Education, Employment and Housing

Holmes County, OH, has 17 public schools, including 2 high schools, with a graduation rate of about 93%. Only 10% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, much lower than the state average. School safety is rated above average, with few reported incidents. Educational programs often focus on vocational and agricultural studies. Adult education initiatives exist but have limited attendance. The average school rating per GreatSchools is 6/10. The county's unique Amish population influences school attendance rates and educational offerings, as many Amish children attend private schools that typically end at eighth grade.

Holmes County, OH, boasts an employment rate of approximately 67% as of 2022. Key industries include manufacturing (28%), agriculture (15%), and healthcare (11%). Production, transportation, and material moving occupations employ around 35%, while management and business roles account for 10%. Over 80% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 23 minutes; about 65% work within the county, while 35% commute to neighboring counties such as Wayne and Tuscarawas. The unemployment rate remains low at roughly 2.7%.

Holmes County, OH, boasts a high homeownership rate of about 81%, with median home values near $216,000 as of early 2024. Median gross rent is around $850 monthly. The housing market has seen a steady 6% annual increase in property values, reflecting sustained demand. Most dwellings are single-family homes, often on spacious lots; Amish-built houses are common. Key neighborhoods include Millersburg and Berlin. Property taxes average 1.2% of assessed value, lower than the national average. Housing is generally affordable, with both historic and newer construction options across scenic rural settings.

Elections

Holmes County, Ohio, has approximately 30,000 residents with over 18,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts elections for federal, state, and local offices, plus ballot issues such as school levies. In the 2020 presidential election, 83% voted Republican, 15% Democratic. Polling locations include local schools and community centers, administered by the Holmes County Board of Elections. Major parties are Republican and Democratic, with the GOP holding local dominance. Typical issues include education funding and agriculture policies. Voter turnout rates in major elections often exceed 70%.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Holmes County, OH had a population of approximately 44,223. The median age is 31.5 years. About 50.7% are male and 49.3% female. The county is predominantly White (98.8%), with Hispanic or Latino (1.1%), Black or African American (0.2%), and other races making up the remainder. Holmes has a large Amish community, influencing its young median age and demographic profile.

County Crime & Safety

Holmes County, OH, maintains notably low crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county reported 175 total crimes, including just 10 violent crimes and 165 property crimes, resulting in a crime rate of approximately 5.2 per 1,000 residents. Property crime, mainly theft, comprises most incidents. The sheriff’s office emphasizes community policing and transparent reporting, contributing to Holmes County’s reputation as one of Ohio’s safest counties. Safety initiatives and responsive law enforcement help keep crime well below the Ohio state average of 25.4 crimes per 1,000 residents.