countyscore
62.1
County Score
Soil Quality 81.6Safety 76.9Lawn Care 72.7

County Report Card

About DeKalb County, Indiana

A High-Performing Midwest Hub

DeKalb County earns a composite score of 62.1, placing it significantly above the national median of 50.0. This strong performance indicates a high quality of life compared to the majority of counties across the United States.

Outperforming the Indiana Average

With a 62.1 composite score, DeKalb sits well ahead of the Indiana state average of 55.9. This makes it a standout choice for residents looking for better-than-average stability within the Hoosier State.

Safe Streets and Low Taxes

The county excels in safety with a high score of 76.9 and provides a low tax burden evidenced by a 71.3 tax score. Homeowners benefit from an effective tax rate of just 0.628%, allowing families to keep more of their $70,080 median income.

Balancing Water and Housing Costs

While strong overall, DeKalb faces relative challenges in water quality with a score of 47.5 and housing affordability at 48.1. These metrics suggest that while the county is prosperous, utility infrastructure and rising home values require attention.

Ideal for Secure Family Living

DeKalb is a premier choice for families who prioritize safety and financial efficiency. Its blend of high incomes and low taxes creates a robust environment for long-term wealth building and security.

Score breakdown

Tax71.3Cost48.1Safety76.9Health66.2Schools52Income66.5Risk58.7Water47.5Weather52.7
🏛71.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠48.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡76.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡58.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧47.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨81.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.7
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

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51
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55.5
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Deep Dives

DeKalb County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in DeKalb County

via TaxByCounty

DeKalb's tax rate ranks low nationally

At 0.628%, DeKalb County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $1,117 annually, compared to $2,690 nationwide—less than half the national average.

Among Indiana's most tax-friendly counties

DeKalb's 0.628% rate ranks below Indiana's 0.671% state average, making it a relatively affordable county within the state. At $1,117 in median annual property taxes, DeKalb residents pay $82 less than the state median of $1,199.

Lower taxes than Elkhart, higher than Fountain

DeKalb's 0.628% rate sits between neighboring Fountain County (0.616%) and Delaware County (0.781%). A median-valued home in DeKalb costs about $1,117 annually in taxes, making it more affordable than Elkhart County's $1,592 median tax bill.

What a typical DeKalb homeowner pays

The median home in DeKalb County is valued at $177,900, resulting in an estimated annual property tax of around $1,117. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more ($1,124) than those without ($1,104).

You might be paying more than you should

Research suggests that roughly 1 in 5 homeowners nationwide is overassessed on their property taxes. If you believe your DeKalb County assessment is too high, filing an appeal is free and could lower your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in DeKalb County

via CostByCounty

DeKalb rents beat the national average

DeKalb County renters spend just 14.2% of their income on rent, well below the national sweet spot of around 15-20%. This county's rent-to-income ratio outperforms most U.S. counties, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious renters seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life.

Among Indiana's most affordable counties

At 14.2%, DeKalb's rent-to-income ratio ranks better than the state average of 15.6%, placing it in the top tier of affordable Indiana counties. Renters here enjoy a noticeable cost advantage compared to many of their statewide neighbors.

Competitive with surrounding counties

DeKalb's median rent of $828 is slightly below the state average of $883, while nearby counties range from $779 to $1,023. The county offers solid affordability for both renters and homebuyers seeking value in northeastern Indiana.

Housing costs stay reasonable here

Renters pay $828 monthly while homeowners spend $904, against a median household income of $70,080. This balance means DeKalb families allocate roughly 14% to rent or 15% to mortgage payments, leaving healthy income for other essentials.

Consider DeKalb for your next move

If affordability and manageable housing costs matter to your relocation plans, DeKalb delivers on both fronts. Compare this county's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio to your current situation—you may find real savings waiting here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in DeKalb County

via IncomeByCounty

DeKalb's income sits just below national average

DeKalb County households earn a median of $70,080 annually, about $4,675 less than the national median of $74,755. While this represents a solid middle-income community, the county ranks below the national midpoint in earnings power.

Above average for Indiana counties

DeKalb's median household income of $70,080 exceeds Indiana's state average of $68,681 by about 2%, positioning it in the upper-middle tier among the state's 92 counties. This modest advantage reflects a stable, working-class economy.

Competitive with surrounding counties

DeKalb ($70,080) outearns Elkhart County ($65,617) and Fountain County ($62,526), but trails nearby Dubois County ($71,918) and significantly lags Floyd County ($78,179). This county holds its own in northeast Indiana's income landscape.

