CountyScore

Indiana County

Pennsylvania · PA

#40 in Pennsylvania
64.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Indiana County, Pennsylvania

Indiana Matches National Trends

Indiana County's composite score of 66.0 ranks 32% above the national median of 50.0, placing it comfortably in the upper half of U.S. counties. This solid standing reflects competitive housing affordability balanced against higher tax rates.

Perfectly Aligned with State Average

Indiana's score of 66.0 exactly matches Pennsylvania's state average, making it a true representation of mid-tier Pennsylvania livability. It ranks at the median point among the state's counties.

Housing Affordability Leads the Way

Indiana's cost score of 82.8 is the highest in this dataset, supporting median home values of $145,400 and rents averaging just $786 monthly. This exceptional housing value is the county's primary livability asset.

Tax and Income Pressures Visible

Indiana's tax score of 58.3 and effective tax rate of 1.562% are the highest in this cohort, while an income score of 21.7 reflects a median household income of just $58,739. Data on safety, health, schools, and water remain unavailable.

For Housing-First Priorities

Indiana works best for households desperate to minimize housing costs who can tolerate higher tax rates and moderate incomes. It's an option for young professionals or families starting out who need maximum affordability despite less favorable overall conditions.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax58.3Cost82.8SafetyComing SoonHealth71SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.7Risk36.3WaterComing Soon
🏛58.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡36.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Indiana County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Glenn County
California
64.8
Median income: $70,487
Coweta County
Georgia
64.8
Median income: $94,142
Glynn County
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64.8
Median income: $68,546
Harper County
Kansas
64.8
Median income: $55,417
Gallatin County
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64.8
Median income: $87,454

Deep Dives

Indiana County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Indiana County

via TaxByCounty

Indiana taxes exceed national and state norms

Indiana County's effective tax rate of 1.562% sits well above the national median of 1.317%, placing it in roughly the 60th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $2,271 exceeds the national median of $2,690, a notably high burden relative to the county's $145,400 median home value.

Indiana ranks among Pennsylvania's highest-tax counties

At 1.562%, Indiana's effective rate exceeds Pennsylvania's average of 1.317% by nearly 19%, making it one of the state's higher-tax counties. The median tax bill of $2,271 is about $386 higher than the state median, driven by Indiana's elevated effective rate.

Indiana has the region's highest tax burden

Indiana's 1.562% rate is the highest among all eight counties analyzed, beating Erie (1.625%) only slightly but substantially exceeding Huntingdon (0.914%), Forest (1.038%), and Fulton (1.028%). An Indiana homeowner pays roughly $600–$1,100 more annually than residents of most neighboring counties.

Median Indiana home costs about $2,271 yearly

A typical Indiana home worth $145,400 carries an annual property tax bill of $2,271. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $2,304; without one, it drops to $2,239.

Indiana homeowners should prioritize assessment appeals

With one of the state's highest effective tax rates, even a modest reduction in assessed value can generate substantial savings. If your home is assessed above fair market value, filing an appeal with your municipality or county board is essential—many Indiana homeowners have recovered hundreds annually through successful challenges.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Indiana County

via CostByCounty

Indiana County Meets National Affordability Standards

Indiana County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% sits just below the national average of 15.8% and below Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, indicating solid overall affordability. With a median household income of $58,739 and monthly rent of $786, Indiana offers reasonable housing access for middle-income households.

Indiana Hovers at PA's State Average Affordability

At 16.1%, Indiana County's rent-to-income ratio sits just below Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, placing it among the state's moderately affordable counties. Monthly rent of $786 runs 18% below the state median of $960, offering meaningful rental savings.

Indiana Sits Comfortably in Regional Range

Indiana's $786 monthly rent falls near the middle of this region's spectrum, while its 16.1% ratio ranks better than Fayette (16.5%), Erie (17.1%), and Forest (19.4%), though it trails the most affordable counties. The median home value of $145,400 aligns closely with Fayette's $126,900 and Greene's $146,200, reflecting a blue-collar housing market.

Renters Spend 16.1% on Housing Costs

Indiana County households earning $58,739 pay $786 for rent or $760 for mortgage, consuming just 16.1% of gross income—right at the state average. This affordability structure leaves adequate income for other expenses while maintaining financial stability.

