countyscore
64.4
County Score
Safety 93.1Property Tax 84.4Disaster Risk 79.8

County Report Card

About Fulton County, Indiana

Fulton County Outpaces the National Median

Fulton County earns a strong composite score of 64.4, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high overall quality of life relative to the rest of the country. Residents benefit from a blend of affordability and security that places the county in the top tier of national rankings.

A Top Performer in the Hoosier State

With a composite score of 64.4, Fulton County significantly outperforms the Indiana state average of 55.9. It stands out as one of the more desirable locations in Northern Indiana for balanced living. This performance highlights the county's ability to maintain high standards across multiple livability metrics.

Exceptional Safety and Low Tax Burdens

The county boasts an elite safety score of 93.1, making it one of the most secure environments in the region. Fiscal policy is another major advantage, with a tax score of 84.4 supported by a low effective tax rate of 0.514%. These factors provide residents with peace of mind and significant financial flexibility.

Opportunities for Health and Income Growth

While safe and affordable, the county faces a health score of 41.1 and an income score of 47.8. The median household income sits at $62,878, which is lower than some neighboring metropolitan areas. Investing in local healthcare access and economic diversification could help elevate these specific dimensions.

Ideal for Safety-Conscious, Budget-Minded Families

Fulton County is a premier choice for those prioritizing low crime and minimal tax burdens. The low median home value of $144,700 makes it highly accessible for first-time buyers. It is best suited for families looking for a quiet, fiscally conservative community.

Score breakdown

Tax84.4Cost54.1Safety93.1Health41.1Schools48.4Income47.8Risk79.8Water53.2Weather55.8
🏛84.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠54.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼47.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡93.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡79.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧53.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.2
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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Nearby counties

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62.9
Cass County
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51.3
Wabash County
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61.2
Marshall County
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Kosciusko County
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Pulaski County
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Deep Dives

Fulton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Fulton County

via TaxByCounty

Fulton's tax rate far below national median

At 0.514%, Fulton County's effective property tax rate ranks in the lowest 10% nationally—less than one-fifth the national median of 0.671%. Homeowners here pay $744 annually on a median home valued at $144,700, compared to the national median tax bill of $2,690.

Lowest-taxed county in Indiana

Fulton County has Indiana's lowest effective tax rate at 0.514%, significantly below the state average of 0.671%. This means Fulton homeowners pay roughly $455 less per year than the state median of $1,199.

Exceptional savings versus nearby counties

Fulton's 0.514% rate beats all surrounding counties, including Grant County (0.681%) and Greene County (0.689%). A homeowner with Fulton's median home value would save over $250 annually compared to living just across the county line.

What Fulton homeowners actually pay

The typical Fulton County home valued at $144,700 generates an annual property tax bill of $744. With mortgage interest, that figure rises to $922, but remains among Indiana's lowest tax burdens.

Check your assessment—savings are possible

Even in low-tax Fulton County, many homeowners are overassessed relative to their home's market value. Filing a property tax appeal could lower your assessment and reduce your annual bill further—a painless way to protect your equity.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fulton County

via CostByCounty

Fulton's rent crunch exceeds US norms

Fulton County renters spend 16.4% of their income on rent, slightly above the national trend but within reasonable bounds. With a median household income of $62,878—about 16% below the national average of $74,755—residents here feel the squeeze more acutely than raw percentages suggest.

Above Indiana's affordability line

Fulton's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% places it above Indiana's state average of 15.6%, though not dramatically. The county's median rent of $861 falls slightly below the state average of $883, suggesting modest housing costs offset by lower-than-average incomes.

Mid-range among rural Indiana peers

Fulton's $861 rent sits between Greene County ($788) and Gibson County ($914), anchoring it in the affordability middle of rural north-central Indiana. Home buyers face median costs of $762/month—competitive with nearby counties but for properties worth just $144,700.

Where Fulton's housing dollars go

Renters dedicate $861 monthly while homeowners pay $762—making ownership slightly cheaper than renting for those who can access mortgages. Combined with a $62,878 median income, housing consumes nearly one-sixth of household budgets, leaving modest room for other expenses.

Budget-conscious buyers, take note

Fulton offers below-state-average rents and sub-$150,000 median home values for buyers willing to accept rural living and lower average incomes. Compare these numbers against Greene County's slightly cheaper rents or Hamilton County's higher-income stability to find your fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fulton County

via IncomeByCounty

Fulton lags behind national income

Fulton County's median household income of $62,878 falls $11,877 below the national median of $74,755. This 16% gap reflects economic challenges many rural Indiana counties face compared to more prosperous metros nationwide.

Below average among Indiana counties

At $62,878, Fulton's median household income ranks below Indiana's state average of $68,681 by $5,803. The county ranks in the lower half of Indiana's 92 counties for household earning power.

