countyscore
52.1
County Score
Property Tax 76Lawn Care 73.4Disaster Risk 68.1

County Report Card

About Jennings County, Indiana

Jennings County Surpasses National Median

Jennings County earns a composite score of 52.1, keeping it above the national median of 50.0. It provides a standard of living that is consistent with solid American middle-class values.

Just Below the Indiana Average

A score of 52.1 means Jennings County slightly trails the Indiana state average of 55.9. While it performs well in certain pockets, it remains a mid-tier option within the state.

Low Taxes and Strong Income Growth

Jennings excels with a tax score of 76.0 and an income score of 63.0. The median household income of $68,476 is quite strong relative to its low effective tax rate of 0.584%.

Focusing on Schools and Utilities

The school score of 30.8 and water score of 32.8 are the county's low points. Residents may find that local public services require more support than the county's private economic metrics.

Best for Private Sector Workers

This county is a great fit for workers with solid incomes who want to maximize their take-home pay through low taxes. It offers a pragmatic balance of earnings and affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax76Cost42Safety59.1Health47.3Schools30.8Income63Risk68.1Water32.8Weather65.1
🏛76
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠42
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼63
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡59.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤47.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓30.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡68.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧32.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨62.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱73.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Bartholomew County
Indiana
53.6
Jefferson County
Indiana
59.2
Scott County
Indiana
57.3
Decatur County
Indiana
65.7
Jackson County
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51.5
Ripley County
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66
Trimble County
Kentucky
63.7
Brown County
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68.2

Deep Dives

Jennings County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jennings County

via TaxByCounty

Jennings County taxes near national average

Jennings County's 0.584% effective tax rate sits just above the national median of 0.571%, placing it in the middle 40th percentile. At $903 annually on a median home of $154,600, homeowners experience moderate tax burdens compared to national peers.

Below Indiana's average tax rate

Jennings County's 0.584% effective rate falls below Indiana's average of 0.671%, providing modest relief versus state peers. The median tax of $903 undercuts Indiana's median of $1,199 by roughly 25%.

More affordable than northern counties

Jennings County's 0.584% rate sits between Jackson County's low 0.472% and the higher-tax Henry, Howard, Huntington trio to the north. Its tax burden ranks favorably within the southeastern Indiana region.

What you'll pay in Jennings County

On a median home valued at $154,600, Jennings County homeowners pay roughly $903 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that increases to $1,023 due to lender escrow requirements.

Appeal if overassessed

Jennings County homeowners should verify their assessments reflect fair market value, especially if recent home sales in the area suggest lower valuations. Contact your assessor to request a reassessment or appeal process details.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jennings County

via CostByCounty

Jennings County's Balanced Housing Market

Jennings County delivers one of the region's better affordability stories with a 15.9% rent-to-income ratio sitting just below Indiana's 15.6% state average, thanks to a solid median household income of $68,476. At $906 monthly, rents here feel manageable relative to what residents earn.

Jennings County's Indiana Position

At 15.9%, Jennings County's rent-to-income ratio essentially matches Indiana's 15.6% state average, placing it squarely in the state's affordability mainstream. The county's median income of $68,476 sits above many peers, helping residents weather housing costs more comfortably than less affluent counties.

Jennings Among Regional Peers

Jennings County's 15.9% rent burden and $68,476 median income position it favorably against weaker performers like Jefferson ($59,987 income, 17.3% ratio) and Jay ($54,114 income, 17.0% ratio). At $906 monthly, Jennings rents run moderate for this cluster while incomes provide better cushion.

Jennings County Housing Breakdown

Jennings County residents earning the median $68,476 spend about $906 monthly on rent—a reasonable 15.9% of gross income. Homeowners face $877 monthly costs on median-valued properties around $154,600, making ownership a realistic path for stable earners in the county.

Considering Jennings County?

Jennings County offers solid affordability with a 15.9% rent-to-income ratio matching state averages and median income of $68,476 that provides real budget flexibility. If you're comparing Indiana counties, Jennings' balanced housing costs and decent incomes make it a sensible middle-ground choice worth serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jennings County

via IncomeByCounty

Jennings County approaches national average

Jennings County's median household income of $68,476 narrows the gap with the U.S. median of $74,755 to just $6,279, representing only an 8% shortfall. This positioning puts Jennings closer to national norms than most peer counties.

Competitive with Indiana average

Jennings County's $68,476 is nearly identical to Indiana's median of $68,681, placing it right at state average for earnings. Per capita income of $31,077 trails the state average of $34,773, suggesting income concentration in fewer households.

