53.8
County Score
Soil Quality 77Safety 76.2Lawn Care 71

County Report Card

About Huntington County, Indiana

Huntington County Surpasses National Median

Huntington County earns a composite score of 53.8, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a baseline quality of life that is slightly better than the typical American county.

Holding Steady Near the State Average

The county's 53.8 score is just below the Indiana state average of 55.9. While competitive, it sits in the middle of the pack among Indiana's 92 counties.

Strong Safety and Reliable Health Scores

A safety score of 76.2 and a health score of 61.1 are the county's standout metrics. Residents benefit from a secure environment and better-than-average healthcare access for the region.

Improving Water Infrastructure and Schools

The water score of 29.9 and school score of 30.8 represent the county's primary hurdles. These figures suggest a need for localized investment in utility systems and classroom resources.

A Solid Choice for Secure Living

Huntington County is a strong match for families prioritizing safety and local health services over school rankings. The low median home value of $146,400 makes it highly accessible for first-time buyers.

2040608010059.64376.261.130.847.461.829.950.6Tax59.6Cost43Safety76.2Health61.1Schools30.8Income47.4Risk61.8Water29.9Weather50.653.8/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Huntington County DNA

Foverall

How Huntington County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Huntington County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (76.2/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (29.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
59.6
Cost
43
Safety
76.2+21.200000000000003
Health
61.1+11.100000000000001
Schools
30.8-23.2
Income
47.4
Risk
61.8+14.799999999999997
Water
29.9-28.1
Weather
50.6
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Compare mortgage rates in Huntington County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$146,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$866/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$146,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,734/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

2.7

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Huntington County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Huntington County

via TaxByCounty

Huntington County's taxes exceed national norms

At 0.731%, Huntington County's effective tax rate ranks in the top 25% nationally, above the U.S. median of 0.571%. The median tax of $1,070 on a $146,400 home demonstrates how lower property values don't always translate to lower effective rates.

Higher-tax county statewide

Huntington County ranks among Indiana's elevated-tax counties with a 0.731% effective rate compared to the state average of 0.671%. Its median tax bill of $1,070 falls slightly below Indiana's median of $1,199.

Similar taxes to Henry and Howard counties

Huntington County's 0.731% rate clusters tightly with Henry County (0.749%) and Howard County (0.733%), marking the region as consistently higher-tax. Jackson County to the south offers dramatically lower rates at 0.472%.

What you'll pay in Huntington County

On the median home value of $146,400, you'll pay roughly $1,070 in annual property taxes. That increases to $1,110 if you have a mortgage and your lender requires escrow.

Check if you're overassessed

Property overassessment is common across Indiana, and Huntington County homeowners can file appeals to challenge valuations. Reach out to your assessor's office for a free reassessment consultation—correcting an inflated assessment could yield significant annual savings.

Cost of Living in Huntington County

via CostByCounty

Huntington County Housing Affordability

Huntington County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio suggests reasonable affordability relative to national standards, though still slightly above Indiana's 15.6% state average. The county's $62,734 median household income lags the national $74,755 by about $12,000, keeping housing costs elevated relative to what residents earn.

Huntington's Position in Indiana

Huntington County lands right in Indiana's middle tier with a 16.6% rent-to-income ratio, sitting just above the state average of 15.6%. Rents of $866 monthly run slightly below the state median of $883, offering modest savings compared to statewide norms.

Huntington vs. Surrounding Counties

Huntington County's 16.6% rent burden falls between Howard County's tighter 17.6% and Henry County's more affordable 16.1%. Rents here at $866 position the county in the middle of this regional cluster, neither the cheapest nor most expensive option nearby.

Understanding Huntington's Housing Math

Huntington County residents earning the median $62,734 annually spend approximately $866 monthly on rent—about 16.6% of gross income. Homeownership carries steeper monthly costs at $919 for a median-valued home of $146,400, suggesting renters enjoy better affordability here than owners.

Thinking About Huntington County?

Huntington County offers middle-of-the-road housing costs for Indiana, with rents at $866 and home values near $146,400 creating a balanced if not bargain-basement market. Weigh these moderate costs against local employment opportunities and lifestyle factors to decide if Huntington deserves a spot on your relocation shortlist.

Income & Jobs in Huntington County

via IncomeByCounty

Huntington County lags national earnings

Huntington County's median household income of $62,734 sits roughly $12,000 below the U.S. median of $74,755, a 16% shortfall. This income gap persists across much of the region, limiting household purchasing power compared to national benchmarks.

