CountyScore

Wood County

Ohio · OH

#65 in Ohio
65.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Wood County, Ohio

Wood scores solidly above national median

Wood County's composite score of 64.7 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 15 points, placing it in the top 65th percentile nationally. The county demonstrates measurable strengths in livability fundamentals.

Slightly below Ohio's state average

At 64.7, Wood falls short of Ohio's state average of 68.8, ranking it in the lower-middle tier statewide. It represents a somewhat below-average Ohio county experience.

Best income profile in the peer group

Wood's income score of 31.1 (the highest in this group) reflects a median household income of $73,124, demonstrating solid earning capacity. This higher income potential supports a more robust local economy and greater household financial flexibility.

Higher taxes and housing costs bite

Wood's effective tax rate of 1.358% is the highest among these eight counties, while its cost score of 73.5 reflects median home values of $214,400 and rent at $950. These dual pressures limit affordability despite decent incomes.

Suits working families valuing income

Wood appeals to families earning moderate-to-good incomes who can absorb higher taxes and housing costs in exchange for employment opportunities. It works best for two-income households with stable, above-average earnings.

Score breakdown

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

Tax64.1Cost73.5SafetyComing SoonHealth76.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.1Risk34.3WaterComing Soon
🏛64.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡34.3
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 Wood County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Houston County
Georgia
65.1
Median income: $80,743
Tift County
Georgia
65.1
Median income: $53,165
Christian County
Kentucky
65.1
Median income: $54,190
Berrien County
Michigan
65.1
Median income: $63,152
Lee County
Mississippi
65.1
Median income: $67,144

Deep Dives

Wood County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wood County

via TaxByCounty

Wood County taxes among nation's highest

At 1.358%, Wood County's effective tax rate ranks in the top 15% of U.S. counties, substantially exceeding the national median of 1.09%. The median annual property tax of $2,911 exceeds the national median of $2,690 by 8%, placing Wood firmly in the high-tax category nationally. Wood homeowners carry a notably heavier burden than most Americans.

Highest-taxed county in Ohio

Wood County's 1.358% effective rate is the highest among Ohio's 88 counties, exceeding the state average of 1.148% by 18%. The median property tax of $2,911 trails only Warren County's $4,076, making Wood the second-highest state median tax bill. Wood stands out as Ohio's premium tax county.

Substantially steeper than surrounding counties

Wood's 1.358% rate dramatically exceeds all neighboring counties, including Wayne (1.201%), Williams (1.160%), and Putnam County to the north. Wood's elevated rate reflects strong local demand for public services and school funding, combined with robust home values. The county's prosperity comes at a tax price.

Median home brings $2,911 yearly tax

On Wood's median home value of $214,400, homeowners pay approximately $2,911 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, residents pay an estimated $3,202 annually; without one, roughly $2,482. Wood's tax bill exceeds most Ohio counties and most U.S. counties overall.

Accurate assessments crucial for high values

For Wood County homeowners, ensuring accurate assessments becomes especially important given the county's high tax rate—overvaluation compounds the burden. Request a reassessment if you believe your home was appraised above fair market value or if recent comparable sales suggest overvaluation. Professional appraisals or market analyses can provide compelling evidence in an appeal to reduce your assessment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wood County

via CostByCounty

Wood County balances growth with affordability

Wood County residents earning $73,124—nearly matching the national average of $74,755—spend 15.6% of income on $950 monthly rent, keeping costs manageable despite regional growth. This Toledo-adjacent county demonstrates how proximity to opportunity doesn't necessarily mean premium pricing.

Growing market matches state affordability

Wood County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio aligns with Ohio's state average, yet its $950 median rent ranks among the highest in this comparison. This suggests Wood's slightly higher incomes successfully absorb elevated housing costs while maintaining healthy affordability ratios.

Premium pricing reflects growth momentum

Wood's $950 rent represents the region's second-highest after Warren County, while its $214,400 median home value reflects strong market demand. This northwest Ohio county has clearly benefited from Toledo metro spillover and economic vitality.

