Adams County's composite score of 68.7 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 69th percentile nationally. This means the county ranks better than nearly 7 in 10 U.S. counties when it comes to overall livability. The county's strength lies in its combination of low tax burden and housing affordability.
2 / 5
Slightly Below Indiana Average
Adams County scores 68.7, just below Indiana's state average of 71.2. Among Indiana's 92 counties, Adams ranks in the middle-to-upper range, competitive with its regional peers. The county performs particularly well on tax efficiency but faces headwinds on income metrics.
3 / 5
Tax-Friendly, Affordable Housing Hub
Adams County excels in tax efficiency with a score of 81.2 and an effective tax rate of just 0.748%—among the lowest in the state. Housing affordability is also a standout, with a median home value of $173,100 and median rent of $799/month, making it accessible for budget-conscious families. These two factors combine to create genuine monthly cost savings for residents.
4 / 5
Income Growth Lags Behind
The county's income score of 24.6 is a notable weak spot, with median household income of $63,128 falling short of both the state and national benchmarks. Risk scores of 47.9 and limited health data suggest some economic stability concerns that warrant attention. Data on schools and safety remains unavailable, creating gaps in the full livability picture.
5 / 5
Ideal for Budget-First Movers
Adams County suits families and individuals prioritizing low cost of living and minimal tax burden over high incomes and urban amenities. The county offers genuine affordability without sacrificing basic services, making it attractive to retirees, young families, or workers who can maintain income elsewhere. It's best for those willing to trade wage growth for financial breathing room.
Adams County's composite score of 68.7 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 69th percentile nationally. This means the county ranks better than nearly 7 in 10 U.S. counties when it comes to overall livability. The county's strength lies in its combination of low tax burden and housing affordability.
Slightly Below Indiana Average
Adams County scores 68.7, just below Indiana's state average of 71.2. Among Indiana's 92 counties, Adams ranks in the middle-to-upper range, competitive with its regional peers. The county performs particularly well on tax efficiency but faces headwinds on income metrics.
Tax-Friendly, Affordable Housing Hub
Adams County excels in tax efficiency with a score of 81.2 and an effective tax rate of just 0.748%—among the lowest in the state. Housing affordability is also a standout, with a median home value of $173,100 and median rent of $799/month, making it accessible for budget-conscious families. These two factors combine to create genuine monthly cost savings for residents.
Income Growth Lags Behind
The county's income score of 24.6 is a notable weak spot, with median household income of $63,128 falling short of both the state and national benchmarks. Risk scores of 47.9 and limited health data suggest some economic stability concerns that warrant attention. Data on schools and safety remains unavailable, creating gaps in the full livability picture.
Ideal for Budget-First Movers
Adams County suits families and individuals prioritizing low cost of living and minimal tax burden over high incomes and urban amenities. The county offers genuine affordability without sacrificing basic services, making it attractive to retirees, young families, or workers who can maintain income elsewhere. It's best for those willing to trade wage growth for financial breathing room.
Score breakdown
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🏛81.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.