Slightly below Indiana average

Huntington County earns $62,734 against Indiana's state median of $68,681, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. Per capita income of $34,479 nearly matches the state average of $34,773, indicating balanced income distribution within the county.

Competitive with adjacent counties

Huntington County ($62,734) edges out both Henry County ($60,144) and Howard County ($62,496), standing as the strongest earner in this immediate cluster. Jasper County to the west significantly outpaces all three at $79,634.

Housing costs well-controlled

Huntington County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% sits comfortably within affordable ranges, and the median home value of $146,400 remains accessible. This favorable housing affordability ratio supports household financial stability.

Invest early for compound returns

Huntington County households at $62,734 income should open Roth IRAs and automated brokerage accounts to harness compound growth over decades. Starting at age 30, a $200 monthly investment grows to roughly $250,000 by retirement at 67.

Safety in Huntington County

via CrimeByCounty

Huntington County Streets Are Quiet

Huntington County’s total crime rate of 569.5 per 100K is roughly four times lower than the national average. This earns the county a high safety score of 99.1.

Beating the Indiana State Average

The county is safer than the Indiana state average, which carries a safety score of 98.9 and a higher crime rate of 693.8. Four reporting agencies ensure these figures provide a comprehensive look at local safety.

Favorable Comparison to Neighbors

Huntington sits in a comfortable middle ground, with a lower crime rate than Howard (1615.3) but higher than Henry (139.0). It represents a typical, relatively safe Indiana community compared to its neighbors.

Low Risk to Person and Property

Violent crime is low at 35.4 per 100K, while property crime accounts for 534.1 per 100K. These figures mean residents face significantly fewer risks than the average American.

Keeping Huntington Safe Daily

Maintaining this safety requires community vigilance and modern home security habits. Simple steps like locking doors and installing smart doorbells help prevent property crimes from rising.

Schools in Huntington County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated System Serving Huntington County

Huntington County operates a streamlined system of 10 public schools within a single consolidated district. These facilities serve 4,916 students through 6 elementary, 2 middle, 1 high school, and 1 specialized school.

Graduation Success Beats National Benchmarks

The county maintains a 91.0% graduation rate, which exceeds the national average of 87% but trails the Indiana state average of 92.6%. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,374, keeping it competitive with the state average of $5,507.

Unified Education Under One Main District

The Huntington County Community School Corp manages all 10 schools in the area, creating a unified educational experience. There are currently no charter schools in the county, focusing all resources on the central district.

Predominantly Rural Schools with Large Central Highs

The landscape is predominantly rural, with 6 schools in rural areas and 4 in towns. Huntington North High School is the largest institution with 1,424 students, while the overall average school size remains under 500.

Join a Community-Centered School Environment

Families looking for a unified community feel will find Huntington County's single-district approach appealing. Research available properties near Huntington North High or local elementary schools to join this focused education community.

Disaster Risk in Huntington County

via RiskByCounty

Huntington County: Indiana's safest zones

Huntington County's composite risk score of 38.23 places it firmly in the very low category, well below Indiana's 45.52 average and among the safest counties nationally. Residents here enjoy substantially lower natural disaster exposure than most Americans.

Lowest-risk county in the state

Huntington County ranks among Indiana's very safest counties for natural disaster risk, placing it in the bottom quartile of all 92 state counties. Only a handful of Indiana counties offer comparable protection from major natural hazards.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Huntington County's 38.23 risk score significantly underperforms Howard County (63.68) and Henry County (44.82) to the south and west. This makes Huntington one of the safest pockets in north-central Indiana.

Tornadoes the main concern here

Tornado risk reaches 67.91 in Huntington County, the dominant hazard despite being below state averages for that risk type. Earthquake risk (50.70) and flood risk (48.31) remain elevated locally, though wildfire risk (9.61) stays negligible.

Standard coverage meets local needs

Huntington County residents should maintain homeowners insurance with wind and hail protection for tornado safety, the county's primary concern. While earthquake coverage is optional given the moderate 50.70 score, flood insurance through NFIP provides essential backup protection.

Water Quality in Huntington County

via WaterByCounty

Compliance Grade Falls to F in Huntington

Huntington County holds a Grade F after recording 16 health violations in its drinking water systems over five years. Its violation rate of 68.0 per 100,000 residents is much higher than the state average of 42.3.

Watershed Health Beats State Averages

Only 26.9% of the 130 assessed water bodies in Huntington County are classified as impaired, according to 2022 data. This is significantly better than the Indiana average of 40.9%, despite issues with E. coli and PCBs.

