Holmes County
OH · Pop. 44,312 · Mixed County
Holmes County, Ohio covers 423 square miles with a population of 44,312 and a density of 104.8 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, corn, haylage. A median home price of $252,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.11% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 154-day growing season, average summer highs of 81.8°F and average winter lows of 19°F. Annual rainfall averages 39.3 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Pomerene Hospital is 0.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 69.4% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- Pomerene Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 0.5 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.3% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 8.8% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- A 154-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Broadband reaches only 69.4% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
At a glance
Holmes County, OH is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 43/100
- Median home price
- $252k
- Property tax
- 1.11%
- Growing season
- 154 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 39.3"
- Broadband
- 69.4%
- Nearest hospital
- Pomerene Hospital, 0.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Holmes County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Holmes County?
- Holmes County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 154-day growing season, average summer highs of 81.8°F, and average winter lows of 19°F. The established crops are hay, corn, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $252,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.11%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 69.4% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Pomerene Hospital is 0.5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
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More counties in Ohio
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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.
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