countyscore
39.9
County Score
Soil Quality 82Lawn Care 72.5Weather & Climate 62.5

County Report Card

About Delaware County, Indiana

Affordable Living Below National Medians

Delaware County holds a composite score of 39.9, which trails the national median of 50.0. While it faces some headwinds, it remains an accessible entry point into the Midwest market.

A Budget-Friendly Indiana Option

The county's score of 39.9 is lower than the Indiana state average of 55.9. However, its lower cost of living provides a different value proposition than the state's more expensive metropolitan hubs.

Water Quality and Housing Value

Delaware County shines in water quality with a score of 61.2 and maintains a solid cost score of 52.0. With a median home value of $127,600, it offers some of the most attainable real estate in the region.

Navigating Safety and Income Gaps

The county struggles with a safety score of 15.5 and an income score of 30.1. Addressing these core areas is vital for improving the overall livability and economic mobility for its residents.

Best for Budget-Conscious Renters

This county is a fit for individuals or students who need low-cost housing and reliable utilities above all else. With median rent at $874, it serves as a functional home base for those focused on affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax54.8Cost52Safety15.5Health36.5Schools43.7Income30.1Risk23.7Water61.2Weather62.5
🏛54.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠52
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡15.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤36.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡23.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧61.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨82
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.5
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Delaware County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Delaware County

via TaxByCounty

Delaware County rates below U.S. average

Delaware County's 0.781% effective tax rate falls below the national median of 0.84%, though it's moderately higher than many peers. The median property tax of $997 is roughly one-third the national median of $2,690, offering significant savings.

Among Indiana's higher-taxed counties

Delaware County's 0.781% rate exceeds Indiana's 0.671% state average, ranking it in the upper half of the state's counties. Despite the higher rate, the $997 median annual tax remains below the state median of $1,199, thanks to lower home values.

Delaware stands out for its higher rate

At 0.781%, Delaware County's effective rate tops most nearby counties, including DeKalb (0.628%), Dubois (0.650%), and Fountain (0.616%). This higher rate reflects Delaware's local funding needs despite its lower median home values of $127,600.

What a typical Delaware homeowner pays

The median home in Delaware County is valued at $127,600, resulting in an estimated annual property tax of around $997. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more ($1,106), while those without pay less ($872).

Challenge your assessment if it feels high

Delaware County homeowners facing unexpected tax increases should know that many assessments are inflated. Filing a free appeal with your local assessor's office is straightforward and could reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Delaware County

via CostByCounty

Delaware rents strain modest incomes

Delaware County renters spend 18.4% of their income on rent, significantly above the national comfort zone and approaching the danger threshold for affordability. The county's lower median household income of $56,932 makes housing costs bite harder here than in wealthier regions.

Among Indiana's least affordable counties

Delaware ranks below the state average rent-to-income ratio of 15.6%, with its 18.4% placing it among Indiana's more expensive counties relative to local incomes. This gap signals housing pressure that exceeds most of the state.

Higher rents, lower incomes create squeeze

Delaware's $874 median rent sits above the state average of $883 while incomes lag peers in surrounding counties. This combination makes Delaware one of the region's tighter housing markets for renters on limited budgets.

Housing costs consume household budgets

Renters pay $874 monthly against a median income of just $56,932, using nearly a fifth of gross income for rent alone. Homeowners fare slightly better at $774 monthly, but both groups feel the affordability pinch in Delaware.

Delaware demands careful budget planning

If you're considering Delaware, factor in that housing absorbs a larger share of household income than most Indiana counties. Shop neighboring counties for comparison—a short move could meaningfully improve your housing affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Delaware County

via IncomeByCounty

Delaware County lags well behind national earnings

Delaware County's median household income of $56,932 falls nearly $18,000 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-income tier nationally. This represents a significant gap that reflects economic challenges in the region.

Among Indiana's lower-income counties

At $56,932, Delaware County trails Indiana's state average of $68,681 by over $11,700, putting it in the lower third of the state's counties. This income disadvantage mirrors broader employment and manufacturing transitions.

Delaware struggles compared to nearby peers

Delaware County ($56,932) ranks below all measured neighboring counties, significantly trailing Dubois ($71,918), DeKalb ($70,080), and Floyd ($78,179). Only Fayette County ($56,659) approaches Delaware's income level, making this a region of relative economic hardship.

