CountyScore

Delaware County

Indiana · IN

#76 in Indiana
66.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Delaware County, Indiana

Delaware Beats National Baseline

Delaware County's composite score of 66.9 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking in approximately the 34th percentile nationwide. This solid positioning reflects affordable housing and low tax burden despite modest income levels.

Below Indiana Average

At 66.9, Delaware County falls slightly below Indiana's state average of 71.2, placing it in the middle tier of Indiana's county rankings. The gap stems primarily from lower income levels and a higher effective tax rate relative to top performers in the state.

Extremely Affordable Housing Market

Delaware County offers exceptional affordability with a cost score of 80.9, median home value of $127,600, and median rent of just $874 monthly. A tax score of 80.3 and effective tax rate of 0.781% further enhance the county's budget-friendly appeal.

Limited Income and Economic Data

The income score of 20.6 reflects a median household income of $56,932—among Indiana's lowest—creating a significant constraint on overall livability potential. Limited data on schools, safety, and water quality makes it difficult to assess other critical livability factors.

Ideal for Ultra-Affordable Living

Delaware County serves those seeking maximum affordability and minimal tax burden in a small-town Indiana setting. This is best suited for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, or those willing to trade higher wages for dramatically lower cost of living.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax80.3Cost80.9SafetyComing SoonHealth64.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.6Risk23.7WaterComing Soon
🏛80.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡23.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Delaware County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Gadsden County
Florida
66.9
Median income: $46,047
Nassau County
Florida
66.9
Median income: $88,900
Emanuel County
Georgia
66.9
Median income: $50,053
Warren County
Illinois
66.9
Median income: $64,650
LaPorte County
Indiana
66.9
Median income: $70,452

Deep Dives

Delaware County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.