CountyScore

Dearborn County

Indiana · IN

#40 in Indiana
72.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Dearborn County, Indiana

Dearborn significantly outperforms national median

Dearborn County's composite score of 72.2 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 30% of U.S. counties. This strong standing reflects well-rounded performance across income, health, and affordability.

Edges out Indiana's state average slightly

At 72.2, Dearborn County marginally surpasses Indiana's 71.2 state average, ranking in the solid upper-middle tier of the state's 92 counties. It performs competitively among Indiana's stronger communities.

Highest incomes and excellent health outcomes

Dearborn's defining strength is its Income Score of 37.4 with median household income of $82,693—the highest in this group—paired with an outstanding Health Score of 75.4. These metrics signal strong earning power and wellness infrastructure.

Higher housing costs offset income advantage

Median home values of $227,100 and rents at $848/month result in a Cost Score of only 76.3, making housing a significant budget item despite higher incomes. Schools, safety, and water quality data are unavailable, though risk management registers at 54.8.

Best for higher-earning, health-conscious families

Dearborn County suits professional families and dual-income households with solid earning power seeking strong health services and quality living standards. It's less ideal for first-time homebuyers or those on tight budgets, but excellent for those who can afford premium housing.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax80.9Cost76.3SafetyComing SoonHealth75.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome37.4Risk54.8WaterComing Soon
🏛80.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡54.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Dearborn County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Chilton County
Alabama
72.2
Median income: $61,873
Baker County
Florida
72.2
Median income: $70,833
Dade County
Georgia
72.2
Median income: $58,936
Oconee County
Georgia
72.2
Median income: $115,925
Buchanan County
Iowa
72.2
Median income: $78,430

Deep Dives

Dearborn County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Dearborn County

via TaxByCounty

Dearborn County taxes still below national median

Dearborn County's 0.760% effective rate generates a median tax of $1,726 annually—still roughly 36% lower than the national median of $2,690. Higher-valued homes push tax bills upward, but remain well below national averages.

Among Indiana's highest-taxed counties

At 0.760%, Dearborn County ranks among the state's highest effective tax rates, exceeding the state average of 0.671% by 13%. The median tax bill of $1,726 is about 44% above the state median of $1,199.

Highest tax rate in the region

Dearborn County's 0.760% effective rate is the highest among all nearby counties, including Crawford (0.737%), Clark (0.737%), and Daviess (0.680%). This reflects the county's higher funding requirements or assessment practices.

Median Dearborn home costs $1,726 yearly

A Dearborn County homeowner with the median property value of $227,100 pays approximately $1,726 per year in property taxes—among the highest in the region. Combined mortgage and escrow costs bring annual bills to roughly $1,722 to $1,733.

Challenge your Dearborn assessment today

Dearborn County homeowners facing high tax bills should review their property assessments for potential overvaluation. The free appeal process during reassessment season can deliver significant savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dearborn County

via CostByCounty

Dearborn County's exceptional affordability

Dearborn County residents spend just 12.3% of their $82,693 income on rent—the lowest ratio in the entire region and well below the national and state averages. This exceptional affordability combines the highest median household income in the county set with moderate housing costs.

Dearborn leads Indiana affordability

Dearborn County's 12.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Indiana's most affordable counties, significantly below the state average of 15.6%. This superior performance reflects the county's combination of strong wages and reasonable rents.

Dearborn's winning affordability formula

Dearborn County's $848 monthly rent undercuts Clark ($1,058) and Clinton ($915) while matching Cass and Daviess, but paired with the region's highest median income of $82,693, it delivers the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 12.3%. This combination makes Dearborn the clear affordability leader.

Dearborn's income-to-housing balance

Dearborn residents with the region's highest median household income of $82,693 dedicate $848 to rent or $1,110 to mortgage payments—consuming just 12.3% and 16.1% of income respectively. Home values of $227,100 remain accessible given strong local wages.

