countyscore
58
County Score
Safety 88.6Income & Jobs 87.6Property Tax 81.4

County Report Card

About LaGrange County, Indiana

Leading the National Pack

LaGrange County boasts a composite score of 58.0, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This high score places it among the more desirable counties for overall livability in the U.S.

Exceeding the Indiana Average

With a score of 58.0, LaGrange County sits comfortably above the Indiana state average of 55.9. It ranks as a top-tier Hoosier county, specifically excelling in economic and social stability.

Superior Safety and Low Taxes

Public safety is a primary strength, evidenced by a massive safety score of 88.6. Residents also enjoy a high income score of 87.6 and a very low effective tax rate of 0.542%.

Healthcare Access and Infrastructure

Infrastructure is a weak point, with water quality scoring 31.2 and a health score of 36.4. School performance also lags behind with a score of 37.8, suggesting room for civic investment.

A Sanctuary for Safe, High-Income Living

LaGrange is ideal for families and professionals who prioritize safety and low taxes above all else. It offers a secure environment for high earners, provided they are comfortable with rural infrastructure.

2040608010081.442.288.636.437.887.637.631.255.6Tax81.4Cost42.2Safety88.6Health36.4Schools37.8Income87.6Risk37.6Water31.2Weather55.658/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

LaGrange County DNA

Foverall

How LaGrange County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

LaGrange County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (87.6/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (31.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
81.4+29.400000000000006
Cost
42.2
Safety
88.6+33.599999999999994
Health
36.4-13.600000000000001
Schools
37.8-16.200000000000003
Income
87.6+36.599999999999994
Risk
37.6-9.399999999999999
Water
31.2-26.8
Weather
55.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$249,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$816/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$249,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $83,741/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

44.3

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
Compare LaGrange County with Saguache County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

St. Joseph County
Michigan
38.4
Branch County
Michigan
37.2
Noble County
Indiana
55.4
Steuben County
Indiana
51
Elkhart County
Indiana
36.6
DeKalb County
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62.1
Cass County
Michigan
41.1
Whitley County
Indiana
63.4

Deep Dives

LaGrange County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in LaGrange County

via TaxByCounty

LaGrange County offers lowest tax rate

LaGrange County's effective tax rate of 0.542% is the lowest among these eight Indiana counties and significantly below the national median of 0.630%. This favorable rate means LaGrange residents keep more of their property values out of the tax collector's hands.

Statewide tax leader among peers

LaGrange County's 0.542% effective rate dramatically undercuts Indiana's state average of 0.671%, making it one of the state's most tax-friendly counties. Median taxes of $1,352 reflect this low rate applied to moderate-to-high home values of $249,500.

Clear tax advantage in northeast

LaGrange County's 0.542% rate beats every neighboring county in this group except Kosciusko County (0.598%). Compared to regional alternative Lake County (0.925%), LaGrange offers a substantial tax advantage.

What $249,500 home costs annually

A typical LaGrange County homeowner with a $249,500 home pays approximately $1,352 in annual property taxes. With mortgage, that figure rises to $1,401; without, to $1,267—low for a home of this value.

Tax appeal could save hundreds more

LaGrange County's low rate doesn't mean assessments are always accurate; overvaluation happens here too. Filing a property tax appeal costs nothing and could unlock hundreds in additional annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in LaGrange County

via CostByCounty

LaGrange County excels in rental affordability

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 11.7%, LaGrange County is the most affordable renting area in this analysis, well below the national norm. Despite a median household income of $83,741—above the national average of $74,755—residents pay only $816 in monthly rent.

Best rental affordability in Indiana's comparison

LaGrange County's 11.7% rent-to-income ratio is significantly lower than Indiana's 15.6% state average, making it an outlier for affordability. Its $816 median rent is $67 below the state average despite above-average incomes.

Unmatched rental value in the region

LaGrange County's $816 rent and 11.7% affordability ratio far exceed neighboring counties—Kosciusko County renters pay $995 and dedicate 16.1% of income. This county stands apart as a regional affordability champion.

Low housing burden enables wealth building

Renters allocate just 11.7% of income to housing, while homeowners spend about 15.3% on mortgage payments for a median home value of $249,500. This leaves LaGrange residents substantial discretionary income compared to state and national peers.

LaGrange County is affordability gold

If rental affordability is your priority, LaGrange County offers the best value in this analysis with 11.7% rent-to-income ratios and above-average incomes. It's worth serious consideration if you value financial breathing room and reasonable housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in LaGrange County

via IncomeByCounty

LaGrange County excels above national income

LaGrange County's median household income of $83,741 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 12%, demonstrating economic vitality well above the US average. Though per capita income of $32,928 is more modest, the household median reflects strong dual-earner dynamics in the county.

