countyscore
40.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 71.9Soil Quality 61.4Property Tax 59.1

County Report Card

About Clark County, Indiana

Challenges Below the National Average

Clark County carries a composite score of 40.2, which is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This indicates several structural areas where the county faces unique local pressures.

Below the State Average

At 40.2, the county ranks well under the Indiana average of 55.9. It struggles to match the overall livability metrics found in many other parts of the state.

Strong Incomes and Regional Opportunity

The county excels in earning potential with an income score of 71.9 and a median household income of $72,298. It also maintains a competitive tax score of 59.1, helping workers keep more of their paychecks.

High Risk and Safety Concerns

Environmental risk and safety are the primary challenges, with scores of 18.6 and 22.3 respectively. Housing costs are also a factor, as the cost score of 24.5 reflects higher price pressure in the area.

Best for Career-Driven Professionals

Clark County is a good match for individuals focused on career growth and higher wages. It suits those willing to trade off some safety and environmental stability for robust economic opportunities.

2040608010059.124.522.348.846.671.918.653.555.9Tax59.1Cost24.5Safety22.3Health48.8Schools46.6Income71.9Risk18.6Water53.5Weather55.940.2/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Clark County DNA

Foverall

How Clark County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Clark County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (22.3/100), though Income (71.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
59.1
Cost
24.5-23.5
Safety
22.3-32.7
Health
48.8
Schools
46.6
Income
71.9+20.900000000000006
Risk
18.6-28.4
Water
53.5
Weather
55.9
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Compare mortgage rates in Clark County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$212,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,058/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$212,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$42,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,298/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.1

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
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Strafford County
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Nearby counties

Oldham County
Kentucky
57.2
Floyd County
Indiana
44
Scott County
Indiana
57.3
Jefferson County
Kentucky
34.3
Trimble County
Kentucky
63.7
Washington County
Indiana
57
Jefferson County
Indiana
59.2
Harrison County
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60.1

Deep Dives

Clark County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Clark County

via TaxByCounty

Clark County taxes remain well below national average

Clark County's effective rate of 0.737% generates a median annual tax of $1,566—still roughly 42% lower than the national median of $2,690. Even with higher home values than some neighbors, Clark homeowners enjoy substantial tax savings versus most American counterparts.

Among Indiana's higher-taxed counties

At 0.737%, Clark County ranks above the state average of 0.671%, placing it in the upper tier of Indiana's 92 counties for effective tax rate. The median tax bill of $1,566 exceeds the state median of $1,199 by about 31%.

Highest rate in the immediate region

Clark County's 0.737% effective rate is the highest among nearby counties like Cass (0.694%), Clinton (0.622%), and Clay (0.457%). The gap reflects differing local funding needs and assessment practices across the region.

Median Clark home pays $1,566 annually

With a median home value of $212,400, Clark County residents pay an estimated $1,566 per year in property taxes at the current rate. Mortgage-inclusive costs bring the annual obligation to approximately $1,611.

Challenge your Clark County assessment

Many Clark County homeowners carry inflated assessments that don't reflect actual property values. Filing an appeal during reassessment season costs nothing and frequently yields meaningful tax reductions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clark County

via CostByCounty

Clark County's housing squeeze

Clark County residents spend 17.6% of their $72,298 median income on rent—exceeding both the national and state averages despite earning nearly in line with the U.S. median. At $1,058 per month, Clark County's rent is 20% above Indiana's state average, signaling tighter affordability in this market.

Among Indiana's pricier counties

Clark County ranks above the state average of 15.6% for rent-to-income ratio at 17.6%, placing it in the less affordable tier of Indiana counties. This combination of higher rents and moderate incomes makes Clark County one of the state's more expensive housing markets.

Clark leads region in rent costs

At $1,058 monthly, Clark County's median rent is the highest among its peer counties—exceeding Cass ($778), Clay ($837), and Daviess ($837) by significant margins. Only renters in Clinton County ($915) come close, making Clark the region's premium rental market.

Clark's housing payment reality

Clark County households earning $72,298 annually face $1,058 in monthly rent or $1,080 in mortgage payments, each consuming roughly 17.6% and 18% of income respectively. With a median home value of $212,400, ownership requires substantial financial capacity compared to neighboring counties.

Clark County isn't the bargain play

If housing affordability drives your relocation decision, Clark County's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio makes it less attractive than nearby alternatives like Clay or Daviess counties. However, if you're relocating for employment and income is less constrained, Clark's proximity to Louisville and stronger job market may justify the premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clark County

via IncomeByCounty

Clark County slightly behind national median

Clark County's median household income of $72,298 sits just $2,457 below the national median of $74,755, placing it nearly at parity with typical U.S. county earnings. This near-match suggests Clark County households enjoy income levels comparable to the American middle class.

