countyscore
55.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 96.5Health 86.3Soil Quality 76.1

County Report Card

About Boone County, Indiana

Above the National Median

Boone County earns a composite score of 55.4, outstripping the national median of 50.0. It remains a desirable location for residents when compared across the United States.

Steady Indiana Presence

The county's 55.4 score is very close to the Indiana state average of 55.9. It represents a solid, middle-of-the-pack performance relative to its Hoosier neighbors.

Wealth and Wellness Leader

Boone County excels in income with a score of 96.5 and health with a score of 86.3. Its median household income of $104,865 is among the highest in the state.

The High Price of Living

The county struggles with affordability, posting a cost score of only 9.9. With median home values at $341,800, entry into this market requires significant financial resources.

Best for High-Income Families

Boone County is the go-to for affluent professionals who prioritize health and high earnings. It is ideal for those who can afford premium housing in exchange for a healthy, prosperous community.

2040608010053.69.972.386.351.196.556.847.758.4Tax53.6Cost9.9Safety72.3Health86.3Schools51.1Income96.5Risk56.8Water47.7Weather58.455.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Boone County DNA

Foverall

How Boone County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Boone County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (96.5/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (9.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
53.6
Cost
9.9-38.1
Safety
72.3+17.299999999999997
Health
86.3+36.3
Schools
51.1
Income
96.5+45.5
Risk
56.8+9.799999999999997
Water
47.7-10.299999999999997
Weather
58.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$341,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,283/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$341,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$51,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $104,865/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Boone County with Calhoun County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Clinton County
Indiana
56.5
Hamilton County
Indiana
52.1
Hendricks County
Indiana
47.5
Montgomery County
Indiana
52.2
Marion County
Indiana
26
Tipton County
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65.2
Howard County
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45.3
Tippecanoe County
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42.9

Deep Dives

Boone County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Boone County

via TaxByCounty

Boone County taxes at national average

Boone County's 0.797% effective tax rate sits very close to the national median of roughly 0.85%, making it a fairly typical county from a tax perspective nationally. At $2,725 in median annual property taxes, Boone is one of the few Indiana counties nearly matching the national median of $2,690.

Boone ranks among Indiana's highest-tax counties

Boone County's 0.797% effective rate ranks in the upper tier of Indiana's 92 counties, exceeding the state average of 0.671%. The median annual tax bill of $2,725 is more than double the state average of $1,199, driven by the county's high median home value of $341,800.

Highest values and taxes in central Indiana

Boone County leads regional peers in both median home value ($341,800) and annual property tax ($2,725). This reflects the county's proximity to Indianapolis growth corridors and its status as a relatively affluent area within the state.

Median home costs $2,725 in annual taxes

A home valued at Boone County's median of $341,800 generates an annual property tax bill of $2,725, matching the national median. Mortgaged properties average $2,807 annually, while non-mortgaged homes average $2,358.

High-value homes warrant annual reviews

In Boone County's premium real estate market, even a 5% overassessment translates to hundreds of dollars annually. Homeowners with properties valued above $300,000 should review assessments yearly and appeal whenever comparable recent sales suggest overvaluation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Boone County

via CostByCounty

Boone County: affluent Indiana at a price

Boone County renters spend just 14.7% of income on housing—one of Indiana's lowest burdens—supported by an exceptional median household income of $104,865, nearly 40% above the national average of $74,755. At $1,283 monthly rent, housing costs are high in absolute terms but remain manageable for this affluent county.

Indiana's most prosperous rental market

Boone County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% beats Indiana's state average of 15.6%, making it one of the state's most affordable markets relative to income. With a median household income of $104,865—the highest in this eight-county set—Boone residents earn 30% more than the state median, easily absorbing higher absolute housing costs.

Premium pricing befits premium incomes

Boone County's $1,283 rent and $341,800 median home value far exceed neighboring counties, reflecting Lebanon's prosperous suburban character and proximity to Indianapolis. Incomes here ($104,865) also tower above regional neighbors, making Boone Indiana's affluent outlier in this comparison.

High costs, higher paychecks

Renters earning $104,865 annually ($8,739 monthly) allocate $1,283 to rent—just 14.7% of gross income, the lowest burden in this county set. Homeowners pay $1,578 monthly, still representing manageable 18.0% of income, demonstrating how higher earnings transform housing affordability perception.

Boone County rewards high earners

If your household income exceeds $100,000, Boone County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio and strong job market around Indianapolis make it genuinely affordable despite $1,283 rents. Compare your earning potential and career prospects here against lower-cost counties; Boone's premium pricing aligns perfectly with premium incomes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Boone County

via IncomeByCounty

Boone far exceeds national income

Boone County's median household income of $104,865 towers 40% above the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the top 10–15% of American counties by household earning power.

