countyscore
43.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 67.5Lawn Care 66Soil Quality 63.7

County Report Card

About LaPorte County, Indiana

Below the National Median

LaPorte County earns a composite score of 43.2, placing it below the national median of 50.0. This suggests the county has specific areas of development needed to compete on a national stage.

Seeking Parity with the State

The county's score of 43.2 sits more than 12 points below the Indiana state average of 55.9. It currently underperforms many of its state neighbors in several key livability categories.

Solid Incomes and Fair Taxes

Economic indicators are a bright spot, with an income score of 67.5 and a median household income of $70,452. A moderate tax score of 53.8 helps residents keep more of their earnings.

Infrastructure Gaps and Missing Data

Safety data is currently unavailable, making it difficult to assess community security. However, low scores in risk (21.1) and school performance (32.9) highlight clear areas for future improvement.

Best for Middle-Income Commuters

LaPorte County offers a decent economic base for middle-income workers who are less concerned with school rankings. It remains a work in progress as the county looks to modernize its public services.

Score breakdown

Tax53.8Cost36.6SafetyComing SoonHealth47.4Schools32.9Income67.5Risk21.1Water43.1Weather53.8
🏛53.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠36.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼67.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤47.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓32.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡21.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧43.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66
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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Nearby counties

St. Joseph County
Indiana
41.4
Starke County
Indiana
59.7
Porter County
Indiana
49.4
Berrien County
Michigan
32.7
Marshall County
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56.9
Lake County
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Pulaski County
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Cass County
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41.1

Deep Dives

LaPorte County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in LaPorte County

via TaxByCounty

LaPorte County taxes above national norm

LaPorte County's effective tax rate of 0.794% exceeds the national median of 0.630%, placing it squarely in the higher-tax tier. At $1,435 in median annual taxes on $180,700 homes, residents here pay notably more than the U.S. average.

Ranks third-highest in Indiana group

LaPorte County's 0.794% effective rate significantly exceeds Indiana's state average of 0.671%, ranking it third-highest among these eight counties. Median taxes of $1,435 are well above the state median of $1,199.

Higher taxes than most in region

LaPorte County's 0.794% rate exceeds Kosciusko (0.598%), LaGrange (0.542%), and Lawrence (0.604%), but falls short of Lake County's 0.925%. It ranks in the upper tier regionally, approaching Lake County's steep burden.

What $180,700 home costs annually

A typical LaPorte County homeowner with a $180,700 home pays approximately $1,435 in annual property taxes. With mortgage, that figure rises to $1,448; without, to $1,414—a consistent burden for households of this economic tier.

Appeals can ease the burden

LaPorte County homeowners often carry assessments above actual market value, particularly in older neighborhoods. Filing a property tax appeal with your assessor's office is free and could reduce your annual bill measurably.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in LaPorte County

via CostByCounty

LaPorte County aligns with national norms

With a 15.8% rent-to-income ratio and median household income of $70,452—near the national $74,755—LaPorte County mirrors national affordability patterns. Monthly rents of $926 are moderate and manageable for the region.

Slightly above Indiana's average affordability

LaPorte County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio is marginally higher than Indiana's 15.6% state average, though its $926 median rent is only $43 above the state norm. This near-alignment ranks LaPorte as a typical Indiana county for housing costs.

Moderate costs in a diverse region

LaPorte County's $926 rent sits between affordable Knox County ($782) and pricier Johnson County ($1,208), offering a regional middle option. Its 15.8% rent-to-income ratio is competitive with nearby Kosciusko County's 16.1%.

Balanced housing allocation matches statewide norms

Renters allocate 15.8% of income to rent, while homeowners spend roughly 16.2% on mortgages for a median home value of $180,700. This balanced burden allows reasonable discretionary spending.

LaPorte offers reliable, middle-ground housing

If you want predictable, near-average housing costs and incomes close to the national median, LaPorte County delivers stability. Weigh it against more affordable options like Lawrence County or pricier choices like Lake County based on your income expectations.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in LaPorte County

via IncomeByCounty

LaPorte County modestly below national income

LaPorte County's median household income of $70,452 falls 5.8% short of the national median of $74,755, indicating slightly below-average earning power. Per capita income of $34,650 similarly trails national benchmarks, reflecting limited wealth accumulation.

