countyscore
62
County Score
Safety 97.5Soil Quality 79.5Disaster Risk 78.8

County Report Card

About Fountain County, Indiana

A Secure National Contender

Fountain County earns a composite score of 61.9, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. It offers a level of stability and security that is rare across the country.

Beating the Hoosier Average

With a 61.9 score, Fountain comfortably outperforms the Indiana state average of 55.9. It serves as a model for safety and financial predictability in the state.

Peak Safety and Low Taxes

The county reaches an incredible safety score of 97.5 and a tax score of 72.6. Residents enjoy a low effective tax rate of 0.616%, preserving more of their earnings for local life.

Infrastructure and School Needs

Fountain faces a significant challenge with its 13.8 water score and a 35.1 school score. These areas represent critical infrastructure needs that impact long-term community growth.

Perfect for a Quiet Life

This county is ideal for those seeking a safe, low-tax lifestyle away from urban bustle. It rewards residents with peace and financial ease, provided they are comfortable with rural infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax72.6Cost53.9Safety97.5Health53.2Schools35.1Income46.7Risk78.8Water13.8Weather54.5
🏛72.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓35.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡78.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧13.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨79.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74
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

Warren County
Indiana
70.7
Vermillion County
Indiana
60.4
Montgomery County
Indiana
52.2
Parke County
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64
Vermilion County
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Tippecanoe County
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42.9
Benton County
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Edgar County
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59.8

Deep Dives

Fountain County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Fountain County

via TaxByCounty

Fountain County offers nation's lowest tax rates

Fountain County's 0.616% effective tax rate ranks among the lowest in the nation, placing it in the bottom 25% of all U.S. counties. The median property tax of just $820 is roughly one-third the national median of $2,690, making it exceptionally affordable.

Indiana's most tax-efficient county

Fountain County's 0.616% rate ranks the lowest among all profiled Indiana counties and well below the state average of 0.671%. Residents pay only $820 in median annual property taxes—the second-lowest statewide—offering unbeatable value.

Fountain's unbeatable low-tax advantage

At 0.616%, Fountain County has the lowest effective rate among all neighbors, including DeKalb (0.628%), Dubois (0.650%), and Franklin (0.616%). The median annual tax of $820 is the state's second-lowest, delivering exceptional savings on property ownership.

What a typical Fountain homeowner pays

The median home in Fountain County is valued at $133,200, resulting in an estimated annual property tax of around $820. Homeowners with mortgages pay more ($909) than those without ($683), reflecting varying assessment practices.

Even lowest-tax counties benefit from appeals

Fountain County homeowners enjoying minimal tax bills should still review their assessments for accuracy. Filing a free appeal could reduce an already-low bill further, and ensures your property isn't being overvalued relative to neighbors.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fountain County

via CostByCounty

Fountain offers moderate rental costs

Fountain County renters spend 16.1% of their income on rent, slightly above the national ideal but well within the acceptable range for working families. This western Indiana county delivers solid affordability for households on typical American incomes.

Modest affordability within Indiana

Fountain's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the state average of 15.6%, ranking it in the middle of Indiana's affordability range. The county offers reasonable housing costs without standing out as exceptionally cheap or expensive.

Mid-range rents, mid-range incomes

Fountain's $837 median rent falls near the state average of $883, while its $62,526 income sits in the middle of this county group. The county represents a balanced, middle-of-the-road housing market for Indiana's working families.

Rents and mortgages align with wages

Renters pay $837 monthly while homeowners spend $807 against a median income of $62,526, keeping housing costs around 16% of household budgets. This stability makes Fountain predictable for families budgeting carefully for housing expenses.

Fountain offers steady housing value

If you want predictable, middle-ground housing costs without searching for bargains or negotiating premium prices, Fountain's 16.1% ratio fits the bill. Compare this county's balanced metrics to your current location to gauge true savings potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fountain County

via IncomeByCounty

Fountain County income trails national average

Fountain County households earn $62,526 annually, roughly $12,200 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle income segment. This gap reflects a county economy below national performance standards.

Below Indiana's state average income

Fountain County's median household income of $62,526 falls about $6,200 short of Indiana's state average of $68,681, positioning it in the lower third of the state's counties. This below-average performance indicates regional economic pressures.

Among the lowest in the measured region

Fountain County ($62,526) ranks among the lower-earning measured counties, well below Franklin ($79,702), Floyd ($78,179), and Dubois ($71,918), though it slightly outpaces Delaware and Fayette. This county faces relative economic disadvantage versus nearby peers.

