RANK #218 / 1001 NAT · #21 / 49 OH · POP 95,481
1YR FORECAST: +2.2%
5YR OUTLOOK: +33%
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.
Geauga County's data profile doesn't fit any single market profile cleanly — its housing, labor, and demographic signals pull in different directions (home prices +3.9% YoY, population +0.0%, wages +3.4%). About 414 U.S. counties show this kind of mixed-signal pattern.
See all 414 Idiosyncratic Markets counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 14.7x — home prices are high 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
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 1001 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 78/100, Geauga County sits in the upper half of all 1001 ranked counties. and median household income stands at $107,860 — 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 $331,100 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.33, with rents averaging $1,083/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Geauga County are both close to flat — population 0.0% YoY and jobs +0.4%. Home values shifted +3.9% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.5% 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.