countyscore
43.3
County Score
Health 76.4Lawn Care 74.3Soil Quality 65.1

County Report Card

About Monroe County, Indiana

Academic Hub Below National Median

Monroe County scores 43.3 on the composite index, trailing the national median of 50.0. While the county is home to a major university, high housing costs weigh down its overall ranking. It faces a unique set of challenges common to academic and cultural centers.

Trailing the Indiana State Average

The county's score of 43.3 sits below the Indiana average of 55.9, largely due to local price pressures. It ranks lower than many surrounding rural counties that offer lower costs of living. Despite its cultural prominence, it presents a more expensive profile than the state norm.

Leading in Health and Wellness

Monroe County excels in health with a score of 76.4, the highest among its dimensions. It also maintains a strong tax score of 63.1 with a competitive 0.702% effective rate. Residents benefit from a wellness-oriented community and reasonable local tax policies.

Housing Costs and Safety Pressures

A low cost score of 20.4 reflects a median home value of $261,700, which is high for the region. Safety also scores lower at 22.5, typical for more densely populated areas with high transient populations. These factors make it a more difficult entry point for budget-minded residents.

Best for Health-Conscious Professionals

This county is a great fit for individuals who prioritize health services and cultural vibrancy over low housing costs. It appeals to those willing to pay a premium for a high-quality lifestyle and medical access. It remains Indiana's premier destination for those valuing wellness and education.

Score breakdown

Tax63.1Cost20.4Safety22.5Health76.4Schools49Income49.2Risk24Water39.8Weather59.8
🏛63.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠20.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼49.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡22.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡24
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧39.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74.3
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

Brown County
Indiana
68.2
Owen County
Indiana
61.3
Morgan County
Indiana
62.9
Lawrence County
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Greene County
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Johnson County
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Jackson County
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Putnam County
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Deep Dives

Monroe County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Monroe County

via TaxByCounty

Monroe County taxes moderate nationwide

Monroe County's 0.702% effective tax rate sits below the national median of 1.1%, offering moderate relief compared to American averages. The median annual tax of $1,837 is 32% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Monroe above Indiana state average

Monroe County's 0.702% effective rate ranks slightly above Indiana's 0.671% average, placing it in the upper-middle tier statewide. Despite higher-than-average home values ($261,700), the tax burden remains reasonable.

Monroe moderately taxed regionally

Monroe County's 0.702% rate exceeds most neighbors except Marion (0.929%), making it moderately taxed in central Indiana. The county's higher median home values ($261,700) contribute to its larger tax bills than Marshall or Miami counties.

Monroe homeowners pay moderate taxes

On a median home value of $261,700, Monroe County residents pay approximately $1,837 annually in property taxes. This rate applies consistently whether or not the home carries a mortgage.

Review your assessment regularly

Many Monroe County homeowners are overassessed and have grounds to appeal their tax valuations. The assessment appeal process is free—challenging an inflated valuation could meaningfully reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Monroe County

via CostByCounty

Monroe County's affordability crisis

Monroe County renters spend 21.8% of their income on housing—the highest burden among these eight counties and well above healthy national benchmarks. A median household income of $63,372 struggles to support rents averaging $1,151, creating significant affordability strain.

Indiana's least affordable county here

Monroe County's 21.8% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds Indiana's 15.6% state average, marking it as the state's most expensive option in this sample. The median rent of $1,151 tops all neighboring counties and runs $268 above the state average.

A premium among Indiana neighbors

Monroe County's $1,151 rent exceeds every comparable county, from Marion County's $1,107 to Martin County's $643—a $508 spread in the region. The median home value of $261,700 is the highest here, reflecting the county's expensive housing market driven largely by Bloomington's presence.

Monroe's housing burden breakdown

Renters earning Monroe County's $63,372 median income dedicate $1,151 monthly to rent—a substantial 21.8% of gross earnings. Homebuyers facing a median home value of $261,700 pay $1,108 monthly, a burden that consumes roughly 21% of household income.

High costs justified by amenities, not affordability

Monroe County's steep housing costs reflect Bloomington's university presence, amenities, and demand rather than exceptional income levels. Relocating here requires either higher income or budget restructuring; those prioritizing affordability should explore Marion County ($1,107 rent) or Martin County ($643 rent) instead.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Monroe County

via IncomeByCounty

Monroe County income slightly below national

Monroe County's median household income of $63,372 trails the national median of $74,755 by $11,383, or 15.2%. Though below national average, the county's per capita income of $36,836 exceeds the national average, indicating pockets of higher earners supporting the broader economy.

Below Indiana's state median

Monroe County's $63,372 income falls short of Indiana's state median of $68,681 by $5,309. However, its per capita income of $36,836 ranks among the highest in this county group, suggesting concentrated professional and academic employment around Bloomington.

Mixed performance compared to neighbors

Monroe County's $63,372 income ranks above Miami ($61,130) and Marion ($63,450), but trails Marshall ($68,041), Montgomery ($66,571), Newton ($68,596), Martin ($65,345), and Morgan ($79,088). Its higher per capita income reflects the economic influence of Indiana University.