Rent-to-income ratio shows moderate pressure

Fountain County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% translates to roughly $838 monthly in housing costs, sitting within acceptable ranges but trending higher. The median home value of $133,200 is modest and somewhat aligned with median incomes.

Focus on consistent, modest investing

Fountain County households should prioritize consistent savings habits—even $50 monthly to a dedicated account compounds significantly over time. Taking advantage of employer 401(k) matching and exploring first-time homebuyer programs can accelerate wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fountain County

via CrimeByCounty

Limited crime reporting in Fountain County

Fountain County currently shows a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 and a safety score of 100.0. These numbers reflect reporting gaps rather than a complete absence of crime.

Incomplete picture of state safety standing

Although the safety score is 100.0, this figure is based on incomplete data compared to the Indiana average of 98.9. Three agencies provided data, but local incident reports are missing from the total.

Data gaps compared to Indiana averages

The reported 0.0 crime rate is statistically an outlier compared to the Indiana average of 693.8. Public safety officials rely on more consistent reporting to draw accurate regional comparisons.

Understanding the lack of reported incidents

With zero violent or property crimes officially recorded, the data provides no current breakdown of risks. Practical safety usually follows the trends of similar rural Indiana counties.

Security remains a priority for homeowners

Do not let incomplete data lead to a false sense of security. Implementing standard safety measures like motion lights and secure locks is always a wise investment for your home.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Fountain County

via HealthByCounty

Fountain falls short of U.S. health average

At 73.8 years, Fountain County residents live 1 year shorter than the U.S. average of 74.8 years. With 17.6% in poor or fair health—slightly above the national average—Fountain reflects common rural health struggles.

Below Indiana average but manageable gap

Fountain's 73.8-year life expectancy falls 1.3 years below Indiana's 75.1-year state average. At 17.6% in poor/fair health, the county runs slightly above the state benchmark, indicating mild but present population-level health challenges.

Struggling more than most regional peers

Fountain's 73.8-year life expectancy ranks among the lower in its region, trailing Dubois (77.8) by 4 years and Franklin (76.6) by 2.8 years. The county's modest health outcomes suggest structural healthcare access or economic barriers at play.

Scarce primary care, limited specialists

Fountain County has just 24 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in its region—paired with 108 mental health providers per 100,000. At 7.8% uninsured, coverage rates are reasonable, but the real challenge is provider shortage limiting where residents can go for care.

Secure coverage to access scarce care

With Fountain's limited primary care providers, having insurance is critical to navigate referrals and specialist networks. Ensure you're covered by visiting healthcare.gov or contacting your local health department—having a strong insurance plan helps you access care in underserved areas.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Fountain County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Town Education in Fountain County

Fountain County serves 2,419 students through a small network of eight public schools. This infrastructure is split among three districts and includes three elementary schools and four high schools.

Commitment to Education and Fair Results

The county's 90.5% graduation rate beats the national average of 87% but trails the state average slightly. Local districts invest $6,047 per pupil, which is notably higher than the state's average spending of $5,507.

Spotlight on Southeast Fountain School Corp

Southeast Fountain School Corporation is the largest of the three districts, educating 989 students. The county focuses entirely on traditional public schooling, with no charter schools currently in operation.

Intimate Rural and Town Classrooms

Schools are split evenly between town and rural locales, with a very small average school size of just 302 students. Fountain Central High School is the county's largest school, yet it only enrolls 506 students.

A Quiet Educational Setting for Your Family

Fountain County is ideal for families seeking small school sizes and personalized attention. Look for homes in this area to benefit from a community-focused educational environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fountain County

via RiskByCounty

Fountain County: Indiana's Safest Region

Fountain County's composite risk score of 21.25 is the lowest among Indiana counties and far below the national average, placing it in the Very Low category. Residents enjoy exceptional protection from natural disaster threats across nearly all hazard types.

Lowest-Risk County in the State

Fountain County ranks as Indiana's safest county by composite risk measure, with no peers scoring lower statewide. Its Very Low rating reflects minimal hazard exposure relative to all other Indiana counties.

Clear Winner in Regional Safety

Fountain's score of 21.25 sits far below all nearby counties, including DeKalb (41.32), Fayette (33.49), and Franklin (34.22), making it the safest community in west-central Indiana. Its advantage over neighboring counties is substantial.

