County Crime & Safety

Wood County, OH, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to state averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 340 property crimes and 46 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, significantly below Ohio’s state averages of 1,978 and 302 respectively. Local law enforcement enhances safety through community partnerships and proactive reporting, with over 90% of incidents resolved or investigated within standard timeframes. The Wood County Sheriff’s Office encourages public engagement and swift reporting, contributing to a continued downward trend in overall crime rates.

Demographics

As of 2022, Wood County, Ohio, has a population of approximately 132,000. The median age is about 36 years. Females make up around 50.3% and males 49.7% of residents. Racially, the county is predominantly White (89%), with smaller proportions of Black or African American (3%), Asian (2%), and Hispanic or Latino residents (5%), alongside other groups (1%).

Elections

Wood County, Ohio, has approximately 95,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county participates in primary, general, and special elections, with about 60 polling locations. Recent general elections saw voter turnout around 70%. The Wood County Board of Elections oversees administration, with major parties being Republican and Democratic. In the 2022 gubernatorial race, Republicans won with 54% of the county vote. Common ballot issues include school levies and local government measures. Early voting and absentee ballots are also available for convenience.

Education, Employment and Housing

Wood County, OH has 37 public schools, including 8 high schools, with an average high school graduation rate of 95%. Around 36% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School districts like Bowling Green and Perrysburg consistently score above the state average in standardized tests. Safety measures include dedicated school resource officers and modern security systems. The county offers diverse educational programs, including advanced placement courses, STEM initiatives, and CTE pathways, supporting academic and career readiness for students of all backgrounds.

As of 2022, Wood County, OH had an employment rate of approximately 62.4%. The leading industries include educational services, health care & social assistance (22%), manufacturing (18%), and retail trade (11%). Common occupations are in management (10%), office & administrative support (14%), and production (11%). The average commute time is 21.3 minutes, with 84% driving alone and about 28% working outside Wood County, mainly in Lucas County (Toledo area). These metrics highlight a diverse workforce and a significant level of commuting among residents.

Wood County, OH, has a homeownership rate of about 67%, with median home values around $220,000 in 2023—a 6% increase from the previous year. Median rent is roughly $1,100 per month. The market features a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses, with popular neighborhoods including Bowling Green and Perrysburg. Property taxes average 1.34% of assessed value. The county’s stable economy and proximity to Toledo support both buyers and renters, while ongoing new housing developments meet growing demand.