Ohio is one of those states that rarely shouts for attention, yet keeps delivering where it counts. Eighty-eight counties, each with its own rhythm; some wrapped in city lights, others tucked behind rolling farmland.
In 2025, a few stand out as genuinely balanced places to live, where jobs, schools, safety, and cost of living align better than most.
The following ranking blends different data and local health reports, and these are the counties that are best to live in this year.
How We Ranked These Counties
We ranked based on a mix of school quality, cost of living, crime, jobs, health, and local amenities. We layered in the newest 2025 state and federal data, including:
- Median income and employment trends from DataUSA and BLS
- Health outcomes from County Health Rankings and Ohio public health departments
- Demographics and affordability from USAFacts and local housing reports
According to Census Reporter , Ohio’s median household income now hovers in the high $60,000s, with a poverty rate just above 13 percent.
Most of the counties below sit comfortably above that line in income, education, and health, and often all three.
A Quick Look
| Rank | County | Core Cities / Hubs | Population | Grade | Notable Strengths |
| 1 | Delaware | Delaware, Powell, suburban Columbus | 221K | A+ | High incomes, top schools, strong health outcomes |
| 2 | Warren | Mason, Lebanon, Cincinnati suburbs | 246K | A+ | Great job market, family-friendly suburbs |
| 3 | Summit | Akron region | 538K | A | Outdoor access, balanced cost of living |
| 4 | Hamilton | Cincinnati and suburbs | 828K | A | Culture, economy, universities |
| 5 | Franklin | Columbus metro | 1.32M | A | Jobs, diversity, urban opportunities |
| 6 | Greene | Beavercreek, Yellow Springs, WPAFB | 169K | A | Parks, bike trails, military jobs |
| 7 | Medina | Medina, Wadsworth | 183K | A | Low unemployment, strong community fabric |
| 8 | Union | Marysville area | 65K | A- | Fast growth, manufacturing strength |
| 9 | Lucas | Toledo region | 429K | A- | Affordable homes, lakefront living |
| 10 | Wood | Bowling Green area | 132K | A- | College-town energy, safety, access |
1. Delaware County
North of Columbus, Delaware County keeps setting records for growth and wealth. The median household income sits around $130,000 , roughly double the state’s median.
Over half of adults hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Homeownership sits near 80 percent, signaling financial stability and rootedness.
What Life Feels Like
It’s the sweet spot between small-town and suburban. You’ve got historic Delaware’s courthouse square, Powell’s master-planned neighborhoods, and parks threading through it all.
Commutes to Columbus jobs are short, and local events like the Little Brown Jug harness races keep it grounded in Ohio tradition.
Housing and Cost of Living
Prices are high for Ohio but predictable given the income levels. A typical home crosses the $400,000 mark , yet low property taxes relative to other states help. You’ll see active new construction in every direction.
Best for
- High-income professionals
- Families who prioritize top-rated schools
- Remote workers who want suburban calm with quick city access
2. Warren County
Anchored between Cincinnati and Dayton, Warren County’s median income hovers near $108,000 . Population growth continues, supported by manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. It ranks A+ overall for livability in 2025.
What Life Feels Like
The vibe is distinctly suburban. Mason and Lebanon are family magnets with organized neighborhoods, parks, and youth sports complexes. You’re within reach of Kings Island, major highways, and two metro areas’ worth of jobs.
Housing and Cost of Living
Plenty of single-family homes, and while prices climb, they’re still well below national averages. The housing market rewards buyers who act fast, as inventory tends to move quickly.
Best for
- Dual-income households
- Families seeking strong schools and newer homes
- Commuters splitting time between Cincinnati and Dayton
3. Summit County
Summit County anchors the Akron metro. Income levels sit around $70,000s , right around the state median, supported by diverse employers in polymers, healthcare, and education.
What Life Feels Like
You can leave an office downtown and be at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in minutes. The county combines urban amenities with easy outdoor access. Neighborhoods range from revitalized city cores to peaceful suburbs.
Housing and Cost of Living
Home prices remain attainable. Buyers can still find solid single-family homes under $200,000 outside prime suburbs. The mix of affordability and proximity to nature is a selling point.
Best for
- Outdoor lovers and trail users
- Professionals wanting metro access without big-city costs
- Families seeking solid schools and manageable commutes
4. Hamilton County
Cincinnati’s home base. Over 828,000 residents , and income levels continue to rise alongside downtown redevelopment. Healthcare, finance, and tech are driving the region’s economy.
What Life Feels Like
A blend of historic character and modern ambition. Reds baseball, FC Cincinnati, the riverfront parks, and a restaurant scene that rivals larger metros.
Neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Mt. Lookout, and Over-the-Rhine draw everyone from young professionals to established families.
Housing and Cost of Living
Wide range, from classic brick homes to modern lofts. Still cheaper than comparable markets in Chicago or Nashville. Taxes vary, so it pays to compare municipalities.
