countyscore
38
County Score
Lawn Care 70.8Health 66.7Water Quality 62

County Report Card

About Stark County, Ohio

Struggling to Meet National Benchmarks

Stark County earns a composite score of 38.0, falling significantly behind the national median of 50.0. This reflects systemic challenges in safety and environmental risk factors.

Lagging Behind Ohio's State Average

At 38.0, Stark County trails the Ohio state average of 48.6 by more than ten points. It ranks as one of the state's more challenged counties in terms of overall livability.

Strong Healthcare Access and Water

Healthcare is a notable strength, with a health score of 66.7 indicating good local access and outcomes. Water quality also performs well above average with a score of 62.0.

High Risk and Safety Concerns

The county faces critical issues with risk and safety, scoring just 12.1 and 15.6 respectively. High tax rates also impact residents, with a low tax score of 20.2 and a 1.318% effective rate.

Suited for Those Prioritizing Health

Stark County is best for residents who value robust healthcare infrastructure and clean water above all else. However, newcomers should be mindful of the local tax burden and environmental risk profile.

Score breakdown

Tax20.2Cost40.5Safety15.6Health66.7Schools46Income56.6Risk12.1Water62Weather54.6
🏛20.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠40.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼56.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡15.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡12.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧62
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70.8
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

Carroll County
Ohio
56.7
Portage County
Ohio
42.8
Tuscarawas County
Ohio
47.3
Wayne County
Ohio
45
Summit County
Ohio
33.7
Columbiana County
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Mahoning County
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Holmes County
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56.3

Deep Dives

Stark County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Stark County

via TaxByCounty

Stark's taxes above national median

At 1.318%, Stark County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median annual property tax bill of $2,342 is 13% below the national median, though the rate itself suggests higher local tax pressure.

Among Ohio's higher-tax counties

Stark's 1.318% rate ranks well above the Ohio state average of 1.148%, placing it in the upper third of Ohio counties. This positions Stark residents at a notable tax disadvantage compared to most of their state peers.

Outpaced by Shelby, rivals Trumbull

Stark's 1.318% rate substantially exceeds nearby Shelby County (1.008%) and Seneca County (1.093%), but compares closely to Trumbull County (1.410%). Among regional neighbors, Stark's tax burden falls in the middle-to-upper range.

What $177,700 home costs annually

The median Stark County home valued at $177,700 generates an annual property tax of roughly $2,342. With a mortgage, expect approximately $2,442 in annual obligations.

Appeal assessments to reduce burden

Given Stark's higher-than-average tax rates, careful assessment review is especially worthwhile for homeowners. Many properties are overvalued relative to market conditions, and successful appeals can significantly reduce annual tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Stark County

via CostByCounty

Stark sits slightly above national strain

Stark County renters spend 16.0% of household income on housing, slightly above Ohio's 15.6% state average and the national sweet spot. Median income of $65,740 trails the national median by 12%, meaning residents here face modest but real affordability pressure.

Mid-pack affordability for Ohio

Stark's 16.0% rent ratio places it squarely in the middle of Ohio's county rankings, neither exceptionally affordable nor deeply strained. The $877 median rent runs just $4 above the state average, confirming Stark's status as a representative Ohio housing market.

Stark anchors northeast Ohio's market

Stark's 16.0% ratio sits between Shelby County's 14.9% and Summit County's 16.9%, reflecting its position as a stable urban-suburban hub. Nearby Trumbull County (17.1%) and Tuscarawas County (16.3%) cluster closely, suggesting a consistent affordability zone across the region.

Stark's rent and mortgage reality

Renters earn $5,478/month on average and pay $877 for housing—16% of gross income that leaves reasonable margins for other expenses. Homeowners spend $953/month on properties worth $177,700, making ownership achievable for those with stable employment and modest down payment savings.

Stark appeals to pragmatic relocators

If you earn $60,000–$75,000 and value urban amenities without coastal pricing, Stark delivers solid value with reasonable housing costs. The county's manufacturing heritage and service-sector jobs mean employers actively recruit, making it a reasonable bet for career changers seeking Midwestern stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Stark County

via IncomeByCounty

Stark trails national income slightly

Stark County's median household income of $65,740 sits 12% below the U.S. median of $74,755, a gap of roughly $9,015. This places Stark in the lower-middle income tier nationally, around the 40th percentile among American counties.

Stark falls modestly below state average

At $65,740, Stark's median income trails Ohio's state average of $68,101 by $2,361. The county ranks near the state median, suggesting moderate economic stability comparable to many Ohio peers.

