countyscore
57.6
County Score
Safety 84.7Lawn Care 75.3Property Tax 73.8

County Report Card

About Lawrence County, Indiana

Surpassing National Performance

Lawrence County scores an impressive 57.6, well above the national median of 50.0. This high ranking demonstrates a quality of life that outshines the majority of American counties.

Beating the Indiana Average

With a composite score of 57.6, Lawrence County slightly exceeds the Indiana average of 55.9. It stands out as a high-performing region within the state's southern landscape.

Elite Safety and Affordability

The county boasts an exceptional safety score of 84.7 and a low effective tax rate of 0.604%. A cost score of 54.1 makes the $164,500 median home value very accessible for local families.

Water Quality and Education Needs

Infrastructure is the county's primary hurdle, with a water score of 22.2 and a school score of 29.6. These areas represent the most significant barriers to a higher overall ranking.

A Haven for Safe, Low-Cost Living

Lawrence County is a premier destination for families who prioritize safety and homeownership above all else. It offers an incredible value proposition for those who value peace of mind and financial flexibility.

Score breakdown

Tax73.8Cost54.1Safety84.7Health45.5Schools29.6Income56.1Risk52.2Water22.2Weather63.8
🏛73.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠54.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼56.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡84.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓29.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡52.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧22.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.3
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

Orange County
Indiana
66.3
Jackson County
Indiana
51.5
Martin County
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70.3
Monroe County
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Brown County
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Washington County
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Greene County
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Daviess County
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Deep Dives

Lawrence County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lawrence County

via TaxByCounty

Lawrence County below national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lawrence County

via CostByCounty

Lawrence County offers strong rental values

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lawrence County

via IncomeByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lawrence County

via CrimeByCounty

Lawrence County ranks high for safety

With a safety score of 99.4, Lawrence County is among the safer places to live in the United States. Its total crime rate of 356.8 per 100K is significantly lower than the national rate of 2,385.5. Three local agencies work diligently to maintain this secure environment.

Outperforming Indiana safety benchmarks

Lawrence County's total crime rate of 356.8 is roughly half the state average of 693.8. Its safety score of 99.4 also beats the state average of 98.9. This makes it one of the premier counties in Indiana for low crime activity.

High safety in Southern Indiana

Lawrence County is much safer than nearby urban centers, with a violent crime rate of just 44.3 per 100K. This is well below the Indiana state average of 102.9. Residents here enjoy a significantly lower risk of crime than those in neighboring, more populated counties.

Low frequency of local crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 312.5 per 100K, which is far below the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is even rarer, affecting only 44.3 out of every 100,000 residents. The data reflects a very calm and secure community.

Staying safe in a quiet county

Security remains simple in Lawrence County, but basic awareness is still key. Ensure your home's exterior is well-lit and that vehicles are always locked when parked outside. Even in safe areas, these habits help keep crime rates at their current record lows.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lawrence County

via HealthByCounty

Lawrence County trails national health

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lawrence County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Focused Network of Local Schools

Lawrence County provides education to 5,568 students through 14 public schools across four districts. The county features nine elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools. This compact system allows for a strong community connection to each local campus.

Top-Tier Funding and Solid Outcomes

The county boasts a per-pupil expenditure of $5,906, which is significantly higher than the Indiana average of $5,507. This high level of investment supports an 89.5% graduation rate and a school score of 50.9. While graduation rates are slightly below the state average, the county remains well ahead of the national 87.0% benchmark.

North Lawrence Schools and Charter Growth

North Lawrence Community Schools is the primary district, educating 3,659 students in eight schools. Mitchell Community Schools also serves a significant portion of the population with four schools. Notably, 14.3% of the county's schools are charters, providing local families with alternative public education paths.

Rural Roots with a Central Town Hub

Education is split between eight rural schools and six town-based schools, offering a classic Indiana learning environment. Schools are intimate, with an average size of 428 students per campus. Bedford-North Lawrence High School is the standout exception, acting as the county’s largest school with ,1303 students.

