55.2
County Score
Lawn Care 75.4Soil Quality 69.4Water Quality 66.2

County Report Card

About Greene County, Indiana

Greene County Surpasses National Median

Greene County earns a composite score of 55.2, which is higher than the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is better than roughly half of the counties in the United States. Its strong performance is driven by a mix of natural resources and low living costs.

Aligning with Indiana Standards

The county's composite score of 55.2 is nearly identical to the Indiana state average of 55.9. It represents the quintessential Indiana rural-suburban experience, balancing affordability with steady community growth. This consistency makes it a reliable choice for residents seeking a traditional Hoosier lifestyle.

Superior Resource Quality and Affordability

A standout water score of 66.2 and a cost score of 64.6 define the county's primary strengths. Residents benefit from a low median home value of $129,900 and a tax score of 64.3. These metrics highlight a community that manages its natural and financial resources effectively.

Focusing on Income and Health Outcomes

The county sees lower performance in its income score of 38.2 and health score of 44.6. The median household income of $59,753 suggests a need for more high-wage employment opportunities. Strengthening local healthcare infrastructure would also help close the gap with state-wide health averages.

A Haven for Affordable Rural Living

Greene County is perfect for people who want low housing costs and high-quality environmental factors. Its low entry price for homeownership makes it a hidden gem for those working remotely or in nearby hubs. It suits residents who value a quiet life with minimal financial stress.

Score breakdown

Tax64.3Cost64.6Safety54.6Health44.6Schools46.5Income38.2Risk57.5Water66.2Weather62.9
🏛64.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠64.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼38.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡54.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
44.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓46.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
57.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧66.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤62.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨69.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱75.4
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

Greene County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Greene County

via TaxByCounty

Greene's taxes rank low on national scale

Greene County's effective tax rate of 0.689% places it in the bottom 30% nationally, offering significant tax savings compared to U.S. averages. With an annual bill of $895 on a median home of $129,900, Greene homeowners pay just one-third the national median tax of $2,690.

Slightly above state average but still reasonable

Greene County's 0.689% effective rate sits modestly above Indiana's average of 0.671%, placing it in the middle tier statewide. The median tax of $895 runs about $300 below Indiana's median of $1,199.

Mid-range taxes among central Indiana peers

Greene County's 0.689% rate sits between Grant County (0.681%) and Gibson County (0.730%), offering middle-ground tax positioning. The $895 annual bill is competitive with nearby counties on modest-value homes.

What the typical Greene home costs in taxes

A Greene County home valued at $129,900 carries an annual property tax bill of $895. With mortgage-related additions, homeowners see their effective annual tax cost rise to roughly $1,041.

Challenge your assessment for potential savings

Many Greene County homeowners discover their properties are assessed above fair market value. Submitting a property tax appeal can correct overvalued assessments and save you money every year you own your home.

Cost of Living in Greene County

via CostByCounty

Greene keeps housing manageable

Greene County renters spend just 15.8% of income on rent—below the state average and competitive nationally—despite earning $59,753, about 20% less than the U.S. median. At $788 monthly, Greene offers some of Indiana's cheapest rents without sacrificing rural livability.

Indiana's affordability sweet spot

Greene's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio edges just above Indiana's 15.6% average, placing it among the state's most balanced housing markets. The median rent of $788 is the second-lowest in this group, undercutting the state average by $95 monthly.

Best value in south-central Indiana

Greene's $788 rent and $129,900 median home value offer solid value against nearby counties, trailing only Grant in rental pricing while maintaining stronger incomes ($59,753 vs. Grant's $54,007). The combination makes Greene attractive for budget-conscious households seeking rural stability.

Greene's balanced housing equation

Renters allocate $788 monthly while homeowners pay $742—making ownership the more affordable path and freeing roughly 15% of the $59,753 median income for non-housing needs. This leaves Greene residents among the most balanced in the analysis.

Rural Indiana's underrated gem

Greene County delivers rare affordability: low rents, achievable home prices, and reasonable income-to-housing ratios in a quiet, rural setting. If you're weighing south-central Indiana options, Greene's fundamentals outpace Grant County's lower absolute costs and match or beat nearby alternatives.

Income & Jobs in Greene County

via IncomeByCounty

Greene lags but outpaces slowest peers

Greene County's median household income of $59,753 falls $15,002 short of the $74,755 national median—a 20% deficit. The county ranks below national income averages but above the most economically challenged regions.

Below state average but stable

At $59,753, Greene trails Indiana's $68,681 state average by $8,928, placing it in the lower-income half of the state's 92 counties. The income level reflects Greene's reliance on older manufacturing and agricultural bases.