Rent remains affordable here

A rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% means DeKalb residents spend roughly $830 monthly on rent out of the median household income—well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $177,900 is also within reach for households earning this median income.

Build long-term wealth in DeKalb

With an affordability cushion of nearly 16 percentage points below the rent threshold, DeKalb households have room to redirect funds toward savings and investments. Starting a retirement plan or setting up automatic transfers to a savings account can compound earnings over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in DeKalb County

via CrimeByCounty

DeKalb County remains significantly safer than national averages

DeKalb County reports a total crime rate of 551.8 per 100,000 residents, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This impressive performance earns the county a high safety score of 99.1 out of 100.

A top-tier safety performer in Indiana

The county's safety score of 99.1 surpasses the Indiana state average of 98.9. With five reporting agencies contributing data, DeKalb stands out as one of the more secure regions in the state.

Outperforming regional and state crime benchmarks

At 551.8 crimes per 100,000 people, DeKalb's crime rate is lower than the Indiana state average of 693.8. It maintains a distinct safety advantage over more urbanized neighboring districts.

Exceptionally low violent crime rates

Violent crime in DeKalb is nearly non-existent at 25.4 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for the bulk of local incidents at 526.4 per 100,000 residents.

Maintaining a secure home in DeKalb

While rates are low, property crime remains the primary concern for local residents. Implementing basic home security measures helps ensure these figures remain among the best in the nation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in DeKalb County

via HealthByCounty

DeKalb's lifespan edges ahead

At 75.8 years, DeKalb residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 74.8 years. Just 16% of DeKalb residents report being in poor or fair health, below the national average of 17%, suggesting generally solid health outcomes for this northeast Indiana county.

Above Indiana's health benchmark

DeKalb's life expectancy of 75.8 years ranks above Indiana's state average of 75.1 years. The county's 16% poor/fair health rate is among the better marks in the state, positioning DeKalb as a healthier-than-average Indiana county.

Solid standing in northeast Indiana

DeKalb's 75.8-year life expectancy falls between Elkhart County (76.2) and Floyd County (74.6) in the region. With a 7.5% uninsured rate, DeKalb performs well compared to neighboring Elkhart, where 12.8% lack coverage.

Healthcare access: room to grow

DeKalb has 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below the state average—and 75 mental health providers per 100,000. At 7.5% uninsured, the county is doing better than Indiana's 8.4% state rate, though some residents still lack reliable coverage.

Ensure your family is protected

Even in a healthier county like DeKalb, 7.5% of residents remain uninsured—leaving them vulnerable to unexpected medical costs. Check your coverage today and explore options through the Affordable Care Act marketplace or Medicaid to ensure your family has the protection it needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in DeKalb County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Snapshot of DeKalb's Educational Infrastructure

DeKalb County supports 6,903 students across 14 public schools, including eight elementary, two middle, and four high schools. Four distinct districts manage this infrastructure, providing a stable foundation for the county's youth.

High Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

The county matches the state's 92.6% graduation rate, significantly exceeding the national average of 87%. While per-pupil expenditure of $6,730 sits above the state average, it remains well below the national mark of $13,000.

The Leading Districts of DeKalb

DeKalb County Central United School District is the largest provider, serving 3,641 students across six schools. The county currently offers no charter school options, with all 14 schools operating as traditional public institutions.

A Mix of Town and Rural Learning

Students attend schools in mostly town or rural settings, with an average school size of 493 students. DeKalb High School is the largest campus with 1,075 students, while several primary schools offer smaller, more intimate environments.

Find Your Home Near Quality DeKalb Schools

Families looking for strong graduation rates and manageable school sizes should explore the housing market in DeKalb County. School quality remains a primary driver for home values in this region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in DeKalb County

via RiskByCounty

DeKalb's Risk: Well Below National Average

DeKalb County scores 41.32 on the composite risk index, placing it in the Very Low category and significantly below Indiana's average of 45.52. This means residents face substantially fewer natural disaster threats than most Americans, though tornado risk remains a notable regional concern.

Among Indiana's Safest Counties

DeKalb ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Indiana, with only a handful of counties scoring lower on composite risk. Its Very Low rating reflects relatively modest hazard exposure across most disaster types.

