CountyScore

Martin County

Indiana · IN

#2 in Indiana
76.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Martin County, Indiana

Highest Scorer in This Indiana Cohort

Martin County achieves a composite score of 76.5—the highest among these eight Indiana counties and well above the national median of 50.0, placing it near the 76th percentile nationally. This exceptional ranking reflects a county that delivers above-average livability across multiple measured dimensions.

Top Performer Among Indiana Counties

Martin County outpaces Indiana's state average composite score of 71.2 by more than five full points, ranking among the state's strongest performers. This distinction makes it one of Indiana's most livable counties by the CountyScore measure.

Unbeatable Affordability and Tax Rates

Martin County delivers the lowest effective tax rate in the group at 0.531% with an 87.3 tax score, plus an 85.5 cost score driven by exceptional housing affordability. At just $643 monthly rent and $150,400 median home value, this county is among Indiana's most budget-friendly places to live.

Income Opportunities Remain Modest

The county's 26.0 income score and $65,345 median household income represent solid but not exceptional earning potential. Limited data on schools and safety means some livability factors remain unmeasured, though current data points suggest limited constraints.

Best Choice for Budget-First, Rural-Comfortable Families

Martin County is Indiana's most affordable option in this group, perfectly suited for families and retirees who prioritize rock-bottom housing costs and taxes over urban services or peak earning potential. The exceptional cost profile and lowest tax burden make it a standout choice for those with modest, stable incomes seeking maximum financial security.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax87.3Cost85.5SafetyComing SoonHealth67SchoolsComing SoonIncome26Risk87.7WaterComing Soon
🏛87.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤67
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡87.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Martin County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Clay County
Alabama
76.5
Median income: $51,852
Traverse County
Minnesota
76.5
Median income: $65,931
Worth County
Missouri
76.5
Median income: $46,167
Granite County
Montana
76.5
Median income: $54,646
Blaine County
Nebraska
76.5
Median income: $61,250

Deep Dives

Martin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Martin County

via TaxByCounty

Martin County offers lowest-tax advantage

Martin County's 0.531% effective tax rate ranks among the lowest nationally, well below the 1.1% median. Residents pay just $798 annually on a median home of $150,400—nearly 70% less than the national median tax bill.

Martin leads Indiana on tax burden

Martin County has the lowest effective tax rate in Indiana at 0.531%, 21% below the state average of 0.671%. This advantage makes Martin one of the most tax-friendly counties in the entire state.

Martin County's regional advantage clear

Martin County's 0.531% rate significantly undercuts every nearby county, including Miami (0.578%), Morgan (0.480%), and Monroe (0.702%). Only Morgan County comes close, but Martin's median home values remain more affordable.

Minimal annual property tax here

A typical Martin County home valued at $150,400 incurs about $798 in annual property taxes—among the lowest in the nation. Even with mortgage-related adjustments, the annual burden remains manageable at under $1,000.

Still worth reviewing your assessment

Even in low-tax Martin County, some homeowners are overassessed and can appeal their valuations. A successful appeal could save you money—consider requesting a reassessment review at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Martin County

via CostByCounty

Martin County is Indiana's affordability standout

At 11.8%, Martin County's rent-to-income ratio is among the nation's most affordable, well below the national threshold and Indiana's 15.6% state average. Despite a median household income of $65,345, the county's remarkably low $643 median rent makes housing highly accessible.

Lowest housing burden in Indiana

Martin County leads Indiana in housing affordability with an 11.8% rent-to-income ratio—over 3 percentage points better than the state average. The median rent of $643 is the lowest among these eight counties and $240 below the state average, making Martin a rare affordable haven.

Dramatically cheaper than neighbors

Martin County's $643 rent is roughly $300 less than Marshall County's $936 and nearly $500 below Marion County's $1,107. This affordability advantage extends to ownership: the median home value of $150,400 represents some of the region's lowest property prices.

Martin's lean housing costs

The typical Martin County renter earning $65,345 annually spends just $643 monthly on housing—only 11.8% of gross income. Homebuyers with a $150,400 median home value face $758 in monthly ownership costs, preserving substantial income for other needs.