Middle ground in rural Indiana cluster

Greene's $59,753 sits between Grant County ($54,007) and Fulton County ($62,878) in this south-central region. The modest income differences across these three counties suggest similar economic pressures and opportunities.

Housing remains within reach

Greene's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among these eight counties, providing comfortable housing affordability. The $129,900 median home value sits well-matched to household earning power.

Smart saving on moderate income

Greene households enjoying the best housing affordability ratio should prioritize consistent savings and emergency funds first. Low housing costs create breathing room for retirement planning and modest investment strategies suited to moderate incomes.

Safety in Greene County

via CrimeByCounty

Greene County Safety Beats National Average

Greene County sees 1,029.2 crimes per 100,000 residents, less than half the national rate of 2,385.5. This performance secures a safety score of 98.4 for the region.

Greene County Nears State Safety Benchmarks

The safety score of 98.4 is just shy of the Indiana state average of 98.9. Six reporting agencies coordinate to maintain order across the county's rural and town settings.

Comparing Greene to Nearby Hamilton

Greene County's crime rate of 1,029.2 is higher than Hamilton County's 807.1. Despite this, it remains safer than many other counties with similar reporting agency counts.

Low Violent Crime Rates Prevail

The violent crime rate is remarkably low at 68.0 per 100,000, while property crime is 961.2. Local violent crime is less than one-fifth of the national average of 369.8.

Securing Property in Greene County

Since property crime is the main driver of local statistics, home security is a smart investment. Simple habits like locking all entry points can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a statistic.

Health in Greene County

via HealthByCounty

Greene trails national health benchmarks

Greene County residents live to 74.1 years, roughly 4.8 years short of the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With one in five reporting poor or fair health, the county shows patterns of chronic disease and limited preventive care similar to rural Indiana counties.

Below Indiana's average in key metrics

At 74.1 years, Greene County's life expectancy falls 1 year below Indiana's 75.1-year state average, placing it in the lower-middle tier of counties. The 20.5% poor/fair health rate exceeds state norms, signaling consistent health challenges.

Health outcomes cluster with similar rural counties

Greene's 74.1-year life expectancy is lower than Hancock County's 77.2 but higher than Grant County's 70.8, reflecting the range within rural Indiana. The county's critical shortage—just 29 primary care providers per 100,000—is the lowest among peer counties, likely driving delayed diagnoses.

Limited providers strain healthcare access

Greene's uninsured rate of 8.4% matches the state average exactly, but the real barrier is provider scarcity—at 29 primary care providers per 100,000, Greene has the fewest in this comparison. Combined with modest mental health capacity (71 per 100,000), residents face significant wait times and travel distances.

Close coverage gaps and demand care expansion

Check Indiana's health marketplace to ensure you're covered. Then advocate locally for rural health initiatives and loan forgiveness programs that attract doctors to Greene County—supply matters as much as coverage.

Schools in Greene County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Network of Local Schools

Greene County features 15 public schools, including five elementary, four middle, and five high schools. These facilities serve 4,793 students across six different school districts. This decentralized district structure allows for highly localized community involvement in education.

Exceptional Graduation Outcomes

Greene County boasts a 95.2% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87% and the state average of 92.6%. The county maintains these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,336, slightly below the state average. Its school score of 52.7 reinforces its position as a high-performing region.

Decentralized Districts with Intimate Settings

Eastern Greene Schools is the largest district, serving 1,116 students, followed by Bloomfield and White River Valley. With six districts for just 15 schools, the focus remains on small-scale management. No charter schools exist in the county, keeping the focus on local district performance.

Small Schools in Rural and Town Settings

The county is evenly split between eight rural and seven town schools, with an average enrollment of just 342 students. Linton-Stockton Elementary is the largest school with 702 students, providing the most comprehensive primary environment. Most schools here offer a small, personalized feel that is hard to find in larger counties.

Quality Education in a Quiet Setting

If you are looking for a high graduation rate and small class sizes, Greene County is an ideal choice. The various school districts offer a range of rural and town living options for every family. Invest in a home where your children will benefit from a 95% graduation success rate.

Disaster Risk in Greene County

via RiskByCounty

Greene sits below national risk levels

With a composite risk score of 42.49, Greene County earns a "Very Low" rating and runs below the national average. The county still faces meaningful tornado exposure (63.45) and moderate flood risk (52.04), though both remain manageable compared to national highs.

Below Indiana's average risk profile

Greene's 42.49 score falls below Indiana's 45.52 state average, positioning the county in the safer half of the state. Tornado and flood risks remain moderate but substantially lower than northeastern Indiana counties like Grant and Hamilton.

Safer than Grant, comparable to Gibson

Greene County's 42.49 score places it well below Grant County's 69.40, reflecting Greene's lower tornado and flood exposure. The county's risk profile aligns closely with Gibson County (48.00), making both reasonable alternatives within the region.

