countyscore
51.1
County Score
Health 79.6Income & Jobs 74.3Schools 73

County Report Card

About Wood County, Ohio

Rising Above the National Median

Wood County secures a composite score of 51.1, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. It balances strong social services with the costs of a growing region.

A Health and Education Leader

Scoring 51.1 against a state average of 48.6, Wood County is a standout in Northwest Ohio. It offers superior health and school systems compared to much of the state.

Excellent Health and High Incomes

The county boasts a health score of 79.6 and a strong income score of 74.3. These numbers are backed by a healthy median household income of $73,124.

Higher Taxes and Housing Costs

The tax score of 18.7 is quite low, resulting from an effective tax rate of 1.358%. Renters also face higher prices, with a cost score of 27.3 and median rents of $950.

Ideal for Health-Conscious Professionals

Wood County is perfect for professionals who value top-tier healthcare and educational opportunities. The higher tax rate is a trade-off for the excellent public services and economic vitality found here.

2040608010018.727.356.779.67374.334.363.254.1Tax18.7Cost27.3Safety56.7Health79.6Schools73Income74.3Risk34.3Water63.2Weather54.151.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Wood County DNA

Foverall

How Wood County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Wood County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (79.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (18.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
18.7-33.3
Cost
27.3-20.7
Safety
56.7
Health
79.6+29.599999999999994
Schools
73+19
Income
74.3+23.299999999999997
Risk
34.3-12.700000000000003
Water
63.2
Weather
54.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$214,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$950/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$214,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $73,124/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.3

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
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Nearby counties

Lucas County
Ohio
24.8
Sandusky County
Ohio
55.5
Henry County
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53.4
Hancock County
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46.4
Seneca County
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Ottawa County
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Fulton County
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Monroe County
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Deep Dives

Wood County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Wood County

via CrimeByCounty

Wood County Scores High on Safety

Wood County enjoys a high safety score of 98.4, with crime rates well below the national average. Its local rate of 996.5 per 100K is less than half the national figure of 2385.5.

Low Violent Crime Rates Lead the State

The county's violent crime rate of 57.8 is far below the Ohio average of 180.9. Its overall safety score of 98.4 consistently beats the state average of 97.8.

Robust Safety with 18 Reporting Agencies

Eighteen local agencies contribute to a robust safety profile that outperforms neighboring counties. Wood County remains a benchmark for security in the region.

Physical Safety is a Local Priority

Violent crime is rare here, with only 57.8 incidents per 100K residents. Property crime accounts for most local reports at a rate of 938.7.

Securing Homes Against Property Crime

Home security systems are effective at guarding against the 938.7 property crimes reported per 100K. Protecting your home is a key part of keeping Wood County safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Wood County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Network for 20,000 Students

Wood County operates 38 public schools across 11 districts to support 20,353 students. This robust infrastructure includes 15 elementary schools and 13 high schools spread across the region.

Leading the State in Graduation Success

The county achieves a stellar 94.9% graduation rate, one of the highest in Ohio. This success is paired with a school score of 58.0 and per-pupil spending of $7,883.

Perrysburg and Bowling Green Centers

Perrysburg Exempted Village is the largest district with 5,535 students, followed by Bowling Green City with 2,586. All 38 schools are traditional public institutions, with no charter schools in the county.

A Blend of Suburbs and Rural Towns

The county offers a diverse mix of 15 suburban, 14 rural, and 9 town schools. While the average school size is 550, Perrysburg High School is a major hub with 1,636 students.

Secure Your Future in Top-Rated Districts

Wood County’s nearly 95% graduation rate makes it a premier target for families prioritizing education. Browse local listings to find a home in one of these highly successful school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Wood County

via WaterByCounty

Wood County Maintains Better-Than-Average Compliance

Wood County receives a B grade with five health violations recorded over five years. At 4.6 violations per 100,000 residents, the county performs significantly better than the Ohio state average of 32.9. Most residents enjoy consistent access to water that meets Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Six Local Watersheds Report Clean Health

Federal assessments from the 2022 cycle found zero impairment across six evaluated water bodies in Wood County. All assessed waters meet the Clean Water Act requirements for their designated uses. This indicates a healthy environmental baseline for the county's major streams.

Active Monitoring Focuses on Pesticides and Nutrients

Environmental agencies track 39 sites and have recorded 6,846 measurements in the past five years. Monitoring priorities include nutrients, organics, and pesticides. This data is critical for understanding the impact of local land use on water quality.

No Live USGS Gauge Data Available

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing live discharge data for Wood County. In the absence of live flow metrics, residents should rely on the county's strong B-grade compliance and extensive monitoring records. These signals suggest that local water systems are generally stable and well-monitored.

