countyscore
69.9
County Score
Safety 94.7Property Tax 90.4Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Brown County, Indiana

A National Standout

Brown County reaches a remarkable composite score of 68.2, placing it far above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates an exceptional quality of life by national standards.

Leading the Indiana Pack

The county's score of 68.2 is well above the Indiana average of 55.9. It stands as one of the most attractive counties in the state for overall livability.

Low Taxes and High Safety

A tax score of 88.8 and a safety score of 94.7 are the county's primary drivers. Its effective tax rate of 0.470% is exceptionally low, providing significant savings for homeowners.

Navigating Housing Costs

Cost is the main challenge here, with a score of 30.7. While other metrics are high, the housing market is tighter than in many neighboring rural areas.

Top Choice for Tax-Savvy Families

Brown County is an excellent fit for families and retirees looking to minimize their tax burden while maximizing safety. It is a premier destination for those who value security and financial efficiency.

2040608010090.436.794.766.956.879.480.38659.4Tax90.4Cost36.7Safety94.7Health66.9Schools56.8Income79.4Risk80.3Water86Weather59.469.9/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Brown County DNA

C-overall

How Brown County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Brown County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Safety (94.7/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
90.4+38.400000000000006
Cost
36.7-11.299999999999997
Safety
94.7+39.7
Health
66.9+16.900000000000006
Schools
56.8
Income
79.4+28.400000000000006
Risk
80.3+33.3
Water
86+28
Weather
59.4
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Compare mortgage rates in Brown County

Whether buying or refinancing in Brown County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$269,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$895/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$269,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $78,528/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

6.4

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Brown County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Brown County

via TaxByCounty

Brown County's remarkably low tax rate

At just 0.470%, Brown County's effective tax rate is less than 55% of the national median of roughly 0.85%, making it one of America's lowest-tax counties. The median annual property tax of $1,141 is a bargain at only 42% of the national median of $2,690.

Brown County lowest-tax in Indiana

Brown County's 0.470% effective rate is the lowest in Indiana, barely 70% of the state average of 0.671%. At $1,141 in median annual taxes, Brown County homeowners pay the second-lowest tax bills statewide, despite moderate property values of $242,500.

Dramatically lower than surrounding counties

Brown County's 0.470% rate is less than two-thirds of nearby counties like Carroll (0.569%), Bartholomew (0.722%), and Boone (0.797%). Its unique tax structure makes it an outlier in the region, attracting homeowners seeking low property tax burdens.

Median home costs just $1,141 yearly

A home valued at Brown County's median of $242,500 carries an annual property tax of only $1,141. Mortgaged properties average $1,178 annually, while non-mortgaged homes average $1,077—a narrow gap reflecting the county's efficient assessment system.

Even low-rate counties benefit from appeals

Brown County's already-favorable tax environment doesn't exempt homeowners from overassessment. If your home's assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales, filing an appeal can lower an already modest bill even further.

Income & Jobs in Brown County

via IncomeByCounty

Brown matches national income

Brown County's median household income of $72,644 sits just 3% below the national median of $74,755. The county ranks solidly in the upper half of American counties by household earning power.

Above Indiana average

At $72,644, Brown County's median household income exceeds Indiana's state average of $68,681 by about 6%. The county ranks in the upper quarter of Indiana's 92 counties, reflecting a stable, prosperous community.

Brown leads mid-tier performers

Brown County's $72,644 income outperforms Allen ($68,839), Bartholomew ($80,365), and most surrounding counties. Only Boone County ($104,865) clearly surpasses Brown in the broader region.

Comfortable housing affordability

Brown County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% indicates housing costs are very manageable, and the $72,644 median income supports comfortable living standards. The median home value of $242,500 is well within reach for local households.

Strong position for investing

Brown County residents have above-average income to invest in retirement accounts, home equity, and diversified portfolios. Taking advantage of employer benefits and starting a disciplined investment plan now positions families for long-term wealth growth.

Safety in Brown County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Brown County

Brown County reports a perfect 100.0 safety score with a tiny total crime rate of 6.4 per 100,000. This is remarkably lower than the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

A Note on County Data Reporting

Only one agency reports for the county, so these numbers should be viewed with caution. Even so, the reported rate of 6.4 is a fraction of the Indiana state average of 693.8.

Quieter Than Neighboring Areas

Brown is significantly quieter than Bartholomew County, which has a rate of 190.6. It stands out as one of the least active areas for crime in the entire region.

