep Dives

Shelby County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Shelby County

via TaxByCounty

Shelby ranks among nation's lowest rates

At just 1.008%, Shelby County boasts one of the lowest effective tax rates in the country, sitting well below the national median and in the bottom 15% nationally. Despite a higher median home value of $190,300, the annual tax bill remains a modest $1,919—28% below the national median.

Ohio's most tax-friendly county

Shelby's 1.008% rate is the lowest among all major Ohio counties, beating the state average of 1.148% by a significant margin. This exceptional rate makes Shelby a standout for tax-conscious residents.

Beats all surrounding counties decisively

Shelby's 1.008% rate substantially undercuts Stark County (1.318%), Union County (1.255%), and Trumbull County (1.410%), making it the regional tax leader. Even with a higher median home value, Shelby delivers lower absolute tax bills than most regional neighbors.

What $190,300 home costs annually

The median Shelby County home valued at $190,300 generates an annual property tax of approximately $1,919. Homeowners with mortgages generally pay around $1,912 annually, making Shelby exceptionally affordable despite mid-range home values.

Even low assessments deserve review

Though Shelby has competitive rates, homeowners should still verify assessments against recent comparable sales. Occasional overassessments occur even in low-rate counties, and appeals can provide additional relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Shelby County

via CostByCounty

Shelby offers strong affordability for families

Shelby County renters spend just 14.9% of household income on housing—below both Ohio's 15.6% state average and the national benchmark. With median income of $72,822, nearly at the national median of $74,755, residents enjoy both higher earnings and lower rent burdens than most Ohioans.

Shelby ranks among Ohio's most livable

At 14.9% rent-to-income, Shelby sits among Ohio's best-performing counties for housing affordability relative to income. The county achieves this despite a median rent of $904/month—$31 above the state average—because resident incomes rise faster than housing costs.

Higher costs, higher incomes in Shelby

Shelby's $904 rent exceeds nearby Seneca ($814) and Scioto ($749), but its $72,822 median income substantially outpaces both neighbors, explaining its superior affordability ratio. This pattern signals a wealthier, more competitive labor market that rewards residents who land good jobs.

Shelby's balanced housing equation

The median renter earns $6,068/month and pays $904, dedicating 14.9% to housing costs while retaining earnings for other needs. Homeowners invest $972/month in properties valued at $190,300 on average—a significant but manageable commitment that builds equity faster than renting.

Right fit for upwardly mobile families

Shelby suits households earning $70,000+ who prioritize school quality and suburban stability over downtown nightlife. The county's higher home values ($190K median) and incomes signal strong job markets, but newcomers should confirm employment before relocating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Shelby County

via IncomeByCounty

Shelby outpaces U.S. income average

Shelby County's median household income of $72,822 nearly matches the national median of $74,755—a difference of just $1,933. This positions Shelby among the stronger-earning Ohio counties and in the upper-middle income tier nationally.

Shelby ranks above Ohio average

At $72,822, Shelby's median household income exceeds Ohio's state average of $68,101 by $4,721. The county ranks solidly in Ohio's top third for household earnings, reflecting stronger-than-average economic opportunity.

Among the strongest earners regionally

Shelby ($72,822) outearns nearby Seneca ($65,020), Tuscarawas ($64,494), and Stark ($65,740), and trails only Summit ($71,016) and Union ($109,506). This success reflects Shelby's manufacturing base and relatively stable workforce participation.

Strong housing affordability with growth

Shelby's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% ranks among Ohio's best, while the median home value of $190,300 supports wealth building through home equity. Households here can comfortably afford housing while maintaining savings capacity.

Capitalize on strong earnings position

Shelby's $72,822 median income provides substantial room for aggressive wealth-building strategies—529 plans for education, IRAs, and taxable investment accounts. Families should prioritize long-term investing to compound gains over decades and build generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Shelby County

via HealthByCounty

Shelby slightly exceeds state norms

At 74.9 years, Shelby County's life expectancy marginally exceeds Ohio's state average of 74.8 years but remains roughly 4 years below the national average. One in five residents (18.5%) report poor or fair health, a rate slightly better than the state average.

Solid health performance statewide

Shelby County ranks in the upper-middle tier of Ohio's 88 counties with a life expectancy of 74.9 years and the state's lowest quartile for poor health reporting. The county's 18.5% poor/fair health rate reflects relatively good population-level wellness.

Keeping pace with regional peers

Shelby's 74.9-year life expectancy matches Darke County and slightly edges Miami County (74.8 years) in the southwestern tier. The county's 18.5% poor/fair health rate aligns with nearby Logan County, suggesting consistent regional health trajectories.

Moderate access to primary care

With 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Shelby offers moderate access to routine care, though rural residents may travel for specialists. The 7.0% uninsured rate closely matches the state average, and mental health services are limited at 94 per 100K.

Ensure continuous health protection

With 7% of residents uninsured, Shelby County residents should verify their coverage annually at Healthcare.gov or contact Ohio Medicaid for enrollment options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Shelby County

via RiskByCounty

Shelby ranks near national average

Shelby County's composite risk score of 56.20 places it in the relatively low category, just slightly above the national average for disaster risk. This balanced profile means residents face moderate exposure comparable to most American counties.

Near Ohio's state average risk

Shelby County's 56.20 score sits just above Ohio's state average of 55.03, making it a fairly typical Ohio county in terms of natural disaster risk. It ranks in the middle tier of Ohio's 88 counties by risk level.

Shelby sits between high and low-risk neighbors

Shelby's 56.20 score falls between the very-low-risk Union County (32.73) and the higher-risk Stark County (87.95), positioning it as an average-risk area regionally. Its distinctive earthquake risk of 86.55 is notably higher than neighboring counties.

Earthquakes and tornadoes lead threats

Shelby County faces unusual earthquake risk at 86.55—among Ohio's highest—combined with strong tornado risk of 68.54. Flood risk of 63.33 adds a third concern, though wildfire remains minimal at 10.34.

Earthquake and storm protection essential

Shelby residents should prioritize earthquake insurance and verify their homeowner's policy covers tornado and wind damage thoroughly. Earthquake insurance requires a separate policy and protects against Shelby's unusually high seismic risk.

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.