62.9
County Score
Safety 97.5Property Tax 87.9Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Morgan County, Indiana

Outpacing the National Median

Morgan County secures a strong composite score of 62.8, placing it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This high ranking reflects a superior level of livability compared to the majority of U.S. counties. It stands out as a high-performing region on a national scale.

Exceeding the Indiana Average

With a 62.8 score, Morgan County comfortably outperforms the Indiana average of 55.9. It is recognized as a top-tier choice for those seeking a balance of economic strength and personal security. Its proximity to Indianapolis combined with high local scores makes it a desirable location.

Top-Tier Safety and High Incomes

The county excels with a safety score of 97.5 and an income score of 82.6. Residents enjoy a high median household income of $79,088 alongside extremely low crime. A water score of 86.0 and a tax score of 87.9 further cement its status as a high-quality place to live.

Housing Costs and Environmental Risk

The cost score of 26.9 is the county's primary challenge, reflecting rising home values. Environmental risk also scores lower at 36.5, suggesting some vulnerability to local natural hazards. These factors are the main trade-offs for the county's high income and safety levels.

Best for Affluent, Safety-First Families

Morgan County is ideal for high-earning families who prioritize low taxes and nearly unmatched personal safety. While housing is more expensive than neighboring areas, the income potential and security offer a high return on investment. It is a premier suburban choice for those working in the central Indiana region.

Score breakdown

Tax87.9Cost26.9Safety97.5Health56.2Schools42.4Income82.6Risk36.5Water86Weather61
🏛87.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠26.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼82.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
56.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓42.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
36.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤61
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨69.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱79.7
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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Deep Dives

Morgan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Morgan County

via TaxByCounty

Morgan County offers exceptional tax value

Morgan County's 0.480% effective tax rate ranks among the absolute lowest in the nation, far below the 1.1% median. At $1,056 annually on a median home valued at $220,100, Morgan County delivers the best tax-to-value ratio regionally.

Morgan County lowest rate statewide

Morgan County has Indiana's lowest effective tax rate at 0.480%, 28% below the state average of 0.671%. This exceptionally favorable rate makes Morgan among America's most tax-efficient counties.

Morgan leads central Indiana savings

Morgan County's 0.480% rate beats every neighboring county, including Martin (0.531%), Miami (0.578%), and Monroe (0.702%). Despite median home values of $220,100, Morgan's tax burden remains the lowest in the region.

Exceptional value on Morgan County home

A typical Morgan County home valued at $220,100 costs approximately $1,056 in annual property taxes. This outstanding rate means homeowners pay less than one-half of one percent of their home's value annually.

Verify your assessment is accurate

Even in tax-friendly Morgan County, some homeowners are overassessed and can appeal their valuations. Requesting a reassessment review is free and could save you additional money on an already-favorable bill.

Cost of Living in Morgan County

via CostByCounty

Morgan County offers premium with income

Morgan County renters spend 15.0% of income on housing, comfortably under national and state benchmarks, supported by the region's highest median household income of $79,088. This above-average earning power makes Morgan County's housing costs quite manageable relative to paychecks.

Higher income compensates higher rents

Morgan County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio beats Indiana's state average despite charging $988 in median rent—$105 above state average. The county achieves this advantage through above-average incomes rather than below-average rents.

Premium rents, premium incomes

Morgan County's $988 rent exceeds Marshall ($936), Newton ($927), and Miami ($794) Counties but runs below Marion ($1,107) and Monroe ($1,151). Critically, Morgan's median household income of $79,088 is the highest in this group—the highest wage base makes housing proportionally cheaper.

Morgan's income advantage drives affordability

With the region's highest median income of $79,088, Morgan County renters dedicate just 15.0% to $988 monthly rent. Homeowners with a $220,100 median home value face $1,097 in costs, manageable given the county's robust income profile.

