Hocking
Ohio

What stands out

Against every county in America, Hocking County is unusual in three ways: the school test score is in the top 6% of American counties (3.44 where 3.0 is grade level), the overdose death rate is in the top 8% of American counties (36 per 100,000), and population growth is in the bottom 10% of American counties (-1.0% a year). Within Ohio it ranks 7th of 88 counties for the school test score.

Where you are

You live in Hocking County, Ohio. 28,104 people live here with you. The population shrank 1.0% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -153).

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 $59,007 a year, lower than 55% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $37,934. Unemployment runs 4.1%, higher than 72% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 28 minutes each way.

Ohio takes 1.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $906 a year.

Home

The median home costs $285K, pricier than 66% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $703 a month. Property tax is 1.04% of home value, roughly $1,705 a year on that median home, higher than 63% of American counties. 79% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 67% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 36 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 73.8 years, shorter than 73% of American counties. There are 17 active physicians in the county, about 6.0 per 10,000 people. 8.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.43 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 94% of American counties. 88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 34 points. 63% 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 63 and lows near 42, colder than 63% of American counties. About 46 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 27 out of 100, safer than 73% of American counties; the county has had 18 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 132 Mbps down, slower than 77% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.