Near Indiana average, but slightly lower

LaPorte County's median household income of $70,452 exceeds Indiana's state average of $68,681 by just 2.6%, placing it solidly in the middle tier statewide. The county performs modestly compared to Indiana's stronger counties but outpaces several struggling markets.

Mid-range income among regional counties

LaPorte County's $70,452 income trails LaGrange County ($83,741) by 16% but outperforms Knox County ($58,863) by 20%. The county sits near Lake County ($68,985) in regional income rankings, reflecting comparable economic conditions.

Housing affordability remains manageable

LaPorte County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% keeps housing costs within reasonable bounds, with a median home value of $180,700 accessible to local incomes. Households have moderate financial flexibility for other expenses and savings.

Start small, build steady in LaPorte

While household incomes run modestly below the national average, LaPorte County residents can build wealth through consistent, low-cost investing and automatic savings plans. Focus on employer-sponsored retirement plans and tax-advantaged accounts to maximize your earning years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in LaPorte County

via HealthByCounty

LaPorte County faces health headwinds

LaPorte County's life expectancy of 74.3 years falls 0.6 years below the U.S. average of 74.9 years. With 20.3% reporting poor or fair health, the county exceeds the national average and reflects a population under strain.

Below Indiana's health standard

LaPorte County's 74.3-year life expectancy trails Indiana's 75.1-year average by 0.8 years. The 20.3% poor/fair health rate places the county among lower performers in the state.

Regional health gaps visible

LaPorte County's 74.3-year life expectancy matches Lake County (74.3 years) but lags Johnson County (76.2 years) by 1.9 years. With only 37 primary care providers per 100,000, the county trails regional peers in access.

Adequate coverage, strained access

LaPorte County's 7.9% uninsured rate is near Indiana's average, showing decent coverage uptake. Yet the county offers only 37 primary care providers per 100,000—among the lowest in the region—straining access to routine care.

Maintain your coverage stability

LaPorte County's 7.9% uninsured rate is manageable, but ensuring continuous coverage protects against unexpected health costs. Review your plan at healthcare.gov and explore options if your current coverage has gaps.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in LaPorte County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Schooling Along the Lakefront

LaPorte County supports 15,962 students through 35 public schools organized into seven districts. The system includes 21 elementary, five middle, and seven high schools, along with two specialized campuses. This structure provides a balanced mix of urban and rural educational facilities.

Competitive Spending and Steady Results

The county invests $5,816 per pupil, well above the Indiana state average of $5,507 and approaching national spending levels. These resources support a 90.6% graduation rate and a school score of 51.3. Students here benefit from financial support that is among the highest in the region.

LaPorte and Michigan City Lead Enrollment

LaPorte Community School Corp is the county's largest district, serving 6,227 students across 11 schools. Michigan City Area Schools follows closely, managing 13 schools for 5,193 students. The county also features one charter school, offering a small degree of public school variety within the traditional district system.

A Blend of Rural and City Learning

The locale mix is split between 17 rural schools and 14 city schools, reflecting the county's diverse geography. Average school size is 484 students, providing a more personal feel than larger neighboring counties. However, LaPorte High School serves as a major hub with 1,875 students on a single campus.

Invest in a Community Focused on Learning

With per-pupil spending that leads the state average, LaPorte County demonstrates a clear commitment to its students. Families can find homes ranging from urban Michigan City properties to quiet rural acreage near New Prairie schools. Explore the area to find a home that matches your family's educational goals.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in LaPorte County

via RiskByCounty

LaPorte County faces elevated risk

LaPorte County scores 78.88 on the composite risk scale, rating as relatively low but standing 33.36 points above Indiana's state average of 45.52. This substantial elevation reflects meaningful hazard exposure across multiple natural disaster categories.

Among Indiana's higher-risk counties

LaPorte County ranks in Indiana's upper tier of risk exposure at 78.88, surpassed only by Lake County (95.93) in immediate regional comparison. The county faces above-average vulnerability across several hazard types typical of northern Indiana.

Substantially riskier than Lake peers

LaPorte County (78.88) faces notably higher risk than Kosciusko County (66.32) to the southeast and most of northern Indiana except Lake County (95.93). Its elevated score reflects particularly intense tornado and flooding exposure for the region.

