countyscore
34.4
County Score
Lawn Care 75.2Water Quality 68.4Soil Quality 66.9

County Report Card

About Lake County, Indiana

Facing National Livability Headwinds

Lake County scores a 34.4, trailing significantly behind the national median of 50.0. This reflects the complex challenges common in densely populated urban and industrial regions.

Trailing Indiana's Quality Benchmarks

The county's score of 34.4 is well below the Indiana state average of 55.9. While it serves as a major economic hub, it faces stiff competition from neighboring counties in terms of overall resident satisfaction.

Stable Incomes and Water Access

Lake County's strengths lie in its water quality (68.4) and a solid income score of 64.2. A median household income of $68,985 supports a large, diverse workforce.

High Risk and School Struggles

The county faces a critical risk score of 4.1, indicating high vulnerability to environmental or systemic factors. Safety (26.8) and school quality (24.4) also present ongoing challenges for the community.

A Choice for Urban Professionals

Lake County is best suited for individuals who value proximity to Chicago and urban employment over traditional suburban metrics. It attracts those willing to navigate lower safety scores for the benefits of a major metro area.

Score breakdown

Tax43.4Cost21.8Safety26.8Health50Schools24.4Income64.2Risk4.1Water68.4Weather52
🏛43.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼64.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡26.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤50
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓24.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡4.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧68.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.2
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

Porter County
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49.4
Will County
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50.3
Newton County
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52.4
Jasper County
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Kankakee County
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LaPorte County
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Starke County
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Cook County
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Deep Dives

Lake County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lake County

via TaxByCounty

Lake County has highest tax burden

Lake County's effective tax rate of 0.925% is the highest among these eight counties and 47% above the national median of 0.630%. At $1,987 in median annual taxes, Lake County residents face substantially steeper property tax bills than most Americans.

Statewide tax outlier among peers

Lake County's 0.925% rate dwarfs Indiana's state average of 0.671% by nearly 0.25 percentage points. This makes Lake County the clear outlier in this group, likely reflecting higher municipal and school funding demands.

Significantly higher than regional peers

Lake County's 0.925% rate towers over all neighboring counties in this study: LaGrange (0.542%), Kosciusko (0.598%), Lawrence (0.604%), and Johnson (0.720%). Only Madison County (0.764%) comes close, but still falls 0.16 percentage points short.

What $214,700 home costs annually

A typical Lake County homeowner with a $214,700 home pays approximately $1,987 in annual property taxes. With mortgage, that figure rises to $2,129; without, to $1,777—among the highest tax bills in this eight-county group.

Assessment appeals carry extra weight

With Lake County's elevated tax rates, even modest assessment corrections can yield significant savings. Property tax appeals are free to file and can reduce your burden substantially—well worth exploring given the stakes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lake County

via CostByCounty

Lake County faces steeper housing costs

Lake County renters spend 19.0% of income on housing—the highest rent-to-income ratio in this county cluster and above typical national benchmarks. With a median household income of $68,985 (below the national $74,755) and median rents of $1,094, housing affords less flexibility.

Least affordable renting in Indiana's tier

Lake County's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio substantially exceeds Indiana's 15.6% state average, making it the most housing-strained county in this analysis. Its $1,094 median rent is $211 above the state average of $883.

Highest rents amid lower regional incomes

Lake County's $1,094 median rent rivals Johnson County's $1,208 but paired with $68,985 income—substantially lower than Johnson's $87,227. This income-to-rent mismatch makes Lake County notably less affordable than surrounding counties.

Housing consumes disproportionate share

Renters dedicate 19.0% of income to rent, and homeowners spend roughly 19.4% on mortgages for a median home value of $214,700. Combined with other expenses, housing costs leave Lake County households with tighter budgets than regional peers.

Lake County works for high-earners only

Lake County's steep rents require careful financial planning unless your income exceeds the median significantly. Consider more affordable neighbors like Knox County ($782 rent, $58,863 income) or Lawrence County ($800 rent, $65,551 income) if housing affordability is central to your move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lake County

via IncomeByCounty

Lake County lags national income benchmarks

Lake County's median household income of $68,985 trails the national median of $74,755 by 7.7%, placing it below the typical US household. Per capita income of $35,973 similarly falls short of national averages, reflecting limited individual earning power across the population.

Below average for Indiana overall

Lake County's median household income sits 0.3% below Indiana's state average of $68,681, making it nearly at parity with state-level benchmarks. However, the county still underperforms than stronger Indiana regions like Johnson and LaGrange.

Struggling against regional income competition

Lake County's $68,985 income significantly trails LaGrange County ($83,741) by 18% and falls below Kosciusko County ($73,922). The county edges out only Knox County and Madison County among this regional group.

