Ross
Ohio

What stands out

Against every county in America, Ross County is unusual in three ways: the overdose death rate is in the top 4% of American counties (44 per 100,000), winter sunshine is in the bottom 5% of American counties (-1.6 on the USDA scale), and the share working from home is in the bottom 15% of American counties (4%). Within Ohio it ranks 5th of 88 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Ross County, Ohio. 76,957 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.0% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +279).

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 $58,048 a year, lower than 58% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $58,036. Unemployment runs 3.8%, higher than 65% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 26 minutes each way.

Ohio takes 1.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $880 a year.

Home

The median home costs $206K, cheaper than 60% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $851 a month. Property tax is 1.01% of home value, roughly $1,552 a year on that median home, higher than 61% of American counties. 71% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 66% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 44 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 73.2 years, shorter than 79% of American counties. There are 201 active physicians in the county, about 26.1 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 8.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.01 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 61% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 28 points. 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 54°F, highs near 65 and lows near 43, colder than 58% of American counties. About 46 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 209 Mbps down, faster than 54% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 museums, 1 National Park Service site.