Stark performs competently against national standards
Stark County's composite score of 66.8 substantially surpasses the national median of 50.0, outpacing two-thirds of American counties. This 34% advantage demonstrates solid livability across the region.
2 / 5
Slightly below Ohio's state average
With a score of 66.8, Stark trails Ohio's state average of 68.8 by a modest margin, placing it near the middle of the state's livability spectrum. The gap reflects moderate performance on taxes and income dimensions.
3 / 5
Solid affordability in a larger market
Stark's cost score of 78.1 supports reasonable housing access with median rents at $877 and home values at $177,700. The county provides good housing value for a region of its size and economic complexity.
4 / 5
Tax burden and income growth underperform
Stark's tax score of 65.2 reflects a higher effective tax rate of 1.318%, the second-highest in this group, constraining household finances. The income score of 26.3 and median income of $65,740 suggest limited wealth-building opportunities compared to peers.
5 / 5
Suitable for cost-conscious families seeking balance
Stark County serves working families who prioritize reasonable housing costs in a larger, more established market. It works best for those who can tolerate higher taxes in exchange for greater economic stability and urban amenities.
Stark performs competently against national standards
Stark County's composite score of 66.8 substantially surpasses the national median of 50.0, outpacing two-thirds of American counties. This 34% advantage demonstrates solid livability across the region.
Slightly below Ohio's state average
With a score of 66.8, Stark trails Ohio's state average of 68.8 by a modest margin, placing it near the middle of the state's livability spectrum. The gap reflects moderate performance on taxes and income dimensions.
Solid affordability in a larger market
Stark's cost score of 78.1 supports reasonable housing access with median rents at $877 and home values at $177,700. The county provides good housing value for a region of its size and economic complexity.
Tax burden and income growth underperform
Stark's tax score of 65.2 reflects a higher effective tax rate of 1.318%, the second-highest in this group, constraining household finances. The income score of 26.3 and median income of $65,740 suggest limited wealth-building opportunities compared to peers.
Suitable for cost-conscious families seeking balance
Stark County serves working families who prioritize reasonable housing costs in a larger, more established market. It works best for those who can tolerate higher taxes in exchange for greater economic stability and urban amenities.
Score breakdown
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🏛65.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.