Housing costs strain Lake County budgets

Lake County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.0% ranks as the highest in this analysis, indicating housing costs consume nearly a fifth of household income. While still below the 30% distress threshold, this pressure leaves less room for savings and investments.

Build wealth despite income headwinds

With incomes 8% below the national average and housing costs taking a larger bite, Lake County residents should focus on automating savings through payroll deduction. Even modest, consistent investments in low-cost funds can compound over time to build long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lake County

via CrimeByCounty

Lake County stays below national crime rates

Lake County reports a total crime rate of 1781.0 per 100K, which is notably lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 97.2 reflects a moderate risk level compared to the rest of the country. Twenty reporting agencies manage public safety across this diverse region.

Evaluating safety in Northwest Indiana

Lake County's safety score of 97.2 is slightly lower than the Indiana state average of 98.9. The total crime rate of 1781.0 per 100K is over double the state average of 693.8. This indicates a more active law enforcement environment than in many other Indiana counties.

Active trends in a busy corridor

Lake County faces higher crime rates than rural neighbors, largely due to its urban density and proximity to Chicago. The violent crime rate of 288.5 per 100K exceeds the Indiana state average of 102.9. However, it still remains safer than some larger metropolitan hubs.

A focus on property and violent crime

Violent crime in Lake County is 288.5 per 100K, while property crime is much more frequent at 1492.5. While these numbers are higher than the state average, they remain below national benchmarks of 369.8 and 2,015.7 respectively. Crime prevention efforts focus heavily on reducing property theft.

Building a safer Lake County home

Given the higher incidence of property crime, robust home security is recommended for Lake County residents. Use smart doorbells and alarms to discourage potential intruders. Joining a neighborhood watch can significantly improve local safety outcomes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lake County

via HealthByCounty

Lake County lags behind national health

Lake County's life expectancy of 74.3 years falls 0.6 years below the U.S. average of 74.9 years. At 19.6% reporting poor or fair health, the county exceeds the national average, indicating persistent wellness challenges.

Below-average outcomes in Indiana

Lake County's 74.3-year life expectancy trails Indiana's 75.1-year average by 0.8 years. The 19.6% poor/fair health rate signals ongoing struggles compared to state trends.

Mixed results in the region

Lake County's 74.3-year life expectancy matches LaPorte County (74.3 years) but significantly trails Johnson County (76.2 years). However, Lake County offers 230 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest in the region.

Fair coverage, limited primary care

Lake County's 7.7% uninsured rate sits just below Indiana's 8.4% average, showing reasonable coverage. However, primary care access is limited at 51 providers per 100,000, requiring careful appointment planning.

Secure your health coverage

Lake County's 7.7% uninsured rate means some residents still lack basic coverage. Explore plans at healthcare.gov or connect with local navigators to ensure your family has the protection it needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lake County

via SchoolsByCounty

Indiana's Diverse Education Powerhouse

Lake County features a massive educational network of 120 public schools serving 75,089 students. With 30 different districts and a mix of 70 elementary, 20 middle, and 23 high schools, the scale of options is unparalleled in the region. This infrastructure serves a wide variety of urban and suburban communities.

Navigating Challenges in a Large System

The graduation rate stands at 89.3%, which exceeds the national average of 87.0% but falls slightly behind the Indiana average. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,266, supporting a school score of 49.4. These figures reflect the complex task of managing the state's most diverse and densely populated school landscape.

A Hub for District and Charter Choices

School City of Hammond is the largest district with 11,505 students, followed closely by Crown Point's 9,064. Lake County is also a leader in school choice, hosting 13 charter schools that represent nearly 11% of the county's total institutions. This variety allows families to choose between traditional district schools and alternative public models.

From Urban Centers to Suburban Sprawl

The county is overwhelmingly suburban, with 91 schools in suburb settings and 19 in city environments. While the average school size is 642, the county is home to massive campuses like Lake Central High School, which enrolls over 3,000 students. This mix offers everything from large-scale 'mega-schools' to smaller urban academies.

A Wealth of Options for Every Family

Lake County's 30 districts mean that home buyers have a vast array of educational environments to choose from. Whether you want the resources of a large suburban district like Lake Central or the unique focus of a charter school, you will find it here. Start your search in Northwest Indiana to find the perfect school-home match.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lake County

via RiskByCounty

Lake County faces exceptional risk

Lake County scores 95.93 on the composite risk scale, rating as relatively high and more than double Indiana's state average of 45.52. This makes Lake County one of Indiana's most disaster-vulnerable communities and places it well above the national norm.

