Gibson County's score of 70.8 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, demonstrating above-average livability across major dimensions. This 42% premium reflects stable housing costs and reasonable tax burdens compared to most U.S. counties.
2 / 5
Slightly below Indiana average
At 70.8, Gibson falls just short of Indiana's 71.2 state average, placing it in the middle tier of the state's counties. It remains competitive but faces mild headwinds from risk and income factors.
3 / 5
Affordable living and solid health
Gibson offers a cost score of 78.8 with median homes at $170,500 and rent near $914/month, ensuring broad housing accessibility. The health score of 70.1 signals relatively strong community wellness indicators.
4 / 5
Income and risk concerns emerge
Despite a median household income of $67,763, the income score of 27.6 reflects earnings below state norms. The risk score of 52.0 also suggests moderate vulnerability to economic or environmental pressures.
5 / 5
Ideal for stability-seeking households
Gibson County appeals to families valuing health services and affordability in a stable, lower-income community. It works best for those who don't require high earning potential and prefer a quieter, established neighborhood feel.
Gibson County's score of 70.8 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, demonstrating above-average livability across major dimensions. This 42% premium reflects stable housing costs and reasonable tax burdens compared to most U.S. counties.
Slightly below Indiana average
At 70.8, Gibson falls just short of Indiana's 71.2 state average, placing it in the middle tier of the state's counties. It remains competitive but faces mild headwinds from risk and income factors.
Affordable living and solid health
Gibson offers a cost score of 78.8 with median homes at $170,500 and rent near $914/month, ensuring broad housing accessibility. The health score of 70.1 signals relatively strong community wellness indicators.
Income and risk concerns emerge
Despite a median household income of $67,763, the income score of 27.6 reflects earnings below state norms. The risk score of 52.0 also suggests moderate vulnerability to economic or environmental pressures.
Ideal for stability-seeking households
Gibson County appeals to families valuing health services and affordability in a stable, lower-income community. It works best for those who don't require high earning potential and prefer a quieter, established neighborhood feel.
Score breakdown
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🏛81.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Gibson County's effective tax rate of 0.730% exceeds the national median, placing it in the top 35% of U.S. counties. At $1,244 per year on a median home of $170,500, Gibson homeowners pay less than half the national median tax of $2,690, but significantly more than most Indiana peers.
Gibson ranks above state average in taxes
With an effective rate of 0.730%, Gibson County sits above Indiana's average of 0.671%, ranking in the upper third statewide. The median tax bill of $1,244 exceeds the state median of $1,199 by about $45 annually.
Higher taxes than most surrounding counties
Gibson's 0.730% rate ranks higher than Grant County (0.681%), Greene County (0.689%), and Harrison County (0.545%). A Gibson homeowner pays roughly $150–400 more per year than those in neighboring low-tax counties.
What Gibson homeowners pay annually
The typical Gibson County home valued at $170,500 generates a property tax bill of $1,244 per year. With mortgage-related additions, that rises to $1,311, representing a modest tax burden on a modest home.
Appeal your assessment and reduce taxes
Many Gibson County homeowners are overassessed relative to comparable sales in their neighborhood. A property tax appeal can adjust your assessment downward, putting hundreds of dollars back in your pocket over time.
Gibson County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% sits just above the national standard, with renters paying $914 monthly on a $67,763 median income. This performance is nearly 10% better than the national average household income, suggesting residents have managed modest affordability gains.
Slightly strained on Indiana's scale
At 16.2%, Gibson's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Indiana's 15.6% state average, placing it in the less-affordable tier statewide. The county's median rent of $914 also runs above the state mean of $883, indicating moderately tighter housing markets than most Indiana peers.
Higher rents, stronger incomes nearby
Gibson County's $914 rent is the highest among its rural northwestern Indiana neighbors, though paired with a stronger median income ($67,763) than Fulton County ($62,878). Homeowners benefit from median property values of $170,500—a step up in equity versus nearby counties.
