CountyScore

Fountain County

Indiana · IN

#19 in Indiana
74.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Fountain County, Indiana

Fountain Ranks Above National Median

Fountain County's composite score of 74.4 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking in approximately the 49th percentile nationally. This strong showing reflects exceptional tax efficiency and consistent affordability across multiple dimensions.

Above Indiana Average

At 74.4, Fountain County ranks above Indiana's state average of 71.2, placing it among the state's stronger-performing counties. The margin reflects particularly competitive tax and cost scores that outpace most peer Indiana counties.

Lowest Tax Burden in Sample

Fountain County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this sample at 0.616%, supported by a tax score of 85.0. The cost score of 81.1 keeps housing accessible with a median home value of $133,200 and monthly rent of just $837.

Modest Incomes Limit Growth Potential

Fountain's income score of 24.2 reflects a median household income of $62,526, below what the county's strong tax and cost advantages might suggest. A risk score of 78.8—the highest in this sample—warrants investigation, while school, safety, and water data remain limited.

Ideal for Tax-Conscious Savers

Fountain County perfectly suits retirees, remote workers, and households with non-local income seeking to minimize taxes and maximize savings. The exceptional tax efficiency combined with low housing costs makes it ideal for those prioritizing financial preservation over wage-earning potential.

Score breakdown

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

Tax85Cost81.1SafetyComing SoonHealth70SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.2Risk78.8WaterComing Soon
🏛85
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡78.8
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 Fountain County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Searcy County
Arkansas
74.4
Median income: $41,978
Carroll County
Indiana
74.4
Median income: $64,003
Jasper County
Indiana
74.4
Median income: $79,634
Perry County
Indiana
74.4
Median income: $61,099
Lyon County
Kentucky
74.4
Median income: $64,464

Deep Dives

Fountain County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.