CountyScore

Vinton County

Ohio · OH

#18 in Ohio
69.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Vinton County, Ohio

Vinton exceeds national livability baseline

Vinton County's composite score of 72.2 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 44th percentile nationally. The county demonstrates broad strength across available livability dimensions.

Among Ohio's better performers

Vinton's score of 72.2 exceeds Ohio's state average of 68.8, ranking it ahead of most counties in its state. It stands as a solid choice within Ohio's competitive county market.

Best-in-class housing affordability

Vinton leads with a cost score of 86.0, offering the lowest median home value ($131,700) and median rent ($663/month) among these eight counties. Its tax score of 71.7 and effective tax rate of 1.087% further reinforce affordability as the county's signature strength.

Incomes lag significantly behind peers

Vinton's income score of 18.5 is the lowest among these counties, with a median household income of just $53,813. Safety, health, school, and water quality data remain unavailable, preventing full livability assessment.

Dream county for ultra-affordable living

Vinton serves those seeking maximum affordability and minimal financial obligations, ideal for retirees on fixed incomes or households earning modest wages. Its extremely low rents and home prices offer unmatched purchasing power for the budget-first household.

Score breakdown

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

Tax71.7Cost86SafetyComing SoonHealth56.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome18.5Risk88.2WaterComing Soon
🏛71.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤56.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡88.2
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 Vinton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lake and Peninsula Borough
Alaska
69.7
Median income: $64,000
Chicot County
Arkansas
69.7
Median income: $39,683
Elbert County
Colorado
69.7
Median income: $129,477
Park County
Colorado
69.7
Median income: $95,450
Franklin County
Georgia
69.7
Median income: $52,264

Deep Dives

Vinton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Vinton County

via TaxByCounty

Vinton's rate falls just below national median

Vinton County's effective tax rate of 1.087% sits just slightly below the national median of 1.09%, placing it near the middle of all U.S. counties. The median annual tax of $1,432 remains significantly below the national median of $2,690, driven largely by lower home values. For a rural Appalachian county, Vinton's tax position is quite competitive nationally.

Below-average taxes in Ohio's mix

At 1.087%, Vinton County's effective rate is 5.3% lower than Ohio's state average of 1.148%, with a median tax of $1,432 compared to the state median of $2,145. Vinton ranks solidly in the lower-tax half of Ohio's 88 counties, offering moderate relief for homeowners.

Higher taxes than most neighboring counties

Vinton's 1.087% rate exceeds the ultra-low rates in nearby Van Wert (0.967%) and Wyandot (0.888%), but falls between the region's mid-range and higher-taxed counties. Among Ohio's southeast counties, Vinton's position reflects its rural character—moderate rather than extreme in either direction.

Median home brings $1,432 annual tax

On Vinton's median home value of $131,700, the typical annual property tax is $1,432. Homeowners with mortgages pay an estimated $1,661 annually, while those without mortgages pay $1,238. The variance reflects local tax administration practices and exemption eligibility.

Assessment challenges available to all owners

Vinton County homeowners who suspect overassessment can petition the county auditor to review their property's valuation. If a recent appraisal, comparable sales, or market analysis suggests the assessed value exceeds fair market value, an appeal can result in lower taxes. Many successful appeals go unfiled simply because homeowners don't realize the process exists.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Vinton County

via CostByCounty

Vinton County's hidden affordability advantage

At 14.8% of household income going to rent, Vinton County sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold and beats the national average. Despite having the state's lowest median income at $53,813, residents here enjoy housing costs that don't consume their paychecks.

Most affordable rents in rural Ohio

Vinton County claims the state's lowest median rent at just $663 monthly—$210 below Ohio's average and the cheapest in this region. Its 14.8% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the state average of 15.6%, delivering genuine relief for lower-income households.

Unbeatable for budget-first relocations

Vinton's $663 median rent is significantly lower than Van Wert ($792) and Wyandot ($785), making it the region's most cost-conscious choice. Homes average just $131,700, offering the lowest values among these counties and maximum affordability for first-time buyers.

