Lawrence County's score of 71.7 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 30% of American counties for livability. This strong performance reflects real advantages in affordability and tax efficiency.
2 / 5
Just Above Indiana Average
Lawrence County slightly edges Indiana's average of 71.2 with a score of 71.7, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 92 counties. It represents better-than-typical Indiana livability.
3 / 5
Affordability and Tax Leaders
Lawrence County delivers exceptional value with a cost score of 80.9 (median home $164,500, rent $800/month) and tax efficiency of 85.3 (0.604% rate). This combination maximizes purchasing power for modest-income households.
4 / 5
Income Potential Is Limited
The income score of 26.2 is the lowest in this group, with median household income of just $65,551, constraining economic advancement. A risk score of 52.2 also suggests moderate environmental or hazard concerns worth investigating.
5 / 5
Ideal for Retirees and Budget Livers
Lawrence County is perfect for retirees on fixed incomes and cost-minimizers who prioritize low housing and tax burdens above employment opportunities. It offers genuine affordability with stable infrastructure, making it a practical choice for those with financial independence.
Lawrence County's score of 71.7 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 30% of American counties for livability. This strong performance reflects real advantages in affordability and tax efficiency.
Just Above Indiana Average
Lawrence County slightly edges Indiana's average of 71.2 with a score of 71.7, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 92 counties. It represents better-than-typical Indiana livability.
Affordability and Tax Leaders
Lawrence County delivers exceptional value with a cost score of 80.9 (median home $164,500, rent $800/month) and tax efficiency of 85.3 (0.604% rate). This combination maximizes purchasing power for modest-income households.
Income Potential Is Limited
The income score of 26.2 is the lowest in this group, with median household income of just $65,551, constraining economic advancement. A risk score of 52.2 also suggests moderate environmental or hazard concerns worth investigating.
Ideal for Retirees and Budget Livers
Lawrence County is perfect for retirees on fixed incomes and cost-minimizers who prioritize low housing and tax burdens above employment opportunities. It offers genuine affordability with stable infrastructure, making it a practical choice for those with financial independence.
Score breakdown
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🏛85.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Lawrence County's effective tax rate of 0.604% is modestly above the national median of 0.630%—wait, it's actually below. At $994 in median annual taxes on $164,500 homes, residents here enjoy below-average property tax burdens.
Favorable compared to state average
Lawrence County's 0.604% effective rate is slightly below Indiana's state average of 0.671%, ranking it in the lower half of this eight-county group. Median taxes of $994 remain comfortably below the state median of $1,199.
Middle option in south-central region
Lawrence County's 0.604% rate beats Knox County (0.725%) and Madison County (0.764%), but trails LaGrange County (0.542%) and Kosciusko County (0.598%). It represents a moderate tax option regionally.
What $164,500 home costs annually
A typical Lawrence County homeowner with a $164,500 home pays approximately $994 in annual property taxes. With mortgage, that figure rises to $1,056; without, to $908—relatively affordable given the home value.
Review your assessment before renewal
Even in lower-tax Lawrence County, some homeowners are overassessed relative to market value. A free property tax appeal to your county assessor could reduce your annual bill and ensure you're paying only what's fair.
Renters spend just 14.7% of income on housing, well below typical national benchmarks, despite a median household income of $65,551 below the national average of $74,755. Median rents of $800 are notably low and accessible.
Below-average costs across Indiana
Lawrence County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this analysis and well below Indiana's 15.6% state average. Its $800 median rent is $83 below the state average, positioning it among Indiana's most affordable counties.
Competitive affordability in rural Indiana
Lawrence County's $800 rent and 14.7% affordability ratio rival Knox County ($782 rent, 15.9% ratio), making both standout options for budget-conscious movers. Lawrence offers lower rent-to-income stress despite marginally higher monthly costs.
Minimal housing burden despite lower income
Renters dedicate only 14.7% of income to housing, while homeowners spend roughly 15.8% on mortgages for a median home value of $164,500. This efficiency leaves Lawrence County residents financial room despite below-average incomes.
Lawrence County rewards cost-conscious residents
Lawrence County delivers excellent affordability with 14.7% rent-to-income ratios and low rents of $800, ideal if you prioritize financial flexibility. It's comparable to Knox County; choose based on local job availability and lifestyle preferences.
Lawrence County significantly below national income
Lawrence County's median household income of $65,551 lags the national median of $74,755 by 12.3%, reflecting economic constraints common to rural Indiana. Per capita income of $33,401 further underscores limited earning potential across the local population.
Below Indiana's statewide average income
Lawrence County's median household income trails Indiana's state average of $68,681 by 4.5%, placing it among the state's lower-earning counties. This gap indicates structural economic challenges that require strategic workforce and business development.
Lower income than most regional peers
Lawrence County's $65,551 median income underperforms LaGrange County ($83,741) by 22% and Kosciusko County ($73,922) by 12%. Only Knox County ($58,863) and Madison County ($62,632) earn less in this regional grouping.
Housing remains affordable despite lower income
Lawrence County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% indicates housing costs remain manageable, supported by a median home value of $164,500. Lower incomes mean less room for unexpected expenses, but housing affordability provides some financial relief.
Invest in skills and steady savings habits
With household incomes 12% below the national average, Lawrence County residents should prioritize skill-building and education to boost earning potential. Start with small, automated savings contributions and gradually increase them as your career progresses.
Lawrence County's life expectancy of 73.8 years falls 1.1 years below the U.S. average of 74.9 years. At 20.3% reporting poor or fair health, the county matches national concerns, reflecting significant wellness challenges.
Among Indiana's lowest performers
Lawrence County's 73.8-year life expectancy trails Indiana's 75.1-year average by 1.3 years, placing it among the state's weaker performers. The 20.3% poor/fair health rate signals persistent population health struggles.
Regional health disparities evident
Lawrence County's 73.8-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest regional performers, trailing Johnson County (76.2 years) by 2.4 years. Primary care access is also limited at 40 providers per 100,000.
Adequate insurance, limited providers
Lawrence County's 8.0% uninsured rate mirrors Indiana's 8.4% average, showing reasonable coverage parity. However, just 40 primary care providers per 100,000 means residents often face waiting periods and travel for routine care.
Protect your health access now
Lawrence County's 8.0% uninsured rate means some residents still lack protection. Visit healthcare.gov to ensure you have coverage, especially important given the county's limited provider access.
Lawrence County scores 47.77 on the composite risk scale, rating as relatively low and just 2.25 points above Indiana's state average of 45.52. This makes Lawrence one of Indiana's safer counties, though residents still face tornado and earthquake exposure.
Among Indiana's lower-risk counties
Lawrence County ranks favorably within Indiana at 47.77, approaching the state average and substantially safer than northern counties like Lake (95.93) and LaPorte (78.88). The county's modest score reflects more balanced hazard distribution without extreme vulnerability.
Lawrence offers relative safety
Lawrence County (47.77) provides notably lower risk than Knox County (55.31) to the west and Johnson County (74.65) to the north, making it a safer pocket within the region. Its position reflects reduced tornado intensity compared to northern Indiana peers.
Tornadoes and earthquakes matter
Tornado risk at 74.27 represents Lawrence County's primary hazard, while earthquake risk at 75.67 serves as the second major concern. Flooding at 55.85 rounds out meaningful exposures, though wildfire and hurricane risks remain minimal.
Standard coverage suffices for now
Lawrence County homeowners should ensure basic tornado and wind coverage within standard homeowners policies, given the 74.27 tornado score. Consider earthquake insurance if your home sits near fault zones, though the 75.67 earthquake risk is lower than many Indiana counties.