Regional Spending Analysis

Comparing state expenditures across Appalachian, Urban, and Other Ohio counties (FY 2025)

Regional Spending Disparities

Analysis of Ohio state spending reveals significant differences between regions. While Appalachian counties receive lower total spending, per capita rates tell a more nuanced story.

📊 Key Finding

Appalachian counties receive 42.7% of state average total spending, but when adjusted for population, they actually receive 120.1% of state average per capita spending. This higher per capita rate reflects lower population density—but raises a critical question: is this spending addressing root causes through economic development, infrastructure, and education, or primarily treating symptoms through relief programs? Understanding whether we're "teaching people to fish" versus "giving them fish" requires deeper analysis of spending categories. Urban counties receive nearly 5x the state average in total spending (497.3%), while "Other" rural counties receive the lowest per capita spending at 87.6%.

State Average Total
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All 88 counties
State Average Per Capita
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Per resident
Appalachian Counties
29
32 counties designated by ARC
Urban Counties
10
Major metropolitan areas

Regional Total Spending Comparison

Per Capita Spending by Region

Top 20 Counties by Total Spending

Detailed County Data

Click column headers to sort. Data from Ohio Legislative Service Commission FY 2025 Report.

County ▾ Region ▾ Subsidy 🐟 ▾ Capital 🎣 ▾ Capital % ▾ Total Spending ▾ Per Capita ▾ Rank (by Total) ▾
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