Tight budgets, manageable housing costs

With median household income at $53,813, Vinton residents dedicate 14.8% to rent ($663) or similar shares to mortgage payments on homes valued at $131,700. The low rent burden leaves crucial dollars for food, healthcare, and transportation in a county with limited higher-wage opportunities.

Maximum affordability for minimum income

Relocating on a modest budget? Vinton County delivers Ohio's most accessible housing without forcing impossible trade-offs. At $663 rent and 14.8% income share, you'll stretch further here than nearly anywhere else in the state.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Vinton County

via IncomeByCounty

Vinton's income gap widens nationally

Vinton County's median household income of $53,813 trails the national median by $20,942—a significant 28% gap. This makes Vinton one of Ohio's lowest-earning counties relative to national standards.

Ranked among Ohio's poorest counties

Vinton County ranks in the bottom tier of Ohio counties at $53,813, nearly $14,300 below the state average of $68,101. This 21% deficit signals economic challenges unique to this southeast Ohio region.

Struggling alongside isolated peers

Vinton County's $53,813 income is the lowest among its regional peers, including Washington County ($61,355) and Wyandot County ($71,878). The county faces distinct economic headwinds compared to surrounding areas.

Housing costs press tight budgets

Although Vinton's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio remains under the 30% threshold, tight household incomes leave limited margin for error. The median home value of $131,700 is accessible, but lower incomes mean less financial cushion overall.

Small steps to stronger finances

Vinton County households earning $53,813 should prioritize building an emergency fund and exploring low-cost investing options. Even modest contributions to savings and retirement accounts now can yield meaningful wealth growth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Vinton County

via HealthByCounty

Vinton lags far behind national health

At 67.5 years, Vinton County's life expectancy ranks among the lowest in the nation, trailing the U.S. average by nearly 9 years. A quarter of residents (25.5%) report poor or fair health, double the national average, signaling serious underlying health challenges.

Ohio's health crisis is here

Vinton County ranks in Ohio's bottom 10% with a life expectancy 7.3 years below the state average of 74.8 years. The 25.5% poor/fair health rate is among the worst statewide, reflecting decades of economic decline and limited healthcare investment.

Struggling compared to all peers

Vinton's 67.5-year life expectancy is 8+ years shorter than any of the seven surrounding counties profiled here, including Warren (78.2) and Wood (77.4). With only 16 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in this group—Vinton faces a critical provider shortage.

High uninsured, few doctors nearby

At 8.9% uninsured, Vinton exceeds Ohio's average and faces one of the county group's severest doctor shortages with just 16 primary care providers per 100,000. Many residents travel 30+ minutes for routine care, delaying diagnosis and treatment of preventable conditions.

Getting covered saves lives here

With uninsured rates and provider access both among the worst statewide, ensuring you and your family have health coverage is critical in Vinton. Visit Healthcare.gov immediately to explore low-cost insurance options—every delay puts your health at greater risk.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Vinton County

via RiskByCounty

Vinton: Ohio's Lowest-Risk County

Vinton County scores just 11.80 on the composite risk scale—among the very safest in the nation and far below the national average. Its Very Low rating reflects minimal exposure to most major natural hazards, making it one of Ohio's most protected communities.

The State's Most Resilient County

Vinton's composite score of 11.80 is the lowest in Ohio, compared to the state average of 55.03—less than one-fifth the typical risk level. This exceptional safety profile stands out even among Ohio's safest counties.

Safest in Southeastern Ohio

Vinton's 11.80 score places it significantly below nearby Washington County (64.41) and Warren County (77.80), making it a natural haven in southeastern Ohio. The county's topography and geography provide superior protection against most disaster types.

Minimal Hazard Exposure Overall

Even Vinton's highest risks—hurricane (33.42) and flood (34.61)—remain below moderate levels due to distance from storm tracks and favorable drainage patterns. Tornado risk registers at just 21.34, the lowest among all tracked hazard types in the county.

Basic Coverage Meets Your Needs

Vinton's exceptionally low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents. While earthquake and flood coverage are available, their necessity is minimal—focus your policy on comprehensive basic protection at competitive rates.

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.