Gibson's housing cost structure
Renters allocate $914 monthly while homeowners commit $863, making Gibson's homeownership option nearly equivalent in monthly cost. At $67,763 annual income, housing claims roughly 16% of household budgets for renters—manageable but not generous.
Mid-range Indiana living awaits
Gibson County offers a sweet spot for families seeking moderate incomes, slightly elevated rents, and solid home values in quiet rural surroundings. Cross-reference against Hancock County's higher incomes or Grant County's cheaper baseline if you're weighing relocation options.
Gibson County's median household income of $67,763 trails the national median of $74,755 by $6,992, a 9% shortfall. The county ranks outside the top tier of U.S. counties by household earnings.
Slightly below Indiana's average income
Gibson's $67,763 falls just under Indiana's $68,681 state average, placing it near the 50th percentile statewide. The county performs slightly worse than its peers across the state.
Competitive with nearby rural counties
Gibson's $67,763 median income edges out Fulton County ($62,878) but trails Harrison County ($72,468) in this southwest Indiana cluster. Regional variation suggests different employment bases and economic structures.
Housing is affordable and stable
A 16.2% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs well below the 30% affordability benchmark for Gibson households. The $170,500 median home value pairs reasonably with the $67,763 median income.
Modest income grows through planning
Gibson families with stable housing costs should redirect savings toward investment accounts and skill-building that increases earning potential. Even small monthly contributions to index funds or employer match programs accelerate wealth accumulation.
Gibson County residents live to 76.3 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 78.9 years by more than 2.5 years. However, one in five residents still report poor or fair health, suggesting that gains in longevity haven't fully translated to daily health quality.
Above-average longevity within Indiana
At 76.3 years, Gibson County's life expectancy exceeds Indiana's 75.1-year state average, placing it in the upper-middle tier of counties. Despite this advantage, the 21% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's higher rates, indicating room for improvement.
Mixed results among similar-sized neighbors
Gibson's 76.3-year life expectancy ranks between Grant County's 70.8 and Hancock County's 77.2, showing modest regional variation. The county's primary care capacity at 40 per 100,000 trails neighboring Harrison County at 48, suggesting potential access constraints.
Low uninsured rate, but thin provider network
Gibson's 6.7% uninsured rate is well below the state average of 8.4%, indicating solid insurance coverage. However, the county offers just 40 primary care providers and 46 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest in the region—creating potential wait times and travel burdens.
Most Gibson residents have coverage
With 93% of residents insured, Gibson has done well on enrollment. The next priority is improving access to quality care—work with local health leaders to advocate for expanded provider capacity in the community.
With a composite risk score of 48.00, Gibson County earns a "Relatively Low" rating and sits modestly above the national average. The county faces notable earthquake exposure (88.45) that elevates its overall score despite lower flood and wildfire threats.
Middling risk by Indiana standards
Gibson's 48.00 score runs slightly above Indiana's 45.52 state average, placing it in the moderate range of state counties. The earthquake risk of 88.45 is notably high—among the state's most significant seismic exposure.
More exposed than Greene County west
Gibson County's risk (48.00) exceeds nearby Greene County's 42.49, driven largely by substantially higher earthquake exposure (88.45 vs. 75.35). Both counties face similar flood and tornado risks, but Gibson's seismic profile sets it apart.
Earthquakes dominate Gibson's hazard profile
Earthquake risk at 88.45 makes Gibson one of Indiana's most seismically exposed counties, far exceeding the state average. Flooding (36.93) and tornadoes (38.74) pose secondary but meaningful threats, particularly in low-lying areas.
Secure homes for seismic and flood risk
Homeowners should ensure earthquake coverage through specialized policies, as standard homeowners insurance excludes seismic damage. Flood insurance is also essential for properties in flood-prone zones, and securing heavy furniture and appliances protects against earthquake damage.