Premium housing for premium incomes

Morgan County suits families earning above-average Indiana incomes who value relative affordability through strong paychecks rather than rock-bottom rents. If your household income exceeds the state median, Morgan's vibrant communities and balanced housing ratios make relocation worth consideration.

Income & Jobs in Morgan County

via IncomeByCounty

Morgan County exceeds national income median

Morgan County's median household income of $79,088 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $4,333, a 5.8% advantage. This positions Morgan County above the national middle, making it the strongest performer among the eight counties profiled.

Highest income in Indiana region

Morgan County's $79,088 income surpasses Indiana's state median of $68,681 by $10,407, placing it in the state's upper-income tier. The county's per capita income of $39,777 is the highest in this group and well above the state average of $34,773.

Outearns all neighboring counties

Morgan County's $79,088 income significantly exceeds all seven other counties profiled: Newton ($68,596), Marshall ($68,041), Montgomery ($66,571), Martin ($65,345), Monroe ($63,372), Marion ($63,450), and Miami ($61,130).

Strong affordability across the board

Morgan County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% is well below the 30% affordability threshold, providing substantial breathing room in household budgets. With a median home value of $220,100 and median income of $79,088, homeownership is highly accessible.

Accelerate wealth-building today

Morgan County households earning $79,088 have the region's strongest foundation for aggressive wealth-building—max out 401(k) contributions and explore taxable investment accounts. With manageable housing costs and strong income, this is the time to build generational wealth through diversified investing and consistent saving discipline.

Safety in Morgan County

via CrimeByCounty

Maximum Safety in Morgan County

Morgan County earns a perfect 100.0 safety score based on current data. With 0.0 crimes per 100,000 residents reported, it stands as an exceptionally safe outlier compared to the national average of 2,385.5.

A State Leader in Safety

The county's perfect score exceeds the Indiana state average safety score of 98.9. This puts Morgan in a select group of counties with the lowest reported crime in the entire state.

Exceptional Regional Performance

Compared to the state average crime rate of 693.8, Morgan's reported rate of 0.0 is remarkably low. Three local agencies contribute to this high-ranking safety profile.

A Record of Low Incident Reporting

No violent or property crimes were reported for the latest year, resulting in 0.0 rates for both categories. This indicates a high level of community safety according to reporting from three agencies.

Protecting a Perfect Score

A perfect safety score is best protected through proactive community engagement. Even in zero-report areas, basic security habits like locking doors ensure long-term peace of mind.

Health in Morgan County

via HealthByCounty

Morgan County near national health standards

Morgan County residents live to 75.3 years, approximately 2.8 years below the U.S. average of 78.1 years. With 18.9% reporting poor or fair health—just below the national average of 16%—the county demonstrates near-average health status. At 7.5% uninsured, Morgan County outperforms the national average, with strong coverage reach.

Solid performance on Indiana metrics

Morgan County's 75.3-year life expectancy slightly exceeds Indiana's 75.1-year average, and its 18.9% poor or fair health rate sits comfortably below many peers. At 7.5% uninsured, Morgan County performs better than Indiana's 8.4% state average, suggesting effective coverage outreach and enrollment efforts.

Mid-range life expectancy, solid access

Morgan County's 75.3-year life expectancy ranks fifth among eight counties, with 40 primary care providers per 100K and 101 mental health providers per 100K—respectable but not exceptional compared to Monroe County's robust network. The county's 7.5% uninsured rate beats most neighbors, reflecting strong community engagement in coverage.

Strong coverage but room for improvement

Morgan County's 7.5% uninsured rate means approximately 1,100 residents lack insurance—better than state average but still preventable. With 40 primary care and 101 mental health providers per 100K, the county offers decent access for routine and specialist care, supporting community health management efforts.

Morgan County: finish what you've started

Morgan County has built strong coverage momentum—keep it going. If you're in the 7.5% without insurance, visit healthcare.gov today. Your neighbors have shown enrollment is achievable; next could be your turn.