Indiana County: Solid Affordability Option

If considering western Pennsylvania relocation, Indiana County offers solid affordability at 16.1% of income with rental and ownership costs that remain well-aligned with state averages. Compare Indiana's steady middle-ground approach against Greene's exceptional affordability (13.5%) or Franklin's premium market ($1,071 rent) to find your best value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Indiana County

via IncomeByCounty

Indiana trails the national median

Indiana County's median household income of $58,739 falls $16,016 short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting economic challenges common to rural Pennsylvania. The gap exceeds many comparison counties, signaling structural economic constraints.

Below average among Pennsylvania counties

Indiana's $58,739 income ranks $10,875 below Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614, placing it in the lower half of the state's 67 counties. The county underperforms most statewide benchmarks.

Indiana outearns only Forest County

Indiana's $58,739 trails all comparison counties except Forest ($50,061), with substantial gaps versus Franklin ($74,946) and Erie ($61,476). Among western Pennsylvania peers, Indiana faces economic headwinds.

Housing affordable but stretched

Indiana's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% approaches the affordability threshold, and median home values of $145,400 remain achievable but consume meaningful income share. Households must budget carefully to maintain housing security.

Prioritize income growth strategies

Indiana households earning $58,739 should treat income advancement—through education, career moves, or supplemental work—as their primary wealth-building tool. Even modest income gains compound significantly; pair this with low-cost investing for long-term stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Indiana County

via HealthByCounty

Indiana's life expectancy near U.S. average

At 75.2 years, Indiana County residents live 0.9 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, reflecting slightly below-average population health. With 17.7% reporting poor or fair health—below the 17.9% national average—Indiana shows good chronic disease control despite shorter overall lifespan.

Indiana ranks near state average

Indiana's 75.2-year life expectancy is 1.2 years below Pennsylvania's 76.4-year average, placing it in the middle range of the state's health rankings. The county's 17.7% poor/fair health rate suggests relatively effective health management despite the longevity gap.

Indiana performs solidly in regional context

Indiana's 75.2-year life expectancy falls between lower-performing counties (Forest at 70.9, Fayette at 72.5) and healthier peers (Franklin at 77.2, Huntingdon at 77.0). With 51 primary care providers and an impressive 388 mental health providers per 100K, Indiana offers strong behavioral health infrastructure and decent routine care access.

Higher uninsured rate, strong mental health

Indiana's 7.9% uninsured rate exceeds Pennsylvania's 7.0% average, with roughly 6,400 residents lacking coverage. The county stands out for its 388 mental health providers per 100K—among the region's best—and 51 primary care providers per 100K provide reasonable access to routine care.

Indiana residents: close the coverage gap

With a 7.9% uninsured rate—higher than the state average—nearly 6,400 Indiana residents lack essential health protection. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid and Marketplace options; Indiana's excellent mental health services are most effective when residents have insurance coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Indiana County

via RiskByCounty

Indiana sits slightly below national median

Indiana County's composite risk score of 63.71 falls slightly below the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating. The county's flood risk of 77.83 and hurricane risk of 70.80 indicate moderate-to-high vulnerability despite a favorable overall score.

Lower-middle tier among Pennsylvania peers

At 63.71, Indiana ranks below the Pennsylvania state average of 67.45, positioning it in the safer half of state counties. Still, Indiana faces above-average hazard exposure compared to most U.S. counties.

More exposed than Forest, less than Fayette

Indiana's 63.71 score falls between neighboring Forest County's exceptional 19.91 and Fayette County's elevated 82.22. Indiana represents moderate risk—neither remarkably safe nor particularly exposed by Pennsylvania standards.

Floods and hurricanes present dual threat

Indiana's flood risk (77.83) and hurricane risk (70.80) are substantially elevated, while tornado risk (42.62) and wildfire risk (37.95) remain moderate. The county's river systems and distance from protective coastal geography drive these hazards.

Obtain both flood and comprehensive coverage

Indiana County residents should secure flood insurance for any property in or near flood zones, as damage from heavy rainfall is common. Pair flood coverage with comprehensive homeowner's insurance to protect against the full range of natural hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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