Hardin
Ohio

What stands out

Three things set Hardin County apart from the other 3,142 counties: natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 14% of American counties (14 of 100). Within Ohio it ranks 5th of 88 counties for natural-hazard risk, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Hardin County, Ohio. 30,622 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +11).

Ohio has a flat 2.75% income tax on income over $26,050 and exempts Social Security. Cities and school districts can add their own income taxes, so the total rate depends on the municipality. Home prices are well below the national average in all three major metros. Ohio has allowed permitless concealed carry since June 2022 and legalized recreational marijuana by ballot in 2023.

Money

The typical household here brings in $55,876 a year, lower than 65% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $49,899. Unemployment runs 4.2%, higher than 75% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 22 minutes each way.

Ohio takes 1.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $820 a year.

Home

The median home costs $190K, cheaper than 67% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $768 a month. Property tax is 1.12% of home value, roughly $1,412 a year on that median home, higher than 68% of American counties. 74% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 66% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 21 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 73.4 years, shorter than 76% of American counties. There are 15 active physicians in the county, about 4.9 per 10,000 people. 7.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.13 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 61% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 43 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 55% of eligible voters turned out. Under Ohio law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 52°F, highs near 62 and lows near 42, colder than 66% of American counties. About 33 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 14 out of 100, safer than 86% of American counties; the county has had 12 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 213 Mbps down, faster than 56% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.