CountyScore

Van Wert County

Ohio · OH

#3 in Ohio
73.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Van Wert County, Ohio

Van Wert outperforms the nation

With a composite score of 73.0, Van Wert County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 46th percentile nationally. This county's livability profile is substantially stronger than the typical American county across measured dimensions.

Above average even for Ohio

Van Wert ranks above Ohio's state average composite score of 68.8, solidifying its position as a stronger-than-typical county within the state. Among Ohio's competitive county landscape, Van Wert performs in the upper tier of livability.

Affordability and tax efficiency shine

Van Wert's cost score of 83.1 reflects genuinely affordable housing, with a median home value of $137,300 and median rent of just $792 per month. Its tax score of 75.1 backed by a 0.967% effective tax rate demonstrates one of the state's lighter tax burdens, making this county ideal for budget-conscious households.

Income growth remains modest

At 26.0, Van Wert's income score lags significantly, with a median household income of $65,344 below state and national expectations. Safety, health, school, and environmental data are not yet available, limiting a complete livability picture.

Perfect for cost-conscious retirees

Van Wert suits families and retirees prioritizing low housing costs and minimal tax burden over higher wage opportunities. This county rewards those with stable, modest incomes seeking maximum purchasing power and financial breathing room.

Score breakdown

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

Tax75.1Cost83.1SafetyComing SoonHealth73.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome26Risk79.9WaterComing Soon
🏛75.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡79.9
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 Van Wert County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Scott County
Arkansas
73.6
Median income: $45,955
Ontonagon County
Michigan
73.6
Median income: $51,844
Lake County
Minnesota
73.6
Median income: $75,621
Redwood County
Minnesota
73.6
Median income: $67,024
Putnam County
Missouri
73.6
Median income: $56,875

Deep Dives

Van Wert County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Van Wert County

via TaxByCounty

Van Wert's tax rate runs low nationally

At 0.967%, Van Wert County's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.09%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. The median annual property tax here is $1,327—less than half the national median of $2,690. This affordability advantage reflects both lower home values and a lighter tax burden on real estate.

Among Ohio's lowest-taxing counties

Van Wert ranks among the most tax-friendly counties in Ohio, with an effective rate 16% below the state average of 1.148%. The median property tax of $1,327 trails the state median by $818, making Van Wert one of the state's best deals for homeowners seeking property tax relief.

Competitive with surrounding rural counties

Van Wert's 0.967% rate is comparable to nearby Washington County (0.956%) and Wyandot County (0.888%), though slightly higher than both. Among this cluster of northwest Ohio counties, Van Wert occupies the middle ground—affordable but not the absolute lowest-taxed option in the region.

Own a typical home, pay $1,327 yearly

On the median Van Wert home valued at $137,300, homeowners pay approximately $1,327 in annual property taxes. For those with a mortgage, the effective annual tax is $1,319; without a mortgage, it rises slightly to $1,338. Either way, Van Wert homeowners enjoy one of Ohio's lowest annual tax burdens.

Many homeowners could challenge assessments

Even in low-tax counties, homes are sometimes overassessed relative to market value. Van Wert homeowners who believe their property is valued too high can file a formal appeal with the county auditor—often a straightforward process that can yield refunds of overpaid taxes. It's worth investigating if your assessed value seems out of line with recent sales in your neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Van Wert County

via CostByCounty

Van Wert's rent stays well below national squeeze

Renters in Van Wert County spend just 14.5% of their income on housing—beating the national burden by a comfortable margin. That's well below the 30% threshold that housing experts consider affordable, giving residents breathing room in their budgets compared to peers nationwide.

Best affordability deal in northwest Ohio

Van Wert outperforms Ohio's state average rent-to-income ratio of 15.6%, ranking among the most affordable counties in the state. At $792 a month, median rent sits $81 below the state average, making housing genuinely accessible for working families.

Competitive with region's most affordable options

Van Wert's $792 rent matches or beats nearby Vinton County ($663) and Wyandot County ($785), positioning it as a practical choice for budget-conscious movers in northwest Ohio. Home values average $137,300, roughly in line with the region's smaller counties.