Housing costs strain Delaware budgets

With a rent-to-income ratio of 18.4%, Delaware residents spend roughly $873 monthly on housing costs, approaching the affordability danger zone. The median home value of $127,600 remains modest, but relative to median incomes, represents a tighter financial squeeze.

Prioritize financial stability first

Delaware households should focus on building emergency savings (3–6 months of expenses) before aggressive investing, given tighter income margins. Low-cost options like employer 401(k) matches or community development financial institutions can help build wealth incrementally.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Delaware County

via CrimeByCounty

Delaware County crime mirrors national trends

Delaware County reports a total crime rate of 2,345.8 per 100,000 residents, placing it just below the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.3 out of 100.

Safety score trails the Indiana average

Delaware County's safety score of 96.3 sits below the Indiana state average of 98.9. Six local law enforcement agencies provided data to establish this profile for the 2022 period.

Higher crime rates compared to state peers

The county's total crime rate of 2,345.8 is more than triple the Indiana state average of 693.8. Residents face a higher frequency of reported incidents than those in many surrounding rural counties.

A closer look at local crime categories

Property crimes occur at a rate of 1,996.3 per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 349.5. The violent crime rate remains slightly better than the national benchmark of 369.8.

Prioritizing property security in Delaware County

With property crime making up the vast majority of local offenses, home security is a vital investment. Neighborhood watch programs and visible cameras provide effective deterrents against theft and burglary.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Delaware County

via HealthByCounty

Delaware faces serious health challenges

At 72.6 years, Delaware County residents live nearly 2.2 years shorter than the U.S. average of 74.8 years. Nearly 22% report being in poor or fair health, significantly above the national average of 17%, marking Delaware among the state's most challenged counties.

Below Indiana average across the board

Delaware's 72.6-year life expectancy ranks well below Indiana's 75.1-year state average, a gap of 2.5 years. At 21.8% in poor/fair health, the county far exceeds the state average, signaling a public health crisis requiring urgent attention.

Struggling compared to nearby counties

Delaware's 72.6-year life expectancy is the lowest in its region, trailing Dubois (77.8) by more than 5 years. The county's 21.8% poor/fair health rate is the worst among its peers, reflecting deeper underlying health disparities.

Strong provider access, but barriers remain

Delaware stands out with 114 primary care providers and 337 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—far above most Indiana counties. Yet an 8.7% uninsured rate persists, suggesting that even with abundant providers, affordability and awareness gaps prevent some residents from seeking care.

Coverage is your first step forward

With health outcomes lagging statewide and nearly 9% uninsured, Delaware County residents need immediate action on coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid, CHIP, or marketplace plans—getting covered is the foundation for better health ahead.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Delaware County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Network of Delaware Schools

Delaware County operates 35 public schools serving a large student body of 15,570 children. This robust network includes 16 elementary schools, five middle schools, and nine high schools managed by 11 different districts.

Outperforming State and National Graduation Benchmarks

The county boasts an impressive 94.1% graduation rate, outpacing both the state average and the national benchmark of 87%. Educators achieve these results with an average per-pupil spend of $5,483, which aligns closely with Indiana's state average.

Muncie Community Schools Leads the Way

Muncie Community Schools serves as the largest district with 5,080 students across 12 schools. Charter schools represent a small portion of the landscape, with two campuses making up roughly 5.7% of the total school count.

From Urban Centers to Rural Classrooms

The county features a diverse locale mix of 15 city schools and 14 rural schools, offering various learning environments. Muncie Central High School is the largest institution in the county, enrolling 1,326 students.

Invest in a Home with Strong Educational Ties

With graduation rates exceeding 94%, Delaware County is a prime destination for families prioritizing academic success. Explore local real estate to find a home near these top-performing districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Delaware County

via RiskByCounty

Delaware Faces Above-Average Disaster Risk

Delaware County's composite risk score of 76.34 places it in the Relatively Low category but substantially above Indiana's average of 45.52. This northeastern county experiences notably higher exposure to multiple hazard types than most U.S. counties.

Among Indiana's Higher-Risk Counties

Delaware ranks in the upper tier of Indiana counties by composite risk, making it one of the state's more hazard-prone regions. Only a handful of Indiana counties score higher on overall disaster risk.

The Riskiest County in Its Region

Delaware's score of 76.34 substantially exceeds neighboring DeKalb (41.32), Franklin (34.22), and Fayette (33.49) counties. Its elevated risk profile makes it an outlier in northeastern Indiana.

