countyscore
56.9
County Score
Safety 97.5Lawn Care 69.3Property Tax 64.9

County Report Card

About Marshall County, Indiana

Outperforming the National Average

Marshall County earns a composite score of 56.9, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This ranking suggests a higher-than-average quality of life compared to counties across the country. It stands as a competitive option on the national stage.

A Leader in Northern Indiana

With a score of 56.9, Marshall County slightly outperforms the Indiana state average of 55.9. It maintains a steady lead over many neighboring counties by balancing economic and social factors. This consistent performance makes it a reliable choice within the Hoosier State.

Elite Safety and Low Tax Burdens

Safety is the county's crowning achievement with a near-perfect score of 97.5. Residents also benefit from a strong tax score of 64.9, supported by an effective tax rate of just 0.683%. These factors combine to create a secure and financially stable environment.

Room to Grow in Education

The school score of 30.9 represents the county's most significant area for improvement. Additionally, the cost score of 37.4 suggests that housing affordability is tightening relative to local incomes. Enhancing local educational resources could significantly boost the overall composite score.

Ideal for Safety-Conscious Families

Marshall County is a premier choice for families who rank personal safety as their absolute top priority. The combination of low crime and a manageable tax burden creates a high sense of security. It is best suited for those seeking a stable, safe community in Northern Indiana.

Score breakdown

Tax64.9Cost37.4Safety97.5Health45.5Schools30.9Income62Risk58.4Water57.1Weather53.5
🏛64.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠37.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼62
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓30.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡58.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧57.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨61.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.3
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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Nearby counties

St. Joseph County
Indiana
41.4
Kosciusko County
Indiana
50.1
Starke County
Indiana
59.7
Fulton County
Indiana
64.4
Elkhart County
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LaPorte County
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43.2
Pulaski County
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66.6
Cass County
Michigan
41.1

Deep Dives

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Marshall County

via TaxByCounty

Marshall County below U.S. property tax norm

Marshall County's effective tax rate of 0.683% ranks well below the national median of 1.1%, offering homeowners significantly lower tax burden. The median property tax of $1,260 is less than half the national median of $2,690.

Marshall County near Indiana average

Marshall County's 0.683% effective rate ranks it just above the state average of 0.671%, placing it in the middle tier among Indiana's 92 counties. Most Indiana homeowners face similar tax pressures as those in Marshall County.

Moderate taxes in northern region

Marshall County's 0.683% rate falls between Miami County (0.578%) and Marion County (0.929%), making it a moderate-tax option in northern Indiana. Compared to neighboring counties, Marshall residents pay mid-range property taxes.

What a Marshall County homeowner pays

On a median home value of $184,500, Marshall County homeowners pay roughly $1,260 annually in property taxes. This stable rate applies consistently across both mortgaged and mortgage-free properties in the county.

Appeal if your value seems high

Many Marshall County homeowners are overassessed and eligible to appeal their tax valuations. A successful assessment challenge could lower your annual bill—the appeal process is free and worth exploring.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marshall County

via CostByCounty

Marshall County stays near national affordability

Marshall County renters spend 16.5% of income on housing, comfortably under the national benchmark and below what many households consider sustainable. With a median household income of $68,041—slightly below the national $74,755—the county delivers moderate housing costs relative to earnings.

Better than average for Indiana

Marshall County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio beats Indiana's state average of 15.6% only slightly, but the median rent of $936 runs just $53 above state average. The county sits in the middle tier of Indiana affordability, neither a bargain nor a burden.

Comparable costs across the region

Marshall County's $936 median rent falls between Monroe County's steep $1,151 and Martin County's bargain $643, mirroring its mid-range income position. Neighbor Newton County ($927 rent) and Morgan County ($988) show similar affordability patterns, making Marshall a typical option in this part of Indiana.

Marshall County's housing equation

Renters earning the county median of $68,041 pay $936 monthly, consuming 16.5% of gross income for housing. Homeowners with a median home value of $184,500 face $917 in monthly costs, slightly lower than the renter burden and manageable within the county's income profile.

A balanced choice for Indiana movers

Marshall County offers reasonable affordability without extreme compromises; it's neither the cheapest nor most expensive option in the state. Families prioritizing stable housing-to-income ratios over rock-bottom costs will find Marshall a sensible, middle-ground choice.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marshall County

via IncomeByCounty

Marshall County slightly below national median

Marshall County's median household income of $68,041 trails the national median of $74,755 by $6,714, or roughly 9%. Though modest, this gap places the county near the national middle, with stronger income stability than many Rust Belt counties.

Nearly at Indiana's state average

Marshall County's $68,041 income nearly matches Indiana's state median of $68,681, placing it solidly in the middle tier of Indiana counties. The county's per capita income of $33,134 falls slightly below the state average of $34,773.