Indiana's wealthiest county

At $104,865, Boone County's median household income crushes Indiana's state average of $68,681 by 53%. The county is Indiana's clear income leader, reflecting its proximity to Indianapolis's professional job market.

Boone vastly outpaces region

Boone County's $104,865 income dwarfs all regional peers: Bartholomew ($80,365), Brown ($72,644), Allen ($68,839), and Carroll ($64,003). No other county in the region comes close to Boone's earning power.

Wealth builds naturally here

Boone County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% is the state's lowest, and the $104,865 median household income far exceeds the median home value of $341,800. Families enjoy substantial discretionary income after housing and essentials.

Aggressive wealth strategies thrive

Boone County residents can pursue multiple wealth-building strategies simultaneously: maxing retirement contributions, real estate investment, stock diversification, and education savings. This exceptional income provides the foundation for generational wealth creation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Boone County

via CrimeByCounty

Suburban Safety in Boone County

Boone County holds a 99.0 safety score, placing it just above the Indiana average. Its total crime rate of 659.8 per 100,000 is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Boone County vs. Indiana Averages

Four agencies report data that shows Boone's crime rate is very close to the state average of 693.8. It manages to balance growth with a steady commitment to public safety.

Safer than Nearby Urban Neighbors

Boone is notably safer than many counties closer to Indianapolis, keeping its crime rate under 700. It offers a suburban safety profile that appeals to many families.

Focusing on Property Crime Trends

Property crime is the main driver here at 561.5 per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 98.3. Both figures are significantly lower than their respective national counterparts.

Secure Your Suburban Home

Because property crime is the primary concern, residents should focus on visible deterrents. Security cameras and well-lit entryways are effective ways to protect suburban homes here.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Boone County

via SchoolsByCounty

A High-Growth Educational Landscape in Boone

Boone County features 18 public schools across three districts, serving a growing population of 13,034 students. The infrastructure is built around 13 elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools. This robust system supports a mix of suburban and rural communities just outside the Indianapolis metro area.

Exceptional Outcomes Drive County Success

Boone County achieves an elite 97.5% graduation rate, one of the highest in the state and far above the 87.0% national average. While per-pupil expenditure is lean at $5,311, the county's 53.8 school score indicates high efficiency and academic excellence. Families often move here specifically for these top-tier results and the reputation of the local districts.

Zionsville and Lebanon Lead District Efforts

Zionsville Community Schools is the county's largest district, enrolling 7,906 students across nine schools. Lebanon Community School Corp follows with 3,486 students, while Western Boone serves a smaller, more rural population of 1,642. The county relies entirely on traditional public schools, with no charter options currently available.

Suburban Energy Meets Rural Tradition

The county offers a diverse mix of locales, with eight rural schools, six suburban schools, and four in town settings. Large-scale campuses define the suburban areas, such as Zionsville Community High, which enrolls 2,255 students. The average school size of 724 students is among the largest in the region, reflecting the county's popularity.

Invest in a Future in Boone County

Boone County is a premier destination for families who prioritize graduation rates and school reputation when choosing a home. Whether you prefer the suburban amenities of Zionsville or the town charm of Lebanon, there is a high-performing school nearby. Start your home search here to secure access to some of Indiana's best educational outcomes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Boone County

via RiskByCounty

Boone County sits below average

Boone County scores 43.23 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low risk category and below national averages. Your county faces below-typical disaster exposure compared to most U.S. communities.

Lower risk than Indiana average

Boone County ranks below the Indiana state average with a score of 43.23 compared to 45.52, placing it in the safer half of the state's 92 counties. Your county sits comfortably in Indiana's low-risk tier.

Moderate in a mixed region

Boone County's score of 43.23 falls between safer neighbors like Brown County (19.69) and Blackford County (9.00) to the north, and riskier Adams County (52.13) to the east. Your county occupies a moderate position regionally.

Earthquakes and flooding pose concerns

Earthquake risk reaches 67.97, your county's highest hazard score, while flood risk of 56.84 reflects vulnerable stream corridors and precipitation patterns. Tornado risk remains modest at 39.60, below statewide patterns.

Add earthquake and flood coverage

With earthquake risk at 67.97 and flood risk at 56.84, consider purchasing earthquake insurance and verifying flood coverage if you're in a susceptible zone. Standard homeowners policies exclude both hazards, leaving significant coverage gaps.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Boone County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Needs Improvement

Boone County receives a D grade for drinking water with 5 health violations recorded in the last 5 years. While its violation rate of 19.8 is below the state average of 42.3, system consistency remains an issue.

