countyscore
56.5
County Score
Safety 83.8Soil Quality 83.1Lawn Care 72.4

County Report Card

About Clinton County, Indiana

Exceeding the National Baseline

With a composite score of 56.5, Clinton County performs better than the national median of 50.0. This ranking reflects a high level of overall stability for its residents.

Above the Indiana Average

The county edges past the Indiana state average of 55.9. It maintains a competitive profile that balances safety and affordability quite well.

A Haven for Safety

Safety is a premier feature here, earning an impressive score of 83.8. Combined with a tax score of 71.7 and a risk score of 69.5, the county provides a very secure living environment.

Infrastructure and School Needs

Water quality is a notable concern with a score of 34.6. Additionally, the school score of 38.6 suggests that educational performance does not yet match the county's high safety standards.

Best for Peace and Security

Clinton County is a perfect choice for those who value a quiet, safe community above all else. It offers a high degree of physical and financial security for families and retirees alike.

Score breakdown

Tax71.7Cost41Safety83.8Health45.9Schools38.6Income50Risk69.5Water34.6Weather59.6
🏛71.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠41
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼50
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡83.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡69.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧34.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨83.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.4
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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Nearby counties

Boone County
Indiana
55.4
Howard County
Indiana
45.3
Tipton County
Indiana
65.2
Carroll County
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Hamilton County
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Tippecanoe County
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Montgomery County
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Cass County
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Deep Dives

Clinton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clinton County

via TaxByCounty

Clinton County taxes well below national standard

Clinton County's 0.622% effective rate produces a median tax of just $979 annually—about 64% lower than the national median of $2,690. This places Clinton homeowners in the national tax-value sweet spot.

Slightly below Indiana's state average

At 0.622%, Clinton County's effective rate falls slightly under the state average of 0.671%, making it a moderate-tax county in Indiana's 92-county landscape. The median tax bill of $979 is slightly below the state median of $1,199.

Balanced rates among regional peers

Clinton County's 0.622% rate sits between lower-taxed Clay (0.457%) and higher-taxed Cass (0.694%), positioning it as a middle option. The region shows considerable variation in tax approaches.

Median Clinton home costs $979 annually

A Clinton County homeowner with the median property value of $157,300 pays approximately $979 per year in property taxes. When combined with mortgage escrow, the annual bill is roughly $939 to $1,048 depending on mortgage status.

Appeal your assessment if overvalued

Clinton County homeowners who believe their property is overassessed can challenge valuations free of charge during reassessment windows. Many find success in reducing tax bills through this straightforward appeal process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clinton County

via CostByCounty

Clinton County's above-average pressure

Clinton County renters spend 17.2% of their $63,690 income on housing—above both the national average and Indiana's 15.6% state benchmark. This places Clinton County in the less affordable tier nationally, despite modest incomes that fall $11,065 short of the U.S. median.

Clinton ranks less affordable statewide

At 17.2%, Clinton County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Indiana's average by 1.6 percentage points, positioning it among the state's less affordable counties. Monthly rents of $915 represent the second-highest in the immediate region, creating affordability pressure on local renters.

Clinton higher than most peers

Clinton County's $915 monthly rent ranks second only to Clark County ($1,058) and exceeds Cass ($778), Clay ($837), and Daviess ($837) by $78–$137 per month. This makes Clinton one of the pricier rental markets among neighboring counties.

Clinton's income-housing mismatch

Clinton residents with $63,690 median income face $915 in monthly rent or $881 in mortgage costs, each consuming roughly 17.2% and 16.6% of earnings. The median home value of $157,300 sits between lower-cost neighbors and pricier markets, creating mixed ownership affordability.

Clinton requires income consideration

Clinton County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio makes it less ideal if housing affordability is your priority; neighboring Clay, Daviess, and Crawford counties offer better ratios. However, if employment prospects are strong locally, the slightly higher rents may be justified by economic opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clinton County

via IncomeByCounty

Clinton County notably below national average

Clinton County's median household income of $63,690 trails the national median of $74,755 by $11,065, placing the county 15% below typical U.S. earning levels. This gap reflects regional economic constraints and limited high-wage employment options.

Below Indiana's median but near average

At $63,690, Clinton County sits $5,091 below Indiana's state median of $68,681, marking it as a below-average county within the state economy. The per capita income of $30,108 falls noticeably short of the state average of $34,773, suggesting fewer high-earning individuals.