Tornadoes dominate; flooding follows

Tornado risk at 92.56 represents LaPorte County's primary hazard—approaching Lake County's exceptional 99.14 score—while flooding at 74.62 poses the second major threat. Earthquake risk at 70.04 and wildfire exposure at 35.24 complete a diverse hazard profile.

Prioritize storm damage protection

LaPorte County homeowners should obtain comprehensive policies with explicit tornado, hail, and wind coverage given the near-extreme 92.56 tornado score. Flood insurance is also essential, particularly for properties in established drainage corridors or previously inundated areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in LaPorte County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Than the National Median

LaPorte County has an annual average temperature of 49.6°F, placing it among the cooler regions in the United States. Its climate is defined by moderate precipitation and significant seasonal variation.

One of Indiana’s Chillier Counties

The county averages 2.6 degrees cooler than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. It ranks as one of the northernmost climate zones in the state.

Heavier Snowfall Than Western Neighbors

While temperatures mirror Lake County, LaPorte receives much more snow at 46.8 inches annually. This is nearly 20 inches more than its neighbor to the west.

Significant Snow and Mild Summers

Winter is intense with 46.8 inches of snowfall and average lows of 23.8°F in January. July stays comfortable with only 14 days of extreme heat over 90°F.

Invest in Heavy Snow Equipment

Residents need heavy-duty snow removal tools to manage the high annual snowfall. Proper home weatherization is essential for the 26.9°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in LaPorte County

via SoilByCounty

The Intense Acidity of LaPorte Mollisols

LaPorte County features Mollisols with an exceptionally low average pH of 4.85. This makes it one of the most acidic counties in the state, falling far below the national median of 6.5.

A Gritty Loam with High Porosity

The soil composition is 40.4% sand and 27.2% silt, resulting in a loam that is easy to till. With only 9.9% clay, the soil lacks the heavy stickiness found in central Indiana, allowing for excellent root penetration.

Indiana's Leader in Organic Matter

Organic matter reaches a massive 17.14%, the highest in this group and nearly four times the state average. This richness combined with an above-average water capacity of 0.208 in/in makes for incredibly productive land.

Navigating Very Poorly Drained Terrain

The county is classified as very poorly drained and sits in the B/D hydrologic group. These soils are often saturated, meaning that any construction or farming requires serious attention to water management and drainage systems.

The Berry Capital of the Region

The 6a zone and high acidity are perfect for blueberries, which require a low pH to thrive. If you are starting a garden, leverage the high organic matter to grow lush, vibrant crops that love moist environments.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in LaPorte County

via LawnByCounty

High Soil Acidity Challenges Local Lawns

LaPorte County has a lawn difficulty score of 66.0, indicating it is one of the more challenging areas in Indiana. The primary hurdle for homeowners in this 6a hardiness zone is overcoming significantly poor soil conditions.

Cool Climates and Moderate Rain

The county enjoys a cool growing environment with only 14 extreme heat days and 40.3 inches of rain. These conditions are typically perfect for grass, but the 2,998 growing degree days mean a shorter window for grass to mature.

Addressing Very Poorly Drained Loam

The soil pH is a very low 4.85, which is far too acidic for healthy grass without heavy liming. Combined with very poorly drained loam and 40.4% sand, this soil requires professional-grade amendments to support a lush lawn.

Temporary Relief from Dry Conditions

There is currently no drought in LaPorte County, though the region experienced 12 weeks of dry conditions last year. Because the drainage is so poor, homeowners should be careful not to overwater, as standing water can drown grass roots.

Target the Late Spring Window

The frost-free season starts late on April 29 and lasts until October 27. Focus on Creeping Red Fescue, which can tolerate the higher acidity and moisture fluctuations common in LaPorte's unique loamy soil.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LaPorte County's county score?
LaPorte County, Indiana has a composite county score of 43.2 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 LaPorte County rank among counties in Indiana?
LaPorte County ranks #81 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 LaPorte County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in LaPorte County is $1,435, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns LaPorte County a tax score of 53.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in LaPorte County?
The median household income in LaPorte County, Indiana is $70,452 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. LaPorte County earns an income score of 67.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is LaPorte County, Indiana a good place to live?
LaPorte County scores 43.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #81 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate LaPorte 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 LaPorte 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.