Majority of Water Bodies Impaired

In Boone County, 59.3% of 123 assessed water bodies are impaired, well above the 40.9% state average. The 2022 assessment points to E. coli, biological integrity, and PCBs in fish tissue as major stressors.

Microbiological and Nutrient Monitoring Presence

There are 15 monitoring sites that have recorded 4,350 measurements over the last 5 years. Local data collection focuses on physical traits, nutrients, and microbiological counts to track water safety.

Eagle Creek Flow at Half Capacity

Eagle Creek at Zionsville is currently flowing at 57 cubic feet per second, exactly 50% of its long-term mean. These lower-than-normal flows impact the 106-square-mile drainage area that feeds local reservoirs.

Address Low Flows and Impairments

Low streamflows can concentrate pollutants like E. coli, making watershed health particularly important for residents to monitor. Given the D compliance grade, staying updated on local water quality alerts is recommended.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Boone County

via WeatherByCounty

Balanced Humid Continental Weather Patterns

Boone County's 51.5°F average annual temperature is just below the national median. This humid continental area experiences a balanced mix of seasonal extremes.

Tracking Closely With State Averages

Boone tracks slightly cooler than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. Its 42.2 inches of annual precipitation is close to the statewide norm of 43.9 inches.

Cooler and Drier Than Bartholomew

Boone is cooler and drier than its southern neighbor Bartholomew, which averages 54.1°F. It sees significantly less snow than northern counties, with only 18 inches annually.

Pleasant Summers and Moderate Snowfall

July averages a pleasant 73.2°F with 14 days of extreme heat. Winters are cold but not excessively snowy, averaging 18.0 inches of snow and a 26.1°F January low.

Balanced HVAC for Year-Round Comfort

Homeowners should balance their HVAC needs between the 14 days of high heat and the cold 29.1°F winter average. Modern insulation helps manage the moderate 18 inches of snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Boone County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Entisols of Boone County

Boone County features Entisols with a stable pH of 6.37, nearly matching the national 6.5 median. This acidity level is excellent for nutrient availability and supports a wide range of agriculture. The county's soil score of 76.1 confirms its status as a highly productive region.

High Silt Content for Smooth Texture

The soil is dominated by silt at 57.5%, creating a fine-grained, smooth texture that is highly fertile. Combined with 20.5% clay and 22.0% sand, it retains water efficiently without becoming too difficult to till. This mix is ideal for root development and consistent plant growth.

Excellent Water Capacity for Summer

The available water capacity is a high 0.210 in/in, which is above the Indiana state average. While organic matter is 2.61%—lower than the state average but above the 2.0% national benchmark—the water retention helps plants thrive. This soil is particularly resilient during the hot, dry stretches of the growing season.

Moderate Runoff and Water Management

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available, but high silt levels often suggest moderate runoff potential. The soil's 76.1 quality score indicates that it generally handles water well for local farming. Gardeners should still monitor for standing water in low-lying areas after heavy rains.

Zone 6a: Ideal for Root Crops

In Zone 6a, this silty soil is a fantastic home for root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets. With water capacity above the state average, your garden will stay resilient all season long. It is a great time to start a backyard plot in Boone County.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Boone County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth Patterns in Boone County

Boone County scores a 74.3 for lawn difficulty, reflecting better-than-average conditions for the state of Indiana. Located in Zone 6a, it offers a predictable climate for standard Midwest lawn care routines.

Ideal Rainfall for Summer Health

The county receives 42.2 inches of precipitation annually, which sits near the state average and helps grass survive the 14 days of 90°F heat. With 3,307 growing degree days, the mowing season is consistent and active throughout the summer.

Balanced pH for Turf Success

A soil pH of 6.37 means that essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are easily available to the grass. The 20.5% clay and 22.0% sand mix provides a solid foundation, though specific drainage class data for the county is limited.

Managing 30 Weeks of Drought

With 73.4% of the county in severe drought and 30 weeks of dry conditions last year, water conservation is a priority. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn can help retain soil moisture and recycle nutrients during dry periods.

Bluegrass Thrives in Boone Soil

Kentucky Bluegrass is a top performer in Zone 6a when seeded after the last frost on April 23. You have a generous window to mature your turf before the first fall frost typically arrives on October 20.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boone County's county score?
Boone County, Indiana has a composite county score of 55.4 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 Boone County rank among counties in Indiana?
Boone County ranks #56 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 Boone County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Boone County is $2,725, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Boone County a tax score of 53.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Boone County?
The median household income in Boone County, Indiana is $104,865 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Boone County earns an income score of 96.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Boone County, Indiana a good place to live?
Boone County scores 55.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Boone 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 Boone County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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