countyscore
57.2
County Score
Safety 83.8Soil Quality 83.1Property Tax 72.9

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.

2040608010072.944.483.845.938.648.169.534.659.6Tax72.9Cost44.4Safety83.8Health45.9Schools38.6Income48.1Risk69.5Water34.6Weather59.657.2/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Clinton County DNA

Foverall

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

Clinton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (83.8/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (34.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
72.9+20.900000000000006
Cost
44.4
Safety
83.8+28.799999999999997
Health
45.9
Schools
38.6-15.399999999999999
Income
48.1
Risk
69.5+22.5
Water
34.6-23.4
Weather
59.6
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Compare mortgage rates in Clinton County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$164,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$920/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$164,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,019/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

6.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Clinton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clinton County's county score?
Clinton County, Indiana has a composite county score of 57.2 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 Clinton County rank among counties in Indiana?
Clinton County ranks #50 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 $980, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Clinton County a tax score of 72.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clinton County?
The median household income in Clinton County, Indiana is $65,019 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clinton County earns an income score of 48.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clinton County, Indiana a good place to live?
Clinton County scores 57.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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