Tornadoes and flooding warrant attention

Tornado risk at 63.45 represents Greene's primary natural hazard concern, though below many Indiana counties. Flooding (52.04) poses a secondary threat, especially in river valleys and low-lying areas during heavy precipitation events.

Bundle tornado and flood protections

Ensure homeowners insurance includes robust wind and hail coverage for tornado preparedness. Separate flood insurance is essential for properties near streams or in mapped floodplains; review coverage annually and maintain a household emergency plan.

Weather & Climate in Greene County

via WeatherByCounty

High Rainfall and Low Snow Totals

While specific annual temperature data for Greene County is unavailable, its 46.9 inches of annual precipitation is well above the national average. The climate is characterized by significant rainfall and relatively light winter snowfall.

Wet and Mild Compared to State Norms

Greene County receives 46.9 inches of precipitation, surpassing the Indiana average of 43.9 inches. Its 8.9 inches of annual snow is among the lowest in the state, indicating a milder winter profile than northern counties.

Drier than Dubois, but Less Snowy

Greene County sees only 8.9 inches of snow, significantly less than the 12.7 inches in Dubois County to the south. However, it remains much wetter than central Indiana neighbors with nearly 47 inches of total precipitation.

Rainy Transitions and Light Snow Accumulation

Seasonal temperature trends are not fully recorded, but the low 8.9-inch snow total suggests winters are often more wet than white. The high annual precipitation of 46.9 inches is likely distributed across heavy spring and summer rains.

Focus on Rain Gear and Moisture Control

With almost 47 inches of rain and very little snow, residents should prioritize umbrella quality over heavy snow tires. Moisture control in crawlspaces and basements is a critical consideration due to the high annual rainfall.

Soil Quality in Greene County

via SoilByCounty

Silt loam Inceptisols define the terrain

Greene County is characterized by silt loam texture and the Inceptisols taxonomic order, signifying young but developing soils. The average pH of 6.02 is almost identical to the Indiana average of 6.08. These soils are slightly acidic but highly adaptable for most Midwestern plant species.

Silt-heavy profile offers great workability

The soil contains 57.2% silt and 23.5% sand, making it easy to till and manage. Clay accounts for 18.0%, providing enough body to prevent the soil from becoming overly erosive. This mix offers a smooth, medium-textured environment that roots can penetrate easily.

Solid water capacity for southern farms

Greene County holds a healthy available water capacity of 0.198 in/in, nearing the state average of 0.202. Organic matter stands at 3.53%, which provides a good biological foundation for plant health. These numbers support a soil score of 69.4, indicating reliable productivity.

Well-drained soils allow for easy building

Unlike much of Indiana, Greene County's dominant soils are well drained and belong to hydrologic group B. This natural drainage reduces the risk of root rot and simplifies construction projects. It is an ideal environment for plants that prefer a drier root zone between rains.

Versatile growing options in Zone 6b

The 6b hardiness zone allows for a diverse range of crops, including longer-season peppers and delicate herbs. The well-drained silt loam is perfect for root vegetables like carrots and parsnips that need loose soil to expand. Start your backyard plot in this forgiving, workable earth.

Lawn Care in Greene County

via LawnByCounty

Top-tier conditions in Greene County

Greene County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 75.4, making it one of the most beginner-friendly regions in the state. Its position in Hardiness Zone 6b provides a resilient environment for a wide variety of turf types.

Abundant rainfall reduces irrigation needs

The county receives a generous 46.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average of 44.2 inches. This reliable rainfall supports consistent growth and helps reduce the need for supplemental watering during the summer.

Superior silt loam for easy growing

The silt loam soil is a significant asset, offering a balanced pH of 6.02 and excellent drainage. Being "well drained" means your lawn is much less likely to suffer from the root rot and compaction issues common in neighboring counties.

High resilience against dry conditions

The county only experienced four weeks of drought over the past year, showing high environmental resilience. Even though the area is currently abnormally dry, the robust soil foundation helps turf bounce back quickly from short-term stress.

Ideal varieties for silt loam

Perennial Ryegrass and Tall Fescue are excellent matches for these well-drained soils in Zone 6b. Start your lawn in early spring to establish a deep root system before the peak humidity of summer arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greene County's county score?
Greene County, Indiana has a composite county score of 55.2 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 Greene County rank among counties in Indiana?
Greene County ranks #58 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 Greene County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Greene County is $895, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Greene County a tax score of 64.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Greene County?
The median household income in Greene County, Indiana is $59,753 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Greene County earns an income score of 38.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Greene County, Indiana a good place to live?
Greene County scores 55.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Greene 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 Greene County with other counties side by side.