countyscore
65.7
County Score
Safety 97.5Lawn Care 80.4Disaster Risk 76.9

County Report Card

About Decatur County, Indiana

A Top National Contender

Decatur County earns an impressive composite score of 65.7, ranking it well into the upper percentiles nationally. This score far exceeds the national median of 50.0.

A Leader in Indiana

The county is one of Indiana's top performers, significantly higher than the state average of 55.9. Its metrics suggest it is one of the most desirable places to live in the state.

Unrivaled Safety and Stability

Safety is nearly perfect with a score of 97.5, and environmental risk stability is high at 76.9. Economic health is also a major draw, with an income score of 76.1 and a median income of $74,228.

Infrastructure and Housing Costs

Water quality is the primary weakness, scoring a low 11.8. The cost score of 46.3 also indicates that housing is more expensive than in many surrounding rural areas.

Best for Ultimate Peace of Mind

Decatur County is the best fit for anyone seeking a combination of total safety and economic prosperity. It is a premier location for families who want a secure, high-income environment.

Score breakdown

Tax72.1Cost46.3Safety97.5Health62.4Schools51.1Income76.1Risk76.9Water11.8Weather63.4
🏛72.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠46.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼76.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡76.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧11.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨70.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱80.4
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

Ripley County
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66
Bartholomew County
Indiana
53.6
Shelby County
Indiana
48.5
Jennings County
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Rush County
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Franklin County
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Fayette County
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Johnson County
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Deep Dives

Decatur County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Decatur County

via TaxByCounty

Decatur County property taxes well below national average

Decatur County's 0.619% effective rate produces a median tax of $1,176 annually—about 56% lower than the national median of $2,690. This positions Decatur homeowners in a favorable national tax environment.

Slightly below Indiana's state average

At 0.619%, Decatur County's effective rate sits just under the state average of 0.671%, making it a slightly lower-taxed county in Indiana's 92-county ranking. The median tax bill of $1,176 is nearly equal to the state median of $1,199.

Moderate rates among regional peers

Decatur County's 0.619% rate aligns closely with Clinton (0.622%) while falling below higher-taxed Dearborn (0.760%) and above lower-taxed Clay (0.457%). The county occupies the middle ground in the broader region.

Median Decatur home costs $1,176 yearly

A Decatur County homeowner with the median property value of $189,900 pays approximately $1,176 per year in property taxes. When combined with mortgage escrow, the annual bill averages roughly $1,218.

Decatur homeowners should verify assessments

If your Decatur County property assessment seems inflated compared to similar local homes, you can file a free appeal during reassessment season. Many homeowners successfully challenge overvalued assessments and lower their taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Decatur County

via CostByCounty

Decatur County's above-average position

Decatur County renters spend 13.4% of their $74,228 income on housing—below both the national and Indiana state averages while earning nearly identical to the U.S. median of $74,755. This favorable combination makes Decatur one of the region's affordability leaders.

Decatur ranks among Indiana's best

Decatur County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio sits well below Indiana's average of 15.6%, placing it among the state's most affordable counties. At $828 monthly, median rent is nearly $55 below the state average, contributing to this strong affordability position.

Decatur competes with top markets

Decatur County's $828 monthly rent ranks among the region's lowest, undercut only by Crawford ($629) but matching Cass and undercutting Clark and Clinton. Combined with solid median income of $74,228, Decatur delivers a 13.4% rent-to-income ratio that competes with Dearborn and Daviess.

Decatur's balanced housing equation

Decatur residents earning $74,228 allocate $828 to rent or $938 to mortgage payments—consuming 13.4% and 15.2% of income respectively. Median home values of $189,900 position ownership as accessible relative to strong local wages.

Decatur offers premium affordability

If you're relocating to Indiana and seeking the best combination of housing affordability and wage stability, Decatur County ranks among your top choices with a 13.4% rent-to-income ratio. Compare it directly with Daviess and Dearborn counties for the state's most favorable relocations.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Decatur County

via IncomeByCounty

Decatur County matches U.S. earnings baseline

Decatur County's median household income of $74,228 sits just $527 below the national median of $74,755, achieving near-perfect parity with typical U.S. county income. This alignment places Decatur County squarely at the American middle-class income level.

Above-average earner within Indiana

At $74,228, Decatur County exceeds Indiana's state median of $68,681 by $5,547, ranking it among the state's higher-income counties. The per capita income of $36,726 also tops the state average of $34,773, signaling well-distributed earning strength.

