countyscore
58.3
County Score
Safety 97.5Soil Quality 83.5Lawn Care 73.7

County Report Card

About Adams County, Indiana

Surpassing the National Median

Adams County earns a composite score of 58.3, comfortably outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in a favorable position compared to much of the United States.

A Strong Indiana Performer

The county's 58.3 composite score sits above the Indiana state average of 55.9. This indicates that Adams County offers a standard of living that exceeds many of its regional neighbors.

Unmatched Safety and Low Taxes

Safety is the county's standout feature, boasting a near-perfect score of 97.5. Residents also benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.748%, contributing to a strong tax score of 57.9.

Focusing on Health and Resources

Health and water quality represent the primary areas for improvement, with scores of 36.2 and 34.7 respectively. These lower metrics suggest that environmental infrastructure and health access lag behind the county's other high marks.

Ideal for Secure Rural Living

With median home values at $173,100 and an exceptional safety profile, this county is perfect for families seeking peace and quiet. It suits those who prioritize a secure environment and low taxes over urban healthcare access.

Score breakdown

Tax57.9Cost54.9Safety97.5Health36.2Schools44.5Income48.6Risk47.9Water34.7Weather54.2
🏛57.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠54.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼48.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤36.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡47.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧34.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨83.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱73.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Van Wert County
Ohio
54.9
Wells County
Indiana
64.9
Jay County
Indiana
61.3
Mercer County
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Allen County
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Blackford County
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Huntington County
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Paulding County
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Deep Dives

Adams County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Adams County

via TaxByCounty

Adams County taxes run below national average

At 0.748%, Adams County's effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median of roughly 0.85%, placing it in the lower-tax half of American counties. The median property tax bill here is $1,295 annually—less than half the national median of $2,690—reflecting both lower home values and moderate tax rates.

Adams ranks slightly above state average

Adams County's 0.748% effective rate exceeds Indiana's state average of 0.671%, placing it in the upper-middle tier among the state's 92 counties. Homeowners here pay $1,295 in median property taxes versus the state average of $1,199, a difference of about $96 per year.

Comparable to nearby Benton, lower than Allen

Adams County's tax rate mirrors Benton County (0.756%) but lags Allen County to the north, which charges 0.802% despite lower median home values. Among the regional cluster of northeast Indiana counties, Adams occupies the middle ground on both rates and actual tax bills.

Median home owner pays $1,295 yearly

A home valued at Adams County's median of $173,100 generates an annual property tax of $1,295. For mortgaged properties, the effective bill rises slightly to $1,310 due to escrow and assessment adjustments.

Assessment accuracy worth checking

Across Indiana, many homeowners discover their properties are overassessed relative to market value. If your assessed value seems high compared to recent sales of similar homes, filing a tax appeal with Adams County's assessor's office could reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Adams County

via CostByCounty

Adams County rents remain affordable nationally

Renters in Adams County spend 15.2% of their income on housing—well below the national affordability threshold of 30% and slightly better than the U.S. median household income of $74,755. With a median household income of $63,128 and median rent of $799 monthly, Adams County offers genuine housing relief compared to most American counties.

Better than most Indiana counties

Adams County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% ranks it among Indiana's most affordable counties, beating the state average of 15.6%. At $799 monthly rent versus the state median of $883, renters here save roughly $84 per month compared to typical Hoosier housing costs.

A budget-friendly northeast Indiana choice

Adams County's $799 rent undercuts nearby Benton County ($834) and Carroll County ($874), making it the most affordable option in its immediate region. Homebuyers also benefit, with a median home value of $173,100 positioning Adams as an accessible entry point for rural northeast Indiana.

Where your paycheck goes

Renters allocate about $799 monthly to housing while earning $63,128 annually ($5,261 monthly), leaving substantial income for other expenses. Homeowners pay $855 monthly, consuming 16.3% of household income—suggesting both rental and ownership remain within comfortable affordability ranges.

Consider Adams County for rural living

If you're seeking affordable housing in Indiana's northeast corner, Adams County delivers below-state-average rents and home values under $180,000. Compare these costs to your current location and explore the region's small-town character and job markets before making your move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Adams County

via IncomeByCounty

Adams lags behind national income

Adams County's median household income of $63,128 falls about $11,600 short of the national median of $74,755. This places Adams in the lower half of American counties by household earning power.

Below average for Indiana

At $63,128, Adams County's median household income trails Indiana's state average of $68,681 by roughly 8%. The county ranks in the lower third among Indiana's 92 counties.

Adams among struggling neighbors

Adams County's $63,128 income sits between Benton County ($61,811) and Carroll County ($64,003), all three underperforming the state average. Nearby Bartholomew County ($80,365) and Allen County ($68,839) significantly outpace the region.

