countyscore
61.7
County Score
Safety 94.5Soil Quality 83.5Property Tax 77.2

County Report Card

About Carroll County, Indiana

Strong National Competitor

Carroll County earns a composite score of 61.6, easily surpassing the national median of 50.0. It offers a superior living experience compared to the average U.S. county.

Above the Indiana Average

The county's 61.6 score places it above the state average of 55.9. It is a top performer in Indiana, balancing several key factors effectively.

Safety and Tax Efficiency

Safety is a major asset with a score of 94.5, paired with a strong tax score of 78.0. Residents benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.569%, keeping more money in their pockets.

Schools and Water Quality

Education and water scores are lower at 23.4 and 26.4 respectively. These areas represent the most significant opportunities for infrastructure and community development.

Ideal for Secure Rural Life

This county is perfect for homeowners who prioritize low taxes and personal safety. It suits people looking for a stable, rural environment where their property investment goes further.

2040608010077.252.394.563.123.449.970.426.456.6Tax77.2Cost52.3Safety94.5Health63.1Schools23.4Income49.9Risk70.4Water26.4Weather56.661.7/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Carroll County DNA

Doverall

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

Carroll County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (94.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (26.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
77.2+25.200000000000003
Cost
52.3
Safety
94.5+39.5
Health
63.1+13.100000000000001
Schools
23.4-30.6
Income
49.9
Risk
70.4+23.400000000000006
Water
26.4-31.6
Weather
56.6
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Carroll County

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$180,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$890/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$180,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,645/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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 Carroll County with Jackson County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Jackson County
Alabama
Median income: $51,908
61.7
Copper River Census Area
Alaska
Median income: $79,250
61.7
Costilla County
Colorado
Median income: $36,861
61.7
Johnson County
Georgia
Median income: $51,028
61.7
Smith County
Mississippi
Median income: $60,916
61.7
Aurora County
South Dakota
Median income: $72,885
61.7
Hyde County
South Dakota
Median income: $73,472
61.7
Stark County
Illinois
Median income: $62,878
61.8

Nearby counties

Cass County
Indiana
51.2
White County
Indiana
59.9
Tippecanoe County
Indiana
42.8
Howard County
Indiana
45.3
Clinton County
Indiana
57.2
Pulaski County
Indiana
65.8
Miami County
Indiana
61.6
Tipton County
Indiana
65.1

Deep Dives

Carroll County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Carroll County

via TaxByCounty

Carroll County taxes well below national level

At 0.569%, Carroll County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of roughly 0.85%, placing it among the most tax-friendly counties in America. The median annual property tax of $954 represents just 35% of the national median of $2,690.

Carroll ranks among Indiana's lowest-tax counties

Carroll County's 0.569% effective rate ranks near the bottom of Indiana's 92 counties, well under the state average of 0.671%. Homeowners pay a median of $954 annually—$245 less than the state average—reflecting both moderate rates and property values.

Second-lowest rate in the region

Carroll County's 0.569% rate is lower than most regional peers, trailing only Brown County (0.470%) and well below Bartholomew (0.722%) and Benton (0.756%). Combined with modest home values, it produces some of the region's lowest annual tax bills.

Median home taxed at $954 annually

A home valued at Carroll County's median of $167,700 generates an annual property tax of $954. For mortgaged properties, the average bill rises to $1,098 due to escrow components, while non-mortgaged homes average $790.

Appeal opportunities exist even here

Carroll County's low-tax environment makes reassessment appeals particularly valuable—even modest savings compound meaningfully on a modest baseline. Comparing your assessed value to recent arm's-length sales in your area can reveal opportunities to reduce your already-favorable tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carroll County

via IncomeByCounty

Carroll below national income

Carroll County's median household income of $64,003 falls about $10,750 short of the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of American counties by household earning power.

Below Indiana's state average

At $64,003, Carroll County's median household income trails Indiana's state average of $68,681 by roughly 7%. The county ranks in the lower third of Indiana's 92 counties by household earnings.

Carroll among moderate peers

Carroll County's $64,003 income sits between Adams ($63,128) and Benton ($61,811), forming a struggling rural corridor. Stronger economies like Allen ($68,839) and Bartholomew ($80,365) offer sharply different prospects.

Tight housing and living costs

Carroll County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% is slightly elevated, and the $64,003 median income requires careful budgeting. Families must prioritize essential expenses to maintain financial stability.

Disciplined saving builds security

Carroll County residents should focus on automatic savings deductions and employer 401(k) plans to build wealth gradually. Free financial literacy programs and credit union services offer low-cost tools for modest but steady financial growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carroll County

via CrimeByCounty

Carroll County's Outstanding Record

Carroll County achieves a perfect 100.0 safety score for 2022. Its total crime rate of 14.7 per 100,000 residents is nearly 160 times lower than the national average.