Mid-tier earnings in regional context

Clinton County's $63,690 exceeds struggling Crawford County ($48,993) by $14,697 but lags behind Clay County ($67,676) and most wealthier neighbors like Daviess County ($68,561). The county occupies the lower-middle tier of regional income distribution.

Housing costs demand careful budgeting

Clinton County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% remains within healthy bounds, but the median home value of $157,300 represents 2.5 times the median household income—higher leverage than many peers. Prospective homebuyers should plan carefully and prioritize strong down-payment savings.

Start investing early despite income constraints

Clinton County households earning $63,690 should prioritize employer 401(k) matches and individual retirement accounts before pursuing discretionary spending. Even modest early investments—$150-200 monthly in a diversified fund—can create meaningful long-term wealth despite current income limitations.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clinton County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in Clinton County

Clinton County is roughly six times safer than the national average, with a total crime rate of only 381.6 per 100K. This remarkable data results in a safety score of 99.4 out of 100.

A Leader in Indiana Safety

The county's crime rate is nearly half of the Indiana state average of 693.8 per 100K residents. Its violent crime rate of 30.3 is also three times lower than the state's 102.9 benchmark.

Clinton Outperforms Its Regional Neighbors

Clinton County is significantly more secure than nearby Cass County, which has a crime rate nearly three times higher. It stands out as one of the most peaceful regions in its part of the state.

Rare Incidents and Local Peace

Property crime remains very low at 351.3 per 100K, and violent crime is almost non-existent at 30.3. Residents here live in an environment where serious crime is a statistically rare event.

Maintaining Clinton's High Standards

Even in very safe areas, securing garages and sheds can prevent opportunistic property theft. Basic home security measures help ensure Clinton County remains a top-tier safe community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clinton County

via HealthByCounty

Clinton County lags US life expectancy

At 74.4 years, Clinton County residents live approximately 4.6 years less than the US average of 79 years. With 18.9% reporting poor or fair health—just below the national average of 18%—the county shows room for improvement across health metrics.

Slightly below Indiana state average

Clinton County's 74.4-year life expectancy falls 0.7 years short of Indiana's 75.1-year state average, placing it in the lower half of the state. The county's 18.9% poor/fair health rate is better than the state average, yet life expectancy trends suggest chronic disease burden.

Significant primary care access gap

Clinton County's life expectancy of 74.4 years is comparable to Cass County (74.9 years) but trails Clay County (75.0 years) by a modest margin. The county faces a critical access gap with only 15 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than one-third the rate of neighboring Clay County's 49.

Higher uninsured rate, severe provider shortage

Clinton County's 9.9% uninsured rate is the highest among its neighbors and exceeds Indiana's 8.4%, leaving roughly 1 in 10 residents without coverage. The acute shortage of primary care providers at just 15 per 100,000 creates a healthcare access crisis, compounded by mental health gaps.

Uninsured? Explore coverage immediately

With nearly 1 in 10 Clinton County residents uninsured, securing coverage is urgent—visit healthcare.gov to compare plans and check Medicaid eligibility. Contact the Clinton County Health Department to learn about sliding-scale clinics and community health centers if costs are a barrier.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clinton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse District Options in Clinton County

Clinton County features 11 public schools organized into four distinct school districts. The infrastructure includes six elementary schools, one middle school, and four high schools. Total enrollment across the county currently stands at 6,031 students.

Strong Academic Results and Grad Rates

The county achieves a 92.8% graduation rate, which sits comfortably above both state and national averages. Its composite school score of 51.4 is nearly on par with the Indiana state average of 51.7. These results are supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $5,327.

Frankfort and Clinton Prairie Districts

Community Schools of Frankfort is the largest district, serving 3,011 students across five schools. Clinton Prairie School Corporation also plays a significant role, providing education for nearly 1,200 students. The county does not host any charter schools, focusing resources on traditional district models.

Rural Tradition in Clinton Schools

Education here is deeply rooted in rural life, with 10 of the 11 schools classified as rural locales. The average school size is 548 students, providing a medium-scale environment for learning. Frankfort High School is the county's largest campus, serving 895 students in the heart of the community.

Relocate to a High-Performing Rural Area

With graduation rates exceeding 92%, Clinton County is an excellent choice for families seeking academic stability. The variety of four different school districts allows buyers to choose the specific educational culture that fits their needs. Explore homes near Clinton Prairie or Frankfort to take advantage of these established schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clinton County

via RiskByCounty

Clinton County ranks among safest areas

Clinton County's composite risk score of 30.53 places it well below the national average, indicating below-average exposure to major natural hazards. This county enjoys some of the lowest disaster risk in the country.

