countyscore
47.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.9Health 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.

2040608010049.910.842.984.748.494.923.262.254.5Tax49.9Cost10.8Safety42.9Health84.7Schools48.4Income94.9Risk23.2Water62.2Weather54.547.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Hendricks County DNA

Foverall

How Hendricks County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Hendricks County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (94.9/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (10.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
49.9
Cost
10.8-37.2
Safety
42.9-12.100000000000001
Health
84.7+34.7
Schools
48.4
Income
94.9+43.900000000000006
Risk
23.2-23.8
Water
62.2
Weather
54.5
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Compare mortgage rates in Hendricks County

Whether buying or refinancing in Hendricks County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$307,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,436/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$307,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$57,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $101,144/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.

Deep Dives

Hendricks County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hendricks County's county score?
Hendricks County, Indiana has a composite county score of 47.4 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 #75 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 $2,482, with an effective tax rate of 0.81%. This earns Hendricks County a tax score of 49.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hendricks County?
The median household income in Hendricks County, Indiana is $101,144 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hendricks County earns an income score of 94.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hendricks County, Indiana a good place to live?
Hendricks County scores 47.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #75 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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