Harrison County's composite score of 72.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 45%, demonstrating strong livability fundamentals. This performance places it comfortably in the upper third of U.S. counties.
2 / 5
Slightly above Indiana average
At 72.3, Harrison outperforms Indiana's state average of 71.2 by roughly 1.5 points, landing in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. This modest edge reflects balanced strength rather than exceptional dominance.
3 / 5
Lowest taxes and solid health
Harrison boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.545% and an exceptional tax score of 86.9. Its cost score of 78.4, median rent of $861/month, and health score of 71.2 complete a well-rounded profile.
4 / 5
Modest incomes and moderate risk
The income score of 30.7 reflects median earnings of $72,468, below several peer counties and state trends. The risk score of 49.0 suggests moderate exposure to economic volatility.
5 / 5
Ideal for tax-conscious families
Harrison County appeals to families seeking the lowest possible tax burden combined with affordable housing and decent health services. It suits working families who value tax savings over high incomes and prefer scenic, lower-density living.
Harrison County's composite score of 72.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 45%, demonstrating strong livability fundamentals. This performance places it comfortably in the upper third of U.S. counties.
Slightly above Indiana average
At 72.3, Harrison outperforms Indiana's state average of 71.2 by roughly 1.5 points, landing in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. This modest edge reflects balanced strength rather than exceptional dominance.
Lowest taxes and solid health
Harrison boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.545% and an exceptional tax score of 86.9. Its cost score of 78.4, median rent of $861/month, and health score of 71.2 complete a well-rounded profile.
Modest incomes and moderate risk
The income score of 30.7 reflects median earnings of $72,468, below several peer counties and state trends. The risk score of 49.0 suggests moderate exposure to economic volatility.
Ideal for tax-conscious families
Harrison County appeals to families seeking the lowest possible tax burden combined with affordable housing and decent health services. It suits working families who value tax savings over high incomes and prefer scenic, lower-density living.
Score breakdown
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🏛86.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Harrison County's effective tax rate of 0.545% ranks in the lowest 5% nationally—Indiana's most tax-friendly county in this analysis. At $1,195 annually on a median home of $219,200, Harrison homeowners enjoy remarkable tax efficiency on reasonably valued properties.
Lowest-taxed county statewide by far
At 0.545%, Harrison County's effective rate sits well below Indiana's average of 0.671%, the second-lowest in the state analysis. The median tax of $1,195 runs just below the state median of $1,199, showing exceptional efficiency on above-average-valued homes.
Dramatic tax savings versus surrounding counties
Harrison County's 0.545% rate beats every surrounding county, including Fulton (0.514%, which taxes only lower-valued homes). A Harrison homeowner with the county median home value would save $250–400 annually compared to residents in neighboring Hancock County.
Harrison homeowners pay efficient tax bills
A typical Harrison County home valued at $219,200 generates an annual property tax bill of just $1,195. This remarkable tax-to-value ratio makes Harrison an exceptionally affordable county for middle-class homeowners seeking tax efficiency.
Even low rates deserve assessment verification
Harrison County's favorable tax environment doesn't guarantee accurate assessments. Homeowners should verify that their assessments reflect recent neighborhood sales; even in tax-friendly counties, appeals can yield modest but meaningful savings.
Harrison County residents earn $72,468—slightly below the national average of $74,755—yet maintain an excellent 14.3% rent-to-income ratio, the best among these eight counties. At $861 monthly, renters here achieve rare affordability-to-income balance for their income tier.
State's most efficient housing market
Harrison's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest statewide in this analysis and well below Indiana's 15.6% average, positioning it as the county where income stretches furthest in housing terms. The median rent of $861 equals the state typical, demonstrating genuine efficiency rather than low-cost compensation.
Best rent-to-income combo statewide
Harrison's 14.3% ratio beats all seven peer counties despite earning just $72,468—slightly below Hancock but substantially above Grant County. The $861 rent matches Fulton County but on $9,590 more annual income, shifting affordability dramatically in Harrison's favor.
