Bainbridge
RANK #217 / 996 NAT · #21 / 49 OH · POP 95,455
1YR FORECAST: +2.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +31%
Known for its significant Amish population, the fourth largest in the world, Geauga County, Ohio, offers a distinctive rural character just 30 miles east of Cleveland. This proximity allows for a commute to the city while maintaining a slower pace of life amidst rolling hills and natural scenery. Chardon, the county seat, hosts the annual Maple Festival, celebrating the county's status as Ohio's top maple syrup producer. The area also boasts extensive outdoor recreation, with the Geauga Park District managing 28 parks and preserves offering miles of trails for hiking, biking, and other activities.
Life in Geauga County often appeals to families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle, with highly-rated public schools across districts like Chardon Local and Kenston Local. The community is characterized by its preservation of green space and natural resources, contributing to a high quality of life and a life expectancy above state and national averages. The economy is supported by a diverse service sector, agriculture, and light industry, with ongoing commercial and residential investments. Geauga Transit provides demand-responsive public transportation, including connections to regional systems, supporting residents' needs for local travel and commutes.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Prices detached from rents
Housing is fairly valued at 6.0x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
The Geauga Lake District Redevelopment
ICP LLC
|
$100M | Planned |
|
Lakeview Villas at Geauga Lake (Epcon Community)
20th Century Construction / Epcon Communities
|
$50M | Proposed |
|
New Geauga County Office Building
Geauga County Board of Commissioners
|
$50M | Completed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 78/100, Geauga County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +1.6%, and median household income stands at $97,162 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in OH.
Housing in Geauga County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $288,000 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.34, with rents averaging $1,009/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Employers in Geauga County are hiring — job growth of +1.6% — but the population is close to flat (+0.1% YoY). Home values moved +3.7% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.01% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Geauga County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.