47.3
County Score
Lawn Care 75.3Safety 70.7Water Quality 65.6

County Report Card

About Tuscarawas County, Ohio

Just Under the National Median

Tuscarawas County earns a 47.3 composite score, placing it within reach of the national median of 50.0. It offers a relatively standard quality of life with several distinct high points.

Stable Presence in the Ohio Middle

At 47.3, the county sits very close to the Ohio state average of 48.6. It provides a reliable alternative to the state's more expensive or more volatile urban centers.

Superior Safety and Water Quality

Safety is a standout feature with a high score of 70.7, far exceeding national norms. The county also enjoys clean water, reflected in its healthy water score of 65.6.

School Quality and Environmental Risk

Education metrics are the county's weakest link, with a school score of 30.9. Environmental risk also poses a challenge, scoring 31.0 on the livability index.

Best for Peace and Security

Tuscarawas County is ideal for residents who value a sense of security and community safety above all else. It is a great fit for those who can supplement educational needs or prioritize a quiet lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax32.4Cost47.9Safety70.7Health43.9Schools30.9Income52.1Risk31Water65.6Weather56
🏛32.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠47.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼52.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡70.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
43.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓30.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
31
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧65.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤56
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨52.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱75.3
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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Deep Dives

Tuscarawas County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Tuscarawas County

via TaxByCounty

Tuscarawas taxes run well below average

At 1.080%, Tuscarawas County's effective tax rate sits 28% below the national median, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median annual property tax of $1,910 is nearly 29% below the national median of $2,690.

Favorable position among Ohio counties

Tuscarawas's 1.080% rate falls modestly below the Ohio state average of 1.148%, positioning it in the lower half of the state's counties. This gives residents a slight tax advantage relative to the typical Ohio county.

Competitive with Scioto and Seneca

Tuscarawas's 1.080% rate closely aligns with Scioto County (1.071%) and Seneca County (1.093%), placing it among the region's most affordable counties. The median home value of $176,800 falls comfortably in the regional middle range.

What $176,800 home costs annually

The median Tuscarawas County home valued at $176,800 carries an annual property tax of approximately $1,910. With mortgage obligations, expect roughly $2,118 in annual property tax payments.

Review assessments for hidden savings

Tuscarawas homeowners should periodically verify assessed values against recent neighborhood sales. Even in relatively tax-friendly counties, overassessments occur, and appeals can provide meaningful annual relief.

Cost of Living in Tuscarawas County

via CostByCounty

Tuscarawas sits slightly stressed nationally

Tuscarawas County renters spend 16.3% of household income on housing, above Ohio's 15.6% state average and the national comfort zone. With median income of $64,494—14% below the national median—residents experience moderate affordability pressure typical of smaller Ohio metros.

Moderate stress among Ohio counties

Tuscarawas's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio places it in Ohio's middle tier for affordability, better than Stark (16.0%) and Trumbull (17.1%) despite nearly identical income levels. The $876 median rent runs $3 above the state average, suggesting balanced but slightly tight housing markets.

Tuscarawas anchors central market zone

Tuscarawas's 16.3% ratio clusters closely with Stark (16.0%) and Seneca (15.0%) to the north, forming a stable affordability corridor across central Ohio. It modestly exceeds Shelby (14.9%) but sits well below Scioto (18.1%), positioning it as a reasonable compromise for cost-conscious relocators.

Balanced housing costs in Tuscarawas

Renters earn $5,375/month and dedicate $876 to housing—16.3% of gross income—leaving modest room for savings and emergencies. Homeowners invest $835/month in properties valued at $176,800, offering affordable ownership without the premium prices of wealthier counties.

Tuscarawas fits practical small-town seekers

If you earn $60,000–$70,000 and prioritize rural charm, lower costs, and community stability over urban job markets, Tuscarawas delivers genuine value. The county's manufacturing heritage and small-town amenities appeal to families seeking escape from higher-cost metros, though job variety remains limited.

Income & Jobs in Tuscarawas County

via IncomeByCounty

Tuscarawas below but near national median

Tuscarawas County's median household income of $64,494 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $10,261—a 14% gap. This places Tuscarawas in the lower-middle income tier nationally, around the 38th percentile among American counties.

Tuscarawas slightly below state average

At $64,494, Tuscarawas's median income falls about $3,607 short of Ohio's state average of $68,101. The county ranks slightly below Ohio's median, suggesting moderate economic stability with room for improvement.