Housing costs stretch household budgets

Monroe County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.8% is among the highest in the region, approaching the 30% affordability ceiling. With a median home value of $261,700—the region's highest—homeownership challenges households earning the county median.

Balance housing costs with long-term goals

Monroe County households earning $63,372 face higher housing costs, making strategic financial planning essential; prioritize paying down high-interest debt before aggressively investing. Explore down payment assistance programs and consider working with a fee-only financial planner to align housing choices with retirement readiness.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Monroe County

via CrimeByCounty

Monroe County Beats National Averages

Monroe County holds a safety score of 96.9, remaining safer than the national average. Its total crime rate of 1,984.8 per 100,000 residents is notably lower than the U.S. mark of 2,385.5.

Safety Challenges in the State Context

Monroe's crime rate is higher than the Indiana state average of 693.8. It faces more urban safety challenges than its rural Indiana neighbors, reflected in its 96.9 safety score.

Comparing Regional Hub Activity

Monroe reports higher activity than some surrounding rural counties but remains competitive with other high-population Indiana hubs. Four reporting agencies contribute to these comprehensive safety figures.

Property Crime Drives Local Numbers

Property crime is the primary concern at 1,668.5 per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 316.3. Both figures remain below national averages, though they represent the majority of local law enforcement focus.

Practical Steps for Better Safety

Residents can mitigate property crime risks by securing their homes and vehicles. Simple deterrents are effective tools for maintaining the county's solid safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Monroe County

via HealthByCounty

Monroe County leads on health outcomes

Monroe County residents live to 77.5 years, closing in on the U.S. average of 78.1 years—the highest life expectancy in this county group. Only 16.4% report poor or fair health, matching the national average, and just 6.2% lack health insurance, below the U.S. average. Monroe County demonstrates what robust health systems can achieve.

Indiana's best-performing county in this group

Monroe County's 77.5-year life expectancy exceeds Indiana's 75.1-year average by 2.4 years, the widest margin in this group. At 6.2% uninsured, Monroe leads the state's 8.4% average, and 16.4% reporting poor or fair health meets the national standard. These metrics place Monroe in elite company statewide.

Strong care infrastructure drives success

Monroe County's 77.5-year life expectancy far exceeds all neighbors—3.5 years longer than the second-highest (Marshall County at 75.9). The county's robust provider network—59 primary care and 365 mental health providers per 100K—supports high-quality routine and specialized care, directly translating to superior health outcomes.

Near-universal coverage and strong access

Monroe County's 6.2% uninsured rate means only about 1,600 residents lack coverage—the lowest percentage in this group. With 59 primary care providers per 100K and 365 mental health providers per 100K, residents enjoy both financial access and physical proximity to care, supporting preventive health and chronic disease management.

Monroe County: maintain your momentum

Even in a high-performing county, 6% without coverage is too high. If you're among the uninsured, visit healthcare.gov today to secure coverage. Monroe County's health success rests on all residents having access—let's close that final 6%.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Monroe County

via SchoolsByCounty

Monroe County's Diverse Academic Hub

Monroe County hosts 33 public schools and 5 districts, serving a large student population of 14,214. The system is comprehensive, featuring 17 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 7 high schools, and 5 specialized campuses.

Top-Tier Performance and Investment

The county achieves a 94.4% graduation rate and a school score of 53.7, both of which beat state and national averages. Local investment is strong, with per-pupil spending reaching $6,008, well above the Indiana state average of $5,507.

Monroe County Community School Corp

The Monroe County Community School Corp dominates the area, managing 24 schools and 10,510 students. The county also features three charter schools, including The Bloomington Project School, offering families alternative educational paths.

City Classrooms and Large High Schools

With 19 schools in city locales, Monroe County provides an urban-academic feel with an average school size of 459 students. Bloomington High School South and North are the largest campuses, each enrolling over 1,500 students.

Settle Near Bloomington's Best Schools

Monroe County offers a mix of urban energy and high academic standards that attracts families from across the state. Browse homes in Bloomington and surrounding areas to secure a spot in these top-rated districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Monroe County

via RiskByCounty

Monroe County faces above-average hazards

Monroe County's composite risk score of 75.99 substantially exceeds Indiana's state average of 45.52, placing it firmly in the relatively high-risk category. Earthquake risk reaches 87.63 and tornado risk climbs to 82.16, both well above national norms, while flood risk at 80.82 reinforces broad vulnerability. Nationally, Monroe County's profile reflects notably elevated natural disaster exposure.

Second-riskiest county in Indiana

Monroe County ranks as Indiana's second-most hazard-exposed region with a composite score of 75.99, trailing only Marion County (97.49). Its 75.99 score substantially exceeds the state average of 45.52, reflecting serious vulnerability across multiple hazard types. Only Marion County faces comparably elevated natural disaster risk within Indiana.

Significantly riskier than surroundings

Monroe County's 75.99 score substantially exceeds all neighboring areas: Miami County (52.80), Morgan County (63.49), and Montgomery County (41.00) each rank considerably lower. Monroe County stands out as the clear risk leader in its region, reflecting its unique hazard exposure profile. Nearby residents face measurably lower combined natural disaster threats.

Earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods converge

Monroe County faces a dangerous convergence of three major hazards: earthquake risk at 87.63, tornado risk at 82.16, and flood risk at 80.82, each substantially above state and national averages. This triple-threat profile makes Monroe County one of Indiana's most hazard-vulnerable regions. Preparation for all three categories is essential for household safety.

Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable

Monroe County residents should obtain flood insurance, earthquake coverage, and comprehensive homeowners policies—standard insurance excludes both flooding and earthquake damage. Structural reinforcement (foundation anchoring, roof straps) helps resist both earthquakes and tornadoes, offering dual protection benefits. Annual policy reviews and multi-hazard preparedness drills are critical given the county's elevated risk profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Monroe County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Climate Above the National Median

Monroe County's annual average temperature of 53.5°F sits slightly above the national median for a typical Midwestern hub. This profile fits a humid continental climate where four distinct seasons dictate the local rhythm.

Milder Winters Than the State Average

With an average of 53.5°F, Monroe is warmer than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. It ranks among the milder counties in the state, avoiding the harsher chills found in the northern regions.

Warmer and Wetter Than Northern Neighbors

Monroe is significantly wetter than neighboring Morgan County, receiving 48.2 inches of rain compared to Morgan's 45.5. It also experiences 21 extreme heat days, nearly double the 12 days seen in Montgomery County.

Significant Summer Heat and Moderate Snow

Summer temperatures average 73.5°F and feature 21 days where the thermometer tops 90°F. Winter remains manageable for the region, averaging 32.2°F with 17.5 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Rain and Summer Peaks

Residents should prepare for heavy rainfall by maintaining clear gutters and reliable sump pumps for the 48.2 inches of annual precipitation. The 21 days of high heat also make efficient home cooling systems a necessary investment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Monroe County

via SoilByCounty

Classic silt loam Alfisols

Monroe County's landscape is dominated by Alfisols with an average pH of 5.89, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This soil is typical for the forested hills of southern Indiana and provides a solid foundation for native timber and local crops. The 65.1 soil score reflects the challenges and opportunities of this specific terrain.

Silty texture with low sand

With a composition of 69.4% silt and only 13.3% sand, this soil is a true silt loam. The 17.3% clay content adds enough body to retain nutrients, but the high silt levels mean the soil can be prone to erosion if left uncovered. It feels silky to the touch and is highly workable when moisture levels are just right.

Superior water capacity for thirsty plants

Monroe County outperforms the state with an available water capacity of 0.208 in/in, compared to the average of 0.202. Organic matter stands at 2.40%, which is above the national 2.0% average but lower than the state's 4.90%. This means while you might need to add fertilizer, your soil is excellent at keeping your plants hydrated.

Reliable drainage in Group B

The soil is categorized as well-drained and falls into hydrologic group B, meaning it has moderate infiltration rates. This is ideal for preventing standing water in residential yards and supporting healthy root systems in local orchards. It manages the rolling topography of the county well by allowing water to move through the profile.

Lush growth in Zone 6b

The 6b hardiness zone and high water capacity make Monroe County a great place for deep-rooted perennials and native hardwoods. While you may need to add lime to raise the 5.89 pH for some vegetables, the soil structure is naturally supportive. Start a garden today and enjoy the benefits of this moisture-retentive silt loam.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Monroe County

via LawnByCounty

Healthy Growing Environment in Monroe

Monroe County outpaces the state average with a lawn score of 74.3, making it a relatively easy place to maintain a lush yard. This 6b hardiness zone offers a climate that is very supportive of cool-season turf.

Abundant Moisture and Mild Heat

The county receives 48.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average of 44.2. With 21 extreme heat days, the thermal stress is comparable to state norms, allowing for steady growth throughout the 3623 growing degree days.

Silt Loam with High Retention

The silt loam soil texture with only 13.3% sand results in high moisture retention, which can be both a blessing and a drainage challenge. A soil pH of 5.89 is near ideal, though a small amount of lime can help reach the perfect 6.0+ threshold.

Current Dryness vs. Historical Stability

While the county only saw 4 weeks of drought last year, 100.0% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Maintaining a consistent watering schedule is important now to prevent the silt-heavy soil from cracking and stressing roots.

Optimal Planting Windows

The window between the last spring frost on April 17 and the first fall frost on October 26 provides a stable growing season. Mix Kentucky bluegrass with fescue to take advantage of the well-drained silt loam foundation.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monroe County's county score?
Monroe County, Indiana has a composite county score of 43.3 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 Monroe County rank among counties in Indiana?
Monroe County ranks #80 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 Monroe County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Monroe County is $1,837, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Monroe County a tax score of 63.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Monroe County?
The median household income in Monroe County, Indiana is $63,372 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Monroe County earns an income score of 49.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Monroe County, Indiana a good place to live?
Monroe County scores 43.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #80 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Monroe 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 Monroe County with other counties side by side.

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