Indiana's best deal for budget-conscious families

If housing affordability tops your relocation checklist, Martin County delivers what most other Indiana counties cannot: rents and home values that consume minimal income. Trade Marion County's urban density for Martin's small-town savings, and free up thousands annually for savings, education, or quality of life.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Martin County

via IncomeByCounty

Martin County income trails national average

Martin County's median household income of $65,345 sits $9,410 below the national median of $74,755, a 12.6% shortfall. This puts the county in the lower-middle range nationally, typical of rural Midwestern communities with limited wage growth.

Below Indiana's median income

Martin County ranks below Indiana's state median of $68,681 at $65,345, placing it in the lower half of state counties. The county's per capita income of $32,250 trails the state average of $34,773, suggesting broader economic constraints.

Lower income than most neighbors

Martin County's $65,345 income lags most surrounding counties: Marshall ($68,041), Montgomery ($66,571), Newton ($68,596), and Morgan ($79,088). Only Miami County ($61,130) earns considerably less in the immediate region.

Housing costs are lowest in region

Martin County boasts the region's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 11.8%, well below the 30% affordability threshold, reflecting lower housing demand. With a median home value of $150,400, homeownership is exceptionally affordable for households in this county.

Start small, build consistent habits

Martin County households earning $65,345 can capitalize on low housing costs by redirecting savings toward retirement and investment accounts. Even small monthly contributions—$50 or $100—create momentum; consider automatic transfers to enforce consistent saving discipline.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Martin County

via HealthByCounty

Martin County near national life expectancy

Martin County's 75.8-year life expectancy sits just 2.3 years below the U.S. average of 78.1 years. Yet 22.0% of residents report poor or fair health—above the national average of 16%—suggesting life expectancy alone masks underlying health struggles. Insurance coverage is relatively stable, with only 8.7% uninsured.

Longest-living but most report poor health

Martin County's 75.8-year life expectancy exceeds Indiana's 75.1-year average, placing it near the top of this county group. However, 22.0% reporting poor or fair health is the second-highest rate among these eight counties, a paradox worth investigating. The 8.7% uninsured rate closely tracks the state average of 8.4%.

Longest-lived residents, fewest doctors

Martin County leads in life expectancy (75.8 years) but ranks last in primary care access at just 31 providers per 100K—barely one-third of Marion County's rate. With only 20 mental health providers per 100K, Martin County residents rely heavily on distant specialists, particularly challenging given the county's high poor-health reporting rate.

Healthcare deserts in a rural county

Martin County's 8.7% uninsured rate affects roughly 1,300 residents, while the county's severe provider shortage—31 primary care and just 20 mental health providers per 100K—means many insured residents also struggle to find local care. The combination of isolation and limited capacity creates real barriers to daily healthcare access.

Martin County: ensure your coverage today

Nearly 9% of Martin County residents lack insurance. Visit healthcare.gov or reach out to a rural health navigator who understands your area's challenges. Coverage is the first step; we're working to connect you with care closer to home.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Martin County

via RiskByCounty

Martin County enjoys very low risk

Martin County's composite risk score of 12.31 places it among the lowest-risk counties in the nation, far below Indiana's state average of 45.52. All hazard categories remain notably restrained, with wildfire risk at just 2.61 and hurricane risk at 13.31. This favorable profile reflects Martin County's relative insulation from major natural disaster threats.

One of Indiana's safest counties

Martin County ranks among Indiana's lowest-risk regions with a composite score of 12.31, substantially below the state average of 45.52. Only Newton County (11.67) rivals it for the safest profile in the state. Residents here face considerably lower natural disaster exposure than the vast majority of their Indiana neighbors.

The safest area in its region

Martin County's 12.31 score is the lowest in its vicinity, outdone only by Newton County (11.67) statewide, and substantially safer than Miami County (52.80) and Monroe County (75.99) to the north. The county's southern location and terrain create a particularly favorable risk profile. No nearby county approaches Martin County's low hazard exposure.

Minimal hazards, earthquakes lead slightly

Even Martin County's highest risk category—earthquake at 54.99—remains well below statewide concern levels. Tornado and flood risks round out the profile at 34.73 and 28.28 respectively, all quite manageable. Compared to other Indiana regions, Martin County faces remarkably low natural disaster vulnerability.

Standard insurance provides solid protection

Martin County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance to cover the vast majority of natural disaster scenarios, with no urgent need for specialized add-ons. Basic tornado and flood awareness remains prudent, though neither represents acute concern in this county. Annual policy reviews ensure coverage remains current without requiring expensive upgrades.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.