DeKalb County scores 73.4 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0—placing it in the top 47th percentile nationally. This strong showing reflects particularly low tax burden and affordable housing costs that resonate across the region.
2 / 5
Slightly Above Average in Indiana
With a composite score of 73.4, DeKalb ranks above Indiana's state average of 71.2, positioning it among the state's better-performing counties. This modest advantage reflects consistent strength across multiple livability dimensions rather than exceptional strength in any single area.
3 / 5
Tax-Friendly and Affordable
DeKalb excels with a tax score of 84.6 and effective tax rate of just 0.628%—among Indiana's lowest. The county also offers affordable housing with a median home value of $177,900 and monthly rent averaging $828, making it accessible for budget-conscious families.
4 / 5
Income Lags Despite Low Costs
DeKalb's income score of 29.1 reflects a median household income of $70,080, below where residents might expect given the county's other advantages. Health outcomes score a moderate 73.4, and environmental and safety data remain limited, making complete livability assessment difficult.
5 / 5
Best for Budget-Conscious Retirees
DeKalb suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high wages. This county works best for those with stable income from outside sources—pensions, remote work, investments—who want to stretch their dollars in a tax-efficient environment.
DeKalb County scores 73.4 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0—placing it in the top 47th percentile nationally. This strong showing reflects particularly low tax burden and affordable housing costs that resonate across the region.
Slightly Above Average in Indiana
With a composite score of 73.4, DeKalb ranks above Indiana's state average of 71.2, positioning it among the state's better-performing counties. This modest advantage reflects consistent strength across multiple livability dimensions rather than exceptional strength in any single area.
Tax-Friendly and Affordable
DeKalb excels with a tax score of 84.6 and effective tax rate of just 0.628%—among Indiana's lowest. The county also offers affordable housing with a median home value of $177,900 and monthly rent averaging $828, making it accessible for budget-conscious families.
Income Lags Despite Low Costs
DeKalb's income score of 29.1 reflects a median household income of $70,080, below where residents might expect given the county's other advantages. Health outcomes score a moderate 73.4, and environmental and safety data remain limited, making complete livability assessment difficult.
Best for Budget-Conscious Retirees
DeKalb suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high wages. This county works best for those with stable income from outside sources—pensions, remote work, investments—who want to stretch their dollars in a tax-efficient environment.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛84.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.