Above-average earner among Indiana counties

At $72,298, Clark County exceeds Indiana's state median of $68,681 by $3,617, signaling stronger-than-average economic performance within the state. The county's per capita income of $36,386 also tops the state average of $34,773, reflecting a relatively affluent local workforce.

Competing well with regional peers

Clark County's $72,298 median beats nearby Cass County ($56,525) by $15,773 and outperforms Clinton County ($63,690) by $8,608. Only Dearborn County ($82,693) and Decatur County ($74,228) significantly outpace Clark in the broader region, placing it firmly in the upper-middle tier.

Strong income supports homeownership goals

With a median home value of $212,400 and a rent-to-income ratio of 17.6%, Clark County households have solid purchasing power and manageable rental costs. The $72,298 income supports both affordable renting (under 30% of earnings) and a realistic path to home equity accumulation.

Leverage above-average income for investing

Clark County's income advantage over state and national peers creates opportunity for accelerated wealth-building through consistent retirement contributions and diversified investments. Households earning $72,298 can realistically save 15-20% of income annually while maintaining comfortable living standards.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clark County

via CrimeByCounty

Clark County Beats National Crime Statistics

Clark County reports a total crime rate of 1993.7 per 100K, staying comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a 96.9 safety score, reflecting a secure environment for its residents.

Analyzing Clark's Standings Within Indiana

The county's crime rate is higher than the Indiana state average of 693.8 per 100K residents. Specifically, its violent crime rate of 195.9 is nearly double the state's 102.9 average, indicating an area for community focus.

Regional Comparisons for Clark Residents

Clark County faces more complex safety challenges than rural neighbors like Crawford, which reports near-zero crime. Despite this, it remains safer than many national urban centers with similar population densities.

Violent vs Property Crime Breakdown

The majority of reports involve property crime, which sits at 1797.8 per 100K people. Violent crimes make up about 10% of total reported incidents, which is a lower proportion than seen in many national metro areas.

Proactive Steps for Home Safety

With property crime as the leading statistic, residents should consider installing home security cameras and alarm systems. These tools provide a proven deterrent and help keep Clark County's safety score high.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Clark County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive School Network in Clark County

Clark County manages a large network of 32 public schools serving 20,124 students across six districts. The system includes 15 elementary schools, five middle schools, and eight high schools. This robust infrastructure is designed to accommodate a large and diverse student population.

Clark County Leads in Graduation Success

The county boasts an impressive 95.4% graduation rate, surpassing both the Indiana state average and the 87% national benchmark. With a composite school score of 52.6, the county exceeds the state average for academic quality. Local districts achieve these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,271.

Major Districts and Charter Options

Greater Clark County Schools dominates the landscape with 18 schools and over 10,000 students. Unlike many neighbors, the county hosts two charter schools, representing roughly 6% of the local school mix. Indiana Gateway Digital Academy stands out as the largest individual school, serving 2,617 students across all grades.

Suburban Focus with Large Campuses

The educational feel is primarily suburban, with 20 schools located in developed residential areas. Schools are generally larger here, averaging 649 students per campus. Jeffersonville High School serves as a major secondary hub with over 2,100 students in grades 9 through 12.

Invest in High-Performing School Districts

Families moving to Clark County benefit from some of the highest graduation rates in the state. Strong school performance in areas like Silver Creek makes these neighborhoods highly desirable for residential investment. Exploring homes near top-rated elementary and middle schools can provide a significant advantage for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clark County

via RiskByCounty

Clark County ranks among highest-risk areas

Clark County's composite risk score of 81.36 places it well above the national average, signaling significant and diverse natural hazard exposure. This is one of Indiana's most hazard-prone counties, requiring serious disaster preparedness and comprehensive insurance.

Highest-risk county in Indiana

Clark County's score of 81.36 towers 79% above Indiana's state average of 45.52, making it by far the highest-risk county in the state. No other Indiana county comes close to this level of composite disaster exposure.

Far riskier than surrounding counties

Clark County (81.36) faces dramatically higher risk than all adjacent counties, including Dearborn County (45.23) and Crawford County (25.80). The concentration of multiple hazard types in Clark County is exceptional within Indiana.

Tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods threaten

Clark County residents face extreme tornado risk (95.17—the highest in Indiana), combined with severe earthquake (84.26) and flood (81.17) risks. This convergence of three major hazards makes Clark County the state's most disaster-prone area.