Violent Crime is Non-Existent Here

There were no violent crimes reported, resulting in a 0.0 rate. Property crime is also extremely rare, appearing at just 6.4 incidents per 100,000 people.

Self-Reliance and Safety Habits

In areas with limited law enforcement reporting, self-reliance and neighborly check-ins are vital. Ensure your home is secure and stay connected with local community watch groups.

Weather & Climate in Brown County

via WeatherByCounty

A High Precipitation Region

While specific annual temperature data is unavailable, Brown County’s high precipitation of 50.7 inches marks it as a wet humid continental zone. This exceeds the national median for annual rainfall significantly.

One of Indiana’s Wettest Counties

The county receives 50.7 inches of annual precipitation, far surpassing the Indiana state average of 43.9 inches. This makes it one of the wettest environments in the entire state.

Wetter Than Nearby Bartholomew County

Brown receives much more precipitation than its neighbor Bartholomew, which sees 47.3 inches. Snowfall is also higher here, averaging nearly 20 inches annually.

Rainy Months and Moderate Snow

Winter brings 19.7 inches of snow, though specific seasonal temperature averages are limited for this region. The heavy rainfall suggests a lush, humid environment during the growing season.

Invest in High-Quality Rain Gear

Residents should invest in high-quality drainage systems and rain gear to handle the 50-plus inches of annual precipitation. Ensure vehicles are equipped for the 19.7 inches of winter snowfall.

Soil Quality in Brown County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Forest Soils of Brown County

Brown County features Entisols with a pH of 5.69, which is significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median. This acidity is a defining characteristic of the region's rugged, forested hills. While it ranks lower with a 61.6 soil score, it is perfectly suited for native woodland ecology.

The State's Highest Silt Percentage

With a massive 68.6% silt content, this soil has a very fine, flour-like consistency. Combined with 15.2% clay and 16.2% sand, this soil is prone to erosion on the county's famous slopes. Careful ground cover management is required to keep this silty soil in place.

Vital Moisture for Steep Terrain

Available water capacity is high at 0.209, providing a critical reservoir for the county's dense forest cover. Organic matter stands at 2.40%, which is above the 2.0% national average despite being lower than the Indiana state average. This moisture retention is the lifeline for the local ecosystem during dry periods.

Managing Runoff in the Hills

Drainage data is limited, but the combination of high silt and steep topography typically leads to rapid surface runoff. Mulching and terracing are highly recommended for any local gardening projects. Protecting the soil surface is essential for maintaining the health of your land.

Zone 6b: A Haven for Acid-Lovers

In Zone 6b, the acidic soil is perfectly suited for blueberries, azaleas, hydrangeas, and rhododendrons. Lean into the unique chemistry of the hills and plant a beautiful, acid-loving landscape. Your garden can thrive if you choose species adapted to these specific forest conditions.

Lawn Care in Brown County

via LawnByCounty

The Unique Challenges of Brown County

Brown County’s lawn difficulty score of 63.4 is lower than its neighbors, signaling a more challenging environment than the state average of 71.0. Its Zone 6b location requires careful attention to soil chemistry and high moisture levels.

High Rainfall Defines the Region

With 50.7 inches of annual precipitation, Brown County is wetter than most of Indiana and exceeds the ideal lawn range. While specific heat day data is unavailable, the high moisture means fungus and drainage management are key priorities.

Amending Acidic and Rocky Soils

The soil pH here is 5.69, which is more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range and may require lime applications. With only 15.2% clay and 16.2% sand, the soil structure is unique and often necessitates organic amendments to support healthy turf.

High Moisture but Occasional Dryness

Brown County is currently 98.2% abnormally dry, even though it only experienced 4 weeks of drought over the past year. Because severe drought is currently at 0%, focus on managing the county's naturally high precipitation rather than emergency irrigation.

Choosing the Right Grass for the Hills

Tall Fescue is highly recommended for Zone 6b due to its deep root system and ability to handle varying moisture. While specific frost dates are not tracked, planting in early spring when temperatures stabilize will yield the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brown County's county score?
Brown County, Indiana has a composite county score of 69.9 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 Brown County rank among counties in Indiana?
Brown County ranks #3 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 Brown County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Brown County is $1,177, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Brown County a tax score of 90.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Brown County?
The median household income in Brown County, Indiana is $78,528 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Brown County earns an income score of 79.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Brown County, Indiana a good place to live?
Brown County scores 69.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Brown 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 Brown County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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