Hamilton County's score of 65.0 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 30%, demonstrating above-average livability fundamentals. However, it ranks below the national 75th percentile, suggesting it faces more challenges than top-tier counties.
2 / 5
Below Indiana state average
At 65.0, Hamilton falls noticeably short of Indiana's 71.2 state average, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. Higher costs and lower housing affordability drive this gap.
3 / 5
Highest incomes in the group
Hamilton's income score of 60.4 reflects median household earnings of $117,957—nearly double the state average and highest among these eight counties. Its health score of 84.6 also leads the group, indicating excellent wellness infrastructure.
4 / 5
Housing costs significantly higher
The cost score of just 55.5 reflects Hamilton's reality: median home values of $379,100 and rent at $1,468/month—far above other Indiana counties. This premium pricing limits accessibility for middle-income families.
5 / 5
For affluent professionals and families
Hamilton County is built for high-earning families and executives who value premium health services, strong neighborhoods, and can absorb significant housing costs. It's Indiana's answer to upscale suburban living, not a budget destination.
Hamilton County's score of 65.0 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 30%, demonstrating above-average livability fundamentals. However, it ranks below the national 75th percentile, suggesting it faces more challenges than top-tier counties.
Below Indiana state average
At 65.0, Hamilton falls noticeably short of Indiana's 71.2 state average, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. Higher costs and lower housing affordability drive this gap.
Highest incomes in the group
Hamilton's income score of 60.4 reflects median household earnings of $117,957—nearly double the state average and highest among these eight counties. Its health score of 84.6 also leads the group, indicating excellent wellness infrastructure.
Housing costs significantly higher
The cost score of just 55.5 reflects Hamilton's reality: median home values of $379,100 and rent at $1,468/month—far above other Indiana counties. This premium pricing limits accessibility for middle-income families.
For affluent professionals and families
Hamilton County is built for high-earning families and executives who value premium health services, strong neighborhoods, and can absorb significant housing costs. It's Indiana's answer to upscale suburban living, not a budget destination.
Score breakdown
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🏛77.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Hamilton County's effective tax rate of 0.881% ranks in the top 20% nationally—the highest among Indiana's profiled counties. At $3,340 annually, the median tax bill significantly exceeds the national median of $2,690, driven by the county's robust median home value of $379,100.
Indiana's highest-taxed county in this group
Hamilton County's 0.881% effective rate tops Indiana's average of 0.671% by a substantial margin. The median tax of $3,340 runs nearly 3 times higher than the state median of $1,199, reflecting both higher rates and higher-valued homes.
Taxes significantly higher than neighboring areas
Hamilton County's 0.881% rate towers above Hancock County (0.680%), Hendricks County (0.833%), and all other surrounding counties. An otherwise identical $280,000 home would generate roughly $800 more in annual taxes here than in neighboring Hancock County.
What Hamilton homeowners pay annually
The median Hamilton County home valued at $379,100 generates an annual property tax bill of $3,340—the highest in this Indiana comparison. This substantial bill reflects both the county's higher effective rate and its concentration of higher-value properties.
High-value homes benefit most from appeals
In a county where median taxes exceed $3,300, overassessments can cost you hundreds or thousands annually. If your home's assessment seems inflated compared to recent neighborhood sales, filing an appeal could yield significant tax relief.
Hamilton County residents earn $117,957—58% above the national average—and face a just-reasonable 14.9% rent-to-income ratio despite paying $1,468 monthly. This county operates in a different economic universe: high incomes make even premium housing costs feel manageable.
Indiana's prosperity leader
Hamilton's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this analysis and well below Indiana's 15.6% state average, reflecting the county's concentration of high-earning households. At $1,468 median rent—67% above the state average—only affluence keeps affordability intact.
Wealthy enclave among rural counties
Hamilton's median income of $117,957 dwarfs nearby Hancock ($91,326) and Hendricks ($99,988), enabling rents and home values that would strain ordinary households elsewhere. The $379,100 median home value reflects Indianapolis-area suburban premium pricing inaccessible to lower-income neighbors.
