Highland County
OH · Pop. 43,403 · Suburban County
Highland County sits in Ohio across 553 square miles, home to 43,403 people at 78.5 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on soybeans, corn, hay. The median home price is $157,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.94%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 189-day growing season, average summer highs of 81.5°F and average winter lows of 22.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 42.6 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Highland District Hospital is 2.6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 87.9% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 189-day growing season in USDA zone 6b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.94% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $157,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Highland District Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 2.6 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on soybeans, corn, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Highland County, OH is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 62/100
- Median home price
- $157k
- Property tax
- 0.94%
- Growing season
- 189 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 42.6"
- Broadband
- 87.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Highland District Hospital, 2.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Highland County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Highland County?
- Highland County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 189-day growing season, average summer highs of 81.5°F, and average winter lows of 22.6°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $157,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.94%. There's no published county per-acre figure, so use recent comparable sales to gauge raw-land value.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 87.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Highland District Hospital is 2.6 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Ohio Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Ohio
All Ohio countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Highland County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.