Strong performer among peers

Marshall County's $68,041 income exceeds most neighbors, including Marion County ($63,450), Miami County ($61,130), and Martin County ($65,345). Only Morgan County ($79,088) and Newton County ($68,596) among nearby counties earn notably more.

Housing costs are well-managed

Marshall County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% is well below the 30% affordability threshold, among the healthiest in the region. With a median home value of $184,500, homeownership remains attainable for households at the county median income.

Leverage your solid income foundation

Households in Marshall County earning $68,041 have a strong platform for wealth-building through regular retirement contributions and diversified investments. Local banks and credit unions often offer financial literacy workshops—use them to maximize your earning and saving potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marshall County

via CrimeByCounty

A Perfect Safety Score for Marshall County

Marshall County achieves a perfect safety score of 100.0, far exceeding the national average crime rate of 2,385.5 per 100,000. With 0.0 crimes reported per 100,000 residents in 2022, it remains one of the safest regions in the country.

Outperforming Indiana Safety Averages

The county outperforms the Indiana state average safety score of 98.9. This puts Marshall in the top tier of secure counties across the Hoosier State based on current reporting.

Leading the Region in Safety

Marshall reports zero crime across five local agencies, a significant accomplishment compared to its regional peers. This 0.0 rate is much lower than the state average of 693.8 per 100,000.

Zero Reported Incidents Across Categories

Both violent and property crime rates sit at 0.0 per 100,000 residents for the latest reporting year. These figures reflect an exceptionally safe environment verified by five active local agencies.

Maintaining Marshall's Secure Standards

Even in top-rated safe zones, maintaining awareness is key to long-term security. Simple steps like exterior lighting and smart locks help preserve this high standard of community safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Marshall County

via HealthByCounty

Marshall County exceeds national health benchmarks

Marshall County residents live to 75.9 years, nearly matching the U.S. average of 78.1 years and outperforming many peers. Only 18.7% report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 16%—a sign of strong community wellness. However, coverage gaps remain a concern for nearly one in eight residents.

Healthier than Indiana average

Marshall County's 75.9-year life expectancy exceeds Indiana's state average of 75.1 years by 0.8 years. At 18.7% poor or fair health, the county ranks above the state median. Yet the uninsured rate of 12.6% far exceeds Indiana's 8.4% average, suggesting coverage is the primary barrier to care.

Strong health outcomes, limited providers

Marshall County residents live longer than Marion County neighbors (75.9 vs. 73.0 years) and report similar health status to Monroe County. However, primary care access is constrained at 52 providers per 100K—less than two-thirds of Marion's rate—creating potential bottlenecks for routine care.

Coverage crisis in a healthy county

Marshall County's 12.6% uninsured rate means approximately 5,000 residents lack health insurance—the highest rate among these eight counties. With only 52 primary care providers per 100K and 125 mental health providers per 100K, residents without coverage face dual barriers: no insurance and limited local capacity to serve them.

Marshall County: closing the coverage gap

At 12.6% uninsured, Marshall County has the most work to do. Start at healthcare.gov or call 211 to connect with a free enrollment assistant. Many Marshall County residents qualify for low-cost or free Medicaid coverage—no one should go without it.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Marshall County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in Marshall County

Marshall County's educational landscape consists of 16 public schools managed by 5 school districts. This system serves 7,876 students through a balanced mix of 9 elementary, 2 middle, and 5 high schools.

Strong Graduation Rates and Value

The county maintains a 91.2% graduation rate, which outperforms the national average of 87.0%. Despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,099 that sits below state and national averages, the county achieves a solid school score of 50.1.

Community-Driven School Districts

Plymouth Community School Corp is the largest district, serving 3,275 students across seven schools. Unlike more urban areas, Marshall County operates without charter schools, focusing entirely on traditional district-led education.

Rural and Town Learning Environments

The locale is split evenly between rural and town settings, offering an average school size of 492 students. Plymouth High School is the largest campus with 1,078 students, providing a more intimate feel than metropolitan districts.

Find Your Place in Marshall County

Families seeking a blend of town and rural living often prioritize homes near these high-performing districts. Start your home search today to find a property within your preferred school boundaries in this focused community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marshall County

via RiskByCounty

Marshall County's risk remains modest

Marshall County's composite risk score of 41.60 places it in the very low category and runs slightly below Indiana's state average of 45.52. While tornado risk reaches 66.28, other hazards remain relatively contained, resulting in a balanced overall risk profile. Compared to the nation's most hazard-prone counties, Marshall County faces measurably lower natural disaster exposure.

Among Indiana's safer counties

Marshall County ranks in the lower-risk tier statewide, with a composite score of 41.60 that falls below the state average of 45.52. Its risk profile is substantially better than Marion County (97.49) and Monroe County (75.99), reflecting more moderate hazard exposure. Most Indiana counties share similar or slightly higher risk levels than Marshall.

