countyscore
62.2
County Score
Safety 79.1Income & Jobs 71.3Lawn Care 70.1

County Report Card

About Dubois County, Indiana

Strong National Standing

Dubois County delivers an impressive 62.2 composite score, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a county that balances economic vitality with a high standard of living.

A Top Indiana Performer

Ranking well above the Indiana state average of 55.9, Dubois is one of the more desirable counties in the state. It consistently outperforms its neighbors in both safety and economic health.

Wealth and Community Safety

Safety is a hallmark here with a score of 79.1, complemented by a robust income score of 71.3. Residents earn a median household income of $71,918, which is supported by a healthy 68.6 tax score.

Risk and School Improvements

The county's primary areas for growth are in environmental risk, where it scores 40.9, and school quality at 47.3. Improving these sectors would help solidify its status as a top-tier residential destination.

A Haven for Working Professionals

Dubois County is tailor-made for professionals seeking high earnings in a secure, low-crime environment. It offers a rare combination of safety and economic opportunity that is hard to match.

2040608010068.653.479.165.547.371.340.955.853Tax68.6Cost53.4Safety79.1Health65.5Schools47.3Income71.3Risk40.9Water55.8Weather5362.2/100
This county
National avg
4 above average

Dubois County DNA

Doverall

How Dubois County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Dubois County excels in 4 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Safety (79.1/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Schools (47.3/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
68.6+16.599999999999994
Cost
53.4
Safety
79.1+24.099999999999994
Health
65.5+15.5
Schools
47.3
Income
71.3+20.299999999999997
Risk
40.9
Water
55.8
Weather
53
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Whether buying or refinancing in Dubois County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$212,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$801/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$212,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,918/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

32.1

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 Dubois County with Calhoun County →Share on X

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Phillips County
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Nearby counties

Martin County
Indiana
70.3
Orange County
Indiana
66.3
Pike County
Indiana
64.3
Crawford County
Indiana
62.4
Daviess County
Indiana
58.1
Perry County
Indiana
59.4
Warrick County
Indiana
51.4
Spencer County
Indiana
68.6

Deep Dives

Dubois County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Dubois County

via TaxByCounty

Dubois County taxes well below national norm

Dubois County's 0.650% effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the bottom 35% nationally. The median property tax of $1,382 is roughly half the $2,690 national average, making it an affordable choice.

Slightly below Indiana's average rate

Dubois County's 0.650% effective rate ranks just below Indiana's state average of 0.671%, making it a moderate option within the state. The median property tax of $1,382 is about $183 higher than the state median of $1,199, reflecting its higher median home values.

Competitive rates across south-central Indiana

Dubois County's 0.650% rate aligns with nearby DeKalb (0.628%) and Fountain (0.616%), but falls short of Elkhart's 0.819%. The median annual tax of $1,382 is higher than its neighbors, driven by stronger median home values of $212,500.

What a typical Dubois homeowner pays

The median home in Dubois County is valued at $212,500, resulting in an estimated annual property tax of around $1,382. Homeowners with mortgages and those without pay roughly the same ($1,373 vs. $1,394), indicating stable assessments.

Appeal if your home is overvalued

Dubois County homeowners who've seen recent spikes in assessed value should consider filing an appeal with the assessor's office. Many overassessed properties can be successfully challenged at no cost, potentially saving hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dubois County

via CostByCounty

Dubois delivers strong rental affordability

Dubois County renters spend just 13.4% of their income on rent, besting the national average and ranking among America's most affordable rental markets. This southwestern Indiana county proves you can find genuine affordability without sacrificing income stability.

Indiana's rental value champion

At 13.4%, Dubois ranks well above the state average rent-to-income ratio of 15.6%, making it one of Indiana's most affordable counties for renters. The county stands out as a genuine value destination within the state.

Lowest rents in the regional cluster

Dubois's median rent of $801 undercuts the state average of $883 and beats most nearby counties, making it one of the region's rental bargains. Combined with solid local incomes, the county offers exceptional value.

Housing costs align with income

Renters pay $801 monthly while homeowners spend $872 against a healthy median income of $71,918. This balanced allocation means Dubois households dedicate about 13% to rent or 15% to mortgage, leaving ample room in their budgets.

Dubois is worth serious consideration

If you're seeking true rental affordability combined with decent wages, Dubois delivers on both counts at 13.4% rent-to-income. Use this county as your benchmark when evaluating other relocation options.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dubois County

via IncomeByCounty

Dubois exceeds national income benchmarks

Dubois County households earn a median of $71,918 annually, about $2,837 below the national median of $74,755 but still in the solid middle-income range. The county performs reliably against national standards, approaching parity with the broader U.S. economy.