Extensive Data Collection on the Wabash

A network of 21 monitoring sites has captured 15,708 measurements in the last five years. Testing focuses on physical attributes, nutrients, and metals to track the health of the local ecosystem.

Wabash River Flows at Reduced Capacity

At Andrews, the Wabash River is currently discharging 501 cfs, which is 66% of its historical mean. This lower flow affects a massive 1,098-square-mile drainage area across the county.

Prioritize Filtration and Testing

Given the Grade F compliance snapshot, residents should stay informed about specific utility violations and consider home filtration. While the watershed is relatively healthy, the high drinking water violation rate remains the most urgent concern.

Weather & Climate in Huntington County

via WeatherByCounty

A Drier Continental Climate Profile

At 50.1°F, Huntington is one of the cooler counties in the region compared to the national median. It is also drier than many areas, with only 40.6 inches of annual precipitation.

Cooler and Drier Than Indiana

The county stays well below the Indiana state average temperature of 52.2°F. It is also notably drier than the state average of 43.9 inches of rain.

Lower Precipitation Than Howard County

Huntington is cooler and drier than Howard County to the west. While Howard gets 43.8 inches of rain, Huntington only sees 40.6 inches annually.

Sharp Temperature Spikes in Summer

Despite the cool annual average, the county still sees 19 days of heat above 90°F. Winters are chilly at 27.8°F, accompanied by 25.9 inches of snow.

Watch for Sudden Summer Heat

Residents should prepare for more extreme heat days than their neighbors despite the lower overall average temperature. Seasonal lawn care must account for the lower 40.6 inches of rainfall.

Soil Quality in Huntington County

via SoilByCounty

Huntington's Reliable Neutral Foundation

Huntington County's soil maintains a pH of 6.39, which is slightly more acidic than the national 6.5 median but well above the 6.08 state average. This provides a versatile chemical base for local agriculture and landscaping.

A Medium-Textured Soil Blend

The mix includes 49.6% silt, 26.9% sand, and 22.1% clay. This proportion creates a medium texture that balances the drainage of sand with the nutrient-holding power of silt and clay particles.

Robust Organic Matter and Capacity

The 3.33% organic matter content is robust compared to the national 2.0% average, even if it trails the state's 4.90% peak. An available water capacity of 0.200 in/in closely matches the state benchmark.

Stable Water Movement and Management

Specific drainage classifications are not recorded for this area, but a solid 77.0 soil score suggests a productive landscape. The balanced particle size generally supports steady water movement through the root zone.

Reliable Results in Zone 6a

Gardeners in Zone 6a can use these reliable soils for both ornamental flowers and productive vegetable patches. The soil's consistency supports everything from fruit trees to standard Hoosier staples like corn.

Lawn Care in Huntington County

via LawnByCounty

Matching the Indiana Lawn Standard

Huntington County's difficulty score of 71.0 perfectly matches the state average, making it 21 points easier to maintain a lawn here than the national median. The 6a hardiness zone supports a wide variety of traditional Midwestern turf types.

Managing Lower Rainfall Levels

At 40.6 inches, annual precipitation is lower than the state average of 44.2, though it still sits within the ideal range for grass. The 19 extreme heat days nearly mirror the state benchmark of 20, requiring consistent mowing heights to shade the soil.

Solid Chemistry with Sandy Undercurrents

The soil pH of 6.39 is well within the 6.0 to 7.0 target range for maximum nutrient availability. With 26.9% sand content, the soil may drain more quickly than heavier clay soils found in neighboring counties, helping to prevent root rot.

Defending Against Severe Dryness

Current data shows 96.5% of the county is in severe drought, following 32 weeks of drought conditions over the last year. Focus on water conservation and avoid heavy fertilization until these severe conditions improve to prevent turf burn.

Optimal Planting Windows

For best results in Zone 6a, choose Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass. Start your spring seeding after the frost risk fades on May 1, and ensure new growth is established before the October 14 fall frost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Huntington County's county score?
Huntington County, Indiana has a composite county score of 53.8 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 Huntington County rank among counties in Indiana?
Huntington County ranks #60 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 Huntington County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Huntington County is $1,070, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Huntington County a tax score of 59.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Huntington County?
The median household income in Huntington County, Indiana is $62,734 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Huntington County earns an income score of 47.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Huntington County, Indiana a good place to live?
Huntington County scores 53.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Huntington 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 Huntington County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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