Where your Van Wert paycheck goes

A median household earning $65,344 annually spends $792 on rent or $729 on monthly owner costs—leaving substantial income for other needs. Renters dedicate 14.5% of gross income to housing, while homeowners carry a similar burden with $729 monthly payments, creating genuine affordability for both.

Relocating? Van Wert rewards stretching dollars

If you're considering a move to northwest Ohio, Van Wert offers genuinely affordable housing without sacrificing income stability. Compare its 14.5% rent-to-income ratio against your current market—you may find the math transforms your family budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Van Wert County

via IncomeByCounty

Van Wert lags behind national income

Van Wert County's median household income of $65,344 falls $9,411 short of the national median of $74,755. This 12% gap reflects broader economic pressures in rural Ohio communities compared to the nation as a whole.

Below average for Ohio counties

At $65,344, Van Wert County earns 4% less than Ohio's state average of $68,101. The county ranks in the lower half of Ohio's 88 counties by median household income.

Modest incomes in northwest Ohio

Van Wert's $65,344 median household income is slightly higher than nearby Williams County ($61,834) but trails Wood County ($73,124) and Wayne County ($71,769). The northwest region shows mixed income patterns, with Van Wert positioned mid-range.

Housing remains affordable here

Van Wert's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio indicates housing costs are manageable, well below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median home value of $137,300, homeownership is accessible to many households earning the county median.

Build financial security in Van Wert

With moderate housing costs and a $65,344 median income, Van Wert households have room to save and invest. Starting a retirement plan or emergency fund now can help close the income gap and build long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Van Wert County

via HealthByCounty

Van Wert's life expectancy edges ahead

At 75.5 years, Van Wert residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, though the county ranks just below the national median. The 17.7% poor/fair health rate suggests most residents experience good to excellent health, better than many peers nationwide.

Above average for Ohio

Van Wert's 75.5-year life expectancy exceeds Ohio's state average of 74.8 years, placing the county in the healthier half of Ohio's 88 counties. The lower poor/fair health rate of 17.7% versus state benchmarks reflects stronger preventive care outcomes.

Healthier than nearby Vinton

Van Wert's 75.5-year life expectancy significantly outpaces Vinton County's 67.5 years, a 8-year gap that reflects differences in healthcare access and economic conditions. Van Wert residents also report better overall health, with 17.7% in poor/fair condition compared to Vinton's 25.5%.

Good access, low uninsured rate

Just 6.0% of Van Wert residents lack health insurance, well below Ohio's 7.5% average, ensuring most people can afford regular care. The county offers 45 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, adequate for routine checkups and preventive services.

Keep your coverage strong

With 6.0% uninsured—the best rate among these eight counties—Van Wert is doing well, but ensuring all residents have continuous coverage protects health outcomes. Explore Healthcare.gov or Ohio's Medicaid program to confirm your family's coverage is current.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Van Wert County

via RiskByCounty

Van Wert's Risk Profile: Well Below Average

Van Wert County scores 20.10 on the composite natural disaster risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and placing it well below the national average. This means residents face significantly less exposure to major natural hazards compared to most American counties, though localized risks still warrant attention.

Among Ohio's Safest Counties

Van Wert ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Ohio, with a composite score of 20.10 against the state average of 55.03. The county's Very Low rating reflects its favorable position relative to other Ohio communities facing greater disaster exposure.

Lower Risk Than Regional Peers

Van Wert's score of 20.10 compares favorably to neighboring Williams County (44.40), which faces greater tornado and earthquake risks. Among northwestern Ohio counties, Van Wert enjoys some of the most protective geography in the region.

Earthquakes and Tornadoes Top the List

While overall risk is low, earthquake risk scores 57.00 and tornado risk reaches 48.19 in Van Wert—the two hazards requiring the most attention. Residents should know where to shelter during severe weather and maintain earthquake safety awareness, even in a relatively low-risk county.

Smart Coverage for Peace of Mind

Standard homeowners insurance typically covers tornado damage, but earthquake coverage requires a separate policy in Ohio. Given Van Wert's modest earthquake and tornado exposure, bundling these riders with comprehensive coverage offers cost-effective protection without overextending your budget.

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.