Low-risk county by Indiana standards

Clinton County scores 30.53, about 33% below Indiana's state average of 45.52, ranking it among the state's safest counties. Only a small number of Indiana counties have lower composite risk scores.

Safest county in the local region

Clinton County (30.53) faces the lowest composite risk of any county in its immediate vicinity, edging out Clay County (27.04) as one of the safest areas in central Indiana. Surrounding counties all score measurably higher.

Tornado and earthquake risks dominate

Clinton County's biggest hazard is tornado risk (56.71), followed by earthquake risk (59.67), while flood risk (34.86) remains relatively low. Even these "highest" local risks remain below-average compared to most Indiana counties.

Standard insurance likely sufficient

Clinton County's low overall risk profile means a standard homeowners insurance policy covers most major perils adequately. Consider earthquake coverage given the 59.67 earthquake risk, but overall, disaster insurance needs are minimal compared to other Indiana counties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clinton County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Middle America Climate

Clinton County averages 51.7°F annually, falling just below the national median. Its 43.3 inches of precipitation aligns closely with the typical rainfall for the eastern United States.

Typical Indiana Temperatures

The county temperature is very close to the state average of 52.2°F. It represents the standard climate transition found in the heart of the Hoosier state.

Warmer than Northern Neighbors

Clinton is over a degree warmer on average than Cass County to the north. It also receives about 2 more inches of snow annually than its northern neighbor.

Balanced Seasonal Extremes

The county experiences 24.1 inches of snow during a 29.3°F winter season. Summer temperatures peak in July at 73.6°F with 13 days of extreme heat.

Equip for Snow and Humidity

Residents should invest in winter tires and insulation for the 24.1 inches of annual snowfall. Modern HVAC systems help manage the humidity during the 13 days of 90°F heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clinton County

via SoilByCounty

Elite Silt Loam in Clinton

Clinton County boasts high-quality Alfisols with a silt loam texture and a pH of 6.27. This pH level is closer to the national median than most neighbors, making it hospitable to a wide variety of plant species.

Ideal Texture for Farming

A robust 56.9% silt and 19.4% clay mix defines the structure, supported by 20.3% sand. This classic silt loam composition is prized by farmers for its perfect balance of workability and water storage.

Superior Organic Wealth

The organic matter content is an impressive 5.41%, easily surpassing the Indiana state average of 4.90%. Paired with a high 0.213 in/in available water capacity, this county offers some of the best growing potential in the state.

Reliable and Balanced Drainage

Classified as well-drained and part of hydrologic group B, these soils manage water efficiently without stripping nutrients. This resilience makes the land highly dependable for both large-scale agriculture and domestic landscaping.

A Gardener’s Dream Location

With an elite soil score of 83.1, Clinton County is a premier spot for zone 6a gardening. High nutrient density and excellent moisture capacity mean your squash, beans, and greens will thrive with minimal extra effort.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clinton County

via LawnByCounty

High Potential for Clinton County Lawns

Clinton County earns a 72.4 lawn score, slightly exceeding the Indiana average and far surpassing the national benchmark. This high score suggests that local conditions are generally very favorable for home landscaping.

Cooler Summers Aid Turf Health

With only 13 extreme heat days, Clinton County is cooler than the state average of 20 days. The 43.3 inches of annual rain provides a solid foundation for the 3326 growing degree days recorded annually.

Rich Silt Loam Provides Stability

A silt loam texture and a 6.27 pH provide an excellent growing medium that balances drainage and nutrient retention. These well-drained soils are among the best in the state for supporting lush, thick turf.

Combating Current Severe Drought

The county is currently 100% covered by severe drought conditions, following 30 weeks of drought in the past year. Prioritize watering early in the morning to minimize evaporation and help your lawn survive this high-stress period.

Timely Planting in Zone 6a

Hardiness Zone 6a supports a variety of cool-season grasses that thrive in this fertile silt loam. Aim to seed your lawn around the last spring frost on April 21 to take full advantage of the growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clinton County's county score?
Clinton County, Indiana has a composite county score of 56.5 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 Clinton County rank among counties in Indiana?
Clinton County ranks #53 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 Clinton County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Clinton County is $979, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Clinton County a tax score of 71.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clinton County?
The median household income in Clinton County, Indiana is $63,690 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clinton County earns an income score of 50/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clinton County, Indiana a good place to live?
Clinton County scores 56.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Clinton 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 Clinton 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.