Mid-tier performer regionally

Jennings County ($68,476) outpaces Henry, Howard, Huntington, Jefferson, and Jay counties but trails Jackson ($70,208) and Jasper ($79,634). At the state median, Jennings represents solid middle-ground economic performance.

Housing costs well-managed

Jennings County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% ranks among the best in this eight-county group, enabling renters to maintain financial flexibility. The median home value of $154,600 aligns reasonably well with local earning power.

Build balanced investment approach

Jennings County households earning $68,476 should diversify savings across tax-advantaged and regular investment accounts for optimal wealth accumulation. Contributing $300 monthly to a mix of retirement and brokerage accounts at 7% annual returns generates roughly $350,000 in 30 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jennings County

via CrimeByCounty

Jennings County Stays Below National Rates

Jennings County has a total crime rate of 945.3 per 100K, which is well below the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a 98.5 safety score.

Tracking Close to Indiana Averages

Two agencies report data for the county, placing its crime rate slightly above the Indiana state average of 693.8. Its safety score of 98.5 is just below the state average of 98.9.

Similar Safety to Jackson County

Jennings tracks closely with Jackson County, which has a nearly identical crime rate of 952.1. Both counties are significantly safer than Howard County but more active than Henry County.

Property Theft is the Main Concern

The county records 79.7 violent crimes and 865.6 property crimes per 100K people. These rates mean that while property theft is the main concern, violent incidents remain rare compared to national levels.

Secure Your Property Effectively

To mitigate property crime risks, residents should focus on home lighting and perimeter security. Staying informed about local trends through neighborhood apps can help prevent theft before it happens.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jennings County

via HealthByCounty

Jennings County has lowest life expectancy

At 72.7 years, Jennings County residents live approximately 6.2 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years—the lowest life expectancy among these eight counties. With 19.2% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces significant chronic disease and population health challenges.

Bottom tier for Indiana health metrics

Jennings County's 72.7-year life expectancy is 2.4 years below Indiana's state average of 75.1 years, ranking worst among these eight counties. The 7.3% uninsured rate is below state average, but health outcomes suggest deeper issues—poverty, education, or healthcare quality disparities—beyond insurance access.

Moderate providers, bottom-tier outcomes

Jennings County's 44 primary care providers per 100K and 120 mental health providers per 100K are both middle-of-the-road in this peer group, yet the county suffers the worst life expectancy. This gap suggests that availability alone doesn't solve health disparities—utilization, trust, and effectiveness matter equally.

Moderate access cannot offset deeper issues

With 44 primary care providers per 100K and 120 mental health providers per 100K, Jennings County has respectable provider density, yet residents report modest health—and life expectancy is the county's lowest. The 7.3% uninsured rate is below state average, indicating that insurance alone does not drive the disparity.

Jennings County must expand health coverage

Though Jennings County's 7.3% uninsured rate is below state average, that still means roughly 1 in 13 residents lack health insurance. Call 1-800-MEDICARE, visit healthcare.gov, or contact your local health department to enroll uninsured neighbors in Medicaid or marketplace plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jennings County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schools for Jennings County Students

Jennings County utilizes a single-district model with 8 public schools serving 3,889 students. The system is designed with 6 elementary schools, one middle school, and one central high school.

Top-Tier Investment in Student Success

The county achieves a 90.0% graduation rate, staying well above the national average of 87%. Local investment in education is strong, with per-pupil spending at $5,816, significantly higher than the state average of $5,507.

Consistent Standards via a Single School Corporation

The Jennings County School Corporation manages all 8 schools, ensuring uniform standards across the county. There are no charter schools in the area, as the county focuses resources on its public school district.

A Rural Focus for Local Education

Seven out of 8 schools are located in rural areas, reflecting the county's open, rural character. Jennings County High School is the largest school by far with 1,184 students, while the average school size across the district is 486.

Choose High Investment for Your Child's Future

High per-pupil spending and a strong 90% graduation rate make Jennings County a competitive choice for families. Consider the rural neighborhoods surrounding North Vernon to find a home near these dedicated schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jennings County

via RiskByCounty

Jennings County: Very low risk county

Jennings County scores 31.90 on the composite risk scale, placing it firmly in the very low category and well below Indiana's 45.52 state average. Residents here enjoy substantially lower natural disaster exposure than most Americans.

Among Indiana's safest counties

Jennings County ranks in the bottom quartile of Indiana's 92 counties for natural disaster risk, placing it among the state's safest areas. Only about 30% of Indiana counties present lower overall risk exposure.

