Van Wert
Ohio

What stands out

Against every county in America, Van Wert County is unusual in two ways: the overdose death rate is in the top 10% of American counties (35 per 100,000) and the share working from home is in the bottom 12% of American counties (4%). Within Ohio it ranks 17th of 88 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Van Wert County, Ohio. 28,833 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -105).

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 $64,841 a year, higher than 62% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $49,418. Unemployment runs 3.3%, lower than 52% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home.

Ohio takes 1.6% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,067 a year.

Home

The median home costs $187K, cheaper than 69% of American counties, about 1.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $740 a month. Property tax is 1.00% of home value, roughly $1,293 a year on that median home, higher than 60% of American counties. 79% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 54% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 35 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 76.4 years, longer than 56% of American counties. There are 26 active physicians in the county, about 9.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 5.0 of 5 stars. 7.1% 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 70% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 52 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 70% 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 51°F, highs near 61 and lows near 41, colder than 69% of American counties. About 30 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 20 out of 100, safer than 80% of American counties; the county has had 13 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 158 Mbps down, slower than 68% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.