countyscore
55.9
County Score
Safety 80.1Soil Quality 71.4Lawn Care 68

County Report Card

About Gibson County, Indiana

Gibson County Leads National Standards

Gibson County posts a composite score of 55.9, placing it several points above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a stable environment where residents enjoy a quality of life that exceeds the typical American experience. The county maintains a competitive edge in both economic and safety categories.

Matching the Indiana State Average

Gibson County's composite score of 55.9 perfectly matches the Indiana state average. This indicates the county is a reliable representative of the state's overall livability profile. It offers a balanced lifestyle that mirrors the broader economic and social trends found throughout Indiana.

Strong Safety and Reliable Incomes

Safety is a hallmark of the area, reflected in an impressive safety score of 80.1. The county also features a robust income score of 61.0, supported by a median household income of $67,763. This combination creates a stable environment for working professionals and growing families.

Addressing Water and School Infrastructure

The county's lowest marks appear in the water score of 34.1 and the school score of 39.5. These numbers suggest that local infrastructure and educational resources have room for targeted improvements. Enhancing these public services would likely boost the county's overall livability ranking in the future.

A Solid Choice for Stable Families

Gibson County is an excellent fit for those seeking a safe environment and a steady job market. With a median rent of $914, it remains affordable for those earning the local median income. It suits residents who value community safety and economic reliability over high-end amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax59.8Cost42.6Safety80.1Health58.1Schools39.5Income61Risk52Water34.1Weather54.6
🏛59.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠42.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼61
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤58.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓39.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡52
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧34.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨71.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68
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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Deep Dives

Gibson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gibson County

via TaxByCounty

Gibson taxes well above national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gibson County

via CostByCounty

Gibson keeps pace with national affordability

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gibson County

via IncomeByCounty

Gibson sits below the national line

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gibson County

via CrimeByCounty

Gibson County Maintains Strong Safety Scores

Gibson County features a total crime rate of 469.6 per 100,000 people, significantly beating the national average of 2,385.5. These low figures result in a high safety score of 99.3.

Ahead of the State Average Curve

The county's safety score of 99.3 sits comfortably above the Indiana state average of 98.9. Three reporting agencies coordinate to keep crime levels well below typical state benchmarks.

Competitive Safety Rates Compared to Peers

Gibson County's crime rate of 469.6 is much lower than Harrison County's 665.2. Residents enjoy a more secure profile than many other southern Indiana communities.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

The property crime rate stands at 369.6, while violent crime is reported at 100.0 per 100,000 residents. Gibson’s violent crime rate remains less than one-third of the national average of 369.8.

Proactive Security for Gibson Residents

Most local incidents involve property, making secure locks and alarm systems vital. Smart home technology helps residents monitor their property and maintain the county's high safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Gibson County

via HealthByCounty

Gibson outpaces nation on life expectancy

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Gibson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Gibson County’s Broad School Network

Gibson County manages 13 public schools, including eight elementary, two middle, and three high schools. Total enrollment reaches 4,731 students across three separate school districts. This structure provides a comprehensive educational framework for both rural and town residents.

Competitive Performance and Spending

The county reports a 92.5% graduation rate, nearly matching the Indiana average and beating the national 87% rate. With a per-pupil expenditure of $5,625, Gibson County invests more per student than the state average of $5,507. A school score of 51.9 places the county slightly above the state average of 51.7.

Three Districts Serving the Region

South Gibson School Corporation leads the county with 2,110 students, followed closely by North Gibson with 1,900. East Gibson School Corporation serves a smaller population of 721 students across five schools. The county operates entirely through traditional public schools with no charter options available.

Predominantly Rural Academic Settings

Gibson County schools are mostly rural, with 10 campuses located in the countryside and three in town centers. The average school size is 364 students, ranging from Gibson Southern High School's 726 students to smaller elementary campuses. This environment fosters a community-centric atmosphere for growing families.