Middle of pack among regional counties

Stark ($65,740) earns slightly more than Seneca ($65,020) and Tuscarawas ($64,494), but less than Shelby ($72,822) and Summit ($71,016). As the region's largest metro area (Canton), Stark's performance reflects its industrial heritage and economic transitions.

Housing costs stable and manageable

Stark's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% keeps housing expenses moderate and sustainable for most households. The median home value of $177,700 offers reasonable paths to homeownership and equity building across income levels.

Build savings through disciplined planning

Stark households earning $65,740 should prioritize emergency funds first—three to six months of expenses—then redirect to retirement and education savings. Even modest contributions to workplace 401(k)s and Roth IRAs can generate substantial wealth over 20+ years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Stark County

via CrimeByCounty

Stark County Mirrors National Crime Trends

Stark County's total crime rate of 2336.4 per 100K closely aligns with the national average of 2385.5. The county receives a safety score of 96.3, reflecting the activity of a large metropolitan area.

Challenges in a High-Activity State Hub

Stark's crime rate exceeds the Ohio state average of 1412.3 per 100K. Consequently, its safety score of 96.3 sits below the state average of 97.8 across 22 reporting agencies.

How Stark Compares to Nearby Counties

As a major population center, Stark sees higher crime rates than its rural neighbors like Carroll or Tuscarawas. However, its violent crime rate of 314.5 remains lower than the national average of 369.8.

Primary Focus on Property Crime Prevention

Property crimes make up the majority of incidents at 2021.9 per 100K, matching the national trend. Violent crime accounts for 314.5 incidents per 100K, requiring steady community safety initiatives.

Priority Protection for Your Property

Higher property crime rates suggest that home security systems and neighborhood watch programs are valuable assets. Staying alert and reporting suspicious activity helps protect individual households and the broader community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Stark County

via HealthByCounty

Stark County outpaces Ohio average

At 75.1 years, Stark County's life expectancy exceeds Ohio's state average of 74.8 years and approaches the national average, though national figures hover around 78.9 years. Just over one in six residents (16.4%) report poor or fair health, well below state and national rates.

Among Ohio's healthier counties

Stark County ranks in the upper quartile of Ohio's 88 counties with the fifth-lowest poor/fair health rate statewide at 16.4%. The county's 75.1-year life expectancy places it solidly above Ohio's median, reflecting stronger community health outcomes.

Leading health metrics regionally

Stark's 75.1-year life expectancy exceeds Summit County (75.3 years) and Wayne County (75.0 years), positioning it as a regional health leader in northeast Ohio. The 16.4% poor/fair health rate is notably lower than Trumbull County (22.1%) and Columbiana County, indicating better population wellness.

Strong primary care availability

Stark County boasts 77 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, significantly above the state average and ensuring reasonable access to routine care. With a 6.5% uninsured rate and 375 mental health providers per 100K, the county offers robust healthcare infrastructure.

Keep your coverage current

At 6.5% uninsured, Stark County has strong coverage rates, but residents should verify annual enrollment at Healthcare.gov or through Ohio Medicaid to maintain protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Stark County

via SchoolsByCounty

Stark County's Massive School Network

Stark County manages a vast network of 100 public schools across 24 districts, serving over 54,000 students. This includes 52 elementary schools and 22 high schools, making it one of the largest systems in the state.

Solid Performance with Efficient Spending

The county maintains an 88.2% graduation rate, closely matching the state average. Local districts spend an average of $7,485 per pupil, achieving a school score of 53.6.

Canton and Plain Local Lead Enrollment

Canton City is the largest district with 7,893 students, followed by Plain Local and Jackson Local. Seven charter schools operate in the county, providing alternative options for about 7% of the total school population.

Large-Scale Suburban and City Schools

Stark County schools are large, with an average size of 545 students, and 78 of 100 schools are in suburban or city locales. McKinley High School and GlenOak High School are the largest, each enrolling over 2,000 students.

Explore Diverse Neighborhoods and Schools

With 24 districts to choose from, Stark County offers everything from massive suburban campuses to smaller rural schools. Finding a home near these top-performing districts can significantly enhance your family's educational experience.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Stark County

via RiskByCounty

Stark faces significantly above-average risk

Stark County's composite risk score of 87.95 places it in the relatively moderate category, well above the national average and among the highest-risk counties nationwide. This elevated score reflects substantial exposure across multiple disaster types.

Third-highest risk in Ohio

Stark County's 87.95 score ranks it as one of Ohio's most hazard-prone counties, far exceeding the state average of 55.03. Only Summit and Trumbull Counties face greater composite risk in the state.

