countyscore
61.8
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.

2040608010069.34776.966.25271.958.747.552.7Tax69.3Cost47Safety76.9Health66.2Schools52Income71.9Risk58.7Water47.5Weather52.761.8/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

DeKalb County DNA

Doverall

How DeKalb County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

DeKalb County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Safety (76.9/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Water Quality (47.5/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
69.3+17.299999999999997
Cost
47
Safety
76.9+21.900000000000006
Health
66.2+16.200000000000003
Schools
52
Income
71.9+20.900000000000006
Risk
58.7+11.700000000000003
Water
47.5-10.5
Weather
52.7
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Compare mortgage rates in DeKalb County

Whether buying or refinancing in DeKalb County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$194,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$861/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$194,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $74,331/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

4.6

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
Compare DeKalb County with Stark County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

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Jackson County
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Copper River Census Area
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Nearby counties

Steuben County
Indiana
51.5
Allen County
Indiana
41
Defiance County
Ohio
55.4
Williams County
Ohio
60.3
Noble County
Indiana
54.5
Paulding County
Ohio
56.3
LaGrange County
Indiana
57.4
Branch County
Michigan
36.9

Deep Dives

DeKalb County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 61.8 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 $1,205, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns DeKalb County a tax score of 69.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in DeKalb County?
The median household income in DeKalb County, Indiana is $74,331 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. DeKalb County earns an income score of 71.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is DeKalb County, Indiana a good place to live?
DeKalb County scores 61.8/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.