Benefit from Exceptional School Funding

Lawrence County's high per-pupil spending makes it a standout choice for parents seeking well-resourced public schools. Whether you are looking for a home in Bedford or a more rural setting near Mitchell, your children will be part of a highly supported system. Look for your next home in this community where education is a clear priority.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lawrence County

via RiskByCounty

Lawrence County remains relatively safe

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lawrence County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Wet Southern Climate

Lawrence County averages 53.6°F annually, which is warmer than the national median. It also receives 48.5 inches of precipitation, making it wetter than many parts of the country.

Exceeding the State Temperature Average

The county is warmer than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. Its 48.5 inches of annual rain also exceeds the state average of 43.9 inches.

Warmer and Rainier Than the North

Compared to northern counties like Madison, Lawrence is roughly two degrees warmer on average. It experiences significantly less snowfall, averaging only 13.5 inches per year.

Mild Winters and Humid Summers

January temperatures average a relatively mild 30.1°F, resulting in less snow. July brings 15 days of extreme heat over 90°F alongside high humidity.

Manage Moisture and Summer Heat

With nearly 50 inches of rain, robust gutter systems and basement waterproofing are vital. Residents should plan for 15 extreme heat days with efficient cooling systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lawrence County

via SoilByCounty

Southern Alfisols Define Lawrence County

Lawrence County soils are classified as Alfisols, which are typically found under forest cover. The average pH of 5.84 is slightly lower than the state average of 6.08 and significantly lower than the national median of 6.5.

Silt Loam with Low Sand Content

The soil is dominated by 65.9% silt and contains only 18.0% sand. This high silt concentration creates a smooth, flour-like texture that can become very compacted if driven over with heavy machinery when wet.

Moderate Fertility and Water Retention

Organic matter sits at 2.26%, which is slightly above the national average of 2.0% but well below the state average. The available water capacity of 0.199 in/in is just under the state benchmark of 0.202.

Poor Drainage Requires Careful Planning

Lawrence County is categorized as poorly drained and belongs to the B/D hydrologic group. High silt and low sand mean water moves slowly through the profile, requiring careful management for home gardens and farm fields.

Growing Strong in Hardiness Zone 6b

The warmer 6b climate allows for a variety of perennial flowers and hardy vegetables. Despite a lower soil score of 59.8, adding compost can easily boost the organic matter and help you grow a successful garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lawrence County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growing in Southern Indiana

Lawrence County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 75.3, outperforming the state average of 71.0. Situated in Hardiness Zone 6b, the county benefits from a longer growing season that allows for more established root systems.

Abundant Rainfall Fuels Growth

With 48.5 inches of annual precipitation, Lawrence County is one of the wettest in the state, nearing the high end of the ideal range. This moisture supports 3,585 growing degree days, though only 15 extreme heat days keep evaporation in check.

Silt Loam Needs Drainage Support

The pH of 5.84 is slightly low but workable for most lawn types. However, the silt loam soil is poorly drained, so homeowners should monitor for runoff and avoid mowing when the ground is heavily saturated.

Current Dryness vs Annual Rainfall

While the county had only four weeks of drought last year, 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. This recent shift means you should temporarily increase watering to protect your lawn's health despite the high annual rainfall totals.

Maximize a Longer Southern Season

Take advantage of a long season that runs from April 20 to October 30. Tall Fescue is an excellent choice here as its deep roots can handle the transitions between heavy rain and the occasional dry spell.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lawrence County's county score?
Lawrence County, Indiana has a composite county score of 57.6 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 Lawrence County rank among counties in Indiana?
Lawrence County ranks #48 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 Lawrence County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Lawrence County is $994, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Lawrence County a tax score of 73.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lawrence County?
The median household income in Lawrence County, Indiana is $65,551 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lawrence County earns an income score of 56.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lawrence County, Indiana a good place to live?
Lawrence County scores 57.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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.