countyscore
47.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 95.2Health 84.7Soil Quality 73.2

County Report Card

About Hendricks County, Indiana

Hendricks County Matches National Norms

Hendricks County earns a composite score of 47.5, which is just below the national median of 50.0. While the headline score is influenced by high living costs, the underlying data shows a very wealthy and healthy population. It remains a premier suburban destination despite the overall index score.

A High-Income Pillar of Central Indiana

The county's score of 47.5 trails the Indiana state average of 55.9 due to its high-cost, high-risk profile. However, it leads the state in many individual categories like health and income. It functions as an elite bedroom community for the Indianapolis region.

Powerful Incomes and Top-Tier Health

The county boasts an elite income score of 95.2 and a median household income of nearly $100,000. Its health score of 84.7 is also among the best in the state, indicating a very wellness-focused community. These two factors create a highly successful environment for its residents.

Confronting High Costs and Environmental Risks

A cost score of 11.0 and a risk score of 23.2 are the county's primary challenges. With a median rent of $1,364 and home values of $281,500, the barrier to entry is high. These figures reflect the price of living in one of the state's most sought-after suburban areas.

Best for Affluent Suburb-Seekers

Hendricks County is perfect for high-earning professionals who prioritize health and economic prestige. It is best suited for established families who value top-tier services and can manage a higher cost of living. This county offers a premium lifestyle for those with the income to support it.

2040608010050.31142.984.748.495.223.262.254.5Tax50.3Cost11Safety42.9Health84.7Schools48.4Income95.2Risk23.2Water62.2Weather54.547.5/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Hendricks County DNA

Foverall

How Hendricks County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Hendricks County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (95.2/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (11/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
50.3
Cost
11-37
Safety
42.9-12.100000000000001
Health
84.7+34.7
Schools
48.4
Income
95.2+44.2
Risk
23.2-23.8
Water
62.2
Weather
54.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$281,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,364/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$281,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$54,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $99,988/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Putnam County
Indiana
65.3
Morgan County
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62.9
Marion County
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26
Boone County
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55.4
Montgomery County
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Johnson County
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Owen County
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Hamilton County
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Deep Dives

Hendricks County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hendricks County

via TaxByCounty

Hendricks taxes rank high but remain reasonable

Hendricks County's effective tax rate of 0.833% ranks in the top 30% nationally, making it a higher-tax community. However, the annual median bill of $2,344 still trails the national median of $2,690, reflecting strong tax-to-value efficiency despite the elevated rate.

Among Indiana's highest-tax counties

At 0.833%, Hendricks County significantly exceeds Indiana's average of 0.671%, ranking in the upper tier statewide. The median tax of $2,344 nearly doubles the state median of $1,199, driven by both higher rates and above-average home values at $281,500.

Second-highest taxes in the central region

Hendricks County's 0.833% rate ranks second only to Hamilton County (0.881%) and well above Hancock County (0.680%) and Grant County (0.681%). A homeowner with Hendricks's median home would pay roughly $600 more annually than an identical home in Hancock County.

What Hendricks homeowners pay in taxes

A typical Hendricks County home valued at $281,500 carries an annual property tax bill of $2,344. With mortgage-related additions, homeowners see effective annual costs rise to approximately $2,316, reflecting the county's higher overall tax burden.

Higher taxes make appeals especially worthwhile

In Hendricks County, where median taxes exceed $2,300 annually, even small percentage reductions through appeals deliver substantial savings. If your home's assessment exceeds comparable recent sales in your neighborhood, filing an appeal could reduce your annual bill by $200 or more.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hendricks County

via CostByCounty

Hendricks balances affluence with strain

Hendricks County households earn $99,988—34% above the national average—but face a 16.4% rent-to-income ratio, the joint-highest in this analysis. At $1,364 monthly rent, Hendricks represents high-income living with premium housing costs that consume more earnings than expected.

High income, high housing pressure

Hendricks's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio matches Fulton County and exceeds Indiana's 15.6% state average, surprising given strong $99,988 median incomes. The median rent of $1,364 ranks second-highest among these eight counties, indicating suburban Indianapolis pricing pressure.

Premium Indianapolis suburb pricing

Hendricks's $1,364 rent is second only to Hamilton County ($1,468) and its $281,500 median home value trails only Hamilton's $379,100, positioning it as an affluent commuter-shed community. Despite strong incomes, residents here pay more proportionally than similarly-earning Hancock County.

Hendricks's income-housing tension

Renters allocate $1,364 monthly while homeowners pay $1,371—nearly identical and the second-highest monthly costs in the analysis. Even at $99,988 income, this consumes 16% of household budgets, leaving these affluent residents less discretionary room than lower-cost Hancock or Harrison counties.

