CountyScore

Blackford County

Indiana · IN

#26 in Indiana
73.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Blackford County, Indiana

Blackford County Far Exceeds National Median

Blackford County's composite score of 73.9 towers above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 74th percentile across all U.S. counties. This exceptional ranking reflects a county that delivers solid livability despite challenging income conditions. The score demonstrates that affordability and stability can compete with wealthier markets.

Indiana's Upper-Tier Performer

Blackford County scores 73.9, well above Indiana's 71.2 state average, ranking it in the top quartile of the state's 92 counties. The county outperforms most regional peers on overall livability despite having one of the lowest income profiles statewide. This represents exceptional value and livability for its size and economy.

Ultra-Affordable Housing Dominates

Blackford County's cost score of 86.8 is the highest among these eight counties, with median home values of just $96,700 and rent averaging $635/month. These figures represent some of Indiana's most accessible housing, enabling homeownership for working families who might struggle elsewhere. The combination creates genuine wealth-building opportunities through home equity.

Income Severely Lags State Standards

The income score of 14.4 with median household income of $47,560 represents a significant economic constraint, ranking it among Indiana's lowest-earning counties. The risk score of 91.0 indicates substantial economic vulnerability and limited employment diversity. Schools, safety, and water quality data gaps leave important questions unanswered about quality of life.

Fit for Extreme Budget Builders

Blackford County is best suited for retirees with fixed income, remote workers maintaining outside income, or families prioritizing homeownership affordability above all else. The county offers genuine home-buying opportunities unavailable in most U.S. markets, though with trade-offs in wage potential. It's ideal for those accepting limited economic dynamism in exchange for maximal financial stability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79.6Cost86.8SafetyComing SoonHealth65.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome14.4Risk91WaterComing Soon
🏛79.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤65.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡91
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 Blackford County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Las Animas County
Colorado
73.9
Median income: $50,408
Phillips County
Colorado
73.9
Median income: $60,372
O'Brien County
Iowa
73.9
Median income: $68,216
Allen County
Kentucky
73.9
Median income: $59,029
Tensas Parish
Louisiana
73.9
Median income: $36,074

Deep Dives

Blackford County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Blackford County

via TaxByCounty

Blackford's effective rate above national median

At 0.806%, Blackford County's effective tax rate slightly exceeds the national median of roughly 0.85%, making it a relatively high-tax county by U.S. standards. Yet the median annual property tax of just $779 remains only 29% of the national median of $2,690, thanks to much lower property values.

Blackford among Indiana's highest-rate counties

Blackford County's 0.806% effective rate ranks among the highest in Indiana, well above the state average of 0.671%. With only $779 in median annual taxes, the county demonstrates how rate and valuation work independently—high rates applied to low-value homes produce moderate bills.

Highest rate, lowest values in region

Blackford County charges the highest effective tax rate (0.806%) among nearby counties, yet its median home value of $96,700 is the lowest in its region. This combination results in the lowest actual tax bill ($779) despite the highest percentage rate.

Median home costs only $779 yearly

A home valued at Blackford County's median of $96,700 carries an annual property tax of $779. The tax gap between mortgaged ($1,012) and non-mortgaged ($647) homes is notable here, reflecting how mortgage escrow affects the calculation.

Reassessment appeals are especially valuable

In Blackford County's modest real estate market, overassessment can represent a significant percentage of a home's actual value. Requesting a formal assessment review—particularly if comparable homes recently sold for less—may unlock valuable savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Blackford County

via CostByCounty

Blackford County offers Indiana's lowest housing costs

Blackford County renters spend 16.0% of income on housing—below national affordability thresholds—while earning just $47,560 annually, placing this county among Indiana's lowest-income regions. At $635 monthly rent, Blackford delivers the state's most affordable rental market, though household incomes reflect limited economic opportunity.

Indiana's most affordable rental market

Blackford County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% matches the state average of 15.6%, but median rent of $635 is the lowest in Indiana—$248 cheaper than the state median of $883. This east-central county represents the deepest housing affordability available to Indiana renters.

Dramatically cheaper than surrounding counties

Blackford County's $635 rent undercuts every neighboring county—Adams ($799), Benton ($834), and Carroll ($874)—by substantial margins. Median home value of $96,700 also represents the lowest entry price in the region, making Blackford the budget option for rural Indiana housing.

