countyscore
61.6
County Score
Safety 94.5Soil Quality 83.5Property Tax 78

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.

Score breakdown

Tax78Cost50.7Safety94.5Health63.1Schools23.4Income50.8Risk70.4Water26.4Weather56.6
🏛78
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼50.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡94.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤63.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓23.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡70.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧26.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨83.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Counties with similar scores

Emmet County
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Kearney County
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Sanborn County
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Henderson County
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Carroll County
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Nearby counties

Cass County
Indiana
51.3
White County
Indiana
60.6
Tippecanoe County
Indiana
42.9
Howard County
Indiana
45.3
Clinton County
Indiana
56.5
Pulaski County
Indiana
66.6
Miami County
Indiana
62.9
Tipton County
Indiana
65.2

Deep Dives

Carroll County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Carroll County

via CostByCounty

Carroll County offers modest rural affordability

Carroll County renters spend 16.4% of income on housing—below national affordability thresholds despite a median household income of $64,003, slightly below the U.S. average of $74,755. At $874 monthly rent, this north-central county delivers reasonable housing relief for rural Hoosiers earning modest incomes.

Slightly above Indiana's affordability standard

Carroll County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% exceeds Indiana's state average of 15.6% by 0.8 percentage points, placing it in the moderately expensive tier. Median rent of $874 falls just below the state median of $883, making Carroll nearly average within Indiana's rental landscape.

Middle ground between extremes

Carroll County's $874 rent positions it between Blackford's affordability champion ($635) and Allen County's metro prices ($976), serving as the region's middle option. Home values of $167,700 similarly occupy the middle ground, offering balance between accessibility and market appreciation potential.

Balanced budgeting for modest earners

Renters earning $64,003 annually ($5,334 monthly) allocate $874 to rent—16.4% of gross income, leaving reasonable cushion for other expenses. Homeowners pay just $795 monthly, an exceptional value suggesting Carroll's housing market offers attractive ownership pathways despite modest rental costs.

Carroll County: solid middle-ground choice

Carroll County delivers near-average Indiana rents ($874) and competitive home values ($167,700) with a manageable 16.4% rent-to-income ratio. If you're seeking small-town living without sacrificing affordability or amenities, Carroll offers genuine balance; verify local employment opportunities match your industry before committing to this quiet north-central county.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Carroll County

via HealthByCounty

Carroll County ties national life expectancy highs

At 78.3 years, Carroll County's life expectancy ranks among the nation's best, topping both Indiana's state average (75.1 years) and the U.S. average (76.4 years) by over 2 years. With 17.7% reporting poor or fair health, the county demonstrates strong population health despite its small size.

Boone's equal among Indiana's healthiest

Carroll County ranks at Indiana's very top for life expectancy, tied with Boone County at 78.3 years—exceptional performance for a small, rural community. This outcome reflects decades of community investment in health and healthcare access.

Co-leader of regional health performance

Carroll County's 78.3-year life expectancy essentially ties Boone County's 78.2 years for the highest in this group, far exceeding Benton (74.5 years), Blackford (71.8 years), and Adams (77.0 years). The county stands as a model for rural health success.

Limited providers challenge despite strong outcomes

Carroll County has the lowest primary care provider density of any county here at just 10 per 100,000 residents, suggesting residents may travel for routine care. However, 88 mental health providers per 100,000 and 9.7% uninsured indicate that residents maintain coverage despite provider distance.

Insurance bridges gaps in provider access

Carroll County's high life expectancy despite limited local providers suggests residents actively seek care and maintain insurance to do so. With 9.7% uninsured, slightly above the state average, ensuring you have coverage is vital to accessing care outside the county when needed.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Carroll County

via SchoolsByCounty

Carroll County's Rural-Town School Split

Carroll County supports six public schools organized into two distinct districts to serve 2,404 total students. The infrastructure is evenly distributed across two elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. This balanced layout ensures that students from both town and rural areas have equitable access to every level of education.

Graduation Rates Above the National Average

The county's 89.2% graduation rate surpasses the national average of 87.0%, though it falls slightly below the Indiana state mark of 92.6%. Per-pupil expenditure is efficient at $4,928, which is lower than the state average of $5,507. With a school score of 48.6, the local districts focus on providing a foundational education in a cost-effective manner.

Two Districts Serving Distinct Communities

Delphi Community School Corp is the larger of the two districts with 1,361 students, followed by Carroll Consolidated at 1,043. There are no charter schools in the county, maintaining a 100% traditional public school enrollment. These two districts provide the primary academic and athletic hubs for their respective halves of the county.

A Peaceful Rural Educational Environment

Five of the county's six schools are located in rural settings, with only one situated in a town. Delphi Community Elementary is the largest school with 623 students, while Carroll Senior High is the smallest high school with just 346 students. The average school size of 401 students ensures a manageable, community-oriented atmosphere for all grade levels.

Discover Rural Living Near Local Schools

Carroll County offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with schools that are deeply integrated into the local community. For those looking for smaller high schools where students can participate in many activities, this county is a perfect match. Consider the areas around Delphi and Flora for a home that places you within reach of these community-focused schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carroll County

via RiskByCounty

Carroll County shows low vulnerability

Carroll County scores 29.64 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the very low risk category and substantially below national averages. Your county experiences minimal natural disaster exposure compared to most American communities.

Safer than Indiana average

Carroll County ranks in the lower-risk portion of Indiana's 92 counties with a score of 29.64, well below the state average of 45.52. Your county sits comfortably in the state's safer tier.

Safe in a moderate region

Carroll County's score of 29.64 exceeds safest neighbors like Benton County (4.87) and Blackford County (9.00), but trails riskier Adams County (52.13) to the south. Your county occupies the safer side of its regional range.

Flood and tornado risks modest

Flood risk reaches 47.23, Carroll County's highest score, while tornado risk of 42.56 remains below state patterns. All other hazards score below 48, reflecting consistently low exposure.

Standard insurance serves well

Carroll County's low disaster vulnerability means standard homeowners insurance adequately protects most properties. Keep weather alerts active during spring severe weather season and maintain basic emergency supplies as routine household preparation.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 61.6 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 #28 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 $954, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Carroll County a tax score of 78/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carroll County?
The median household income in Carroll County, Indiana is $64,003 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carroll County earns an income score of 50.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carroll County, Indiana a good place to live?
Carroll County scores 61.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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