From WOOD COUNTY AUDITOR’S OFFICE
Wood County Auditor Matthew Oestreich announced that the 2026 Triennial Update values have received state approval and are available on the auditor website for open inspection. Countywide, residential values increased by an average of 19%. Property value adjustments are reviewed by neighborhood, so one parcel may increase more or less than this average due to location, desirability, and condition.
These value adjustments are mandated by Ohio law. Each county is required to conduct a reappraisal every six years. Three years after each reappraisal, counties are required to complete a “triennial update” that adjusts values by neighborhood to better reflect current market conditions. Wood County conducted a countywide reappraisal in 2023 and is thus required to update the values for the 2026 tax year.
Oestreich emphasized two important factors regarding this value adjustment. First, this increase in property values reflects the local real estate market which continued to increase in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
“Wood County is a great place to live and raise a family, and buyers are willing to pay higher prices for the many benefits of living here,” Oestreich stated. “Limited housing inventory, higher construction costs driven by inflation, and homeowners holding on to historically low mortgage interest rates have all contributed to rising home prices.”
Second, recent property tax reforms have significantly changed the relationship between property value and property taxes. House Bills 186 and 335 will limit growth for many levies to the rate of inflation, reducing the impact that increasing property values can have on tax bills.
In addition, House Bill 920 continues to ensure that voted levies generally collect the amount originally approved by voters, with millage rates adjusted by the Ohio Department of Taxation as property values change. Because of these legislative guardrails, a property’s taxes will not increase at a rate anywhere near the increase in market value.
Property owners may review their 2026 values on the auditor’s real estate website at https://auditor.co.wood.oh.us/. Properties may be searched by owner name, address, or parcel number. Owners are encouraged to review their property’s data for accuracy.
“We strive for fair values, with uniformity always as our top priority, so that similar properties carry an equitable tax burden,” Oestreich stated.
Property owners who have questions or would like assistance reviewing their property value may call the auditor’s office at 419-354-9173 or toll-free at 1-866-860-4140 ext. 9173. They may also visit the office in person on the second floor of the county office building on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
