CountyScore

Monroe County

Indiana · IN

#74 in Indiana
67.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Monroe County, Indiana

Solid National Standing, Below State Average

Monroe County posts a composite score of 67.1—comfortably above the national median of 50.0, placing it near the 67th percentile nationally. However, it falls short of Indiana's state average of 71.2, suggesting room for improvement relative to state peers.

Middle Performer in Indiana Rankings

Monroe County lags Indiana's state average composite score by more than four points, ranking in the middle tier of Indiana counties. While still competitive nationally, the county trails several of its in-state peers on livability measures.

Exceptional Health Outcomes and Tax Rates

Monroe County shines with Indiana's highest health score of 75.6, suggesting excellent healthcare access and wellness outcomes for residents. An 82.5 tax score reflecting a 0.702% effective rate provides another strong foundation, along with solid 70.6 cost score.

Housing Costs and Income Present Headwinds

Monroe County faces notably higher housing costs than many peers, with median home values at $261,700 and rents at $1,151 monthly—the highest in this group. Combined with a 24.8 income score and $63,372 median household income, affordability pressures emerge.

Ideal for Health-Focused Professionals and Families

Monroe County suits higher-earning professionals and established families prioritizing excellent healthcare and willing to absorb premium housing costs for those benefits. The stellar health score and tax efficiency appeal to those seeking wellness and financial responsibility, though household income needs should align with the county's elevated housing market.

Score breakdown

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

Tax82.5Cost70.6SafetyComing SoonHealth75.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.8Risk24WaterComing Soon
🏛82.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡24
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 Monroe County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Elbert County
Georgia
67.1
Median income: $49,727
Wayne County
Illinois
67.1
Median income: $53,107
Warren County
Iowa
67.1
Median income: $92,990
Webster County
Iowa
67.1
Median income: $68,054
Logan County
Kansas
67.1
Median income: $71,389

Deep Dives

Monroe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.