Regional income competition is tight

Fulton's $62,878 sits between Greene County ($59,753) and Gibson County ($67,763), placing it squarely in the middle of this rural cluster. All three counties struggle to match statewide income averages.

Housing costs remain manageable here

Fulton's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio means housing consumes just over one-sixth of typical household earnings, staying below the 30% affordability threshold. A median home value of $144,700 remains accessible on a $62,878 median income.

Build your financial foundation now

With lower income but reasonable housing costs, Fulton households have room to prioritize savings and retirement planning. Starting early with automatic contributions to 401(k)s and IRAs compounds advantage over time, especially for younger workers.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fulton County

via CrimeByCounty

Fulton County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Fulton County reports a total crime rate of just 88.2 per 100,000 residents, a stark contrast to the national average of 2,385.5. This exceptional data earns the county a safety score of 99.9 out of 100.

Outperforming the Indiana Safety Average

With a safety score of 99.9, Fulton County significantly exceeds the Indiana state average of 98.9. Local reporting agencies maintain one of the most secure environments for residents in the state.

Lower Crime Rates Than Regional Neighbors

Fulton's crime rate of 88.2 is remarkably lower than neighboring Gibson County, which sits at 469.6. The county provides a level of security that remains rare even for rural Indiana.

Minimal Violent Crime Levels Reported

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 4.9 per 100,000, while property crime accounts for 83.3. Both figures represent a small fraction of the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Stay Vigilant in a Safe Community

While crime is low, maintaining home security helps keep these numbers down for the long term. Simple measures like motion-sensor lighting provide effective deterrence against opportunistic property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Fulton County

via HealthByCounty

Fulton's life expectancy lags the nation

At 73.7 years, Fulton County residents live roughly 5 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. One in five residents report poor or fair health, a rate above national norms, signaling challenges in chronic disease management and preventive care.

Below average health outcomes statewide

Fulton ranks below Indiana's state average of 75.1 years for life expectancy, placing it in the lower half of the state's 92 counties. The county's 20.3% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average, indicating persistent health disparities.

Struggling compared to nearby counties

Neighboring Hancock County residents live 3.5 years longer, and Hamilton County residents live 7 years longer. Fulton's primary care availability at 49 per 100,000 matches the state median, but mental health provider access at 88 per 100,000 falls short of higher-performing neighbors.

Insurance coverage and provider access matter

Fulton's uninsured rate of 9.4% exceeds the state average of 8.4%, leaving roughly 1 in 11 residents without coverage. With 49 primary care providers per 100,000, the county has baseline access, but mental health support remains limited relative to demand.

Getting covered improves health outcomes

Uninsured residents delay preventive care and treatment, worsening long-term health. Explore coverage options through Indiana's health marketplace or Medicaid programs—securing insurance is a critical first step toward closing Fulton's health gap with the rest of the state.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Fulton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Fulton County's Education Infrastructure

Fulton County supports 2,833 students across seven public schools, including four elementary, one middle, and two high schools. Education services are managed by two distinct school districts. The infrastructure focuses on a tight-knit community feel with a localized approach to learning.

High Graduation Rates Outpace State Benchmarks

Fulton County achieves an impressive 96.4% graduation rate, significantly higher than the Indiana average of 92.6% and the national 87% benchmark. Despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,261, the county earns a 53.1 school score, which exceeds both the state and national medians. These metrics suggest the county is delivering efficient, high-impact educational results.

Local Districts Lead the Way

Rochester Community School Corp is the county's largest district, serving 1,613 students across four schools. Caston School Corporation follows with 835 students across two schools. There are currently no charter schools in operation within the county, concentrating enrollment in traditional public districts.

A Small-Town and Rural Learning Environment

The county features four schools in town settings and three in rural areas, with an average school size of 405 students. Rochester Community High School is the largest campus with 610 students, while George M Riddle Elementary maintains a smaller environment with 364 students. This mix offers families a personalized education experience away from crowded urban centers.

Find Your Home Near Top-Performing Schools

With graduation rates near 97%, Fulton County is a prime choice for families prioritizing academic success. Explore homes in Rochester or Caston to benefit from small class sizes and high-performing districts. School quality remains a stable driver of property value in this community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fulton County

via RiskByCounty

Fulton ranks well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 20.20, Fulton County sits in the "Very Low" category—significantly safer than the national average. This score reflects relatively moderate exposure to tornadoes (50.83) and earthquakes (43.70), but minimal flood and wildfire threats.

Indiana's safest county by far

Fulton County's 20.20 score places it well below Indiana's 45.52 state average, making it the lowest-risk county in the state. This 55% lower-than-average risk reflects the county's geographic position and climate patterns.