Safer Than Eastern Indiana Peers

DeKalb's score of 41.32 sits well below neighboring Delaware County (76.34) and nearby Fayette County (33.49), making it one of the safer communities in northeastern Indiana. Only Fountain County in the region rivals DeKalb's low-risk profile.

Tornadoes Are Your Top Threat

Tornado risk stands at 67.62 in DeKalb County, the dominant hazard concern for the region. Flood risk at 51.78 and earthquake risk at 56.81 pose secondary but real threats that warrant preparation.

Storm Cellar or Safe Room Essential

DeKalb residents should prioritize wind and hail coverage in homeowners insurance and identify or build a tornado shelter. Flood insurance and earthquake coverage are worth evaluating, especially for properties in low-lying areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in DeKalb County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler and Snowier than Most

DeKalb County’s 48.9°F average temperature is significantly lower than the national median. It receives 38.2 inches of precipitation, which is drier than many eastern U.S. counties.

One of Indiana’s Coldest

At 48.9°F, DeKalb is much colder than the Indiana average of 52.2°F. It sits in the state's northeastern corner, where winter weather is most intense.

The Regional Snow Leader

DeKalb averages 32.8 inches of snow, which is more than double the accumulation in central Indiana counties like Decatur. It is also 5.7 inches drier than the state average.

Harsh Winters and Mild Summers

Winter is the dominant season with 32.8 inches of snow and a 26.5°F average. Summers are very pleasant, with only 13 extreme heat days and a 69.9°F seasonal mean.

Focus on Winter Readiness

Heavy-duty snow blowers and high-end insulation are essential for the 32.8 inches of snow. Summer cooling needs are minimal compared to the rest of Indiana.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in DeKalb County

via SoilByCounty

A Rich Mollisol Foundation in DeKalb

DeKalb County features silty clay Mollisols with a pH of 6.40, nearly matching the national median of 6.5. These grassland-derived soils are less acidic than the Indiana average of 6.08. This neutral balance creates a welcoming environment for standard agricultural crops.

A Balanced Mix of Silt and Clay

The soil contains 38.0% sand, 36.7% silt, and 19.4% clay. This mixture provides enough structure to retain nutrients while preventing the extreme density of pure clay. Farmers find this blend workable but heavy during wet seasons.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

The organic matter content sits at a high 6.32%, far exceeding the state average of 4.90% and the national 2.0% benchmark. While the water capacity of 0.195 in/in is slightly below the Indiana average, the high fertility drives a strong soil score of 81.6.

Managing Very Poorly Drained Lands

Classified as very poorly drained with a C/D hydrologic group, these soils require careful water management. High water tables are common, meaning drainage tiles are often essential for successful farming or building. This slow drainage necessitates patience during rainy spring planting windows.

Ideal Conditions for Zone 6a Gardening

In hardiness zone 6a, DeKalb’s nutrient-dense soils are perfect for heavy feeders like corn and tomatoes. The high organic matter means your garden starts with a natural advantage. Start your seeds early to make the most of this high-scoring soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in DeKalb County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Lawn Conditions in DeKalb County

DeKalb County earns a 72.7 lawn difficulty score, making it significantly easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0. The county sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, which is ideal for popular cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass.

Moderate Temperatures Support Steady Growth

With 38.2 inches of annual precipitation, the county stays within the ideal range for healthy turf. Residents manage only 13 extreme heat days per year, which is well below the Indiana state average of 20 days.

Managing Very Poorly Drained Soils

The local soil features a near-perfect pH of 6.40 for nutrient absorption, but its classification as very poorly drained poses a challenge. Homeowners must ensure proper grading to prevent water from pooling on their silty clay lawns.

High Drought Risk Despite Better Scores

The county endured 27 weeks of drought last year, and 11.2% of the area currently faces severe drought conditions. Deep, infrequent watering is necessary to help grass roots reach deeper into the soil during these dry stretches.

Seed for Success in Zone 6a

Late summer is the best time to seed, allowing roots to establish before the first fall frost on October 17th. Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are top choices for this climate and soil profile.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DeKalb County's county score?
DeKalb County, Indiana has a composite county score of 62.1 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 DeKalb County rank among counties in Indiana?
DeKalb County ranks #26 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 DeKalb County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in DeKalb County is $1,117, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns DeKalb County a tax score of 71.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in DeKalb County?
The median household income in DeKalb County, Indiana is $70,080 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. DeKalb County earns an income score of 66.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is DeKalb County, Indiana a good place to live?
DeKalb County scores 62.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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.