CountyScore

Bartholomew County

Indiana · IN

#72 in Indiana
68.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Bartholomew County, Indiana

Bartholomew County Solidly Above Median

Bartholomew County's composite score of 68.1 sits 36% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 68th percentile of U.S. counties. This score reflects a well-balanced livability profile with particularly strong health and income metrics. The county demonstrates that Midwest communities can offer both affordability and upward economic mobility.

Near Indiana's State Average

Bartholomew County scores 68.1, just slightly below Indiana's 71.2 state average. Among Indiana's 92 counties, Bartholomew ranks in the upper-middle tier, competing favorably with regional neighbors. The county's income performance is notably stronger than most peers in its tier.

Income and Health Propel County Forward

Bartholomew County's income score of 35.8 is its crown jewel, backed by a median household income of $80,365—significantly above state and national averages. Health scores of 72.7 reflect strong healthcare infrastructure and quality of life outcomes. Tax efficiency rounds out the profile, with an effective tax rate of 0.722%.

Housing Costs Rising, Data Gaps Remain

Median home values of $221,100 and rents of $1,110/month represent the upper range of affordability, particularly for service-sector workers. The risk score of 29.1 suggests moderate economic vulnerability, though better than some peers. Critical data on schools, safety, and water quality remain unavailable.

Perfect for Upwardly Mobile Midwest Families

Bartholomew County is ideal for families prioritizing higher incomes, good health outcomes, and moderate tax burdens over maximum affordability. Young professionals, growing families, and dual-income households will find strong economic fundamentals and healthcare access. The county rewards career ambition with a livable Midwest lifestyle.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax82Cost72.1SafetyComing SoonHealth72.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome35.8Risk29.1WaterComing Soon
🏛82
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡29.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Bartholomew County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Calhoun County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $55,826
Dallas County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $36,810
Houston County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $57,531
Pope County
Arkansas
68.1
Median income: $54,606
Summit County
Colorado
68.1
Median income: $106,255

Deep Dives

Bartholomew County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bartholomew County

via TaxByCounty

Bartholomew's taxes run well below U.S. average

With an effective tax rate of 0.722%, Bartholomew County sits comfortably below the national median of roughly 0.85%, making it a relatively affordable place to own property. Its median annual tax of $1,597 represents just 59% of the national median of $2,690.

Bartholomew slightly below Indiana average

Bartholomew County's 0.722% effective rate falls just under Indiana's state average of 0.671%, positioning it near the middle of the state's 92 counties. At $1,597 in median annual taxes, homeowners here pay $398 more than the state average, primarily due to higher property values.

Moderate rates in the south-central region

Bartholomew County's tax rate (0.722%) is comparable to nearby Adams County (0.748%) and Benton County (0.756%), though its higher home values of $221,100 result in a steeper annual tax bill. The county strikes a balance between rate and property valuation among regional peers.

Median home generates $1,597 in annual tax

A property valued at Bartholomew County's median of $221,100 carries an annual tax bill of $1,597. Mortgaged homes average $1,740 annually, while outright-owned homes average $1,368.

Challenge assessments to reduce bills

In Bartholomew County, assessed values sometimes outpace actual market worth, especially in rural areas or changing neighborhoods. Filing an appeal with the county assessor when your assessment appears inflated can unlock meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bartholomew County

via CostByCounty

Bartholomew County balances higher incomes with costs

Bartholomew County renters spend 16.6% of income on housing—above the national 30% threshold benchmark but supported by a median household income of $80,365, well above the U.S. average of $74,755. At $1,110 monthly rent, housing costs here reflect both stronger local earning power and higher-value properties.

Mid-range affordability within Indiana

Bartholomew County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% exceeds Indiana's state average of 15.6%, positioning it as a moderately expensive Indiana county. Median rent of $1,110 runs 25.6% higher than the state median of $883, indicating a more affluent local market.

Pricier than surrounding rural counties

Bartholomew County's $1,110 rent substantially exceeds nearby Adams ($799) and Carroll ($874), making it the costliest rental market in its immediate region. Home values of $221,100 also reflect Columbus's role as a regional economic hub, supporting stronger property valuations than peripheral counties.

