countyscore
33.7
County Score
Lawn Care 77.2Income & Jobs 68.8Water Quality 68.6

County Report Card

About Summit County, Ohio

Deep Below the National Livability Median

Summit County's 33.7 composite score is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This score highlights a difficult balance between high incomes and severe urban challenges.

A Low Ranking Within Ohio

The county's score of 33.7 puts it nearly 15 points below the Ohio state average of 48.6. It struggles to compete with other Ohio counties due to high taxes and low safety ratings.

High Earners and Clean Water

Economic opportunity is a plus, with an income score of 68.8 and a median household income of $71,016. Water quality also remains a high point for the area with a score of 68.6.

Extreme Taxes and Risk Levels

Taxation is a major hurdle with a score of 11.1, driven by a high 1.542% effective tax rate. Risk and safety scores are also among the lowest in the state at 8.8 and 12.0.

Best for High-Income Urbanites

Summit County suits professionals who prioritize career opportunities and healthcare but are willing to accept high taxes and safety risks. It offers a metropolitan lifestyle with significant trade-offs.

2040608010011.126.11263.148.468.88.868.661.3Tax11.1Cost26.1Safety12Health63.1Schools48.4Income68.8Risk8.8Water68.6Weather61.333.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Summit County DNA

Foverall

How Summit County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Summit County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (68.8/100) but notably weak in Safety (12/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
11.1-40.9
Cost
26.1-21.9
Safety
12-43
Health
63.1+13.100000000000001
Schools
48.4
Income
68.8+17.799999999999997
Risk
8.8-38.2
Water
68.6+10.599999999999994
Weather
61.3
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Summit County?

Many homeowners in Summit County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$195,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$998/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$195,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,016/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

27.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Summit County with Imperial County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Imperial County
California
Median income: $56,393
33.7
San Bernardino County
California
Median income: $82,184
33.7
Douglas County
Kansas
Median income: $68,756
33.7
Oktibbeha County
Mississippi
Median income: $43,482
33.7
Kenedy County
Texas
33.7
Pierce County
Washington
Median income: $96,632
33.7
Jefferson County
Arkansas
Median income: $48,552
33.8
Denver County
Colorado
Median income: $91,681
33.8

Nearby counties

Portage County
Ohio
42.8
Cuyahoga County
Ohio
30.4
Medina County
Ohio
53.9
Wayne County
Ohio
45
Stark County
Ohio
38
Lorain County
Ohio
41.7
Geauga County
Ohio
55.7
Mahoning County
Ohio
38.6

Deep Dives

Summit County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Summit County

via TaxByCounty

Summit's taxes rank well above average

Summit County's 1.542% effective tax rate is 54% above the national median, placing it in the upper 10% of counties nationally. The median property tax bill of $3,018 exceeds the national median by 12%, reflecting Summit's high-tax county status.

Ohio's highest-tax major county

At 1.542%, Summit County has the highest effective tax rate among major Ohio counties, dramatically exceeding the state average of 1.148%. Summit residents shoulder substantially greater tax burdens than most Ohioans elsewhere in the state.

Dramatically exceeds all regional peers

Summit's 1.542% rate far outpaces Stark County (1.318%), Trumbull County (1.410%), and Union County (1.255%), making it the regional tax leader by a significant margin. Even with a moderate median home value of $195,700, the high rate produces the highest median tax bills in the region.

What $195,700 home costs annually

The median Summit County home valued at $195,700 carries an annual property tax of approximately $3,018, the highest in this regional comparison. With mortgage obligations, homeowners typically pay about $3,162 annually.

Aggressive appeals pay off in Summit

Given Summit's high tax rates, assessment appeals represent a significant financial opportunity for homeowners. Overassessments are particularly costly here, and successful appeals can recover substantial annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Summit County

via CostByCounty

Summit bears Ohio's highest rent burden

Summit County renters spend 16.9% of household income on housing—the highest ratio among these eight counties and notably above Ohio's 15.6% state average. With a median rent of $998/month on a $71,016 median income, the county's urban-core pricing creates real affordability stress even for above-average earners.

Priciest county among peers

Summit's $998 median rent ranks well above Ohio's $873 state average, and its 16.9% rent-to-income ratio confirms it's among the state's most expensive housing markets. The premium reflects Summit's role as Ohio's second-largest metro area, home to Akron's corporate headquarters and regional job hub.

Summit commands region's highest rents

At $998/month, Summit's median rent far exceeds nearby Stark ($877), Trumbull ($783), and Tuscarawas ($876) counties, with only Union County ($1,188) commanding higher prices. This gap reflects Summit's urban density and concentration of professional jobs, which attract tenants willing to pay premium rates.

Urban costs carve into budgets

Summit renters earn $5,918/month and commit $998 to housing—16.9% of gross income—leaving less cushion for debt, savings, or emergencies than surrounding counties. Homeowners pay $1,099/month on $195,700 median homes, pricing out households earning under $65,000 from ownership without significant down payment assistance.