Tops Indiana's state average income

Dubois County's median household income of $71,918 surpasses Indiana's state average of $68,681 by more than 4%, placing it firmly in the upper-middle tier among the state's counties. This above-average performance reflects a stronger local economic base.

Leads smaller neighboring counties

Dubois ($71,918) ranks second among the measured counties, edged only by Franklin County ($79,702) and Floyd County ($78,179), but comfortably outpaces Fountain County ($62,526) and Elkhart County ($65,617). This county anchors a more prosperous subregion.

Strong housing affordability in Dubois

A rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% means residents spend roughly $801 monthly on housing costs—one of the lowest ratios among the measured counties. The median home value of $212,500 is supported by solid median incomes, leaving room for financial flexibility.

Dubois residents can invest confidently

With robust income and low housing-cost ratios, Dubois households have substantial capacity to fund retirement accounts, education savings, and taxable investments. Consider diversifying investments across stocks, bonds, and real estate to build generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dubois County

via CrimeByCounty

Dubois County is one of the nation's safest

Dubois County boasts a total crime rate of 497.8 per 100,000 residents, roughly one-fifth of the national average. This exceptional data results in a safety score of 99.2 out of 100.

Surpassing state safety benchmarks

The county's safety score of 99.2 exceeds the Indiana average of 98.9. Three reporting agencies coordinate to maintain this high standard of public safety across the region.

Leading the region in low crime rates

At 497.8 incidents per 100,000 residents, Dubois County significantly outperforms the Indiana state average of 693.8. It serves as a regional leader for low crime and high community security.

Property crime dominates the local landscape

Violent crime is low at 144.5 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average. Property crime accounts for 353.3 incidents per 100,000, representing the most common security concern.

Securing your Dubois County residence

Even in high-safety areas, property crimes like theft can still occur. Staying vigilant and securing entry points keeps Dubois County among the safest places to live in Indiana.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Dubois County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Balanced Educational Landscape in Dubois

Dubois County supports 7,326 students through 16 public schools across four specialized districts. The infrastructure includes eight elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools to serve the community.

Dubois County Leads in Academic Success

The county achieves a stellar 94.5% graduation rate, which is higher than both the state average and the national average of 87%. Investment remains efficient at $5,823 per pupil, slightly exceeding the state's average spending level.

Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools Spotlight

Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools is the largest district, educating 3,273 students across five schools. Traditional public education is the standard here, as the county currently has no charter schools.

A Primarily Rural Learning Environment

Rural settings dominate the landscape with 14 of 16 schools located in countryside areas. Jasper High School serves as the largest campus with 1,046 students, while the average school size across the county is 488 students.

Discover Homes Near Top Dubois Districts

High graduation rates and a focus on rural community values make Dubois County a compelling choice for families. Consider how these strong school scores can impact your long-term home investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dubois County

via RiskByCounty

Dubois Balances Multiple Moderate Threats

Dubois County scores 59.13 on composite risk, moderately above Indiana's average of 45.52 and in the Relatively Low category nationwide. The county faces a balanced mix of hazard exposures rather than dominating risks in any single category.

Mid-Range Risk Within Indiana

Dubois ranks in the middle tier of Indiana counties by composite risk, falling below the highest-risk counties but above the safest ones. Its profile reflects typical southern Indiana hazard patterns.

Moderate Risk in Southern Indiana

Dubois's score of 59.13 positions it between low-risk counties like Franklin (34.22) and higher-risk neighbors like Floyd (75.38). Its risk level is notably lower than neighboring Elkhart County (83.75).

Earthquake Risk Is the Surprising Leader

Earthquake risk registers highest at 87.47, followed closely by flood risk at 66.06, reflecting Dubois's proximity to seismic zones and vulnerable water systems. Tornado risk at 58.75 rounds out the county's top three hazards.

Earthquake and Flood Coverage Priority

Dubois homeowners should strongly consider standalone earthquake insurance, given the county's elevated seismic risk, alongside comprehensive flood coverage. Wind and tornado protection through homeowners insurance remains essential.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Dubois County

via WaterByCounty

Dubois County Earns Grade C Compliance

The county records 6 health violations over the last five years, translating to 9.7 violations per 100K residents. This rate is substantially lower than the Indiana state average of 42.3 per 100K. Local utilities are successfully keeping violations below typical state levels.

Six in Ten Dubois Waterways Impaired

Assessments from the 2022 cycle show that 59.1% of the 279 water bodies do not meet federal standards. This impairment rate exceeds the state average of 40.9%. Key issues involve E. coli, low dissolved oxygen, and compromised biological integrity.

Broad Monitoring Network Samples Dubois Streams

With 58 monitoring sites and 9,234 recent measurements, Dubois County has a strong data footprint. Testing emphasizes physical parameters, inorganics, and biological counts. This diverse data set helps officials pinpoint sources of low dissolved oxygen in the watershed.