Multi-hazard insurance coverage critical

Clark County residents must secure tornado coverage, earthquake insurance, and flood insurance—standard homeowners policies cover only some of these perils. Given the county's extreme 95.17 tornado risk and 84.26 earthquake risk, comprehensive coverage isn't optional; it's essential protection for your family and assets.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Clark County

via WaterByCounty

Clark County Earns C Grade with Low Violation Rate

Clark County holds a C grade for drinking water compliance despite recording 21 health violations over five years. The county's violation rate of 11.9 per 100,000 residents is notably lower than the state average of 42.3. These figures highlight a relatively strong adherence to Safe Drinking Water Act requirements compared to state peers.

Clark County Watersheds Healthier than State Average

Data from the 2022 ATTAINS cycle shows that 23.3% of the 210 assessed water bodies in Clark County are impaired. This performance is significantly better than the Indiana state average of 40.9% impairment. Top challenges for these streams include E. coli, compromised biological integrity, and low dissolved oxygen levels.

Biological Data Leads Monitoring Efforts

Agencies captured 2,205 measurements at 28 monitoring sites throughout the county over the last five years. The Water Quality Portal reveals that physical and biological counts represent the most frequent types of data collected. This footprint provides a solid foundation for tracking the living health of local waterways.

Silver Creek Flow Hits 22% of Typical Levels

The USGS gauge on Silver Creek near Sellersburg reports a current discharge of 52 cfs, just 22% of its long-term mean of 244 cfs. This sharp decline in flow affects a 189-square-mile drainage area. Reduced volume in the creek can lead to higher concentrations of dissolved pollutants and stress local aquatic life.

Monitor Oxygen and Bacteria Levels During Low Flow

Low streamflow in Silver Creek increases the risk of concentrated bacterial contamination and low dissolved oxygen. Residents should follow local health advisories regarding E. coli when using streams for recreation. Maintaining awareness of these signals helps protect families even when drinking water compliance remains better than the state average.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Clark County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Clark County

Clark County soils show a distinctly acidic pH of 5.85, which is notably lower than the Indiana average of 6.08. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this area, the low pH suggests a need for lime amendments in most garden beds.

Silt-Heavy Soil Structure

The soil is dominated by 69.3% silt, paired with 19.9% clay and a low 10.8% sand content. This silty profile provides a smooth texture that can be prone to surface crusting if left bare during heavy rains.

Exceptional Water Storage Capacity

Organic matter matches the national average of 2.0%, though it trails the Indiana state average of 4.90%. Despite lower organic levels, the available water capacity is high at 0.208 in/in, offering great drought resilience for local plants.

Monitoring Moisture Infiltration

Official drainage class data is currently unavailable for this county, but high silt levels typically indicate moderate permeability. Gardeners should observe their specific plots for slow-draining areas after typical Indiana storms.

Thriving in the Southern Heat

Hardiness zone 6b supports a long growing season for heat-loving crops like peppers and tomatoes. Adding compost can help bridge the gap between the 2.0% organic matter level and the higher state standards to boost your harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clark County

via LawnByCounty

Clark County Lawn Care Challenges

Clark County scores a 59.0 for lawn difficulty, making it one of the more challenging regions in the state to maintain a perfect lawn. While it exceeds the national median, it falls significantly short of the 71.0 Indiana average.

High Rainfall Meets Intense Heat

Lawns here receive a generous 52.9 inches of annual rain, which is much higher than the state average of 44.2 inches. However, 37 extreme heat days per year can quickly scorch grass if proper irrigation isn't maintained during summer peaks.

Acidic Soil Requires Regular Buffering

The soil pH in Clark County sits at 5.85, which is more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turf. Homeowners likely need to apply lime to raise the pH and unlock essential nutrients for the grass.

Monitoring Dry Spells in the South

Over 57% of the area is currently abnormally dry, even though the county only faced 4 weeks of drought last year. Focus on water conservation by mulching clippings to retain moisture on the soil surface.

Reliable Grass for Hardiness Zone 6b

Tall Fescue is highly recommended here due to its heat tolerance and ability to handle the 6b hardiness zone. While local frost data is limited, early autumn remains the most reliable window for successful seeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clark County's county score?
Clark County, Indiana has a composite county score of 40.2 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 Clark County rank among counties in Indiana?
Clark County ranks #86 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 Clark County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Clark County is $1,566, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Clark County a tax score of 59.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clark County?
The median household income in Clark County, Indiana is $72,298 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clark County earns an income score of 71.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clark County, Indiana a good place to live?
Clark County scores 40.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #86 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Clark 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 Clark 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.