Premium living on premium incomes
Hamilton renters pay $1,468 while homeowners commit $1,702—the highest monthly costs in the analysis—but incomes of $117,957 contain this comfortably within 15% of earnings. High earners can also absorb down-payment and closing-cost barriers that stop lower-income buyers elsewhere.
Hamilton: for successful relocators only
Hamilton County works if your job or business move brings six-figure income; otherwise, affordability evaporates instantly. For high-earning professionals, these stable, wealthy communities offer unmatched schools and services—just ensure your relocation income matches the premium.
Hamilton County's median household income of $117,957 far exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $43,202—a commanding 58% advantage. The county ranks among the wealthiest in the nation, driven by affluent suburbs near Indianapolis.
Indiana's highest earners live here
Hamilton's $117,957 nearly doubles Indiana's state average of $68,681, making it by far the highest-income county in this survey. The county dominates Indiana's income rankings, reflecting its status as the state's most prosperous region.
Dramatically outpaces surrounding counties
Hamilton's $117,957 towers over Hendricks County ($99,988) and all other regional peers, with incomes 18-58% higher. The stark contrast reflects Hamilton's position as Indianapolis's wealthy exurban hub.
High incomes, premium housing costs
A 14.9% rent-to-income ratio shows housing remains highly affordable even at Hamilton's $379,100 median home value. The county's wealth absorbs even substantial housing investments comfortably.
Wealth-building accelerates here
Hamilton County households should leverage high incomes for aggressive retirement savings, diversified investments, and wealth preservation strategies. With median incomes exceeding $117,000, maxing 401(k)s and investing in taxable accounts compounds generational wealth rapidly.
At 80.7 years, Hamilton County residents live nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years—a remarkable achievement. Just 11% report poor or fair health, the lowest rate in this comparison, reflecting excellent disease management and preventive care.
Indiana's healthiest county stands out
Hamilton's 80.7-year life expectancy towers over Indiana's 75.1-year state average, a gap of 5.6 years that places it among the state's healthiest counties. The county's 11% poor/fair health rate is dramatically better than state norms, demonstrating what health equity can achieve.
Vastly outperforms peer counties
Hamilton's residents live 3–10 years longer than neighbors Grant, Harrison, or Fulton counties. The county's robust provider network—139 primary care and 199 mental health providers per 100,000—is 2–3 times higher than rural neighbors, creating a clear link between access and outcomes.
Universal insurance and abundant providers
With only 4.5% uninsured—among the lowest nationally—Hamilton has achieved near-universal coverage, removing financial barriers to care. The county's exceptional provider density means residents access preventive care, mental health services, and specialist referrals without delay or travel burden.
Maintain coverage and preventive care habits
Hamilton County's health success stems from high insurance coverage and dense provider networks. If you live in or near Hamilton, prioritize preventive screenings and mental health care—the systems are in place to catch problems early.
Hamilton County's composite risk score of 88.80 places it in the "Relatively Moderate" category—well above the national average. The county confronts severe tornado exposure (96.76) and exceptional flood risk (91.06), among Indiana's highest levels in both hazards.
Indiana's most hazardous county
Hamilton's 88.80 composite score nearly doubles Indiana's 45.52 state average, making it the highest-risk county in the state by a substantial margin. The county's tornado (96.76) and flood (91.06) exposure far exceed any peer, reflecting its geography and weather patterns.
Significantly riskier than all neighbors
Hamilton County's 88.80 risk towers over adjacent Hancock (44.02) and Hendricks counties (76.81), reflecting uniquely severe tornado and flood hazards. Even Hendricks County, the second-highest-risk neighbor, falls well below Hamilton's threat level.
Tornadoes and flooding define exposure
Tornado risk at 96.76 is the state's highest, making severe convective storms a defining hazard for Hamilton County residents. Flood risk at 91.06 compounds this threat, particularly in bottomland areas vulnerable to river and stormwater inundation.
Invest in multiple protective layers
Homeowners must prioritize safe room construction or basement shelter for tornado protection—this is essential, not optional. Separate flood insurance is critical; elevate HVAC systems and utilities, maintain sump pumps, and review insurance annually given the county's exceptional hazard exposure.