Indiana's riskiest county

Lake County ranks as Indiana's highest-risk county at 95.93, substantially outpacing all peers including Madison County (77.26) and LaPorte County (78.88). Its "relatively high" rating reflects concentrated exposure to multiple severe hazard types simultaneously.

Dramatically riskier than neighbors

Lake County (95.93) faces far greater disaster vulnerability than LaPorte County (78.88) to the east and all other surrounding counties in the region. The 17.05-point gap separating Lake from the next-riskiest neighbor underscores its exceptional exposure profile.

Tornadoes lead Lake County hazards

Tornado risk at 99.14 represents Lake County's dominant threat—among the highest measured nationwide—while flooding at 96.15 poses equally severe danger. Wildfire exposure at 66.06 and earthquake risk at 89.12 round out a hazard portfolio with virtually no safe seasons.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Lake County residents must prioritize all-hazard homeowners insurance with explicit tornado, hail, wind, and flood coverage given the county's 95.93 composite risk. Strongly consider umbrella liability policies as well, since the frequency and severity of natural disasters may exceed standard coverage limits.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lake County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool Humid Continental Climate

Lake County averages 49.7°F annually, which sits several degrees below the national median. This region experiences a classic humid continental climate with distinct seasonal shifts.

Below the Indiana Temperature Average

The county's 49.7°F annual average is notably cooler than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. It remains one of the chillier regions in the state due to its northern position.

Similar Temps to Lakeshore Neighbors

Lake County shares a nearly identical climate with neighbor LaPorte County, which averages 49.6°F. However, it receives slightly less annual precipitation at 40.4 inches compared to the state average of 43.9 inches.

Cold Winters and Brief Heat Waves

Winter brings 28.1 inches of snow and average temperatures of 26.3°F. Summers are generally mild, though residents still face about 16 extreme heat days above 90°F each year.

Prepare for Lake-Effect Fluctuations

Homeowners should invest in reliable insulation to handle the 23.2°F January average. High-capacity HVAC systems are necessary to bridge the gap between lake-chilled winters and humid 73.0°F July days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lake County

via SoilByCounty

Mollisols Mark the Northwest Corner

Lake County is built on Mollisols, the dark, fertile soils typically associated with grasslands. The average pH of 5.79 is somewhat acidic compared to the national median of 6.5 and the Indiana average of 6.08.

Sandy Loam Near the Great Lakes

The soil contains 40.5% sand and 35.9% silt, creating a fine sandy loam texture. This mix provides enough grit for good aeration while the 16.0% clay content helps maintain some structure for plant roots.

Superior Organic Matter for Urban Farming

At 8.18%, the organic matter here is much higher than the state average of 4.90%. This helps offset an available water capacity of 0.185 in/in, which is lower than the Indiana average of 0.202.

Managing Poorly Drained Coastal Soils

Despite the sand, the county is classified as poorly drained and falls into the C/D hydrologic group. This indicates that high water tables or restrictive layers can cause water to linger after heavy storms.

Success in the 6a Hardiness Zone

Lake County's 66.9 soil score supports a wide range of gardening, especially for leafy greens that benefit from high organic matter. Raised beds are a great choice here to help manage the naturally poor drainage.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lake County

via LawnByCounty

Lake County Lawns Outperform Averages

With a score of 75.2, Lake County is easier to maintain than both the state and national averages. Despite the lake-effect weather in this 6a zone, the climate remains relatively moderate for standard residential turfgrass.

Consistent Moisture from Lake Influence

The county receives 40.4 inches of precipitation annually, which is slightly less than the state average but sufficient for most lawns. Only 16 extreme heat days and 3,055 growing degree days provide a temperate environment for cool-season varieties.

Managing Poor Drainage in Sandy Loam

While the soil is 40.5% sand, it is classified as poorly drained, meaning water may sit on the surface after heavy rains. The pH of 5.79 is just below the ideal range, so a soil test and a small lime application are recommended.

Strong Current Water Availability

Lake County currently reports 0% drought area, making it one of the more stable regions in the state. However, 13 weeks of drought over the last year show that conditions can shift quickly, requiring a standby irrigation plan.

Seeding Near the Lakeshore

Aim to seed between the April 29 spring frost and the October 16 fall frost. Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass blends are popular here due to their ability to handle the varying moisture levels found near the lake.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake County's county score?
Lake County, Indiana has a composite county score of 34.4 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 Lake County rank among counties in Indiana?
Lake County ranks #89 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 Lake County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Lake County is $1,987, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Lake County a tax score of 43.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lake County?
The median household income in Lake County, Indiana is $68,985 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lake County earns an income score of 64.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lake County, Indiana a good place to live?
Lake County scores 34.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #89 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Lake 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 Lake 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.