Summit rewards high earners seeking jobs

If your income exceeds $80,000 or you're relocating for a major corporate job, Summit's urban job market and amenities justify the premium rent. But families earning below $70,000 should explore Stark or Tuscarawas counties just 20–30 miles away for significantly lower housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Summit County

via IncomeByCounty

Summit approaches national income parity

Summit County's median household income of $71,016 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by just $3,739—a mere 5% gap. This positions Summit among Ohio's stronger-earning counties and in the upper-middle income tier nationally.

Summit ranks solidly above Ohio average

At $71,016, Summit's median income exceeds Ohio's state average of $68,101 by $2,915. The county ranks in Ohio's top quartile for household earnings, reflecting its diverse economy anchored by healthcare, education, and manufacturing.

Competitive with region's strongest earners

Summit ($71,016) nearly matches Shelby ($72,822) and significantly outearns Stark ($65,740), Seneca ($65,020), and Trumbull ($55,088). As Akron's home, Summit benefits from institutional anchors like the University of Akron and major hospitals.

Housing affordable despite higher home values

Summit's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% remains comfortable, even with a median home value of $195,700. The county balances higher property costs with sufficient incomes, creating solid opportunities for homeownership and equity accumulation.

Leverage higher incomes for aggressive investing

Summit's $71,016 median income supports diversified wealth strategies—maxing retirement contributions, funding education savings, and building investment portfolios. With strong institutional presence, residents should explore employer benefits and professional financial planning for optimal wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Summit County

via CrimeByCounty

Urban Challenges in Summit County

Summit County reports a total crime rate of 2599.4 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.9, reflecting the complexities of a major urban hub.

Safety Ranking Within the State of Ohio

The county's crime rate is significantly higher than the Ohio state average of 1412.3 per 100K. With a safety score of 95.9, Summit ranks lower in safety than more rural Ohio counties.

Comparing Summit to Its Regional Neighbors

With 25 reporting agencies, Summit faces higher crime volumes than neighboring Portage or Medina counties. Violent crime specifically sits at 373.4 per 100K, slightly above the national average.

Breaking Down High Property Incident Rates

Property crime drives the statistics here, reaching 2226.0 incidents per 100K. Violent crime is also a factor at 373.4 per 100K, necessitating robust law enforcement and community intervention.

Proactive Security for Urban Living

Residents should prioritize high-quality locks and electronic security to deter property theft. Being proactive about home safety is essential in areas with higher-than-average incident rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Summit County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Powerhouse Educational Hub

Summit County operates 147 public schools across 36 districts, the most expansive network in the region. Nearly 70,000 students are enrolled in a system featuring 75 elementary and 34 high schools.

High Investment in Student Success

The county spends $8,733 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Ohio state average of $7,994. While the 84.1% graduation rate trails the national average, the sheer scale and variety of programs remain a major draw.

Akron City and Suburban Districts

Akron City is the largest district by far, educating over 20,000 students across 48 schools. Charter schools are highly prevalent here, with 18 institutions accounting for over 12% of the county's schools.

Suburban Excellence and Urban Variety

The landscape is dominated by 136 city and suburban schools, with very few rural options. Stow-Munroe Falls High and Hudson High are among the largest schools, each serving over 1,500 students.

Choose Your Perfect School District

Summit County offers an incredible variety of districts, from urban centers to elite suburban enclaves. Use school quality as your guide when exploring the diverse housing markets in Akron, Hudson, and beyond.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Summit County

via RiskByCounty

Summit faces severe above-average risk

Summit County's composite risk score of 91.16 places it in the relatively moderate category and ranks among the highest-risk counties in the nation. This exceptional score reflects major exposure to floods, tornadoes, and other hazards.

Ohio's highest-risk county overall

Summit County's 91.16 score is the highest in Ohio, far exceeding the state average of 55.03 and surpassing all other counties in the state. Residents face exposure levels comparable only to the most hazard-prone American counties.

Summit's risks dwarf nearby counties

Summit's 91.16 score is substantially higher than neighboring Stark (87.95), Trumbull (84.48), and Tuscarawas (69.02), making it the clear risk leader in its region. This elevated profile affects home values, insurance costs, and emergency preparedness priorities.

Flood and tornado hazards extreme

Summit County faces extraordinary flood risk (94.02—the highest among these eight counties) and severe tornado risk (91.13), creating a dangerous combination for residents. Wildfire (53.18), earthquake (78.28), and hurricane (61.24) risks compound these threats.

Flood insurance is non-negotiable

Every Summit County property owner should carry separate flood insurance and comprehensive homeowner's coverage with strong tornado protection—these are essential safeguards, not luxuries. Review policies every year and document home improvements to justify replacement value.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Summit County

via WaterByCounty

Summit Achieves High Water Quality Grade

With a Grade B and a violation rate of just 1.6 per 100K, Summit County significantly outperforms the state average of 32.9. Only seven health violations were recorded over the last five years across a massive population. This demonstrates a strong commitment to Safe Drinking Water Act compliance.