Harrison's remarkably balanced budget
Renters pay $861 while homeowners commit $956, with the higher homeowner cost likely reflecting southern Indiana's scenic river-valley premium properties valued at $219,200. At $72,468 income, Harrison residents spend only 14-16% on housing, preserving maximum flexibility for other needs.
Best-kept secret for balanced living
Harrison County offers the tightest affordability ratio for your income dollar anywhere in this analysis—ideal for middle-income earners seeking rural southern Indiana character. If you're relocating on a $70-75k income and want the best housing-cost efficiency, Harrison outperforms all alternatives here.
Harrison County's median household income of $72,468 approaches the national median of $74,755, trailing by just $2,287—a 3% difference. The county performs near the U.S. average, suggesting solid economic health relative to national benchmarks.
Right at Indiana's average income
At $72,468, Harrison slightly exceeds Indiana's state average of $68,681 by $3,787, placing it comfortably above the state median. The county performs better than most of Indiana's counties on household earnings.
Upper tier of this regional group
Harrison's $72,468 trails Hendricks and Hamilton but leads all other counties in this survey by $8,000-$18,000. The county benefits from proximity to Louisville metro and Ohio River commerce.
Best housing affordability in group
Harrison's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among all eight counties, providing exceptional housing affordability. The $219,200 median home value pairs excellently with $72,468 median household income.
Balanced incomes fuel steady wealth
Harrison families with solid incomes and the lowest housing-cost burdens can commit comfortably to retirement savings and regular investments. The combination of above-average earning and superior affordability creates ideal conditions for building substantial long-term wealth.
Harrison County residents live to 73.7 years, falling 5.2 years short of the U.S. average of 78.9 years. One in six report poor or fair health (17.1%), indicating significant chronic disease burden and limited preventive care uptake.
Below-average health rank within Indiana
At 73.7 years, Harrison County's life expectancy trails Indiana's 75.1-year state average, placing it in the lower half of counties. The 17.1% poor/fair health rate exceeds state norms, though it's better than the worst performers like Grant.
Mid-range performer in regional comparison
Harrison's 73.7 years matches Fulton County but falls well short of Hancock's 77.2 and Hamilton's 80.7, showing the range of outcomes in south-central Indiana. The county's 48 primary care and 50 mental health providers per 100,000 are adequate but modest compared to higher-performing neighbors.
Moderate uninsured rate masks access barriers
Harrison's 6.8% uninsured rate is close to the state average of 8.4%, but limited mental health providers (50 per 100,000) may delay treatment of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Primary care availability at 48 per 100,000 is workable but leaves little margin for demand surges.
Secure coverage and seek behavioral health support
Check Indiana's health marketplace to ensure coverage and lower your out-of-pocket costs. Prioritize mental health screenings and early intervention—behavioral health improvements in Harrison could meaningfully extend life expectancy across the county.
Harrison County's composite risk score of 51.05 places it in the "Relatively Low" category but above the national average. Tornado exposure (82.09) and moderate flood risk (56.71) drive the county's hazard profile, while earthquake and hurricane risks remain secondary.
Above average for Indiana overall
Harrison's 51.05 score runs modestly above Indiana's 45.52 state average, placing the county in the upper-middle tier of state risk. Tornado risk at 82.09 is notably high—among the top half of Indiana counties for severe convective weather.
Higher risk than Greene, lower than Grant
Harrison County's 51.05 sits between nearby Greene County's 42.49 and Grant County's 69.40, reflecting moderate tornado and flood exposure. The county's southeastern location brings higher tornado exposure compared to Greene, but less severe than Grant or Hamilton.
Tornadoes and flooding warrant preparation
Tornado risk at 82.09 makes severe thunderstorms a serious concern for Harrison County, ranking it in the state's higher-exposure tier. Flooding (56.71) poses a secondary threat, particularly in areas near the Ohio River and tributary valleys.
Prioritize storm and flood readiness
Homeowners need comprehensive wind and hail coverage as a baseline, plus a safe room or basement shelter plan for tornado season. Flood insurance is recommended for properties near waterways; regularly review and update coverage to match current property values.