countyscore
62.9
County Score
Safety 93Income & Jobs 86.3Lawn Care 80.2

County Report Card

About Dearborn County, Indiana

An Elite National Ranking

Dearborn County shines with a composite score of 62.9, placing it far above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high standard of living across almost every category.

Far Above the Indiana Average

At 62.9, the county significantly outpaces the Indiana state average of 55.9. It serves as a high-performing model for suburban and rural balance.

High Earnings and Healthy Living

The county excels with an income score of 86.3 and a robust median household income of $82,693. Safety is also exceptional at 93.0, and the health score of 73.7 is among the best in the region.

Higher Costs for Premium Living

The cost score of 37.3 reflects higher housing prices, with a median home value of $227,100. Additionally, the school score of 47.5 is moderate and does not quite reach the heights of the county's other metrics.

Best for Prosperous Professionals

Dearborn County is a premier choice for high-earning families looking for safety and wellness. It offers a top-tier lifestyle for those who can manage slightly higher property values.

Score breakdown

Tax56.7Cost37.3Safety93Health73.7Schools47.5Income86.3Risk54.8Water57.5Weather65.2
🏛56.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠37.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼86.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡93
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤73.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡54.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧57.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨68
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱80.2
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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Counties with similar scores

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Redwood County
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Nearby counties

Ohio County
Indiana
68.2
Boone County
Kentucky
47.3
Ripley County
Indiana
66
Switzerland County
Indiana
67.8
Gallatin County
Kentucky
59.1
Hamilton County
Ohio
30.8
Franklin County
Indiana
61.1
Kenton County
Kentucky
49.8

Deep Dives

Dearborn County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Dearborn County

via CrimeByCounty

Dearborn County is Exceptionally Safe

Dearborn County reports a total crime rate of just 88.7 per 100K, a tiny fraction of the national 2,385.5 average. This results in a near-perfect safety score of 99.9 out of 100.

A Safety Leader in Indiana

Dearborn's crime rate is nearly eight times lower than the Indiana state average of 693.8 per 100K. Its violent crime rate of 21.7 is also significantly lower than the state's 102.9 benchmark.

Leading the Way in Regional Security

Dearborn is much safer than nearby Clark County and rivals the low-crime environment of Crawford. It provides one of the most secure living environments in the entire state of Indiana.

Minimal Risks for Local Residents

Property crime is remarkably low at 67.0, and violent crime is even lower at 21.7 per 100K. These statistics show that residents face very little risk to their personal safety or their belongings.

Preserving Peace in Dearborn

Simple deterrents like motion-activated lights and visible security decals help maintain the county's excellent record. Community engagement remains the best way to keep crime rates at these historic lows.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Dearborn County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strategic Schooling in Dearborn County

Dearborn County supports 7,572 students across 13 public schools and three school districts. The network is comprised of seven elementary, three middle, and three high schools. This structured system is designed to provide comprehensive coverage from primary to secondary education.

Leading Scores and Graduation Success

The county earns a high school score of 53.1, significantly outperforming the state average of 51.7. Its graduation rate is equally strong at 95.2%, placing it well above the 87% national benchmark. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,513, aligning closely with state investment levels.

Major Districts Serving Dearborn County

Sunman-Dearborn Community School Corporation is the largest district, managing five schools for 3,825 students. Lawrenceburg and South Dearborn districts also provide robust options for several thousand more local children. All schools in the county are traditional public institutions, as there are no charter schools.

Rural Setting with Large-Scale Resources

Eight of the county's 13 schools are in rural settings, though they maintain an average size of 582 students. East Central High School is the largest campus, serving 1,290 students in a secondary setting. This allows students to enjoy a rural lifestyle while accessing large-school extracurriculars and facilities.

Premium Schools for Growing Families

High school scores and graduation rates near 95% make Dearborn County a premier location for residential growth. Investing in a home here often means access to top-performing districts like Sunman-Dearborn. Families can find excellent value and educational quality in both the town-based and rural neighborhoods.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Dearborn County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate and Very Humid

Dearborn County’s 51.3°F average temperature is slightly cooler than the national median. However, its 47.5 inches of precipitation makes it much wetter than the national average.

Colder and Wetter than Indiana

Despite its southeastern position, the county is nearly a degree cooler than the state average of 52.2°F. It receives significantly more precipitation than the Indiana average of 43.9 inches.

Fewer Extreme Heat Days

Dearborn only sees 7 days above 90°F annually, which is fewer than many surrounding counties. It maintains a damp climate with 15.9 inches of annual snowfall.

Mild Summers and Damp Winters

Summers are relatively comfortable with a July average of 72.3°F. Winter temperatures average 30.5°F, often bringing a mix of rain and 15.9 inches of snow.

Prioritize Dehumidification

With 47.5 inches of rain, moisture control in basements and crawlspaces is essential. Standard heating systems are adequate for the manageable 28.0°F January average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dearborn County

via SoilByCounty

Deep Silt Loams of Dearborn

Dearborn County soils are primarily Alfisols with a silt loam texture and a pH of 6.22. This makes the soil slightly less acidic than the state average, offering a comfortable range for most backyard garden plants.

Silt-Dominant Soil Structure

The soil is remarkably silty at 64.5%, with a clay content of 20.6% and a low 14.9% sand component. This creates a fine-textured soil that is excellent for retaining applied fertilizers and providing a smooth seedbed.

Average Fertility and Moisture

Organic matter levels stand at 2.26%, which is healthy by national standards but trails the 4.90% state average. The available water capacity of 0.203 in/in is almost exactly in line with the Indiana norm, ensuring reliable water access.

Monitoring Slow Infiltration

These are moderately well-drained soils belonging to hydrologic group D. They can experience slow infiltration rates during heavy Indiana downpours, so gardeners should be mindful of potential surface runoff.

Apples and Herbs Thrive Here

Zone 6b gardeners can enjoy a long season and a respectable 68.0 soil score. Perennial herbs and orchard fruits like apples do particularly well in these silt-heavy, moisture-retaining soil profiles.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dearborn County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Lawn Growing Conditions

Dearborn County is a standout with a lawn difficulty score of 80.2, far exceeding both state and national averages. Its Zone 6b climate provides one of the most hospitable environments for turf in Indiana.

Mild Summers and Plentiful Rain

The county experiences only 7 extreme heat days, much fewer than the state average of 20. Combined with 47.5 inches of annual precipitation, lawns here enjoy a gentle climate that minimizes summer dormancy.

Excellent Silt Loam Foundation

The moderately well-drained silt loam soil features a 6.22 pH, falling right in the sweet spot for grass health. This soil type naturally retains the nutrients and moisture needed for a lush, thick carpet of green.

Low Drought Vulnerability

With only 4 weeks in drought over the last year, Dearborn County remains relatively lush. Only 42.6% of the area is currently abnormally dry, meaning basic conservation practices are usually enough to maintain health.

Perfect Window for Seeding

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass are ideal for this temperate 6b climate. Plan your seeding between the last spring frost on April 30 and the first fall frost on October 16 for the best establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dearborn County's county score?
Dearborn County, Indiana has a composite county score of 62.9 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 Dearborn County rank among counties in Indiana?
Dearborn County ranks #21 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 Dearborn County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Dearborn County is $1,726, with an effective tax rate of 0.76%. This earns Dearborn County a tax score of 56.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dearborn County?
The median household income in Dearborn County, Indiana is $82,693 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dearborn County earns an income score of 86.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dearborn County, Indiana a good place to live?
Dearborn County scores 62.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Dearborn 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 Dearborn 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.