Rent affordable, but tight margins

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.2%, housing costs are manageable for Adams households. However, the relatively modest $63,128 median income leaves limited room for other expenses, savings, or unexpected costs.

Build financial stability now

Adams County residents should prioritize emergency savings and low-cost investment options to grow household wealth. Even modest contributions to retirement accounts compound significantly over time and can help offset the county's modest income levels.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Adams County

via CrimeByCounty

A Perfect Safety Score in Adams County

Adams County achieves a perfect 100.0 safety score with no reported crimes per 100,000 residents in 2022. This stands in stark contrast to the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

Adams Leads Indiana in Public Safety

With three reporting agencies showing zero incidents, Adams ranks among the safest spots in Indiana. It comfortably exceeds the state's average safety score of 98.9.

Peaceful Profile Compared to Regional Neighbors

While neighboring Allen County reports a much higher crime rate of 1,970.6, Adams maintains a quiet profile. This makes it a significant outlier for safety in the region.

Zero Reported Violent and Property Crimes

Both violent and property crime rates sit at 0.0 per 100,000 people. While this indicates an exceptionally peaceful year, it also reflects the specific reporting from its three local agencies.

Keep Adams County Safe and Secure

Even with perfect scores, basic vigilance keeps a community secure. Installing motion-sensor lights or smart doorbells helps maintain this remarkably low crime environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Adams County

via HealthByCounty

Adams County lives longer than most Americans

At 77.0 years, Adams County's life expectancy outpaces the U.S. average of 76.4 years and beats Indiana's state average of 75.1 years. Just 24.1% of residents report poor or fair health, though this is slightly above the national norm, suggesting overall wellness despite some health challenges.

Healthiest counties in Indiana

Adams County ranks in Indiana's top tier for life expectancy, nearly 2 years ahead of the state average. This strong performance reflects a combination of healthcare access, preventive care engagement, and community health practices that exceed what most Hoosiers experience.

Adams outpaces nearby rural communities

Compared to neighboring Blackford County (71.8 years), Adams residents live nearly 5 years longer on average. Adams also outperforms Benton County (74.5 years), positioning it as a health leader in northeast Indiana despite being a smaller, rural region.

Access gaps exist despite strong outcomes

Adams County's uninsured rate of 13.9% is notably higher than Indiana's 8.4% state average, meaning roughly 1 in 7 residents lack health coverage. Primary care providers are modest at 39 per 100,000, though mental health support is similar, indicating residents may travel for specialized care.

Health insurance matters for everyone

With 13.9% of Adams County uninsured—the highest rate among these eight counties—now is the time to explore coverage options through the Health Insurance Marketplace or Medicaid. Even brief gaps in insurance can delay preventive care that helps you stay as healthy as your county's strong life expectancy suggests is possible.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Adams County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Three-District Educational Foundation in Adams County

Adams County maintains a balanced education infrastructure with nine total schools evenly split between three elementary, three middle, and three high schools. Three distinct districts serve a total enrollment of 4,241 students across the county. This structured network ensures localized access to primary and secondary education for every resident.

Strong Graduation Rates Exceed State Benchmarks

The county boasts an impressive 93.2% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average of 92.6% and the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure is modest at $5,871, it remains higher than the Indiana average of $5,507. A composite school score of 52.8 further highlights the county's ability to deliver results above the state mean.

Decatur and Berne Lead the Local Districts

North Adams Community Schools stands as the largest district with 1,610 students, followed closely by Adams Central at 1,340 and South Adams at 1,291. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county, meaning 100% of the school population attends traditional public institutions. These three districts form the backbone of the local community's academic life.

Town-Centered Schools with a Rural Mix

With six schools located in town settings and three in rural areas, students experience a mix of community-focused environments. Schools average 471 students, providing a medium-sized feel where individual attention is possible. South Adams Elementary is the largest campus with 660 students, while high schools like Adams Central remain more intimate with just 374 students.

Put Down Roots Near Top-Tier Schools

Families looking for high graduation rates and stable town-based schools will find Adams County an excellent fit. When researching your next move, consider how the proximity to these high-performing districts can benefit your family's long-term goals. Explore homes in Decatur or Berne to be part of these successful school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Adams County

via RiskByCounty

Adams County's moderate risk profile

Adams County scores 52.13 on the national composite risk scale, placing it slightly above the national average and indicating relatively low overall disaster risk. Your county faces moderate exposure compared to the most vulnerable communities nationwide, though localized hazards warrant attention.

Mid-tier risk in Indiana

Adams County ranks in the middle of Indiana's 92 counties with a composite score of 52.13, compared to the state average of 45.52. This positions Adams above half of Indiana's counties in disaster vulnerability.