Premium Indianapolis suburb life

Hendricks County attracts high-earners seeking quality schools and suburban amenities near Indianapolis, but those incomes get taxed heavily by housing costs relative to peers. Compare with Hancock County's better affordability-to-income ratio if you value dollars-over-prestige in your relocation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hendricks County

via IncomeByCounty

Hendricks thrives well above national median

Hendricks County's median household income of $99,988 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $25,233—a strong 34% advantage. The county ranks among the most affluent nationwide, reflecting Indianapolis-area prosperity and professional employment.

Second-richest county in Indiana

At $99,988, Hendricks ranks only behind Hamilton County ($117,957) statewide and exceeds Indiana's average of $68,681 by $31,307. The county captures top-tier earning power across Indiana's 92 counties.

Wealthy peer only to Hamilton

Hendricks's $99,988 trails Hamilton by $17,969 but outpaces Hancock County ($91,326) and all others in this survey by substantial margins. The two counties dominate the wealth rankings in this Indiana sample.

Premium incomes support premium homes

Hendricks's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio—equal to Fulton's but on much higher income—shows that even $281,500 median homes remain comfortably affordable. Higher incomes absorb premium housing costs without financial stress.

Optimize wealth with serious planning

Hendricks households earning $99,988 should work with financial advisors to maximize tax-advantaged accounts, diversify investments, and plan for estate needs. With six-figure household incomes, strategic wealth management creates lasting generational prosperity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hendricks County

via CrimeByCounty

Hendricks County Stays Below National Average

Hendricks County reports 1,289.5 crimes per 100,000 residents, roughly 45% lower than the national average. This safety performance results in a score of 98.0.

Competitive Safety Among Indiana Counties

The county safety score of 98.0 sits just below the Indiana state average of 98.9. Thirteen reporting agencies coordinate safety efforts across this rapidly growing county.

Comparing Hendricks to Local Peers

Hendricks County's crime rate of 1,289.5 is higher than nearby Hancock County's 1,183.7. Despite being higher than its neighbor, it remains far safer than the national benchmark.

Property Crime Drives Local Stats

Property crime is the primary concern at ,1180.8 per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 108.7. Over 90% of all reported crimes in Hendricks are property-related.

Enhance Your Home's Security

Because property crime is the dominant issue, smart home monitoring is a wise choice. Visible deterrents like cameras help maintain the county's reputation for family-friendly safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Hendricks County

via SchoolsByCounty

Hendricks County’s Large-Scale Education

Hendricks County manages a robust system of 46 schools serving 32,704 students across six districts. The infrastructure includes 25 elementary, 10 middle, and six high schools. This extensive network supports one of the fastest-growing populations in the state.

State-Leading Graduation Rates

Hendricks County achieves a stellar 96.7% graduation rate, the highest among its neighboring counties and well above the national 87% rate. The county maintains a strong school score of 53.2. This performance is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,203, which is slightly below the state average.

Major Suburban Districts Lead the Way

Avon Community School Corp and Brownsburg Community School Corp are the giants of the county, serving 10,542 and 10,172 students respectively. Plainfield Community School Corp also provides significant capacity with 5,854 students. There are no charter schools, as the traditional public districts are highly sought after.

Suburban Life and High-Capacity Campuses

The county is predominantly suburban with 34 schools in these locales, resulting in a large average school size of 711 students. Avon High School and Brownsburg High School both serve over 3,000 students, offering massive facilities and diverse academic tracks. Families here enjoy modern campuses with extensive resources.

Join a Top-Performing Suburban Community

Families moving to the Indianapolis area frequently choose Hendricks County for its 97% graduation rate. The massive high schools and high-performing districts in Brownsburg, Avon, and Plainfield are major draws for home buyers. Invest in a home here to give your children access to some of the state's best public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hendricks County

via RiskByCounty

Hendricks faces substantial risk exposure

Hendricks County's composite risk score of 76.81 places it in the "Relatively Low" category but well above the national average. Tornado exposure (87.02) and exceptionally high flood risk (81.01) make Hendricks one of Indiana's more hazardous counties.

Second-highest risk in Indiana

Hendricks' 76.81 score ranks second only to Hamilton County (88.80) among all Indiana counties, nearly 70% above the state average of 45.52. Both tornado (87.02) and flood (81.01) risks place Hendricks in the state's most-threatened tier.

Only Hamilton exceeds Hendricks risk

Hendricks County's 76.81 sits substantially above all neighbors except Hamilton County (88.80), reflecting its elevated position in the state's risk hierarchy. Hancock County to the east (44.02) faces markedly lower exposure, highlighting Hendricks' distinct hazard profile.

Tornadoes and severe flooding are serious

Tornado risk at 87.02 is near the state's maximum, making severe thunderstorm preparedness a critical priority for Hendricks residents. Flood risk at 81.01 compounds this threat dramatically, particularly in the White River valley and low-lying areas prone to inundation.

Invest in comprehensive protection

Homeowners must maintain robust wind and hail coverage and designate or construct a safe shelter for tornado season. Flood insurance is essential; elevate utilities, maintain working sump pumps, and review flood maps to understand your property's actual risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Hendricks County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance in Hendricks

Hendricks County maintains a Grade C with four health violations recorded. Its violation rate of 5.1 per 100,000 residents is well below the Indiana average of 42.3.