Patoka River Discharge Below Typical Levels

Current discharge at the Patoka River in Jasper is 215 cfs, which is 57% of its long-term mean. These lower flows can exacerbate issues with dissolved oxygen by slowing water movement. Monitoring these levels is vital for protecting local aquatic life.

Addressing Nutrient Runoff in Dubois County

The high percentage of impaired water bodies suggests a need for better runoff management to improve oxygen levels. Residents should be aware of E. coli risks and consider water testing if using private wells. Protecting stream banks can help restore biological integrity in the 165 impaired segments.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dubois County

via WeatherByCounty

A Wetter Alternative to the National Average

Dubois County maintains an annual average temperature of 53.3°F, sitting just below the national median of 53.8°F. While the temperature feels typical for the U.S., the county receives a significant 51.7 inches of annual precipitation, far exceeding many drier regions.

Warmer and Wetter than Most of Indiana

With an annual average of 53.3°F, Dubois County stays consistently warmer than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. It also ranks as one of the state's wettest locales, seeing nearly 8 inches more precipitation than the state mean of 43.9 inches.

Southern Indiana Heat and Humidity

Compared to northern neighbors like Grant County, Dubois experiences twice as many extreme heat days. The 51.7 inches of rainfall keeps the landscape lush but significantly more humid than the central part of the state.

Hot Summers and Manageable Mid-Latitude Winters

Summers are intense with 31 days per year reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 74.3°F. Winter remains relatively mild for the Midwest, averaging 32.3°F and only 12.7 inches of total annual snowfall.

Focus on Water Management and Air Conditioning

Homeowners should prioritize basement waterproofing and gutter maintenance to handle the high 51.7-inch annual rainfall. High-efficiency cooling systems are essential for the month of extreme heat days seen every summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dubois County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Silty Southern Soil

Dubois County soils are notably acidic with a pH of 5.88, falling below the Indiana average of 6.08 and the national 6.5 median. This acidity is typical for the region's landscape but may require lime for certain crops. The county's overall soil score of 62.5 reflects these chemistry challenges.

Extreme Silt for High Retention

The soil is overwhelmingly silty at 65.2%, with nearly equal parts sand (17.2%) and clay (17.6%). This texture creates a flour-like feel and allows for excellent water storage. However, the low sand content can make the soil prone to erosion if not managed with cover crops.

Low Organic Matter But High Water Storage

Organic matter is low at 2.12%, which is less than half the state average of 4.90%. Despite this, the soil holds water exceptionally well with a capacity of 0.207 in/in. Growers must focus on building soil health through composting to compensate for the naturally low organic levels.

Inferred Hydrology in Dubois

While specific drainage classes are not recorded here, the high silt percentage often leads to slower drainage and potential surface crusting. Managing the water cycle is key in this region to prevent the silty surface from washing away. Gardeners should prioritize mulching to protect the soil structure.

Long Seasons in Zone 6b

Located in the warmer hardiness zone 6b, Dubois County offers a slightly longer growing season for southern favorites. Acid-loving plants like blueberries or azaleas will naturally thrive in this pH. With a little organic boost, your garden will flourish in this silty southern terrain.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dubois County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Heat in Dubois County

Dubois County has a lawn difficulty score of 70.1, making it slightly more challenging than the state average. Its Zone 6b designation allows for a wider range of grass types but brings more intense summer heat.

High Rainfall Meets Intense Heat

Lawns receive 51.7 inches of rain annually, which is above the state average and the ideal range for turf. However, 31 extreme heat days put significant stress on cool-season grasses compared to the state average of 20.

Acidic Soils Need Monitoring

The soil pH of 5.88 is slightly acidic, so adding lime may be necessary to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The balanced mix of 17.6% clay and 17.2% sand provides a stable texture for root growth.

Abnormally Dry Conditions Persist

Although the county only had 3 weeks of drought last year, the entire area is currently considered abnormally dry. Keep your mower height high to shade the soil and reduce water evaporation during heat waves.

Choose Heat-Tolerant Turf Varieties

Tall Fescue is highly recommended for Zone 6b because it handles the 31 annual heat days better than other varieties. Plan your seeding between the April 25th last frost and the October 15th first frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dubois County's county score?
Dubois County, Indiana has a composite county score of 62.2 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 Dubois County rank among counties in Indiana?
Dubois County ranks #25 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 Dubois County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Dubois County is $1,382, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Dubois County a tax score of 68.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dubois County?
The median household income in Dubois County, Indiana is $71,918 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dubois County earns an income score of 71.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dubois County, Indiana a good place to live?
Dubois County scores 62.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Dubois 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 Dubois County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.