Safer than Jackson County to the west

Jennings County's 31.90 risk score significantly outperforms nearby Jackson County (52.93) and Jefferson County (48.28) to the west, making it one of the lowest-risk zones in southern Indiana. Even Madison County to the north carries substantially higher hazard exposure.

Tornadoes and earthquakes lead

Tornado risk reaches 67.84 in Jennings County, the primary concern though still below Indiana state norms. Earthquake risk (63.45) ranks moderately elevated locally, while flood (44.37), hurricane (23.45), and wildfire (14.22) risks remain well-managed.

Earthquake insurance recommended

Jennings County residents should maintain homeowners insurance with wind and hail protection for tornado safety, the county's leading hazard. Adding earthquake coverage is prudent given the 63.45 seismic score, which exceeds Indiana state norms.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jennings County

via WeatherByCounty

Matching the National Median Climate

Jennings County averages 54.8°F annually, placing it right in line with the national median temperature. The climate is humid and temperate, providing a balance between North and South.

Warmer than the Statewide Average

This average is over two degrees warmer than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. It sits firmly in the warmer southern half of the state's climate rankings.

High Rainfall in the Muscatatuck Region

The county receives 49.3 inches of annual rain, making it wetter than neighbors like Bartholomew. It shares the humid, lush characteristics of the surrounding region.

Humid Summers and Light Snowfall

Summer temperatures average 73.8°F and produce 19 days of heat above 90°F. Winter is relatively mild compared to the north, averaging 34.3°F with 17.2 inches of snow.

Manage High Moisture and Humidity

Effective gutter systems and yard drainage are vital to manage the high 49.3-inch annual precipitation. HVAC systems should be rated for both high humidity and moderate summer heat spikes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jennings County

via SoilByCounty

Jennings County's Young Entisol Profile

Jennings County features Entisols with a pH of 6.01, which is almost identical to the Indiana state average. This slightly acidic foundation is common for these younger soils that have not yet developed distinct layers.

High Silt Content for Smooth Fields

The soil is predominantly silt (64.6%) with 17.8% clay and 17.6% sand. This high silt ratio provides a smooth feel and high water retention, though it lacks the structural stability of sandier soil mixes.

Building Organic Matter for Better Yields

At 1.89%, the organic matter is lower than the national average and well below the state's 4.90% mark. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.207 in/in is higher than the state average, offering a good moisture reservoir.

Navigating Hydrologic Runoff Risks

While specific drainage classes are unavailable, the Entisol order and C/D hydrologic group suggest moderate runoff risks. These soils require careful management to prevent erosion on sloped terrain during heavy rains.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 6b

The 6b hardiness zone allows for a long season of warm-weather crops like sweet potatoes and okra. Focus on building soil health with cover crops to overcome the lower organic matter levels in your backyard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jennings County

via LawnByCounty

Easier Lawn Care in Jennings County

With a difficulty score of 73.4, Jennings County offers an easier lawn care experience than both the state (71.0) and national (50.0) benchmarks. This 6b hardiness zone is well-suited for a variety of robust turfgrasses.

Rainy Skies and Long Growing Cycles

The county receives 49.3 inches of annual rain, providing plenty of natural irrigation compared to the state average of 44.2. A healthy 3,789 growing degree days ensures that your grass has ample warmth to thrive throughout the year.

Testing Soil for Optimal Health

The soil pH of 6.01 is on the lower end of the ideal spectrum and may require monitoring to ensure it doesn't become too acidic. With a balanced mix of 17.8% clay and 17.6% sand, the soil provides a versatile medium for most cool-season grass types.

Consistent Water Resilience

Jennings County is largely avoiding the severe drought seen elsewhere, with only 4 weeks of drought recorded in the past year. Currently, 87.6% of the area is abnormally dry, but the overall water outlook remains very positive for lawn health.

Prime Time for Planting

Heat-tolerant grasses like Tall Fescue perform exceptionally well in the 6b climate. Your primary growing window stretches from the last spring frost on April 21 to the first fall frost on October 21.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jennings County's county score?
Jennings County, Indiana has a composite county score of 52.1 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 Jennings County rank among counties in Indiana?
Jennings County ranks #67 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 Jennings County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Jennings County is $903, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Jennings County a tax score of 76/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jennings County?
The median household income in Jennings County, Indiana is $68,476 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jennings County earns an income score of 63/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jennings County, Indiana a good place to live?
Jennings County scores 52.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #67 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Jennings 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 Jennings County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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