Hendricks County Watershed Impairments

A significant 61.5% of assessed water bodies are impaired, which exceeds the state average of 40.9%. Top causes include E. coli, low dissolved oxygen, and high nutrient levels.

Monitoring Data for Hendricks County

Thirty-nine monitoring sites have logged 17,490 measurements over the last five years. Data collection focuses on physical traits, organic chemicals, and pesticides.

White Lick Creek Flow Near Danville

The West Fork White Lick Creek at Danville currently reports a flow of 16 cfs. This discharge is only 53% of its long-term typical mean.

Hendricks County Water Protection Tips

High impairment rates and low streamflows suggest residents should be cautious of local stream health. Reducing residential runoff can help improve oxygen levels and water quality in the watershed.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hendricks County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Interior Rainfall Patterns

Hendricks County records 43.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is consistent with national averages for the Midwest. Though temperature records are limited, the county shares the region's continental climate characteristics.

The Definition of Indiana Average

The county’s rainfall of 43.9 inches aligns exactly with the Indiana statewide average. It receives 21.5 inches of snow annually, placing it in the middle of the state's snowfall spectrum.

Snowier Than Its Eastern Neighbors

Hendricks sees slightly more snow than neighbor Hamilton County, which averages 20.3 inches. Rainfall is remarkably consistent with the surrounding central Indiana region at nearly 44 inches.

Reliable Winters and Humid Summers

Winter brings a steady 21.5 inches of snowfall to the county each year. Summer temperature data is limited, but residents should expect the high-humidity patterns common to the Indianapolis metro area.

Prepare for Snow and Drainage Needs

Reliable snow removal tools are essential for the 21.5 inches of annual accumulation. Maintain gutters and drainage systems to effectively manage the consistent 43.9 inches of rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hendricks County

via SoilByCounty

Young Entisols with balanced pH levels

Hendricks County soil belongs to the Entisols order, representing relatively young soil with little horizon development. Its average pH of 6.43 is the closest in this group to the national median of 6.5. This near-neutrality makes it one of the most chemically balanced soils in the state for immediate planting.

Silt-dominant mix for easy root growth

The soil composition consists of 54.1% silt, 26.1% sand, and 19.8% clay. This distribution creates a medium-textured earth that offers a good compromise between drainage and nutrient holding. It is generally easy to work and provides a friendly environment for a wide range of root systems.

Average water capacity with room for growth

Organic matter is 2.35%, which is below the Indiana average of 4.90% but remains above the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.201 in/in almost perfectly matches the state average of 0.202. This stability results in a solid overall soil score of 73.2.

Predictable hydrology for central Indiana

Though specific drainage classes are not recorded, the soil's score of 73.2 suggests it is slightly above average for the state. The balanced silt and sand proportions typically provide moderate permeability. Growers should find this soil reliable and predictable for standard agricultural and residential use.

A versatile start in Hardiness Zone 6a

Hendricks County's 6a zone and balanced pH make it a blank canvas for any gardener. It is particularly well-suited for nightshades like peppers and eggplants that appreciate a stable chemical environment. Add a little organic mulch to your beds to help this young soil truly thrive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hendricks County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable conditions for Hendricks County lawns

Hendricks County maintains a lawn difficulty score of 69.7, staying very close to the Indiana state average of 71.0. Its Zone 6a classification means homeowners should prepare for typical Midwestern seasonal transitions.

Perfect precipitation for suburban turf

The county averages 43.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly perfect for sustaining healthy turf without constant watering. This rainfall level aligns well with the Indiana state average of 44.2 inches.

Ideal pH supports nutrient absorption

The soil foundation is excellent, featuring a pH of 6.43 that sits right in the sweet spot for grass nutrient absorption. A balanced mix of 19.8% clay and 26.1% sand provides a versatile base for most grass varieties.

Mitigating the effects of abnormal dryness

Drought has been a factor for 28 weeks over the last year, and 100% of the county currently faces abnormally dry conditions. Residents should utilize mulch-mowing and deep-watering techniques to help the lawn survive these recurring dry spells.

Successful seeding in Zone 6a

Kentucky Bluegrass and Turf-type Tall Fescue are the most reliable choices for a durable lawn in this area. Start your seeding projects in late spring or late summer to take advantage of the most favorable growing windows.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hendricks County's county score?
Hendricks County, Indiana has a composite county score of 47.5 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 Hendricks County rank among counties in Indiana?
Hendricks County ranks #76 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 Hendricks County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Hendricks County is $2,344, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Hendricks County a tax score of 50.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hendricks County?
The median household income in Hendricks County, Indiana is $99,988 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hendricks County earns an income score of 95.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hendricks County, Indiana a good place to live?
Hendricks County scores 47.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #76 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Hendricks 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 Hendricks County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.