Stark dominates neighbors in risk

Stark's 87.95 score towers above neighbors Tuscarawas (69.02) and Shelby (56.20), marking it as the region's highest-risk county by a substantial margin. Its multifront exposure distinguishes it from counties with single dominant hazards.

Floods, tornadoes dominate Stark's risks

Stark County residents confront extreme flood risk (91.67) and severe tornado risk (87.69), both among Ohio's worst. Wildfire (48.95) and earthquake (78.75) risks add additional concerns, making Stark one of Ohio's most hazard-exposed counties.

Comprehensive coverage is critical now

Stark residents must secure robust flood insurance and ensure homeowner's policies include strong tornado and wind protection—these are not optional in this county. Review coverage annually given Stark's extreme multi-hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Stark County

via WeatherByCounty

A High-Precipitation Climate in Stark County

While specific annual temperature data is unavailable, Stark County’s 42.9 inches of annual precipitation is higher than the national average. This creates a moist environment with significant seasonal variety.

Wetter Than the Average Ohio County

Stark County exceeds the Ohio average precipitation of 41.2 inches by nearly two inches. This makes it one of the more moisture-rich counties in the northeastern quadrant of the state.

Drier and Less Snowy Than Summit

Stark County receives 31.8 inches of snow, which is significantly less than the 47.2 inches seen in neighboring Summit County. Despite this, it remains wetter than Sandusky County to the west.

A Winter Defined by Heavy Snowfall

Stark County averages 31.8 inches of snow per year, indicating a persistent winter season. Detailed summer temperature and heat day data are currently limited for this area.

Focusing on Moisture and Snow Management

Homeowners should prioritize gutter maintenance and basement sealing to handle the high 42.9-inch annual precipitation. Reliable snow removal tools are essential for managing the 31-plus inches of winter accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Stark County

via SoilByCounty

Stark's Acidic Alfisols

Stark County is defined by Alfisol soils with a pH of 5.49, which is significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median. These weathered soils are characteristic of the region and often require lime to support sensitive garden plants.

Premium Loam Texture

The dominant texture is Loam, created by a balanced blend of 50.3% silt, 27.4% sand, and 17.0% clay. Loam is the gold standard for gardeners because it balances moisture retention with easy workability.

Rich in Organic Matter

The county boasts an impressive 5.97% organic matter, well above the Ohio average of 4.85%. However, the water capacity of 0.177 in/in is slightly lower than the state average, so mulching is recommended to keep roots cool.

Superior Natural Drainage

Classified as well-drained and belonging to Hydrologic Group A, these soils move water quickly and efficiently. This makes Stark County an ideal location for deep-rooted plants that cannot tolerate 'wet feet'.

Thriving in Zone 6b

Stark’s 6b hardiness zone and loamy soil are perfect for perennial shrubs and fruit trees. With such high organic matter, your soil is already primed to grow a lush and productive landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Stark County

via LawnByCounty

Hospitality for Grass in Stark

Stark County carries a 70.8 lawn difficulty score, which is over 20 points better than the national median. Situated in Hardiness Zone 6b, it offers a hospitable environment for standard Ohio lawn varieties.

Ample Rain for Natural Growth

Annual precipitation of 42.9 inches provides ample natural irrigation, exceeding the state average of 41.2 inches. While specific temperature and heat day records are limited, the rainfall alone supports a healthy growing season.

Well-Drained Loam Foundation

The local soil is a well-drained loam, providing an excellent physical structure for root growth. However, a pH of 5.49 suggests that lime treatments are likely necessary to bring the soil closer to the 6.0-7.0 ideal.

Steady Moisture and Low Stress

The county remains largely unaffected by water stress, with only 6 weeks in drought over the last year. Current reports show no areas of abnormal dryness, allowing for standard maintenance without restrictive conservation.

Start Growing in Zone 6b

Fine fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass are excellent choices for this well-drained loam soil. With ample rainfall, you can confidently seed during the spring and fall seasons typical of the 6b hardiness zone.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stark County's county score?
Stark County, Ohio has a composite county score of 38 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 Stark County rank among counties in Ohio?
Stark County ranks #76 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 Stark County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Stark County is $2,342, with an effective tax rate of 1.32%. This earns Stark County a tax score of 20.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Stark County?
The median household income in Stark County, Ohio is $65,740 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Stark County earns an income score of 56.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Stark County, Ohio a good place to live?
Stark County scores 38/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #76 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Stark 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 Stark 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.