Second-highest earner in regional group

Decatur County's $74,228 ranks second only to Dearborn County ($82,693) among the eight studied counties, surpassing Clark County ($72,298) and Daviess County ($68,561). This positions Decatur as a prosperity leader in the region alongside Dearborn.

Balanced housing costs support wealth building

Decatur County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% and median home value of $189,900 create favorable conditions for both renters and prospective homebuyers. At 2.6 times median income, home prices remain accessible while housing costs leave substantial room for savings and investment.

Invest confidently at near-national income

Decatur County households earning $74,228—at national average levels—can follow standard 15-20% savings targets across 401(k)s, IRAs, and taxable accounts. This disciplined approach, applied consistently over 30+ years, creates six-figure portfolios and substantial long-term wealth accumulation for middle-class families.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Decatur County

via CrimeByCounty

Perfect Safety Score in Decatur County

Decatur County reports a perfect safety score of 100.0 with zero crimes recorded per 100K residents in 2022. This stands in sharp contrast to the national average of 2,385.5 per 100K.

Topping Indiana's Safety Rankings

While the Indiana state average is 693.8 crimes per 100K, Decatur currently reports no incidents. This makes it one of the top-ranked counties for safety within the state for the current period.

Regional Safety Leader

Decatur appears safer than all surrounding counties, including highly-rated Dearborn. It sets a high bar for public safety that residents and local officials work hard to maintain.

Understanding the Perfect Data

With zero violent and property crimes reported, the data suggests a uniquely quiet environment for the year. Note that reporting from only two agencies may result in some limited data visibility.

Staying Proactive in a Safe Zone

Even with perfect statistics, residents should continue basic security practices like locking doors and being aware of surroundings. Maintaining strong ties with neighbors is the most effective way to keep Decatur's record clean.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Decatur County

via HealthByCounty

Decatur County life expectancy below US average

At 74.0 years, Decatur County residents live approximately 5 years less than the US average of 79 years. With 16.5% reporting poor or fair health—modestly below the national average of 18%—the county shows moderate health risk despite life expectancy gaps.

Below Indiana state average

Decatur County's 74.0-year life expectancy falls 1.1 years short of Indiana's 75.1-year state average, placing it in the lower half of the state's counties. The county's 16.5% poor/fair health rate is better than the state average, yet life expectancy suggests chronic disease and behavioral health challenges.

Highest primary care access, lower life expectancy

Decatur County's 74.0-year life expectancy lags nearby Clay County (75.0 years) and Dearborn County (76.2 years), despite having the highest primary care provider density at 61 per 100,000. This mismatch suggests that access alone doesn't guarantee outcomes—utilization and health behaviors matter equally.

Well-insured, well-served for primary care

Decatur County's 6.6% uninsured rate is among the lowest in the group and well below Indiana's 8.4%, supporting broad access to coverage. With 61 primary care providers per 100,000—the highest in this comparison—residents have abundant access to routine care, though mental health services at 46 per 100,000 are relatively limited.

Check your coverage and find a PCP

With strong insurance rates and abundant primary care options, Decatur County residents should verify coverage and establish relationships with local providers. If uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to explore affordable plans and use the county's robust network of primary care clinics.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Decatur County

via SchoolsByCounty

Decatur County's Efficient School Network

Decatur County provides education for 3,971 students through seven public schools and two districts. The system includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools. This layout offers a streamlined approach to public education across the county.

Exceptional 97% Graduation Rate

Decatur County leads with an outstanding 97.0% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region. The county's school score of 54.0 far exceeds the state average of 51.7 and the national median. This excellence is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,519, just slightly above the state average.

Greensburg and Decatur County Districts

Greensburg Community Schools serves 2,149 students across three schools, while Decatur County Community Schools serves 1,822 students. Neither district includes charter schools, focusing entirely on traditional public school excellence. Greensburg Elementary is a major local hub, enrolling 1,037 students on its own.

Community-Focused Town and Rural Schools

The county features four rural schools and three schools in town settings, providing diverse environments. The average school size is 567 students, though individual campus sizes vary significantly. Students enjoy a strong sense of community whether they attend the larger town schools or the smaller rural campuses.

Secure Your Child's Future in Decatur

A 97% graduation rate makes Decatur County one of the most attractive regions for education-focused homebuyers. Strong academic scores across both districts suggest a high standard of teaching throughout the county. Look for homes in Greensburg or the surrounding rural areas to benefit from this top-tier school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Decatur County

via RiskByCounty

Decatur County enjoys low risk

Decatur County's composite risk score of 23.12 sits well below the national average, placing it among the safer counties across the country. Residents face below-average exposure to major natural disasters.