Settling in a High-Investment School District

Families looking for strong per-pupil investment and reliable graduation rates should consider Gibson County. The blend of rural landscapes and town-based schools offers diverse living options near quality education. Use district performance as your guide when searching for your next home here.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gibson County

via RiskByCounty

Gibson sits just above national average

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gibson County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Wetter than the National Median

Gibson County averages 55.0°F annually, making it warmer than the national median of 53.8°F. This southern Indiana county also receives a high 49.8 inches of rain, making it much more humid than many U.S. regions.

One of the Warmest Counties in Indiana

Gibson County is significantly warmer than the state average, recording 55.0°F against Indiana's 52.2°F. It also exceeds the state average for precipitation by nearly six inches per year.

The Peak of Southern Indiana Heat

Gibson records 38 days of extreme heat annually, the highest in this group and nearly triple the heat seen in Elkhart. It also sees the least snow in the region, with only 12.2 inches compared to northern neighbors.

Sultry Summers and Mild Mid-Western Winters

The July average reaches a high 77.0°F, driven by over five weeks of temperatures at or above 90°F. Winters are the mildest in the area, with a January average of 30.4°F and very little snow accumulation.

Prioritize Cooling and Storm Water Drainage

Homeowners must plan for intense 38-day heatwaves by maintaining powerful air conditioning systems. The 49.8 inches of annual rain also requires excellent yard drainage and sump pump reliability.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gibson County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH levels in Southwest Indiana

Gibson County maintains an average pH of 6.33, placing it very close to the national median of 6.5. While detailed taxonomic order data is unavailable, the chemical profile suggests a stable environment for diverse plant life. This near-neutrality is more favorable for nutrient uptake than the state average of 6.08.

Silt-dominant soils provide a smooth base

The local soil consists of 58.6% silt, 23.3% sand, and 17.4% clay. This silt-heavy profile creates a floury texture that retains moisture and nutrients effectively. It offers a moderate balance between the drainage of sand and the storage capacity of clay.

Steady water capacity despite lower organic matter

Organic matter sits at 2.61%, which is below the Indiana average of 4.90% but above the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.199 in/in almost matches the state average of 0.202. This consistency ensures reliable hydration for crops during dry spells.

Reliable water storage for local agriculture

While specific drainage classes are not recorded here, the silt-heavy composition suggests moderate permeability. The soil score of 71.4 exactly matches the state average, indicating standard Indiana agricultural utility. Local growers benefit from a predictable, though not elite, hydrological environment.

Mild winters favor Zone 6b harvests

Gibson County sits in hardiness zone 6b, allowing for a slightly longer growing season than northern neighbors. Melons, tomatoes, and stone fruits thrive in this silt-rich environment. Use the balanced pH to your advantage by planting a diverse backyard orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gibson County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the heat in southern Indiana

Gibson County earns a 68.0 lawn difficulty score, placing it just below the Indiana state average of 71.0. Situated in Hardiness Zone 6b, the area offers a slightly longer growing season than northern Indiana counties.

High precipitation meets intense summer heat

Annual precipitation reaches 49.8 inches, nearly touching the upper limit of the ideal range for turf. However, 38 extreme heat days per year—nearly double the state average—can quickly brown out cool-season grasses without extra care.

Solid chemical foundation for turf growth

The soil pH sits at a healthy 6.33, falling perfectly within the 6.0-7.0 range for optimal grass health. While specific drainage data is limited, the mix of 17.4% clay and 23.3% sand provides a stable base for root development.

Managing humidity and short-term dry spells

The county faced nine weeks of drought last year, and currently, 100% of the area is abnormally dry. Focus on moisture retention by keeping grass taller during heat waves to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Tough grass types for Gibson County

Heat-tolerant Tall Fescue is the top recommendation for this 6b climate to handle the 38 annual 90-degree days. Plan your major projects after the April 13 frost date to take full advantage of the spring growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gibson County's county score?
Gibson County, Indiana has a composite county score of 55.9 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 Gibson County rank among counties in Indiana?
Gibson County ranks #55 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 Gibson County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Gibson County is $1,244, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Gibson County a tax score of 59.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gibson County?
The median household income in Gibson County, Indiana is $67,763 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gibson County earns an income score of 61/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gibson County, Indiana a good place to live?
Gibson County scores 55.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Gibson 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 Gibson 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.