Dearborn: Premium affordability choice

If you're relocating and prioritizing housing affordability with strong local income potential, Dearborn County is Indiana's top choice at 12.3% rent-to-income ratio. This southeastern Indiana county near Cincinnati offers exceptional value: lowest housing cost burden in the region paired with highest median wages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dearborn County

via IncomeByCounty

Dearborn County exceeds national median

Dearborn County's median household income of $82,693 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $7,938, placing it in the upper tier nationally. This 10.6% advantage reflects a stronger-than-average local economy and workforce earning power.

Indiana's highest earner in study group

At $82,693, Dearborn County tops Indiana's state median of $68,681 by $14,012 and leads all eight counties studied. The per capita income of $38,711 significantly exceeds the state average of $34,773, indicating broad-based prosperity across the county.

Clear income leader in the region

Dearborn County's $82,693 median outpaces every peer by substantial margins—$26,168 ahead of Crawford County ($48,993) and $10,395 ahead of Decatur County ($74,228). This leadership reflects economic advantages in manufacturing, logistics, and proximity to Cincinnati metro growth.

Excellent affordability despite high home values

Dearborn County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.3% is the lowest in the region, and the median home value of $227,100 remains achievable at 2.7 times median income. This balance positions households to build substantial home equity while maintaining strong liquidity.

Maximize growth with above-average income

Dearborn County households earning $82,693 can aggressively save 20-25% of income while maintaining excellent living standards—enabling rapid retirement account accumulation and diversified investment portfolios. This income advantage compounds dramatically over career spans, creating wealth trajectories far above regional and national peers.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Dearborn County

via HealthByCounty

Dearborn County leads in health outcomes

At 76.2 years, Dearborn County residents live just 2.8 years less than the US average of 79 years, the highest life expectancy in this group. With only 14.6% reporting poor or fair health—well below the national average of 18%—the county demonstrates strong population health.

Best health rank in Indiana group

Dearborn County's 76.2-year life expectancy exceeds Indiana's 75.1-year state average by 1.1 years, placing it among the state's healthiest counties. The county's 14.6% poor/fair health rate is substantially better than the state average, signaling effective health promotion and disease management.

Outperforms all neighboring counties

Dearborn County's 76.2-year life expectancy leads all peers in this comparison, besting Clark County (73.2 years) and Daviess County (76.1 years). Primary care providers at 45 per 100,000 match the regional average, while 182 mental health providers per 100,000 provide comprehensive behavioral health support.

Strong coverage and robust care access

Dearborn County's 7% uninsured rate is among the lowest in the group and below Indiana's 8.4% average, ensuring broad access to care. With 45 primary care providers and 182 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county offers solid infrastructure for preventive, routine, and behavioral health services.

Maintain your coverage and preventive care

With 93% of Dearborn County residents insured, coverage is the norm—ensure yours stays current and schedule annual check-ups to sustain the county's strong health outcomes. If uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to find affordable plans and local providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dearborn County

via RiskByCounty

Dearborn County faces moderate risk

Dearborn County's composite risk score of 45.23 sits roughly at the national average, indicating average exposure to natural hazards. Residents should maintain standard disaster preparedness and appropriate insurance coverage.

Near Indiana's average risk level

Dearborn County scores 45.23, almost exactly matching Indiana's state average of 45.52, placing it squarely in the middle range of Indiana counties. The county represents typical disaster risk exposure for the state.

Average risk compared to adjacent counties

Dearborn County (45.23) faces higher risk than low-risk neighbors like Clay County (27.04) and Crawford County (25.80), but significantly lower risk than Clark County (81.36). The county occupies a middle ground in the regional risk spectrum.

Tornadoes present the primary threat

Dearborn County residents face highest risk from tornadoes (75.48), well above state averages and among the highest in Indiana. Flood risk (52.58) ranks second, while earthquake (52.35) and wildfire (12.28) risks remain more moderate.

Tornado coverage is non-negotiable

Dearborn County's 75.48 tornado risk score demands that residents ensure comprehensive tornado coverage in their homeowners policies. A basement safe room or above-ground shelter, plus an emergency kit with important documents and supplies, provides essential protection during severe storms.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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