Lawrence
Ohio

What stands out

If you had to describe Lawrence County in numbers, start here: the restaurant count per person is among the fewest in America (0.2 per 1,000), the overdose death rate is in the top 3% of American counties (48 per 100,000), and winter sunshine is in the bottom 5% of American counties (-1.6 on the USDA scale). Within Ohio it ranks 4th of 88 counties for the restaurant count per person, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Lawrence County, Ohio. 57,994 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.8% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -14).

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 $51,846 a year, lower than 75% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,517. Unemployment runs 4.6%, higher than 84% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 21 minutes each way.

Ohio takes 1.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $709 a year.

Home

The median home costs $148K, cheaper than 84% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $771 a month. Property tax is 0.89% of home value, roughly $1,132 a year on that median home, higher than 52% of American counties. 73% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.7 per 1,000 residents, higher than 87% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 48 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 71.0 years, shorter than 93% of American counties. There are 71 active physicians in the county, about 12.2 per 10,000 people. 7.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.20 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 71% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 41 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 56°F, highs near 67 and lows near 44, colder than 51% of American counties. About 48 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 48 out of 100, safer than 52% of American counties; the county has had 16 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 240 Mbps down, faster than 69% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.2 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.