Even Top Risks Remain Minimal Here

Tornado risk at 36.90 is Fountain's highest hazard concern but still ranks well below state and national averages. Earthquake risk at 54.68 and flood risk at 21.06 are secondary worries with minimal expected impact.

Basic Coverage Meets Needs Adequately

Fountain County residents can confidently rely on standard homeowners insurance with basic wind and hail coverage as their primary protection. Additional specialized coverage remains optional given the county's exceptionally low disaster risk profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fountain County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temperatures in the Heart of the Midwest

Fountain County’s average annual temperature of 50.8°F is exactly three degrees cooler than the national median. The area experiences a classic continental climate with distinct seasonal transitions and moderate precipitation levels.

Slightly Cooler than the Indiana Average

The county's 50.8°F annual average trails the state mean of 52.2°F by over a degree. Precipitation is also slightly below the state norm, with 40.1 inches compared to Indiana's average of 43.9 inches.

Balancing the North and South Trends

Fountain sits in a middle ground, receiving 23.3 inches of snow, which is much more than Dubois but far less than Elkhart. It faces 16 extreme heat days, offering a milder summer experience than its southern state neighbors.

Warm Summer Days and Consistent Winter Frost

Summer averages a pleasant 71.8°F, though residents should expect about two weeks of temperatures exceeding 90°F. Winters are cold and consistent, with a January average of 24.4°F and nearly two feet of annual snowfall.

Versatile Wardrobes and Home Insulation Needed

The 50-degree temperature swing between winter and summer requires robust home insulation and dual-purpose HVAC systems. Outdoor planning should account for the 23.3 inches of snow that typically falls between December and March.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fountain County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in the Wabash Valley

Fountain County soils feature a pH of 6.41, nearly identical to the national median of 6.5. This is significantly less acidic than the state average of 6.08. This neutral chemistry contributes to a strong soil score of 79.5 and supports a wide range of plant life.

Silty Texture with Moderate Sand

The soil contains 56.2% silt and 25.3% sand, rounded out by 17.7% clay. This creates a versatile texture that balances the moisture-holding power of silt with the drainage benefits of sand. It is a productive mix that resists the extreme compaction seen in clay-heavy counties.

Solid Water Storage and Moderate Matter

Available water capacity is 0.207 in/in, slightly higher than the Indiana average. Organic matter stands at 3.13%, which is above the national average of 2.0% but lower than the state's 4.90%. These figures indicate a resilient soil that holds moisture well through the summer.

Managing the Water Table

Specific drainage classifications are not provided, but the silt-sand blend typically offers reliable permeability. With more silt than sand, the soil will retain water long enough for plants to use it without becoming immediately saturated. This balance is key for the county's diverse agricultural landscape.

Versatile Gardening in Zone 6a

Fountain County's neutral pH and good water capacity make it a gardener's dream in zone 6a. You can grow everything from standard row crops to sensitive flowering perennials with ease. The soil's natural balance means you spend less time correcting the pH and more time harvesting.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fountain County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growing in Fountain County

Fountain County earns a solid 74.0 lawn score, making it easier to manage than the state average. Its Zone 6a location provides the classic Midwestern seasons that cool-season grasses thrive in.

Balanced Rain and Growth

Annual precipitation of 40.1 inches and 16 extreme heat days create a predictable growing environment. The 3,249 growing degree days ensure steady growth throughout the spring and fall seasons.

Optimized Soil for Better Nutrition

A soil pH of 6.41 is in the sweet spot for grass health, ensuring your fertilizer works effectively. The 17.7% clay content helps the soil hold on to nutrients while maintaining a workable texture.

Serious Drought Vulnerability

The county is currently 100% in severe drought after enduring 35 weeks of drought over the past year. Use smart irrigation and consider drought-tolerant cultivars to help your lawn survive these extended dry periods.

Timing for a Strong Foundation

Plant your lawn between the April 22nd last frost and the October 17th first frost for the best results. Kentucky Bluegrass and Turf-Type Tall Fescue are reliable performers for Fountain County residents.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fountain County's county score?
Fountain County, Indiana has a composite county score of 62 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 Fountain County rank among counties in Indiana?
Fountain County ranks #27 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 Fountain County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Fountain County is $820, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Fountain County a tax score of 72.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fountain County?
The median household income in Fountain County, Indiana is $62,526 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fountain County earns an income score of 46.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fountain County, Indiana a good place to live?
Fountain County scores 62/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Fountain 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 Fountain 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.