Indiana's second-strongest income county

LaGrange County's median household income runs 21.9% above Indiana's state average of $68,681, making it the second-highest earning county in this statewide comparison. Only Johnson County surpasses LaGrange's income performance.

Regional income leader among peers

LaGrange County's $83,741 median household income leads all nearby counties, outpacing Johnson County's $87,227 regionally and towering over Knox County's $58,863. This income advantage reflects LaGrange's stronger manufacturing and agricultural base.

Excellent housing affordability here

LaGrange County's rent-to-income ratio of just 11.7% is among the lowest in Indiana, showing housing costs consume a modest share of household income. A median home value of $249,500 remains highly accessible given the county's strong median income.

LaGrange County: time to invest aggressively

With household incomes 12% above the national average and exceptional housing affordability, LaGrange County residents have substantial capacity to build wealth through stocks, bonds, and real estate. Maximize your advantage by starting or expanding investment accounts now—your income strength is a real asset.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in LaGrange County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional safety in LaGrange County

LaGrange County is one of the safest areas in the nation with a near-perfect safety score of 99.6. Its total crime rate of 245.2 per 100K is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. Six reporting agencies contribute to this remarkably low crime environment.

Leading the state in public safety

LaGrange County outperforms the Indiana average significantly, with its 99.6 safety score beating the state's 98.9. The total crime rate of 245.2 is also much lower than the state average of 693.8. It stands as a model for safety and security within Indiana.

Unrivaled safety compared to neighbors

LaGrange County maintains much lower crime rates than neighboring Lake or Kosciusko counties. Its violent crime rate of 29.7 per 100K is far below the state average of 102.9. This makes it a standout region for peace and personal security in Northern Indiana.

Rare crime occurrences in LaGrange

Violent crime is extremely rare here, occurring at a rate of only 29.7 per 100K residents. Property crime is also minimal at 215.5 per 100K, compared to the national average of 2,015.7. The statistical likelihood of experiencing crime in LaGrange is very low.

Maintain your peace of mind

Even in high-safety areas like LaGrange, basic precautions help preserve the community's security. Keep your property well-maintained and ensure doors are locked at night. A simple home security system can provide added peace of mind in this quiet county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in LaGrange County

via SchoolsByCounty

Close-Knit Schools in a Rural Setting

LaGrange County operates 13 public schools across three districts, serving a total of 5,005 students. The landscape is unique, featuring six elementary, two middle, and three high schools, along with two 'other' category institutions. This distribution provides a streamlined path from early learning to graduation.

Strong Investment and Competitive Scores

The county invests $5,711 per pupil, which is higher than the Indiana state average of $5,507. This investment supports a 92.0% graduation rate and a school score of 51.8, both of which are aligned with state averages. Students here benefit from funding levels that exceed typical state benchmarks.

Westview and Lakeland Lead the Way

Westview School Corporation is the largest by enrollment, serving 2,075 students across five schools. Lakeland School Corporation also manages five schools with ,1605 students, while Prairie Heights rounds out the county's public options. There are no charter schools, ensuring all educational resources remain within the traditional district framework.

Rural Identity and Intimate Classrooms

With 11 of 13 schools located in rural locales, LaGrange County offers a true country school experience. The average school size is just 385 students, ensuring that educators can provide personalized attention. Lakeland Jr/Sr High School is the largest campus in the county, yet it remains relatively small at 793 students.

A Quiet Place to Learn and Grow

If you are looking for a rural lifestyle without sacrificing educational quality, LaGrange County is an ideal choice. The high per-pupil spending and small school sizes create an environment where every student is known. Explore available properties to find your place in these dedicated school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in LaGrange County

via RiskByCounty

LaGrange County above state average

LaGrange County's composite risk score of 62.40 rates as relatively low but exceeds Indiana's state average of 45.52 by 16.88 points. The county faces scattered but genuine hazard exposure across multiple natural disaster categories.

Upper-middle risk in Indiana

LaGrange County ranks in the upper-middle of Indiana's risk distribution at 62.40, performing better than Johnson County (74.65) but substantially higher than Lawrence County (47.77). Its position reflects notable but not extreme vulnerability within the state.

Elevated compared to southern peers

LaGrange County (62.40) faces higher risk than Kosciusko County (66.32) directly to the south, but shares similar tornado and earthquake concerns as a northern Indiana community. Compared to rural southern counties, LaGrange experiences notably elevated disaster vulnerability.

Tornadoes and flooding top concerns

Tornado risk at 80.85 represents LaGrange County's primary threat, while flooding at 65.62 serves as the second major hazard. Hurricane risk at 48.60—the highest among all county hazards—reflects tropical system exposure that rivals tornado danger.

