CountyScore

Brown County

Indiana · IN

#11 in Indiana
74.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Brown County, Indiana

Brown County Among Nation's Most Livable

Brown County's composite score of 74.9 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 75th percentile of all U.S. counties. This ranks Brown among the genuinely livable communities nationwide, combining affordability, low taxes, and solid health outcomes. The county demonstrates that small Indiana communities can compete nationally on livability.

Top-Tier Indiana Performer

Brown County scores 74.9, well above Indiana's 71.2 state average, ranking it in the top tier of the state's 92 counties. The county stands among Indiana's most livable destinations, outperforming larger and more developed peers. This exceptional ranking reflects a carefully balanced quality-of-life profile.

Tax Haven With Solid Health Outcomes

Brown County's tax score of 89.0 is exceptional, with an effective tax rate of just 0.470%—the lowest among these eight counties and among Indiana's best. Health scores of 73.3 reflect quality healthcare access and wellness infrastructure. These dual strengths create a financially efficient, healthy living environment.

Income Moderate, Housing Costs Rising

The income score of 30.8 with median household income of $72,644 is solid but not exceptional compared to some peer counties. Median home values of $242,500 and rent at $960/month reflect moderate affordability pressures, particularly for lower-income households. Schools, safety, and water quality data remain unavailable.

Perfect for Tax-Conscious, Health-Minded Residents

Brown County appeals to retirees, self-employed professionals, and families prioritizing tax efficiency and healthcare quality over maximum income growth. The county's exceptional tax advantage makes it attractive to income-sensitive households and those managing fixed budgets. It's ideal for people seeking small-town livability with serious tax savings.

Score breakdown

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

Tax89Cost75.2SafetyComing SoonHealth73.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.8Risk80.3WaterComing Soon
🏛89
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡80.3
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 Brown County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Haines Borough
Alaska
74.9
Median income: $72,607
Costilla County
Colorado
74.9
Median income: $36,519
Allen Parish
Louisiana
74.9
Median income: $51,138
Pickett County
Tennessee
74.9
Median income: $44,591
Beaver County
Utah
74.9
Median income: $85,603

Deep Dives

Brown County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Brown County

via CostByCounty

Brown County balances arts appeal with affordability

Brown County renters spend 15.9% of income on housing—comfortably below national affordability thresholds and supported by a median household income of $72,644, competitive with the U.S. average of $74,755. At $960 monthly rent, this artistic mountain county delivers reasonable housing costs alongside cultural amenities.

Slightly above average Indiana affordability

Brown County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% exceeds Indiana's state average of 15.6% by just 0.3 percentage points, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. Median rent of $960 runs 8.7% above the state median of $883, reflecting its appeal as a tourist destination and cultural hub.

Pricier than neighbors, cheaper than urban centers

Brown County's $960 rent exceeds nearby Adams ($799) and Carroll ($874), but costs less than Allen County ($976) and substantially less than Bartholomew ($1,110). Home values of $242,500 signal Nashville's artistic reputation and tourist economy, commanding a premium over surrounding rural counties.

Arts community attracts reasonable paychecks

Renters earning $72,644 annually ($6,054 monthly) allocate $960 to rent—15.9% of gross income. Homeowners pay $1,041 monthly, consuming 17.3% of household income and suggesting ownership remains accessible despite Nashville's boutique character.

Brown County balances culture and cost

Brown County's artistic identity, mountain scenery, and tourist economy justify rents 8.7% above Indiana's state average, though the 15.9% rent-to-income ratio keeps it affordable for most. If lifestyle and cultural access matter alongside housing affordability, Brown County delivers a compelling package; compare costs to your current location and verify Nashville's job market matches your career needs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Brown County

via HealthByCounty

Brown County maintains solid health performance

Life expectancy in Brown County reaches 76.7 years, exceeding Indiana's state average of 75.1 years and nearly matching the national average of 76.4 years. With 16.6% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county shows strong health outcomes relative to broader regional trends.

Upper-middle tier health rank statewide

Brown County ranks comfortably above Indiana's state average, outperforming most counties despite its small size and rural character. The county's performance reflects effective community health engagement and access to care in the Nashville area.

Outperforms rural neighbors significantly

Brown County's 76.7-year life expectancy exceeds Benton (74.5 years), Blackford (71.8 years), and Adams (77.0 years by a narrow margin), positioning it as a health leader in south-central Indiana. The county demonstrates that smaller rural areas can achieve strong health outcomes with engaged communities.

Moderate access with low uninsured rates

Brown County offers 32 primary care providers and 96 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—solid but not abundant—paired with just 7.8% uninsured, below Indiana's 8.4% state average. This suggests good coverage, though some residents may need to travel for specialized care.

Health coverage ensures access to local care

Brown County's strong coverage rate (7.8% uninsured) shows that most residents prioritize health insurance. If you're among those without it, use the Health Insurance Marketplace to find a plan—keeping coverage active ensures you can access the local care your county offers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Brown County

via RiskByCounty

Brown County faces minimal exposure

Brown County scores 19.69 on the composite risk scale, placing it firmly in the very low risk category and well below national averages. Your county enjoys substantially lower disaster vulnerability than typical U.S. regions.

Among Indiana's safest counties

Brown County ranks in Indiana's safest tier with a score of 19.69, well below the state average of 45.52. Only a handful of counties statewide present lower natural disaster risk than Brown.

Safest in south-central Indiana

Brown County's score of 19.69 is lower than nearby Bartholomew County (70.87) and Carroll County (29.64), making it the regional safety leader. Your county represents the most secure area in its immediate vicinity.

Tornado risk is primary concern

Tornado risk of 51.08 represents Brown County's highest hazard score, though it remains below statewide tornado averages. Flooding reaches 37.98, with all other hazards scoring below 43.

Standard coverage addresses needs

Brown County's minimal disaster exposure means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection. Maintain a weather radio during severe weather season and keep basic emergency supplies on hand as routine 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.