Fulton County's composite score of 74.2 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This 48% advantage over the national baseline reflects stronger-than-average affordability and tax conditions.
2 / 5
Above average for Indiana
Fulton ranks above Indiana's state average of 71.2, holding its own among the state's 92 counties. This solid performance reflects consistent strength across multiple livability dimensions.
3 / 5
Tax and housing affordability shine
Fulton excels with an exceptional tax score of 87.8 and an effective rate of just 0.514%—among the lowest in the state. Housing remains deeply affordable, with a median home value of $144,700 and median rent under $900/month, making it ideal for budget-conscious families.
4 / 5
Income growth lags behind
The county's income score of 24.4 signals that median household earnings of $62,878 fall below state and national trends. School and safety data remain unavailable, limiting our full picture of family-friendly amenities.
5 / 5
Best for cost-conscious families
Fulton County suits retirees, first-time homebuyers, and families prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes. Its combination of tax relief and housing accessibility makes it a solid choice for those seeking rural Indiana livability without breaking the bank.
Fulton County's composite score of 74.2 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This 48% advantage over the national baseline reflects stronger-than-average affordability and tax conditions.
Above average for Indiana
Fulton ranks above Indiana's state average of 71.2, holding its own among the state's 92 counties. This solid performance reflects consistent strength across multiple livability dimensions.
Tax and housing affordability shine
Fulton excels with an exceptional tax score of 87.8 and an effective rate of just 0.514%—among the lowest in the state. Housing remains deeply affordable, with a median home value of $144,700 and median rent under $900/month, making it ideal for budget-conscious families.
Income growth lags behind
The county's income score of 24.4 signals that median household earnings of $62,878 fall below state and national trends. School and safety data remain unavailable, limiting our full picture of family-friendly amenities.
Best for cost-conscious families
Fulton County suits retirees, first-time homebuyers, and families prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes. Its combination of tax relief and housing accessibility makes it a solid choice for those seeking rural Indiana livability without breaking the bank.
Score breakdown
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🏛87.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.