Bundle tornado and flood coverage

LaGrange County homeowners should obtain comprehensive policies covering tornado, hail, and wind damage, given the 80.85 tornado score and significant rainfall patterns. Flood insurance is equally critical, particularly if your home sits near drainage basins or flood-prone areas, given the 65.62 flood risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in LaGrange County

via WaterByCounty

LaGrange receives Grade F for compliance

With four health violations over the last five years, LaGrange County carries a Grade F. Its violation rate of 60.8 per 100,000 residents significantly exceeds the Indiana state average of 42.3.

Low dissolved oxygen impacts local streams

The 2022 ATTAINS report finds that 33.8% of assessed water bodies are impaired, which is better than the state average of 40.9%. Major issues include E. coli, biological integrity, and low dissolved oxygen levels.

Monitoring focus on inorganic chemicals

Researchers have gathered 5,361 measurements from 84 monitoring sites throughout the county over the last five years. Most data collection targets inorganics, metals, and nutrients to track the impact of local land use.

Pigeon River shows typical seasonal flow

The Pigeon River near Scott is currently discharging 362 cfs, representing 98% of its long-term mean. Flow conditions remain very consistent with historical averages for this 361-square-mile drainage basin.

Manage runoff to improve water safety

Residents should be aware of the Grade F compliance status and consider water testing if they rely on small community systems. Improving stream oxygen levels and reducing E. coli runoff will help protect the county's relatively healthy watersheds.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in LaGrange County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Nation's Cooler Regions

LaGrange County is one of the coolest in the region, with an annual average temperature of only 49.3°F. This is well below the national median and typical of the Great Lakes fringe.

The Coldest Tier of Indiana

The county is nearly three degrees colder than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. It consistently ranks as one of the coldest counties in the entire state.

Drier than the Rest of the State

LaGrange is slightly cooler than Steuben and Noble counties to its east and south. It receives 38.5 inches of precipitation, making it one of the drier counties in Indiana.

Cold Winters and Pleasant Summers

Winters are very cold with a December-February average of 26.5°F. Summers stay mild, averaging 70.6°F with only 11 days of extreme heat above 90°F.

Focus on Home Insulation

High-performance home heating and insulation are the most critical investments for the cold 26.5°F winters. Summer wardrobes can remain light, as temperatures rarely exceed 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in LaGrange County

via SoilByCounty

Distinctive Acidic Profile in LaGrange

LaGrange County features a notably acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.40. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, suggesting a unique chemical environment for local plant life.

Sandy Terrain Dominates the Landscape

With 54.2% sand and only 8.3% clay, this soil is the sandiest in the region. This high sand content ensures that the soil never feels sticky, though it may require more frequent fertilization due to low clay retention.

Massive Organic Matter Reserves

The organic matter content is a staggering 14.10%, which is nearly three times the Indiana state average. This high concentration provides incredible natural nutrition, even though the available water capacity is slightly below the state average at 0.197 in/in.

A Landscape of Specialized Hydrology

While specific drainage class data is limited for this county, the high sand content suggests rapid water movement. Gardeners should monitor soil moisture closely, as sandy soils lose water faster than the silty soils found elsewhere in Indiana.

A Haven for Acid-Loving Plants

In Hardiness Zone 6a, blueberries and azaleas will thrive in this naturally acidic, high-organic soil. With a soil score of 68.1, LaGrange is a hidden gem for specialized gardening and high-yield produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in LaGrange County

via LawnByCounty

Northern Challenges in LaGrange County

At 69.3, LaGrange County sits just below the Indiana average lawn score of 71.0. Residents in this 6a hardiness zone face a cooler, shorter growing season that requires strategic timing for seeding and fertilization.

Lower Precipitation and Cool Temperatures

Annual precipitation of 38.5 inches is below the state average of 44.2, meaning supplemental watering is often required. The county stays relatively cool with only 11 extreme heat days, which helps prevent grass from going dormant in mid-summer.

Correcting Highly Acidic Sandy Soil

The soil pH here is quite low at 5.40, which can lock out essential nutrients from your turf. With a sand content of 54.2%, adding organic matter is critical to improve water retention and stabilize the soil structure.

Managing High Sand During Dryness

LaGrange County faced 16 weeks of drought in the past year, and 55% of the area remains abnormally dry. Use mulch-mowing to return clippings to the lawn, which helps the sandy soil retain whatever moisture it can.

Seeding for Success in the North

Wait for the last spring frost on April 26 before starting new seed, and choose cold-hardy varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass. The first fall frost arrives early on October 21, so complete all major lawn renovations by early September.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LaGrange County's county score?
LaGrange County, Indiana has a composite county score of 58 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 LaGrange County rank among counties in Indiana?
LaGrange County ranks #47 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 LaGrange County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in LaGrange County is $1,352, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns LaGrange County a tax score of 81.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in LaGrange County?
The median household income in LaGrange County, Indiana is $83,741 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. LaGrange County earns an income score of 87.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is LaGrange County, Indiana a good place to live?
LaGrange County scores 58/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate LaGrange 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 LaGrange 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.