Highland
Ohio

What stands out

Against every county in America, Highland County is unusual in two ways: the restaurant count per person is in the bottom 7% of American counties (0.3 per 1,000) and unemployment is in the top 12% of American counties (4.9%). Within Ohio it ranks 11th of 88 counties for the restaurant count per person, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Highland County, Ohio. 43,285 people live here with you. The population grew 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +222).

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 $60,522 a year, higher than 50% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $44,831. Unemployment runs 4.9%, higher than 88% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home.

Ohio takes 1.6% of that median income in state income tax, about $948 a year.

Home

The median home costs $204K, cheaper than 61% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $753 a month. Property tax is 0.97% of home value, roughly $1,414 a year on that median home, higher than 58% of American counties. 73% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.4 per 1,000 residents, higher than 78% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 25 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 73.9 years, shorter than 71% of American counties. There are 21 active physicians in the county, about 4.9 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 8.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.18 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 56% of American counties. 85% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 54 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 60% 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 53°F, highs near 64 and lows near 42, colder than 62% of American counties. About 50 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 35 out of 100, safer than 65% of American counties; the county has had 12 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 263 Mbps down, faster than 80% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.