Safer than neighboring Grant County

Fulton's risk profile is notably safer than adjacent Grant County (69.40), which faces significantly higher tornado and flood exposure. Hancock County to the south (44.02) also carries substantially more risk, especially from tornadoes and flooding.

Tornadoes present the clearest threat

Tornado risk at 50.83 is Fulton's primary natural hazard concern, though still below many Indiana counties. Earthquake risk (43.70) rounds out secondary exposure, but flood and wildfire risks remain minimal across the county.

Focus tornado prep and coverage

Homeowners should prioritize wind and hail coverage as part of comprehensive homeowners insurance. A weather radio and family plan for accessing sturdy shelter during tornado warnings provide essential low-cost protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fulton County

via WeatherByCounty

Colder and Snowier than the National Average

Fulton County averages 50.2°F annually, making it significantly cooler than the 53.8°F national median. The county is characterized by its cold winters and a higher-than-average snowfall for the midwestern United States.

Below Average Temperatures for the State

The county's 50.2°F average temperature puts it two degrees below the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. Precipitation also lags slightly behind the state mark, with 40.8 inches recorded annually.

Heavy Snow Compared to Central Neighbors

Fulton receives 30.1 inches of snow annually, which is notably higher than the 24.5 inches found in nearby Grant County. Its winter temperatures are among the coldest in the region, averaging just 27.5°F.

Short Warm Summers and Long Snowy Winters

Summer heat is limited, with only 13 days a year reaching above 90°F and a July average of 73.0°F. Winter is the dominant season, bringing 30 inches of snow and average January lows near 24.6°F.

Snow Equipment and Winter Home Sealing

With 30.1 inches of snow, a reliable snowblower is a standard necessity for Fulton County residents. Energy efficiency efforts should focus on heating and sealing windows against the cold 27.5°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fulton County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Mollisols define Fulton's loamy landscape

Fulton County features a dominant loam texture within the rich Mollisols taxonomic order. Its average pH of 5.35 sits significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, indicating highly acidic conditions. This acidity suggests a need for lime management to optimize local crop yields.

A sand-heavy mix with unique texture

The soil composition contains 56.2% sand, 20.6% silt, and 8.8% clay. This high sand content provides excellent workability and aeration but typically speeds up nutrient leaching. Fortunately, the massive organic matter content helps counteract the coarse sand grains.

Exceptional organic matter drives growing potential

At 11.68%, Fulton's organic matter is more than double the state average of 4.90%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity of 0.181 in/in falls slightly below the Indiana average of 0.202. This means the soil holds nutrients well but dries out faster than neighboring counties.

Poor drainage requires active water management

The county's soil is classified as poorly drained and falls into hydrologic group B/D. These conditions mean the ground stays saturated for long periods without intervention like tiling or raised beds. Builders and farmers must plan for slow runoff and potential seasonal ponding.

Productive gardening in Hardiness Zone 6a

With a 6a hardiness rating, Fulton is ideal for cool-season vegetables and hardy perennials. The high organic matter provides a fantastic base for heavy feeders like corn and squash. Start your garden today to take advantage of some of the most carbon-rich soil in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fulton County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate maintenance challenges in Fulton County

Fulton County scores a 59.2 on our difficulty scale, making lawn care more challenging than the Indiana average of 71.0. While it is easier than the national median of 50.0, the USDA Hardiness Zone 6a climate requires specific seasonal strategies.

Stable rainfall supports steady turf growth

The county receives 40.8 inches of annual precipitation, which aligns well with the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. With 3,097 growing degree days and only 13 extreme heat days, cool-season grasses generally avoid the severe summer stress seen in southern Indiana.

Acidic loamy soil needs significant adjustment

Local soil features a pH of 5.35, which is notably lower than the 6.0-7.0 ideal for healthy turf. This loamy soil is poorly drained despite a 56.2% sand content, requiring lime applications and aeration to improve nutrient uptake and drainage.

Extended dry periods threaten lawn health

The county endured 39 weeks of drought over the past year, and the entire area currently experiences abnormally dry conditions. To combat these spells, homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to encourage deep root systems.

Timing your seeding for success

Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue are the best fits for this Zone 6a climate. Aim to seed after the last frost on April 23 or in late summer before the first frost arrives on October 21.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fulton County's county score?
Fulton County, Indiana has a composite county score of 64.4 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 Fulton County rank among counties in Indiana?
Fulton County ranks #16 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 Fulton County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Fulton County is $744, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Fulton County a tax score of 84.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fulton County?
The median household income in Fulton County, Indiana is $62,878 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fulton County earns an income score of 47.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fulton County, Indiana a good place to live?
Fulton County scores 64.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Fulton 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 Fulton 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.