Tornadoes and Floods Lead Concerns

Tornado risk dominates at 90.39, making Delaware one of Indiana's most tornado-prone counties, while flood risk at 82.47 reflects vulnerable waterways and infrastructure. Earthquake risk at 82.73 adds a secondary but significant threat to county residents.

Comprehensive Coverage Is Critical

Delaware residents must prioritize robust wind and tornado protection, including a designated safe room, plus comprehensive flood insurance for all properties in flood-prone zones. Earthquake coverage should be evaluated given the county's elevated seismic risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Delaware County

via WeatherByCounty

A Balanced Temperate Climate

Delaware County’s 53.7°F average temperature closely follows the national median. The county’s 41 inches of precipitation is slightly lower than the national average for this latitude.

Warmer than the State Average

At 53.7°F, Delaware is 1.5 degrees warmer than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. It is drier than the typical Indiana county by nearly 3 inches of annual rainfall.

Central Indiana’s Heat Profile

The county experiences 17 days of extreme heat, significantly more than eastern neighbors like Dearborn. It records a moderate 19.4 inches of annual snowfall.

Hot Summers and Snowy Winters

July averages a warm 76.0°F, contributing to the 17 days of temperatures over 90°F. Winter averages 31.4°F and delivers a steady 19.4 inches of snow.

Balanced HVAC Planning Required

Residents must plan for both the 17 extreme heat days and 19.4 inches of snow. A versatile heating and cooling system is necessary to manage the 47.4-degree swing between January and July.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Delaware County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Soils Drive High Scores

Delaware County maintains an average soil pH of 6.26, which is higher than the state average of 6.08 but slightly below the national median. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, the overall soil health is excellent. The county achieves an impressive soil score of 82.0 out of 100.

Silt Dominates the Local Landscape

Silt makes up 52.0% of the soil profile, paired with 25.8% sand and 22.2% clay. This high silt content makes the ground feel smooth and provides superior moisture retention. It offers a stable environment for roots compared to more sandy neighboring regions.

Superior Moisture and Matter Levels

With 6.00% organic matter, Delaware County beats the state average of 4.90% significantly. The available water capacity of 0.206 in/in also sits above the Indiana average, ensuring plants have a steady reserve during dry spells. This combination indicates a highly productive landscape for any grower.

General Hydrology and Local Drainage

Specific drainage class data is unavailable for this county, but the silt-heavy composition suggests moderate permeability. High silt levels generally mean the soil holds water effectively without becoming as waterlogged as heavy clay. Local observers should watch for slow runoff during heavy Indiana thunderstorms.

Thriving in the Heart of Zone 6a

Hardiness zone 6a and high-capacity soil make Delaware County a prime spot for diverse vegetable gardens. The high water capacity supports thirsty crops like melons and cucumbers through the summer heat. Grab a shovel and take advantage of some of the state's best soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Delaware County

via LawnByCounty

Maintaining Delaware County's Green Landscapes

Delaware County scores a 72.5 for lawn difficulty, slightly outpacing the Indiana state average of 71.0. This Zone 6a region provides a stable environment for most traditional Midwestern grass varieties.

Robust Growth and Sufficient Rain

The county receives 41.0 inches of annual rainfall, hitting the sweet spot for maintaining a lush lawn. With 3,753 growing degree days, the season is productive, though 17 extreme heat days require careful monitoring for wilt.

A Healthy pH Foundation

The soil pH of 6.26 falls right within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for grass health. While specific drainage data is limited, the 22.2% clay content helps the soil retain moisture during the warmer summer months.

Severe Drought Challenges Current Growth

Currently, 100% of the county is in severe drought after experiencing 30 dry weeks over the past year. Water conservation is critical now, and homeowners should consider mulching clippings to retain soil moisture.

Timing Your Delaware County Lawn

Aim to seed your lawn after the last spring frost on April 16th or in late August. Kentucky Bluegrass thrives here when established well before the first fall frost on October 25th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Delaware County's county score?
Delaware County, Indiana has a composite county score of 39.9 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 Delaware County rank among counties in Indiana?
Delaware County ranks #87 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 Delaware County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Delaware County is $997, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Delaware County a tax score of 54.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Delaware County?
The median household income in Delaware County, Indiana is $56,932 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Delaware County earns an income score of 30.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Delaware County, Indiana a good place to live?
Delaware County scores 39.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #87 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Delaware 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 Delaware 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.