Median Income
$45,197
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$136,900
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
169/100K
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.9%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$734
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.9%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.6%
42% higher than US avg
How Hillsboro Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,539
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density1,193/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$45,197
Per Capita$25,041
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty17.6%
County GDP$1,887M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$136,900
Rent$734
Ownership55.2%
Zillow$201,092
Housing Units3,209
Rent Burden30.7%
Crime
F
Violent169/100K
Property1,734/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault107/100K
Burglary184/100K
Health
Obesity41.9%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking19.8%
Depression29.0%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain46.7 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation1,060 ft (323 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.9%
High School+91.5%
Graduate+6.1%
School Score5.59
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute23 min
Broadband75.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Hillsboro a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hillsboro receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Hillsboro has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hillsboro is $45,197, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. The poverty rate of 17.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hillsboro is $136,900, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $734 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hillsboro is below the national average at 169 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,734 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
17.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Hillsboro experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.7 inches, including 18.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Hillsboro has a population of 6,539 with a density of 1,193 people per square mile, spread across 5.4 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.3% female and 44.7% male. The city is predominantly White (89.1%), with 2.4% Hispanic, 3.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 20.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Hillsboro vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Hillsboro vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Hillsboro is $45,197, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,041 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $862, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 853 business establishments, including 63 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Hillsboro vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,197 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,041 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $862 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,410 |
| Gini Index | 0.405 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.6% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 853 |
| County GDP | $1,887M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 63 |
| Healthcare | 98 |
| Retail | 141 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,039 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Hillsboro is $136,900, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,092, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $734 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 55.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,209 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $3,039. 30.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $136,900 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $201,092 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $734 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.8% |
| Housing Units | 3,209 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,039 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.22% |
In Hillsboro, 41.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 35.3% have high blood pressure. 19.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 31.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,613. The dentist ratio is 1:2,066. 41.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hillsboro vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.9% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.3% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.8% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.3% |
| Depression | 29.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 44.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,613 |
| Dentists | 1:2,066 |
| Mental Health | 1:415 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 53.8% |
| Premature Death | 11,714/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 98 |
Hillsboro has a violent crime rate of 169 per 100,000 residents, 56% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 107.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 61.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,734 per 100,000, 12% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,396, burglary at 184, vehicle theft at 153 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hillsboro receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hillsboro vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 168.8/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 61.4/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 107.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,733.7/100K |
| 12% below US avg |
| Burglary | 184.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,396.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 153.4/100K |
| Arson | 15.3/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 47 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hillsboro experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 46.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 18.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,060 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.3°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,060 ft (323 m) |
| Area | 5.4 sq mi (14.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,193/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2123°N, 83.6112°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Highland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Middletown Regional/Hook Field (MWO)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.7"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
18 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
16 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
98 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
119 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
114 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
95 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
81 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
148 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
54 km |
| May 11, 2015 |
5 km ESE of Maysville, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
66 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
63 km |
| Feb 11, 2015 |
8 km SE of Richmond Dale, Ohio |
M2.6 |
76 km |
| Mar 8, 2016 |
0 km N of Thurman, Ohio |
M2.6 |
106 km |
| Jan 28, 2024 |
3 km SW of Old Washington, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
71 km |
| Feb 17, 2023 |
6 km ESE of Cheshire, Ohio |
M2.5 |
139 km |
| Mar 27, 2013 |
3 km W of Apple Grove, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
135 km |
| Mar 20, 2023 |
13 km SSW of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M2.5 |
115 km |
| Jan 4, 1999 |
9 km WNW of Mount Sterling, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
434 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 75 fatalities, 2,599 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
60 km |
36 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
90 km |
7 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
100 km |
4 |
| Sep 20, 2000 |
EF4 |
58 km |
1 |
| Apr 9, 1999 |
EF4 |
65 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
75 km |
2 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
89 km |
6 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
58 km |
1 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 14, 2014 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
77 km |
3 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 1999 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1993 |
EF3 |
2 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1977 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1970 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1969 |
EF3 |
78 km |
4 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,259 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,259 |
66 km |
| 2003 |
PEACH ORCHARD |
1,043 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Hillsboro has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 29°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Hillsboro. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $751 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $615 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $610 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hillsboro
What is the population of Hillsboro?
Hillsboro has a population of 6,539 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 1,193 people per square mile, spread across 5.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.3% female and 44.7% male.
Is Hillsboro expensive to live in?
Hillsboro is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $45,197, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $136,900 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $734 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hillsboro safe?
Hillsboro is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 169 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,734 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Hillsboro receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hillsboro?
Hillsboro has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.7 inches, with 18.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Hillsboro?
The job market in Hillsboro is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $862. There are 853 business establishments in the area, including 63 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hillsboro?
The median home value in Hillsboro is $136,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,092. For renters, the median monthly rent is $734. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,039.
How are the schools in Hillsboro?
Schools in Hillsboro score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.9% of adults in Hillsboro hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hillsboro?
The obesity rate in Hillsboro is 41.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.8% of adults are smokers. 31.3% are physically inactive. 29.0% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 41.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,613.
What is transportation like in Hillsboro?
The average commute in Hillsboro is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hillsboro?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hillsboro is 89.1% White, 3.9% Black or African American, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 20.9% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
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