Safeguarding the Community in Carroll

Three reporting agencies help Carroll maintain a rate far below the Indiana average of 693.8. This high performance makes it one of the safest counties in the state.

Peaceful Living in the Heart of Indiana

Carroll's crime rate of 14.7 is much lower than Boone County's 659.8. It offers a distinct level of peace compared to its more populated neighbors to the south.

Breaking Down the Minimal Incidents

Violent crime is non-existent in the 2022 data with a 0.0 rate. Property crime remains the only factor, though it is exceptionally low at just 14.7 per 100,000.

Maintain Your Home Security

While crime is rare, basic home security still provides a helpful layer of protection. Consider simple upgrades like deadbolts and window locks to keep your property safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carroll County

via WeatherByCounty

Representative Midwestern Climate Averages

Carroll County mirrors the state average perfectly with an annual temperature of 52.2°F. This humid continental climate offers a representative look at typical Midwestern weather patterns.

Exactly at the State Average

The county matches the Indiana state average of 52.2°F exactly. Its 40.9 inches of precipitation is slightly below the state average of 43.9 inches.

Warmer and Hotter Than Benton

Carroll is significantly warmer than neighbor Benton County, which averages only 49.8°F. It also experiences more extreme heat, with 20 days over 90°F compared to Benton's 13.

Hot Summers with Moderate Snowfall

Summers are hot with 20 days reaching 90°F or more and a July average of 73.9°F. Winters are moderate for the region, with 18.5 inches of snow and a 29.7°F average.

Budget for Summer Cooling Needs

Budget for cooling costs in the summer to manage the 20 extreme heat days. The 18.5 inches of snow requires standard winter preparation but is less demanding than the state's northernmost counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carroll County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Alfisols of Carroll County

Carroll County is home to Alfisols with a gravelly sandy loam texture and an average pH of 6.35. This pH is nearly ideal, sitting just under the 6.5 national median. The county boasts a high soil score of 83.5, placing it among the top agricultural regions in Indiana.

Crumbly Loam with Excellent Aeration

A 31.4% sand content improves drainage and allows the soil to warm up quickly in the spring. Combined with 46.5% silt and 17.4% clay, the soil offers a crumbly texture that is exceptionally easy to cultivate. This mix provides an ideal balance of aeration and nutrient retention.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Boasting a massive 5.77% organic matter, Carroll County has some of the richest soil in the state, far exceeding the 4.90% state average. The available water capacity of 0.205 is also above the state average, creating a goldmine for high-yield harvests. This fertility is a dream for any grower.

Superior Drainage for Early Planting

The soil is classified as well-drained and falls into Hydrologic Group B, allowing for excellent water movement and root respiration. This setup allows farmers and gardeners to get into the fields earlier in the season. It is a highly resilient landscape that handles heavy rains with ease.

Gardener's Goldmine in Zone 6a

With 5.77% organic matter and Zone 6a weather, you have the perfect environment for a high-production vegetable patch. Whether you want to grow giant pumpkins or a lush flower garden, this soil will support your ambitions. Start planting today in some of Indiana's finest earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carroll County

via LawnByCounty

Consistent Lawn Quality in Carroll County

Carroll County sits near the state average with a lawn difficulty score of 70.4. As a Zone 6a region, it provides a standard environment for Indiana homeowners, though it ranks much higher than the national median of 50.0.

Handling 20 Days of Extreme Heat

Matching the state average of 20 heat days, Carroll County lawns require extra care during mid-summer. The 40.9 inches of annual rain and 3,403 growing degree days support a long and productive growing season for cool-season turf.

Excellent Drainage with Sandy Loam

The county features gravelly sandy loam soil that is officially 'well drained,' preventing many root rot issues. The 31.4% sand content and 6.35 pH provide an excellent physical and chemical base for professional-looking turf.

Extreme Drought Challenges for Carroll

Carroll County has faced a staggering 46 weeks of drought in the past year, with 100% of the county currently in severe drought. In these conditions, letting the grass go dormant is a viable strategy to ensure the crown survives until rain returns.

Seeding for Success in North Central Indiana

The window for seeding begins after the April 22 frost and ends before the first fall frost on October 17. Fine Fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass are excellent choices for the local soil type and Hardiness Zone 6a.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carroll County's county score?
Carroll County, Indiana has a composite county score of 61.7 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 Carroll County rank among counties in Indiana?
Carroll County ranks #27 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 Carroll County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Carroll County is $1,015, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Carroll County a tax score of 77.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carroll County?
The median household income in Carroll County, Indiana is $65,645 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carroll County earns an income score of 49.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carroll County, Indiana a good place to live?
Carroll County scores 61.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Carroll 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 Carroll County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.