Remain Vigilant Regarding Agricultural Runoff

Since pesticides and nutrients are the most-measured groups, residents should support local conservation efforts to minimize runoff into unimpaired watersheds. Though compliance is strong, the presence of five recent health violations means you should stay informed about system alerts. If you use a private well, regular testing for pesticides is recommended given the local monitoring focus.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wood County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temperatures in the Heartland

Wood County's 51.0°F annual average temperature aligns closely with national midwestern norms. The area receives 34.5 inches of rain, making it slightly drier than the national median.

Matching the Ohio Average

At 51.0°F, Wood County sits just 0.5 degrees below the Ohio state average of 51.5°F. It serves as a temperature benchmark for the northwestern portion of the state.

Drier and Less Snowy than Williams

Wood County receives 34.5 inches of precipitation, which is less than both Williams and Wyandot counties. Its 22.1 inches of annual snowfall is also notably lower than its western neighbor.

Steady Warmth with Frequent Heat Waves

The July average reaches a warm 74.1°F, contributing to 18 extreme heat days annually. Winters are more moderate than the state's northernmost fringe, averaging 28.8°F.

Cooling is Key for Wood County

With 18 days of 90°F temperatures, reliable air conditioning is a high priority for local households. Residents can expect lighter snow clearing duties compared to those in the snow belts further north.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wood County

via SoilByCounty

Wood County’s Neutral Loam

Wood County boasts an Inceptisol soil with a pH of 6.56, making it one of the most neutral soils in Ohio. This exceeds the national median of 6.5 and is far above the state average of 5.97. This pH level is a gold standard for nutrient availability and plant health.

Sandy Loam with High Porosity

The soil is a loam composed of 48.9% sand, 31.2% silt, and 18.8% clay. This high sand fraction creates large pore spaces that are excellent for root aeration. The balanced mix ensures the soil doesn't become too heavy or difficult to cultivate during the wet season.

Consistent Fertility and Water Use

At 3.24%, the organic matter is lower than the state average but remains healthy for agricultural production. The available water capacity of 0.172 in/in is slightly lower than the state benchmark, meaning irrigation might be beneficial during dry August weeks. Despite this, the neutral pH provides a massive boost to overall fertility.

Managing Poorly Drained Loams

The soil is classified as somewhat poorly drained and falls into the B/D hydrologic group. This indicates that while the soil has good potential, it can hold onto water too long if the water table is high. Many areas here benefit from tile drainage to maximize their high agricultural potential.

Thriving in the 6b Hardiness Zone

In zone 6b, Wood County is perfect for a wide range of vegetables and ornamental plants that crave neutral soil. You won't need much lime here, saving you time and money on garden prep. It’s a premium location for anyone looking to grow high-quality produce or a lush lawn.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wood County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Dryness in Wood County

With a lawn difficulty score of 71.2, Wood County is slightly more challenging than the Ohio average of 76.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 6b, the area struggles with lower-than-average precipitation compared to the rest of the state. Even so, it remains much easier to manage than the national median of 50.0.

Limited Rain and Moderate Heat

Wood County receives only 34.5 inches of annual rain, which is nearly 7 inches less than the Ohio average. This scarcity, combined with 18 extreme heat days, makes irrigation a top priority for a green lawn. The growing season kicks off after the last frost on April 22 and runs through late October.

Loamy Soils with High Sand Content

The soil here is a loam with nearly 48.9% sand, which usually means excellent drainage, yet the county is classified as 'somewhat poorly drained' in many areas. The pH of 6.56 is nearly perfect for turfgrass, requiring no major chemical adjustments. You may need to aerate to help the water penetrate the surface during dry spells.

Severe Drought Management

Drought is a major concern as 99.8% of Wood County currently faces severe drought conditions. The county endured 29 weeks of drought over the past year, making it one of the driest spots in Ohio. Deep, infrequent watering is the only way to keep your lawn alive without wasting precious water.

Resilient Seeding for Zone 6b

Heat-tolerant Kentucky Bluegrass blends are your best bet to survive the dry Wood County summers. Target the window immediately after the April 22 frost to establish roots before the summer drought kicks in. Focusing on drought-resistant varieties will save you significant time and water in the long run.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wood County's county score?
Wood County, Ohio has a composite county score of 51.1 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 Wood County rank among counties in Ohio?
Wood County ranks #38 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 Wood County, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Wood County is $2,911, with an effective tax rate of 1.36%. This earns Wood County a tax score of 18.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wood County?
The median household income in Wood County, Ohio is $73,124 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wood County earns an income score of 74.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wood County, Ohio a good place to live?
Wood County scores 51.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Ohio. The best way to evaluate Wood 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 Wood County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.