Watershed Health Remains Within Federal Limits

Assessments of eight water bodies in Summit County show a 0.0% impairment rate for the 2022 cycle. Each of these assessed bodies currently meets the standards set by the Clean Water Act. Local conservation efforts appear to be maintaining the integrity of the county's primary watersheds.

Extensive Monitoring Network Tracks 7,000 Readings

Summit County benefits from 55 monitoring sites that have recorded 7,022 measurements recently. The data heavily covers physical properties, organics, and pesticides. This robust monitoring footprint is among the most comprehensive in the region.

Cuyahoga River Surges Above Typical Flow

The primary USGS gauge at Jaite reports a discharge of 1,040 cfs, which is 126% of the long-term mean. The Cuyahoga River is currently flowing significantly faster than usual for this time of year. High flows can sometimes lead to increased turbidity in untreated source water.

Strong Compliance with High River Flows

Summit's excellent violation rate of 1.6 makes its tap water among the state's most reliable. Residents should be aware that current river flows at 126% of the mean can occasionally affect water clarity before treatment. Use the extensive local monitoring data to stay informed about organic concentrations in the watershed.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Summit County

via WeatherByCounty

Summit County Stays Near National Average

Summit County averages 52.0°F annually, sitting just below the national median temperature. This humid continental climate is heavily influenced by regional lake-effect patterns and elevation.

Above Average Warmth with Drier Air

The county's 52.0°F mean is slightly higher than the Ohio state average of 51.5°F. However, it receives only 37.0 inches of precipitation, making it drier than the state average of 41.2 inches.

The Snow Capital of the Local Region

Summit's 47.2 inches of snow dwarfs the 31.8 inches seen in neighboring Stark County. This makes Summit one of the snowiest counties in this central-eastern Ohio cluster.

Intense Winters and Comfortable Summers

Winter is the defining season with 47.2 inches of snow and a 30.8°F average. Summers are pleasant and rarely oppressive, with only 13 days a year reaching 90°F.

Prioritize Snow Gear and Home Insulation

The primary climate challenge is the heavy 47.2-inch snowfall, requiring professional-grade snow tires and blowers. Summer energy costs remain manageable due to the low frequency of extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Summit County

via SoilByCounty

Summit's Acidic Character

Summit County soils average a pH of 5.63, falling below the state average and the national 6.5 median. This level of acidity is common in northeastern Ohio but may require management for high-yield vegetable production.

Fine Silt and Sand

The soil is composed of 50.1% silt and 29.8% sand, with a lower clay content of 16.1%. This creates a crumbly texture that is easy to dig, though the lower clay levels mean it may hold fewer nutrients naturally.

Strong Organic Foundation

At 5.40% organic matter, Summit outperforms the state average of 4.85%, providing a boost to plant health. The available water capacity of 0.188 in/in is also slightly above the state average, offering good drought resilience.

Monitoring Surface Flow

Specific drainage classifications are not currently available for the county. However, the high silt and sand levels suggest that the soil generally drains well, provided it is protected from compaction.

Garden Readiness in 6b

The 6b hardiness zone allows for a wide range of gardening possibilities from spring through late fall. Leverage the high organic matter in Summit to grow vibrant ornamental gardens or a hearty supply of summer vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Summit County

via LawnByCounty

Lawn Success in Summit County

Summit County scores a 77.2 for lawn difficulty, making it one of the easier places in the state to keep a yard. Its 6b hardiness zone and favorable metrics make it a standout compared to the national average of 50.0.

Milder Heat for Cooler Turf

At 37.0 inches of annual rain, Summit is drier than the Ohio average of 41.2 inches. However, with only 13 extreme heat days, the lower precipitation is offset by milder summer temperatures that protect grass.

Light Soil with Low Clay

The soil pH of 5.63 is slightly acidic, so adding lime can help reach the ideal nutrient range. The 16.1% clay content is relatively low for Ohio, which improves natural drainage for your turf.

Consistent Water Availability

The county is currently drought-free, having spent only 7 weeks in drought over the last year. This consistency allows for a more predictable maintenance schedule without the need for emergency watering.

Establishment Timing in Summit

Zone 6b supports a wide variety of cool-season grasses that thrive in the local temperature profile. Use the window between April 24 and October 28 to ensure new seeds establish before the winter freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Summit County's county score?
Summit County, Ohio has a composite county score of 33.7 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 Summit County rank among counties in Ohio?
Summit County ranks #83 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 Summit County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Summit County is $3,018, with an effective tax rate of 1.54%. This earns Summit County a tax score of 11.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Summit County?
The median household income in Summit County, Ohio is $71,016 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Summit County earns an income score of 68.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Summit County, Ohio a good place to live?
Summit County scores 33.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #83 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Summit 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 Summit County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.