How Property Tax Works
Licking County, Ohio operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, libraries, parks, and county operations. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which varies significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, municipalities, and fire districts.
The effective property tax rate in Licking County averages around 7.25 mills (0.725%) for 2025, though actual rates can range from approximately 5.5 mills to over 9 mills depending on your specific location and the combination of taxing districts that serve your property. Properties are assessed at 35% of their market value, which is Ohio's standard assessment ratio. It's important to note that your actual tax rate depends on which school district, municipality, township, and other special districts your property falls within, making location a critical factor in determining your total property tax obligation.