countyscore
58.1
County Score
Safety 85.3Lawn Care 68.4Property Tax 65.4

County Report Card

About Daviess County, Indiana

Beating the National Median

Daviess County holds a composite score of 58.1, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. It offers a quality of life that exceeds the typical American experience.

Ahead of the State Average

The county's score of 58.1 is higher than the Indiana state average of 55.9. It maintains a strong position among Indiana’s southern counties for general livability.

Secure Communities and Quality Utilities

Safety is a major strength, reflected in a score of 85.3. Residents also benefit from a solid water quality score of 64.4 and a healthy median household income of $68,561.

Health and Environmental Risks

Health outcomes lag behind other dimensions with a score of 32.1. Additionally, the environmental risk score of 41.2 suggests the county faces more natural hazards than some neighboring regions.

Best for Stable Family Life

Daviess County is ideal for families who prioritize safety and reliable local infrastructure. It provides a solid economic foundation for those who value community security over rapid urban growth.

2040608010065.454.385.332.145.963.341.264.462.8Tax65.4Cost54.3Safety85.3Health32.1Schools45.9Income63.3Risk41.2Water64.4Weather62.858.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average1 below average

Daviess County DNA

Foverall

How Daviess County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Daviess County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (85.3/100) but notably weak in Health (32.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
65.4+13.400000000000006
Cost
54.3
Safety
85.3+30.299999999999997
Health
32.1-17.9
Schools
45.9-8.100000000000001
Income
63.3+12.299999999999997
Risk
41.2
Water
64.4
Weather
62.8
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$187,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$837/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$187,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,561/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.0

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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Nearby counties

Martin County
Indiana
70.3
Knox County
Indiana
52.4
Pike County
Indiana
64.3
Greene County
Indiana
55.2
Dubois County
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62.2
Lawrence County
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55.7
Sullivan County
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57.4
Orange County
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66.3

Deep Dives

Daviess County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Daviess County

via TaxByCounty

Daviess County offers strong national tax value

Daviess County's 0.680% effective rate and $1,276 median annual tax is approximately 53% below the national median of $2,690. Despite higher-valued homes than some neighbors, residents enjoy well-below-average national tax burdens.

Slightly above Indiana's state average

At 0.680%, Daviess County's effective rate edges above the state average of 0.671%, placing it just slightly higher than the median Indiana county. The median tax of $1,276 exceeds the state median of $1,199 by about 6%.

Mid-range rates in broader region

Daviess County's 0.680% rate falls between higher-taxed Dearborn (0.760%) and lower-taxed Clinton (0.622%), making it a moderate option across the region. The county's higher home values push actual tax bills toward the regional high end.

Median Daviess home costs $1,276 yearly

A Daviess County homeowner with the median property value of $187,500 pays approximately $1,276 per year in property taxes. Including mortgage escrow, the annual cost is roughly $1,335.

Daviess homeowners can appeal assessments

If your Daviess County property is valued above comparable sales, you can file a free assessment appeal during the annual reassessment window. Many homeowners achieve meaningful savings through this straightforward process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Daviess County

via CostByCounty

Daviess County's strong affordability

Daviess County residents spend just 14.7% of their $68,561 income on rent—below both the national and Indiana state averages—making it one of the region's most affordable housing markets. At $837 monthly, median rent pairs with respectable local incomes to create favorable housing economics.

Daviess excels on state metrics

Daviess County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Indiana's most affordable counties, falling just below the state average of 15.6%. This strong performance reflects balanced housing costs and solid regional wages.

Daviess matches Clay's rental pricing

Daviess County's $837 monthly rent ties with Clay County as the second-lowest in the region, beating Clinton ($915) and Clark ($1,058) while sitting just $59 above Cass ($778). Yet Daviess delivers higher median income ($68,561) than any peer except Dearborn and Decatur, creating superior overall affordability.

Daviess' efficient housing allocation

Daviess County households earning $68,561 allocate $837 to rent or $802 to mortgage payments—consuming 14.7% and 14.0% of income respectively. With median home values of $187,500, owners enjoy the region's lowest mortgage-to-income ratios.

Daviess: Top-tier Indiana choice

If you're relocating to Indiana and optimizing for housing affordability plus local income stability, Daviess County offers one of the state's best overall packages. Its 14.7% rent-to-income ratio rivals Clay County while delivering higher wages, making it exceptional value for cost-conscious relocators.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Daviess County

via IncomeByCounty

Daviess County keeps pace with nation

Daviess County's median household income of $68,561 sits $6,194 below the national median of $74,755, placing it just 8.3% behind typical U.S. county earnings. This near-average performance reflects a balanced local economy with mixed employment sectors.