Higher income absorbs higher costs

With an annual income of $80,365 ($6,697 monthly), renters allocate roughly $1,110 to housing—maintaining healthy affordability despite above-state-average rents. Homeowners pay $1,061 monthly, creating balanced housing burdens across both tenure types.

A prosperous county with premium pricing

Bartholomew County offers the state's strongest median income ($80,365) and robust employment markets around Columbus, though housing costs run 25% above Indiana's state average. If career growth and earning potential drive your move, Bartholomew's higher salaries may offset housing premiums; compare your earning trajectory against 16.6% rent-to-income expectations.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bartholomew County

via IncomeByCounty

Bartholomew outearns the nation

Bartholomew County's median household income of $80,365 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by more than $5,600. The county ranks in the top 40% of American counties by household earning power.

Indiana's income leader

At $80,365, Bartholomew County significantly outperforms Indiana's state average of $68,681—a 17% advantage that places it among the state's highest-earning counties. This strong performance reflects Columbus's robust manufacturing and professional sectors.

Bartholomew dominates regional income

Bartholomew County's $80,365 far exceeds surrounding counties like Adams ($63,128), Carroll ($64,003), and even Allen County ($68,839). Only Boone County ($104,865) outpaces Bartholomew in the broader region.

Strong income supports homeownership

Bartholomew County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% is below the national stress threshold, and the median household income of $80,365 comfortably supports the county's median home value of $221,100. Residents enjoy genuine financial breathing room.

Maximize wealth potential here

Bartholomew County's above-average income creates an ideal window for aggressive investing, real estate acquisition, and long-term wealth building. Residents should capitalize on this earning advantage with tax-advantaged retirement plans and diversified investment strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Bartholomew County

via HealthByCounty

Bartholomew County outperforms on health

Life expectancy in Bartholomew County reaches 76.0 years, exceeding both Indiana's state average (75.1 years) and approaching the national average of 76.4 years. Just 16.8% of residents report poor or fair health, placing the county among the healthier communities in the state.

Top quartile health performance statewide

Bartholomew County ranks well within Indiana, with life expectancy nearly a full year above state average and a low poor-health rate. This strong showing reflects effective healthcare delivery and community engagement in the Columbus area.

Leads Brown County and other rural peers

Bartholomew County's 76.0-year life expectancy exceeds nearby Brown County (76.7 years by a closer margin) and substantially outpaces Blackford County (71.8 years). The county's combination of mid-sized city healthcare infrastructure and community health engagement makes it a regional health leader.

Excellent access with low uninsured rates

Bartholomew County boasts 79 primary care providers and 196 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, significantly above state and national averages. With just 7.6% uninsured—below Indiana's 8.4% average—nearly 9 in 10 residents have health coverage.

Keep your coverage active and strong

Bartholomew County's excellent provider networks mean access is there when you need it—but only if you're insured. If you're among the 7.6% without coverage, or if your insurance status is unclear, visit the Health Insurance Marketplace to confirm your protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bartholomew County

via RiskByCounty

Bartholomew County above-average risk

Bartholomew County scores 70.87, significantly above the national average and placing it in the relatively low risk category. Your county experiences moderate-to-high exposure to natural hazards compared to typical American communities.

Upper-tier risk in Indiana

Bartholomew County ranks in the higher-risk portion of Indiana's 92 counties with a score of 70.87, well above the state average of 45.52. Only a handful of Indiana counties exceed your disaster vulnerability.

Riskier than most regional peers

Bartholomew County's 70.87 score exceeds nearby Brown County (19.69) and Carroll County (29.64), placing it among the region's most vulnerable. Only Allen County to the north approaches comparable risk levels.

Tornadoes and floods are critical

Tornado risk peaks at 87.34, making severe storms your most immediate threat, while flooding reaches 77.99—reflecting the White River system and precipitation vulnerability. Earthquake risk of 83.30 completes your trio of major hazards.

Strengthen tornado and flood defenses

With tornado risk at 87.34 and flood risk at 77.99, invest in a certified safe room and confirm your flood insurance is current and adequate. Review your homeowners policy annually and maintain emergency supplies for the 48-72 hour period following major storms.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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