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Overall Rating: 82/100 · 594,535 veterans (6.5% of population)
Reviewed 2026. Programs and exemptions verified against Ohio veterans-affairs and tax-authority sources.
Benefit details verified January 2025. Tax exemptions, caps, and eligibility change and can vary by county — always confirm current figures with your county assessor and your Ohio Department of Veterans Affairs before you rely on them.
100% exempt from state income tax
1.43% average effective rate
$60,000 of market value
100% service-connected or IU: $60,000 of market value exempt, no income test. Nothing below 100%.
Source ↗No veteran-specific exemptions
$36,000
VA Medical Center
10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 791-3800
Cardiology, oncology, spinal cord injury, polytrauma
VA Medical Center
3200 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220
(513) 861-3100
Cardiology, oncology, primary care, mental health
VA Medical Center
4100 West Third Street, Dayton, OH 45428
(937) 268-6511
Cardiology, oncology, emergency care
Full tuition
Active Ohio National Guard members
4-year value: $49,940
Full tuition
Children of 100% disabled or deceased veterans
4-year value: $49,940
Median Home
$282,000
1BR Rent
$1,100/mo
COL Index
95
Unemployment
3.5%
Major employers: Ohio State University, Nationwide, JPMorgan Chase
Pros: State capital, best job market in OH, Ohio State with Yellow Ribbon
Cons: Rising housing costs, traffic
Median Home
$210,000
1BR Rent
$850/mo
COL Index
87
Unemployment
3%
Major employers: Wright-Patterson AFB (30K+ jobs), defense contractors
Pros: Adjacent to Wright-Patt AFB, strong military community, affordable
Cons: Smaller city, economy tied to base
Median Home
$185,000
1BR Rent
$900/mo
COL Index
94
Unemployment
4.2%
Major employers: Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, KeyCorp
Pros: 4-star VA, Cleveland Clinic, affordable housing
Cons: Cold winters, crime in some areas
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$0 down, no PMI. Funding fee waived for service-connected veterans.
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Ohio resident veterans honorably discharged after 180 days of active duty receive 20% added to their passing score on a state or local civil service exam; current reserve component members who completed initial entry training receive 15%.
Official source ↗Under ORC 1533.12, Ohio resident veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled (or otherwise qualifying) and former POWs receive free hunting and fishing licenses, permits, and stamps for a 5-year period; certified through the Ohio Department of Veterans Services.
Official source ↗The Ohio DNR offers free camping to resident former POWs and honorably discharged veterans with a total and permanent VA disability rating.
Official source ↗Ohio veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA can obtain a gratis (no-fee) driver license.
Official source ↗Veterans with a service-connected disability rated or compensated at 100%, or who received a VA vehicle allowance, may obtain up to two free Veterans with Disabilities plates and may be exempt from registration fees.
Official source ↗Ohio operates two state veterans homes: Sandusky (domiciliary and nursing/memory care) and Georgetown (nursing/memory care). Open to honorably discharged Ohio resident veterans; costs are based on income and spouses may also qualify.
Official source ↗The surviving spouse of a veteran who was rated 100% service-connected disabled and receiving the disabled-veterans homestead exemption may continue the enhanced exemption (shielding a larger share of the home's market value from property tax) if they occupy the same homestead and do not remarry.
Official source ↗Sourced from official state agencies; programs and eligibility change — confirm with your Ohio Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.