Matches Indiana's economic baseline

At $68,561, Daviess County nearly matches Indiana's state median of $68,681—a difference of only $120 that marks it as quintessentially typical for the state. The per capita income of $29,952 trails the state average of $34,773, suggesting income concentration among households.

Upper-middle earner among Indiana peers

Daviess County's $68,561 median ranks in the upper half of the study group, exceeding Clay County ($67,676), Clinton County ($63,690), and Cass County ($56,525). Only Dearborn County ($82,693) and Decatur County ($74,228) significantly outpace Daviess in the regional earnings hierarchy.

Housing values reward long-term holders

With the region's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 14.7% and a median home value of $187,500, Daviess County offers strong homeownership incentives. The $68,561 income supports comfortable housing costs while maintaining space for savings and investment.

Build equity through homeownership focus

Daviess County households earning $68,561 benefit from relatively affordable home prices and strong rental efficiency—positioning them to accumulate real estate equity over 15-30 years. Combined with diversified investments, homeownership here creates a dual-track wealth-building strategy accessible to middle-income families.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Daviess County

via CrimeByCounty

Daviess County Boasts Superior Safety

Daviess County’s total crime rate of 342.0 per 100K is about seven times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county secures a stellar safety score of 99.5 out of 100.

Outperforming Indiana State Averages

The total crime rate in Daviess is less than half of the state average of 693.8 per 100K. Additionally, the violent crime rate of 21.0 is far below the state's 102.9 mark.

A Secure Regional Hub

Daviess matches the high safety standards of Clinton County and is significantly more secure than nearby Clay. It offers some of the most consistent public safety metrics in the region.

The Reality of Crime in Daviess

Property crime accounts for 321.0 of the total incidents, while violent crimes are extremely infrequent at 21.0 per 100K. Most rare incidents in the county involve property rather than personal safety.

Keeping Daviess County Secure

Installing smart home technology to monitor exterior areas can deter the rare property crimes reported locally. Alert neighbors and basic security protocols are enough to keep this community's rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Daviess County

via SchoolsByCounty

Well-Balanced Schools in Daviess County

Daviess County hosts 10 public schools that serve a total of 4,585 students. The system is split into three school districts and includes five elementary, two middle, and three high schools. This infrastructure provides a stable foundation for the county's growing student body.

Exceeding State Averages in Performance

The county boasts an exceptional graduation rate of 95.3%, far higher than the 87% national average. Its composite school score of 52.1 also beats the state average of 51.7. These high marks are achieved with an efficient per-pupil expenditure of $5,068.

Spotlight on Washington and North Daviess

Washington Community Schools is the largest district, serving 2,461 students across six schools. Barr-Reeve and North Daviess districts also serve the county, providing diverse educational environments for over 2,000 students. No charter schools exist in the county, emphasizing a focus on traditional public education.

A Mix of Town and Country Life

The locale mix is perfectly split with five schools in towns and five in rural areas. Schools average 459 students, offering a mid-sized feel that balances resources with community connection. Washington High School is the largest institution, enrolling 780 students in its 9–12 program.

Top-Tier Education for New Homeowners

High graduation rates and above-average school scores make Daviess County a standout for education-minded buyers. Whether you prefer a home in town or a rural property, the local schools deliver consistent results. Researching homes in the Barr-Reeve or Washington districts can lead to long-term academic success for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Daviess County

via RiskByCounty

Daviess County faces above-average risk

Daviess County's composite risk score of 58.81 exceeds the national average, indicating heightened exposure to multiple natural hazards. While not among the nation's highest-risk areas, residents should take disaster preparedness seriously.

Above average risk for Indiana

At 58.81, Daviess County scores 29% higher than Indiana's state average of 45.52, placing it in the upper tier of the state's most hazard-exposed counties. Only a few Indiana counties face comparably high composite risk.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Daviess County (58.81) faces higher risk than neighboring Crawford County (25.80) and Clay County (27.04), though slightly higher than Cass County (56.77). The county's risk profile stands out among its immediate neighbors.

Earthquakes and tornadoes pose major threats

Daviess County residents face highest risk from earthquakes (88.61) and tornadoes (72.14), both well above state averages. Flood risk (62.21) ranks third and can pose seasonal challenges during heavy rainfall or spring snowmelt.

Earthquake and tornado insurance essential

Standard homeowners policies don't cover earthquakes—add a separate policy given Daviess County's 88.61 earthquake risk score, among the highest in Indiana. Ensure tornado coverage is included and maintain a home emergency kit for the 72.14 tornado risk that makes severe storms a real concern.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Daviess County

via WaterByCounty

Daviess County Leads with B Grade in Compliance

Daviess County boasts a B grade with only 1 health violation recorded in the last five years. Its violation rate of 3.9 per 100,000 residents is exceptionally low compared to the state average of 42.3. This data indicates a strong local commitment to maintaining Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Over Half of Daviess County Watersheds Impaired

The 2022 reporting cycle shows that 52.5% of the county's 200 assessed water bodies are impaired. This is significantly higher than the Indiana state average of 40.9%. E. coli, biological integrity, and PCBs in fish tissue are the most frequent causes for these failing grades.