Best for
- Urban professionals and creatives
- Sports fans and culture seekers
- Healthcare or finance employees
5. Franklin County
Ohio’s capital and largest county, home to over 1.3 million people. Median income is roughly $74,000 , above the state average. Anchored by The Ohio State University, state government, logistics, and a tech boom that keeps expanding.
What Life Feels Like
Franklin is bustling, diverse, and full of opportunity. Downtown Columbus offers constant activity, while suburbs like Dublin and Upper Arlington offer space and school quality. The job market is one of the strongest in the Midwest.
Housing and Cost of Living
More expensive than small counties but still affordable compared with big coastal metros. A growing rental market supports the steady influx of students and professionals.
Best for
- Young professionals and students
- Families seeking cultural variety
- Job seekers who prioritize upward mobility
6. Greene County
East of Dayton, Greene includes Beavercreek, Xenia, and Yellow Springs. Population sits near 169,000. Anchors include Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and several universities, which stabilize employment.
What Life Feels Like
Greene balances quiet neighborhoods with excellent access to parks and trails. The bike network is one of the best in Ohio, stretching for miles through scenic countryside. Yellow Springs adds a quirky, artistic edge.
Housing and Cost of Living
Affordable for most middle-income families. Newer homes around Beavercreek cost more, but smaller towns remain budget-friendly.
Best for
- Military families and defense workers
- Cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts
- Buyers seeking suburban calm near job centers
7. Medina County
Between Cleveland and Akron, Medina has about 183,000 residents and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state, near 3.2 percent .
What Life Feels Like
The county feels like a slice of classic Ohio: village squares, local diners, and a real sense of community. Many residents commute to Cleveland or Akron for work, but Medina itself has a self-sustaining local economy.
Housing and Cost of Living
Home prices are moderate and rising steadily. The area offers good value: more land, less congestion, and a stable resale market.
Best for
- Commuters balancing city jobs with small-town life
- Families seeking safe, community-focused environments
- Buyers looking for long-term stability
8. Union County
Northwest of Columbus, Union’s 65,000 residents benefit from Honda’s manufacturing hub and nearby logistics jobs. The county is rapidly growing as Columbus expands outward, as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics .
What Life Feels Like
More rural than Delaware, but still close enough to reach city amenities. Marysville anchors daily life, with new neighborhoods springing up around major employers. Fields still dominate much of the landscape.
Housing and Cost of Living
Plenty of new construction keeps the market from overheating. Prices remain lower than Delaware’s, with good entry points for first-time buyers.
Best for
- Manufacturing professionals and engineers
- Families wanting new homes with more space
- Residents seeking small-town quiet with Columbus access
9. Lucas County
Centered on Toledo, Lucas County holds about 430,000 residents. Income levels trail the state average, but the housing affordability more than compensates. Median home prices are among the lowest of any large Ohio county.
What Life Feels Like
Toledo’s waterfront and cultural revival keep improving the area’s reputation. You get lake access, professional hockey and baseball, and a solid food scene. Weekend trips to Michigan or the islands are within easy reach.
Housing and Cost of Living
Affordability defines Lucas. You can find large homes under $200,000, though it’s important to research neighborhoods carefully for long-term value.
Best for
- Budget-conscious homebuyers
- Lake enthusiasts
- Investors seeking high rent-to-price ratios
10. Wood County
Just south of Toledo, Wood County wraps around Bowling Green, home to Bowling Green State University. Population sits near 132,000, with a balanced mix of suburban and rural areas.
What Life Feels Like
College life brings energy – sports, concerts, and art events keep the calendar full. Outside of Bowling Green, the landscape quiets down to fields and small towns. Commutes into Toledo remain reasonable.
Housing and Cost of Living
Stable and mid-range. Safety scores are strong, roads well maintained, and the general sense of order appeals to families. Student rentals near campus add a bit of churn, but family neighborhoods stay consistent.
Best for
- College staff and students
- Families seeking smaller-scale living
- Commuters working in Toledo
What the Best Counties Have in Common
The top performers across Ohio share a few consistent advantages:
- Higher-than-average household incomes and low unemployment
- Strong K–12 and higher education systems
- Reasonable housing costs relative to wages
- Health outcomes above state norms
- Community engagement and stable local economies
Delaware and Warren lead thanks to income, education, and safety. Franklin and Hamilton provide major-city infrastructure and diverse job options.
Summit, Medina, Greene, Union, Lucas, and Wood round it out with affordability and strong community life.
Final Thoughts
Ohio’s best counties in 2025 don’t promise perfection, just a smoother balance of career, comfort, and cost. Whether you want big-city momentum or a backyard near open fields, there’s a county on this list that fits.
For anyone serious about moving, the next step is spending a weekend there, walking the neighborhoods, and seeing what feels right.