Among Indiana's lowest-risk counties

Decatur County scores 23.12, roughly 49% below Indiana's state average of 45.52, ranking it among the state's safest counties. Very few Indiana counties have lower composite risk scores.

Among the safest in the region

Decatur County (23.12) ranks among the lowest-risk counties in its immediate area, comparable to Clay County (27.04) and Crawford County (25.80). The county enjoys significantly lower hazard exposure than most surrounding areas.

Tornado and earthquake risks are modest

Decatur County's primary natural hazard risks come from tornadoes (59.54) and earthquakes (59.19), both moderate by state standards. Flood risk (36.51) ranks third, while wildfire and hurricane risks remain minimal.

Basic insurance coverage should suffice

Decatur County's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance adequately covers most major perils for typical residents. Consider earthquake coverage given the 59.19 earthquake risk, and maintain a basic emergency kit—but overall, disaster insurance needs are minimal compared to most Indiana counties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Decatur County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical American Climate Profile

Decatur County’s 53.6°F annual average temperature almost perfectly matches the national median. Its 47 inches of precipitation provide a well-watered environment for local agriculture.

Warmer than the State Average

The county sits 1.4 degrees warmer than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. It receives about 3 inches more rain annually than the state norm.

Wetter than Central Neighbors

Decatur is more prone to rain than many neighboring counties, recording 47 inches of precipitation. It experiences 16 days of extreme heat, a moderate figure for the region.

Defined Four-Season Cycle

Summers are warm with a 75.4°F July average, while winters provide 13.3 inches of snow. The winter season remains relatively mild with a 31.6°F average.

Equip for Rainy Weather

Reliable rain gear is a must for the 47 inches of annual precipitation. Moderate winter temperatures mean residents can focus on standard insulation rather than heavy-duty heating.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Decatur County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Chemistry in Decatur

Decatur County features a 6.28 pH, which is more alkaline than the Indiana average of 6.08. While specific taxonomic data is limited, the chemical profile suggests a very productive foundation for both field crops and home gardens.

A Diverse Mineral Mix

The soil contains 57.5% silt and 24.6% sand, rounded out by a 17.9% clay content. This distribution of particles suggests a medium-textured soil that provides a good balance between drainage and nutrient retention.

Reliable Water for Plants

Organic matter content is 2.34%, exceeding the national average but falling short of the state’s high benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.204 in/in is slightly higher than the state average, helping your garden survive dry spells.

Moderate Permeability Expected

While specific drainage classes aren't recorded for this area, the 17.9% clay content suggests a moderate drainage rate. Homeowners should look for signs of pooling to determine if their specific site needs drainage improvements.

Great Potential for Greens

With a 70.1 soil score and a 6b hardiness zone, Decatur is well-suited for a variety of vegetables. Broad-leafed crops like kale and cabbage will thrive in this well-balanced, moisture-retaining silt mix.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Decatur County

via LawnByCounty

Decatur Leads the State in Ease

Decatur County boasts a premier lawn difficulty score of 80.4, making it one of the easiest places in Indiana to grow grass. It surpasses the state average by nearly 10 points, offering a highly resilient environment for Zone 6b lawns.

Optimal Balance of Rain and Warmth

With 47.0 inches of annual rain and 3710 growing degree days, the climate is perfectly tuned for steady lawn growth. The 16 extreme heat days are fewer than the state average, reducing the risk of heat-related turf disease.

Consistent Soils with Ideal Chemistry

Though specific texture data is limited, the soil pH of 6.28 is nearly perfect for all major Indiana grass types. This chemistry ensures that fertilizers are highly effective and turf stays vibrant throughout the season.

Remarkable Resilience to Dry Spells

Decatur County currently shows 0% drought coverage and faced only 4 weeks of drought in the past year. This consistent moisture profile allows for a more relaxed watering schedule than much of the rest of the state.

Get Growing in Decatur County

The favorable Zone 6b conditions are ideal for a Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass mix. Aim to get your seeds in the ground after the April 15 frost date to enjoy the county's superior growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Decatur County's county score?
Decatur County, Indiana has a composite county score of 65.7 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 Decatur County rank among counties in Indiana?
Decatur County ranks #12 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 Decatur County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Decatur County is $1,176, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Decatur County a tax score of 72.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Decatur County?
The median household income in Decatur County, Indiana is $74,228 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Decatur County earns an income score of 76.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Decatur County, Indiana a good place to live?
Decatur County scores 65.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Decatur 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 Decatur 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.