PFAS and PCB Monitoring at the Forefront

Monitoring sites in the county recorded 1,539 measurements over the past five years across 9 locations. Data collection is highly specialized, with a focus on PFAS, organics, and PCBs. This targeted monitoring helps track emerging contaminants that could affect long-term watershed health.

Smothers Creek Flow at 29% of Typical Mean

Smothers Creek near Plainville is currently flowing at 16 cfs, well below its long-term mean of 54 cfs. This represents just 29% of typical flow for this 33-square-mile drainage area. Such low flow levels can increase the concentration of nutrients and other pollutants in the water.

Watch Contaminant Concentrations During Low Flow

Because streamflow is only 29% of typical levels, pollutants like E. coli and PCBs may be more concentrated. While drinking water compliance is high, the 52.5% watershed impairment rate suggests caution for outdoor water use. Residents should stay informed about PFAS monitoring results in their local area.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Daviess County

via WeatherByCounty

A Subtropical Midwestern Edge

Daviess County averages 56.3°F annually, placing it well above the national median temperature. With 48 inches of annual precipitation, it stays consistently wetter than the average U.S. county.

Surpassing State Temperature Norms

Daviess is significantly warmer than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. It ranks among the warmest counties in the state, driven by its southern latitude.

Leading the Region in Heat

The county records 32 days of extreme heat, nearly doubling the count of counties in central Indiana. It sees very little snow compared to northern neighbors, averaging just 9.2 inches.

Frequent Heat and Light Snow

July temperatures average a hot 77.1°F, contributing to a long summer season. Winters are relatively short and mild, with a seasonal average of 35.1°F.

Budget for Summer Power

Prepare for higher utility costs during the 32 days of extreme heat each summer. Light winter gear is generally sufficient for the modest 9.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Daviess County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Mollisols of Daviess County

Daviess County features Mollisol soils with a silty clay loam texture and a pH of 6.08. This pH exactly matches the Indiana state average, providing a standard chemical environment for Midwestern agricultural crops.

Heavy Silty Clay Texture

The mix contains 62.2% silt and 18.1% clay, creating a nutrient-dense but heavy soil profile. With only 19.8% sand, the soil can feel thick and may require careful timing to avoid working it when too wet.

Steady Moisture Reserves

The organic matter content stands at 2.17%, which is slightly higher than the national average. Available water capacity is measured at 0.198 in/in, providing a moderate reservoir that supports steady plant growth during the summer.

Managing Poorly Drained Ground

These soils are poorly drained and belong to the C/D hydrologic group, meaning they often retain water for long periods. Gardeners here should consider raised beds or tile drainage to prevent roots from becoming waterlogged.

Moisture-Loving Crops Flourish

In zone 6b, this heavy silty clay loam is excellent for crops that enjoy consistent moisture, like pumpkins and melons. Success in Daviess County comes from managing the 62.6-score soil and gradually building organic matter.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Daviess County

via LawnByCounty

Typical Indiana Conditions in Daviess

Daviess County scores a 68.4 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it just under the Indiana average of 71.0. Its Zone 6b classification means homeowners can grow a wide range of turf, though summer heat remains a factor.

Long Growing Season and Intense Heat

With 32 extreme heat days and 4206 growing degree days, lawns here face more thermal stress than the state average. The 48.0 inches of annual precipitation is usually sufficient, but timing is key during the hot July peak.

Heavy Soils Need Careful Drainage

The silty clay loam soil is poorly drained, which can lead to root rot if overwatered. With a pH of 6.08, the soil is naturally suited for grass, but aeration is likely necessary to manage the 18.1% clay content.

Maintaining Resilience Against Dryness

All of Daviess County is currently abnormally dry, but the region has only seen 3 weeks of drought in the past year. Focus on improving soil structure with organic matter to help your lawn navigate these occasional dry spells.

Optimizing Your Zone 6b Lawn

Heat-tolerant varieties like Tall Fescue thrive here, especially given the county's high heat day count. Start your seeding projects after the last frost on April 10 to maximize the long 6b growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Daviess County's county score?
Daviess County, Indiana has a composite county score of 58.1 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 Daviess County rank among counties in Indiana?
Daviess County ranks #45 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 Daviess County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Daviess County is $1,276, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Daviess County a tax score of 65.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Daviess County?
The median household income in Daviess County, Indiana is $68,561 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Daviess County earns an income score of 63.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Daviess County, Indiana a good place to live?
Daviess County scores 58.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Daviess 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 Daviess 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.