Preble County
OH · Pop. 40,802 · Suburban County
Preble County, Ohio covers 424 square miles with a population of 40,802 and a density of 96.2 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on soybeans, corn, hay. The median home price is $171,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.08%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 176-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.6°F and average winter lows of 19.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 41.1 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Reid Health is 15.4 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 93% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $171,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 93% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A strong agricultural economy built on soybeans, corn, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- Annual rainfall of 41.1 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
- A low poverty rate of 11.2% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- The nearest hospital, Reid Health, is 15.4 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Preble County, OH is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 52/100
- Median home price
- $171k
- Property tax
- 1.08%
- Growing season
- 176 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 41.1"
- Broadband
- 93%
- Nearest hospital
- Reid Health, 15.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Preble County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Preble County?
- Preble County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 176-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.6°F, and average winter lows of 19.8°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $171,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.08%. There's no published county per-acre figure, so use recent comparable sales to gauge raw-land value.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 93% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Reid Health is 15.4 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
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 Preble 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.