Riskier than surrounding counties

Adams County's score of 52.13 exceeds nearby Blackford County (9.00) and Jay County's regional peers, but falls well below Allen County (90.84) to the west. Your county sits in a moderate risk zone within a generally low-risk region.

Tornadoes and earthquakes top concerns

Tornado risk reaches 75.89 in Adams County, making severe convective storms your primary hazard, while earthquake risk of 62.88 reflects regional seismic potential. Flooding also poses moderate risk at 61.32, particularly near river systems and low-lying areas.

Secure your tornado safety plan

With tornado risk scores near 76, ensure your home has a designated safe room or storm shelter and review your homeowners policy for wind damage coverage. Consider earthquake insurance given your county's 62.88 seismic score, and verify flood coverage if you're in a high-risk area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Adams County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Midwestern Humid Continental Climate

Adams County maintains a cooler-than-average profile with an annual mean of 50.8°F, sitting below the national median. This humid continental climate experiences distinct seasonal swings characteristic of the Midwest region.

Cooler Than the Indiana Average

At 50.8°F, the county sits 1.4 degrees below the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. It ranks among the cooler tiers of Indiana's 92 counties for overall annual temperature.

Wetter and Warmer Than Northern Neighbors

Its 41.2 inches of annual precipitation exceeds neighbor Allen County's 38.5 inches. Temperatures here track closely with other northeast Indiana border counties, though they remain lower than the state average.

Deep Snow and Summer Heat

Residents face 17 extreme heat days above 90°F during the 73.6°F July average. Winters bring a significant 28.0 inches of snowfall and January lows averaging 25.5°F.

Prepare for Snow and Heat Swings

High annual snowfall and 17 extreme heat days require robust insulation and reliable snow removal equipment. Budget for higher heating costs during the 28.2°F winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Adams County

via SoilByCounty

Prime Agricultural Ground in Adams County

Adams County features a respectable 6.39 pH, sitting just below the national median of 6.5 and above the state average of 6.08. While taxonomic data is limited, the county earns a high overall soil score of 83.5. This indicates a robust mineral base suitable for intensive regional farming.

Silt-Heavy Mix for Water Retention

The soil composition is 48.7% silt and 26.0% clay, creating a heavy texture that holds nutrients well. With only 22.8% sand, this mixture can be prone to compaction if worked while wet. Proper management ensures this dense profile remains productive throughout the year.

High Organic Matter and Water Capacity

Organic matter stands at 4.50%, more than double the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.208 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.202, providing an excellent reservoir for crops during dry spells. This combination makes for highly fertile, resilient land.

Managing Dense, Heavy Soil

Specific drainage class data is limited for this area, but the high silt and clay levels suggest naturally slow water movement. Farmers in the region typically use careful management to navigate the soil's dense structure. The 83.5 soil score reflects a landscape that rewards consistent stewardship.

Gardening Success in Zone 6a

In Hardiness Zone 6a, you can successfully grow everything from hearty kale to sweet corn. The high-scoring soil is primed for high-yield harvests, so start your garden today. Choose crops that appreciate consistent moisture and rich mineral content.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Adams County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Growing Conditions in Adams County

Adams County earns a lawn difficulty score of 73.7, outperforming the national median of 50.0 and the Indiana state average of 71.0. Situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, the region offers a favorable environment for cool-season grasses despite seasonal fluctuations.

Balanced Rainfall Supports Consistent Growth

The county receives 41.2 inches of annual precipitation, which sits perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range for healthy turf. With 17 extreme heat days per year and 3,175 growing degree days, lawns here require regular mowing during the peak summer months.

Optimal Soil Chemistry for Local Lawns

The soil pH in Adams County is 6.39, falling squarely within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient uptake. The ground contains 26.0% clay and 22.8% sand, a balance that typically requires moderate aeration to prevent compaction.

Navigating a High Drought Year

Last year was challenging, with 30 weeks spent in drought and 100% of the county currently experiencing severe drought conditions. Homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage root depth during these dry spells.

Start Seeding After the April Frost

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue thrive in Zone 6a, especially when planted after the last spring frost on April 23. Aim to establish new growth before the first fall frost arrives around October 22.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Adams County's county score?
Adams County, Indiana has a composite county score of 58.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Adams County rank among counties in Indiana?
Adams County ranks #44 among all counties in Indiana on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Adams County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Adams County is $1,295, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Adams County a tax score of 57.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Adams County?
The median household income in Adams County, Indiana is $63,128 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Adams County earns an income score of 48.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Adams County, Indiana a good place to live?
Adams County scores 58.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Adams County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Adams County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.