Clustered with comparable regional counties

Tuscarawas ($64,494) earns similarly to Seneca ($65,020) and Stark ($65,740), but noticeably less than Shelby ($72,822) and Summit ($71,016). The county's ceramic and manufacturing sectors support stable but modest earnings relative to stronger regional competitors.

Housing costs reasonable and supportive

Tuscarawas's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% indicates healthy housing affordability, while the median home value of $176,800 supports realistic paths to ownership. Families can afford stable housing and retain moderate savings capacity.

Steady investing builds long-term security

Tuscarawas households earning $64,494 should establish automatic transfers to savings accounts and retirement plans—consistency matters more than size. Over 20–30 years, modest monthly contributions compound into meaningful wealth and retirement security.

Safety in Tuscarawas County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Tuscarawas County

Tuscarawas County is exceptionally safe, with a total crime rate of 695.8 per 100K that is a fraction of the national average. This earns the county an impressive safety score of 98.9.

Among the Safest Counties in Ohio

Tuscarawas is one of Ohio’s safest counties, with a score of 98.9 that beats the state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 695.8 is less than half the state average of 1412.3.

How Tuscarawas Outshines Its Neighbors

Compared to neighboring Stark County, Tuscarawas offers a much quieter and safer environment for its residents. Fourteen reporting agencies cooperate to maintain these low incident levels across the region.

Detailed Look at Rare Crime Incidents

Violent crime is very rare at 120.6 per 100K, while property crime stands at just 575.2 per 100K. Both categories are significantly lower than state and national benchmarks.

Maintaining a Secure Home Environment

Even in this low-crime area, maintaining basic security habits like locking doors is a wise practice. Strong community ties and neighborly awareness continue to be the county's best defense.

Health in Tuscarawas County

via HealthByCounty

Tuscarawas slightly below state average

At 74.6 years, Tuscarawas County's life expectancy falls slightly short of Ohio's state average of 74.8 years and remains roughly 4.3 years below the national average. Just over one in five residents (21.5%) report poor or fair health, notably above state and national medians.

Below-average health outcomes statewide

Tuscarawas County ranks in Ohio's lower-middle tier for life expectancy at 74.6 years, placing it in the bottom third of the state's 88 counties. The county's 21.5% poor/fair health rate is significantly above Ohio's median, reflecting widespread health challenges.

Trailing regional health leaders

Tuscarawas's 74.6-year life expectancy falls behind Stark County (75.1 years) and Summit County (75.3 years) by over half a year. The county's 21.5% poor/fair health rate exceeds Holmes County and Wayne County averages, indicating comparative health disadvantage in east-central Ohio.

Sparse primary care, limited coverage

With only 36 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Tuscarawas residents face significant challenges accessing routine care, particularly in rural areas. The 8.6% uninsured rate matches Trumbull County and exceeds the state average, with mental health services at 198 per 100K remaining below state norms.

Take action on coverage today

At 8.6% uninsured, Tuscarawas County residents should visit Healthcare.gov or contact Ohio Medicaid to explore coverage options and reduce financial health risks.

Schools in Tuscarawas County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Across Tuscarawas Towns

Tuscarawas County hosts 44 public schools across 12 districts, serving 15,518 students. The system is heavily focused on early education, featuring 23 elementary schools that feed into 10 high schools.

Opportunities for Academic Growth

The county's graduation rate currently stands at 81%, with a composite school score of 49.7. Local districts invest $7,415 per pupil, which is slightly below the state average of $7,994.

New Philadelphia and Dover Leads

New Philadelphia City and Dover City are the largest districts, combined serving over 5,500 students. The county also features the Quaker Digital Academy, a large charter school serving over 670 students.

A Town and Rural Experience

With 26 schools in town settings and 18 in rural areas, the average campus size is 353 students. Dover High School is the largest traditional facility with 859 students, anchoring its local community.

Discover a Home in Tuscarawas

Families can choose from 12 districts that offer a quintessential Ohio town or rural lifestyle. When searching for a home, look at how these local districts are investing in their facilities and student outcomes.

Disaster Risk in Tuscarawas County

via RiskByCounty

Tuscarawas ranks slightly above average

Tuscarawas County's composite risk score of 69.02 places it in the relatively low category but above the national average for disaster risk. This moderate profile means residents face exposure comparable to many American counties.

Above average among Ohio counties

Tuscarawas County's 69.02 score exceeds Ohio's state average of 55.03, ranking it in the upper half of the state's counties by natural disaster risk. The county sits in a middle-risk band between Ohio's safest and most hazardous regions.