Growth prosperity funds housing premium

Households earning $73,124 spend $950 on rent or $1,164 on monthly mortgages, dedicating 15.6% to housing despite the elevated costs. Strong local employment and income levels allow residents to comfortably sustain Wood County's relatively expensive housing market.

Wood County rewards job seekers and families

Relocating to northwest Ohio's job center? Wood County's 15.6% affordability ratio combined with $73,000+ median income suggests strong employment prospects. Compare this market against your current metro—you may find better income stability alongside competitive housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wood County

via IncomeByCounty

Wood County nearly matches nation

Wood County's median household income of $73,124 falls just $1,631 short of the national median of $74,755. This near-alignment shows Wood's economy performs competitively on a national scale.

Above average for Ohio

Wood County's $73,124 exceeds Ohio's $68,101 state average by $5,023, placing it in the upper-middle tier of Ohio counties. The county demonstrates solid economic strength.

Regional income leader

Wood County's $73,124 leads its northwest Ohio peers, outearning Van Wert ($65,344), Williams ($61,834), and Washington ($61,355). Only Warren County's $107,843 significantly exceeds Wood's position regionally.

Manageable housing costs

Wood County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing affordable, with median home values of $214,400 accessible to households earning the county median. This balance supports both renting and homeownership.

Accelerate wealth building here

Wood County households at $73,124 have meaningful capacity to fund retirement accounts, invest in real estate, and diversify portfolios. Strategic financial planning now can yield substantial generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Wood County

via HealthByCounty

Wood County leads Ohio health metrics

At 77.4 years, Wood County residents live nearly a full year longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, ranking in the top quartile nationally. The 16.1% poor/fair health rate is well below national averages, indicating strong preventive care and healthier lifestyles.

Second-best in Ohio, nearly best

Wood's 77.4-year life expectancy ranks among Ohio's top counties, 2.6 years above the state average of 74.8 years, rivaling Warren County's health outcomes. The 16.1% poor/fair health rate is significantly better than state norms, reflecting strong community health infrastructure.

Second only to Warren County

Wood's 77.4-year life expectancy is the second-highest among eight counties, trailing only Warren at 78.2 years, a testament to strong economic and health systems. With 68 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Wood delivers robust access to routine medical care.

Excellent coverage and access

At 5.5% uninsured, Wood County is below Ohio's 7.5% average, ensuring nearly 95% of residents have health coverage for doctor visits. The 68 primary care and 223 mental health providers per 100,000 residents provide comprehensive, accessible healthcare across the county.

Sustain your excellent advantage

Wood County's strong coverage rate and provider network create ideal conditions for preventive care and chronic disease management. Visit Healthcare.gov annually to confirm your coverage remains active and schedule regular checkups to maintain this health leadership.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wood County

via RiskByCounty

Wood's Above-Average Risk Exposure

Wood County scores 65.68 on the composite risk scale, placing it above the national average with a Relatively Low rating. This northwestern Ohio county faces material exposure to natural hazards, particularly tornadoes and earthquakes that define its risk profile.

Among Ohio's Higher-Risk Counties

Wood's composite score of 65.68 exceeds Ohio's 55.03 average, ranking it among the state's more hazard-exposed counties. The county's elevated profile reflects its location in Ohio's active tornado corridor and seismic zone.

Higher Risk Than Western Neighbors

Wood's 65.68 score exceeds Van Wert County (20.10), Wyandot County (17.40), and Williams County (44.40), placing it firmly in the region's higher-risk category. Its position reflects northeastern Ohio's more active hazard patterns.

Tornadoes and Earthquakes Dominate

Wood experiences tornado risk of 80.50 and earthquake risk of 69.75—among Ohio's highest exposures—alongside significant flood risk of 75.70. These three hazards create a complex threat environment demanding comprehensive preparedness and insurance.

Comprehensive Multi-Hazard Protection

Wood residents should secure homeowners insurance with enhanced wind/hail coverage for tornado protection, plus separate flood insurance for properties in inundation zones. Adding earthquake coverage as a rider ensures protection across the county's full hazard spectrum.

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.