Rock-bottom costs, rock-bottom income

Renters earning just $47,560 annually ($3,963 monthly) allocate $635 to rent, consuming 16.0% of gross income. Homeowners pay $682 monthly, maintaining affordable ratios but reflecting the county's broader economic struggles and limited job opportunities.

Maximum affordability comes with trade-offs

Blackford County offers Indiana's lowest housing costs at $635 rent and $96,700 median home values, but median household income of $47,560 signals limited employment and wage growth. Consider this county only if you have remote work or external income sources; otherwise, prioritize counties with stronger job markets that can support sustainable long-term relocation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Blackford County

via IncomeByCounty

Blackford faces severe income gap

Blackford County's median household income of $47,560 is nearly $27,200 below the national median of $74,755—a shocking 36% shortfall. The county ranks among the poorest in America by household earnings.

Indiana's lowest-earning county

At $47,560, Blackford County's median household income trails Indiana's state average of $68,681 by nearly 31%. The county ranks dead last or near-last among Indiana's 92 counties in household earnings.

Blackford struggles alone

Blackford County's $47,560 income sits far below even its weakest neighbors, Benton ($61,811) and Adams ($63,128). The county faces profound economic challenges compared to any surrounding region.

Housing costs strain budgets

Despite a low rent-to-income ratio of 16.0%, Blackford County's median household income of $47,560 provides little breathing room for families. Basic expenses quickly consume earnings, leaving minimal funds for healthcare, education, or emergencies.

Stability first, then growth

Blackford County residents should focus on building emergency savings before investing, given tight household budgets. Free or low-cost financial literacy resources and employer retirement match programs are critical stepping stones for this community.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Blackford County

via HealthByCounty

Blackford County faces severe health crisis

Life expectancy in Blackford County is just 71.8 years—more than 4.5 years below the national average of 76.4 years and 3.3 years below Indiana's state average. With 21.2% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county experiences some of the most challenging health conditions in Indiana.

Lowest life expectancy in these eight counties

Blackford County ranks in Indiana's bottom tier for health outcomes, trailing the state average by over 3 years—the lowest among all eight featured counties. This stark disparity reflects decades of economic and healthcare challenges affecting community wellness and life expectancy.

Significant gap from surrounding counties

Blackford's 71.8-year life expectancy trails every other county in this comparison, including Benton (74.5 years), Adams (77.0 years), and Boone (78.2 years). The gap suggests that systemic factors—from employment and income to healthcare investment—create unique health barriers in Blackford.

Uninsured rate masks access challenges

Though Blackford's uninsured rate of 7.9% is near the state average, 66 primary care providers per 100,000 suggests some access, while only 42 mental health providers per 100,000 indicates mental health services are scarce. The combination means even insured residents may struggle to find nearby care.

Health insurance is more critical than ever

In Blackford County, where life expectancy lags by years, ensuring active health coverage is essential to accessing any available care and preventing further decline. Check your insurance status now through the Health Insurance Marketplace or Medicaid; getting and keeping coverage is a vital step toward better health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Blackford County

via RiskByCounty

Blackford County minimizes disaster risk

Blackford County scores 9.00 on the composite risk scale, placing it firmly in the very low risk category and far beneath national averages. Your county ranks among America's safest communities for natural disaster exposure.

Second-safest in Indiana

Blackford County ranks as Indiana's second-lowest-risk county with a score of 9.00, compared to the state average of 45.52. Only Benton County (4.87) presents less disaster vulnerability statewide.

Safest county in northeast region

Blackford County's score of 9.00 slightly exceeds Benton County (4.87) but dramatically outperforms Adams County (52.13) to the south. Your county anchors the safest corner of northeast Indiana.

Tornado exposure is minimal

Tornado risk of 45.17 represents Blackford's highest hazard score, though it remains well below state and national tornado averages. All other natural disaster risks score below 45, indicating consistently low exposure.

Basic preparedness is sufficient

Standard homeowners insurance adequately covers Blackford County's minimal disaster risks. Keep a weather radio accessible during spring storm season and maintain basic emergency supplies as routine household practice.

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.