Fairly comparable to surrounding areas

Marshall County's 41.60 score sits close to neighboring Montgomery County (41.00) and Miami County (52.80), reflecting consistent risk patterns across north-central Indiana. The region shares moderate tornado exposure but avoids the extreme earthquake and flood risks seen in counties further south. Adjacent areas show similar preparedness priorities.

Tornadoes are the main concern

Tornado risk dominates Marshall County at 66.28, substantially higher than other hazards and the primary natural disaster threat residents face. Flood risk reaches 44.91, roughly in line with state averages, while earthquake and wildfire risks remain low. Tornado preparedness should be the primary focus for households here.

Focus tornado prep, standard coverage works

Marshall County residents should ensure standard homeowners insurance is current and add a tornado/hail deductible if available to manage wind damage costs. Developing a tornado plan—identifying safe rooms, practicing drills, and staying weather-aware—is more critical than extensive add-on coverage. Given lower flood and earthquake risks, standard policies provide adequate protection for most households.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marshall County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool and Very Snowy Region

Marshall County averages 50.0°F annually, which is cooler than the national median. It is distinguished by high annual snowfall compared to many US counties.

Cooler than the Indiana Average

The county's 50.0°F average sits below the state average of 52.2°F. It is one of the more temperate northern counties in the state.

The Snow Leader of the Region

Marshall County sees 54.9 inches of snow, far surpassing neighbors like Lake or Madison. Its 40.3 inches of rain is slightly lower than the state average.

Intense Winter Snowfall Totals

Winter is the dominant season with 54.9 inches of snow and a 26.9°F average. Summer is mild with a July average of 73.2°F and 15 days of extreme heat.

Winterize for Heavy Snow Loads

Roof maintenance is important to handle the nearly 55 inches of annual snow. High-quality winter tires and insulation are essential for the 24.1°F January lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marshall County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols define the landscape

Marshall County features Entisols with a notably acidic average pH of 5.00, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This low pH profile suggests that many local soils require lime treatment to support traditional crops or gardens. These young soils provide a unique chemical environment compared to the state's typically less acidic regions.

High sand content ensures fast drainage

The soil composition is nearly half sand at 49.8%, mixed with 21.7% silt and just 8.2% clay. This high sand percentage creates a coarse texture that is easy to till but may require frequent watering. While it drains rapidly, the low clay content means it lacks the natural nutrient-holding capacity of heavier soils.

Exceptional organic matter levels

Marshall County stands out with a massive 17.38% organic matter content, dwarfing the state average of 4.90%. This rich organic component helps compensate for the sandy texture by improving soil health and microbial activity. The available water capacity is 0.199 in/in, which is very close to the state average of 0.202.

Reliable well-drained conditions

The soil is classified as well-drained, which is ideal for preventing root rot in sensitive plants. This classification makes it excellent for most agricultural uses and building foundations, as water moves through the profile efficiently. You can expect few issues with standing water, even after typical Indiana rainstorms.

Acid-loving plants thrive in Zone 6a

In hardiness zone 6a, blueberries and azaleas are excellent choices that love this county's naturally acidic soil. With a soil score of 61.4, there is room for improvement through pH management, but the organic richness provides a great head start. Your garden can thrive if you select plants adapted to these specific sandy and acidic conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marshall County

via LawnByCounty

Marshall County Challenges the Average Yard

With a difficulty score of 69.3, Marshall County sits just below the Indiana state average of 71.0. Maintaining a lawn in this 6a hardiness zone requires more intentional care than in many southern Indiana counties.

Cooler Seasons and Sufficient Rain

Annual precipitation of 40.3 inches provides ample moisture, while 3099 growing degree days reflect a shorter, cooler season. Only 15 extreme heat days occur annually, which prevents the grass from burning out during the peak of summer.

Sandy, Acidic Soils Need Attention

The soil pH of 5.00 is significantly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, necessitating lime applications to prevent nutrient lockout. High sand content of 49.8% ensures excellent drainage but means nutrients may wash away more quickly than in clay-heavy soils.

Solid Resilience Against Dry Spells

Marshall County is resilient, having spent only 7 weeks in drought over the last year. Currently, about 50.3% of the area is abnormally dry, making this one of the more water-stable regions in the state.

Prepare for a Late April Start

The last spring frost typically hits on April 25, marking the start of the primary growing window for cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue. Seeding should be completed before the first fall frost on October 21 to avoid winter kill.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marshall County's county score?
Marshall County, Indiana has a composite county score of 56.9 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 Marshall County rank among counties in Indiana?
Marshall County ranks #52 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 Marshall County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Marshall County is $1,260, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Marshall County a tax score of 64.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marshall County?
The median household income in Marshall County, Indiana is $68,041 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marshall County earns an income score of 62/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marshall County, Indiana a good place to live?
Marshall County scores 56.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #52 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Marshall 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 Marshall 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.