Tuscarawas more exposed than Shelby

Tuscarawas's 69.02 score sits above Shelby (56.20) and Union (32.73) but below the high-risk cluster of Stark (87.95) and Summit (91.16). Its risk profile suggests moderate exposure concentrated in flood and wildfire hazards.

Flooding and wildfire lead concerns

Tuscarawas County faces elevated flood risk (82.25) and moderate wildfire risk (38.26) as its primary hazards. Tornado (46.56) and hurricane (47.93) risks remain secondary but merit attention in emergency preparedness planning.

Prioritize flood and wildfire coverage

Tuscarawas residents should secure flood insurance and ensure homeowner's policies cover wildfire damage, which standard policies may exclude or limit. Verify your exact coverage gaps with your insurance agent and address them promptly.

Weather & Climate in Tuscarawas County

via WeatherByCounty

Aligning with the national temperature median

With an average annual temperature of 51.2°F, Tuscarawas County sits close to the national median. It experiences a typical four-season climate common to the American Midwest.

Mirroring Ohio’s statewide climate

The county’s 51.2°F average temperature almost perfectly matches the Ohio state average of 51.5°F. Rainfall is also consistent with state norms, totaling 41.1 inches per year.

Warmer than its northern neighbors

Tuscarawas is nearly two degrees warmer on average than Trumbull County to the north. While snowfall data is limited for this county, its July average of 72.9°F suggests warmer summer peaks than northern counties.

Sixteen days of extreme summer heat

Summer temperatures average 71.1°F, but the county faces 16 days of extreme heat above 90°F annually. Winters remain chilly with a December-to-February average of 30.6°F.

Balance cooling and heating needs

Residents should service air conditioners before the 16 annual extreme heat days arrive. With January lows averaging 28.1°F, maintaining a reliable furnace is equally vital for the winter months.

Soil Quality in Tuscarawas County

via SoilByCounty

Tuscarawas's Loamy Alfisols

Tuscarawas County rests on Alfisol soils with an acidic pH of 5.57. This is lower than the state average and the 6.5 national median, often requiring the addition of lime to help garden plants absorb nutrients efficiently.

Perfect Loam Balance

The soil is classified as Loam, featuring a balanced mix of 52.0% silt, 28.0% sand, and 17.5% clay. This 'Goldilocks' texture is highly desirable because it drains well while still retaining enough moisture for plants.

Moderate Nutrient Reserves

Organic matter is at 3.71%, which is lower than the state average but still far above the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.173 in/in is slightly below the state average, so regular watering is key during dry spells.

Efficient Water Drainage

Classified as well-drained and part of Hydrologic Group B, these soils move water effectively through the profile. This reduces the risk of root rot and makes the land stable for various building and landscaping projects.

Diverse Planting in 6b

The 6b hardiness zone supports a long growing season for everything from peppers to perennial flowers. Your well-drained loam is an ideal foundation for starting a productive and healthy backyard garden.

Lawn Care in Tuscarawas County

via LawnByCounty

Golden Standard in Tuscarawas

Tuscarawas County features a 75.3 lawn difficulty score, nearly matching the state's high standard. This 6b hardiness zone provides a balanced setting for homeowners looking to improve their curb appeal.

Stable Ohio Growth Patterns

With 41.1 inches of rain and 16 heat days, the county closely follows the state's average climate patterns. The 3,080 growing degree days provide a robust season for grass to recover from winter dormancy.

Well-Drained Loam Structure

The soil is classified as a well-drained loam, which is widely considered the gold standard for plant growth. While the 5.57 pH is slightly low, the physical structure of the soil is excellent for turf establishment.

Optimal Current Moisture Levels

Drought is rarely a concern here, as the county has only seen 6 weeks of dry conditions in the past year. Current data shows 0% of the county is dry, meaning you can focus on growth rather than survival.

Seeding on Loam Soil

Tall fescue is a great choice for the well-drained loam found across the county. Time your planting between the spring frost on April 29 and the fall return of frost on October 15.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tuscarawas County's county score?
Tuscarawas County, Ohio has a composite county score of 47.3 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 Tuscarawas County rank among counties in Ohio?
Tuscarawas County ranks #54 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 Tuscarawas County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Tuscarawas County is $1,910, with an effective tax rate of 1.08%. This earns Tuscarawas County a tax score of 32.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tuscarawas County?
The median household income in Tuscarawas County, Ohio is $64,494 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tuscarawas County earns an income score of 52.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tuscarawas County, Ohio a good place to live?
Tuscarawas County scores 47.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Tuscarawas 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 Tuscarawas County with other counties side by side.