Schools in Morgan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Morgan County's Balanced School System

Morgan County manages 22 public schools across 4 districts, providing education for 10,273 students. The infrastructure is built on a foundation of 14 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 4 high schools.

High Graduation and Consistent Scores

The county's graduation rate of 93.7% is higher than the state average and well above the 87.0% national benchmark. Education is supported by a $5,480 per-pupil expenditure, which nearly matches the Indiana state average of $5,507.

Mooresville and Martinsville District Hubs

The Mooresville Consolidated School Corp and MSD Martinsville Schools lead the county, serving over 4,000 students each. All schools in Morgan County are traditional public institutions, as there are currently no charter schools in the area.

Suburban and Rural Variety

The county offers a diverse mix of 8 rural, 8 suburban, and 6 town locales, creating various educational environments. While the average school size is 467, Mooresville and Martinsville High Schools are the largest with over 1,300 students each.

Discover Homes in Top Morgan Districts

Whether you prefer a suburban neighborhood or a rural retreat, Morgan County's schools offer high performance across the board. Start your home search today to join these thriving school communities.

Disaster Risk in Morgan County

via RiskByCounty

Morgan County faces moderate-to-high risk

Morgan County's composite risk score of 63.49 substantially exceeds Indiana's state average of 45.52, placing it in the relatively low category but with notable hazard exposure. Tornado risk reaches 77.67 and flood risk climbs to 70.87, both well above state norms, while earthquake risk at 72.01 adds further vulnerability. Nationally, Morgan County ranks in the middle-to-upper range for natural disaster risk.

Among Indiana's higher-risk counties

Morgan County ranks in the upper-middle tier of Indiana's risk landscape with a composite score of 63.49, substantially above the state average of 45.52. Only Marion County (97.49) and Monroe County (75.99) exceed it in statewide rankings, placing Morgan County among the state's most hazard-exposed regions. Most Indiana counties face lower combined natural disaster vulnerability.

Riskier than most surrounding areas

Morgan County's 63.49 score substantially exceeds Miami County (52.80) and both Montgomery County (41.00) and Marshall County (41.60) to the north. Only Monroe County (75.99) ranks higher among nearby regions, establishing Morgan County as a clear risk leader in its immediate vicinity. Surrounding areas face measurably lower natural disaster threats.

Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes threaten

Morgan County residents face convergent threats from tornadoes (77.67), floods (70.87), and earthquakes (72.01), each substantially above state averages. This three-part hazard profile makes Morgan County one of Indiana's more vulnerable regions. Comprehensive preparation addressing all three categories is essential for household safety.

Invest in comprehensive coverage

Morgan County residents should add flood insurance and consider earthquake coverage, as standard homeowners policies exclude both water damage and seismic events. Identify local flood risks and develop tornado plans, then practice drills with family members. Annual policy reviews ensure coverage remains adequate for this moderate-to-high-risk environment.

Weather & Climate in Morgan County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Heartland Temperature Profile

Morgan County stays just under the national median with an annual average temperature of 51.7°F. This climate offers a balanced mix of seasonal changes typical of the American heartland.

Near the Statewide Average

The county's 51.7°F average is slightly below the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. It sits as a geographic transition point between the warmer southern hills and the cooler northern plains.

Drier and Cooler Than Owen County

Morgan is drier and cooler than neighboring Owen County, which sees 49.7 inches of rain and a 52.8°F average. It experiences only 12 extreme heat days, matching the mild summer profile of Montgomery County.

Dry Winters and Comfortable Summers

Winters are relatively dry for the region with 16.7 inches of snow and a seasonal average of 30.4°F. Summers are comfortable, with a July average of 73.3°F and only 12 days above 90°F.

Lower Cooling Costs and Standard Snow Gear

With only 12 extreme heat days, residents may see lower summer energy bills than those in southern counties. However, the 16.7 inches of snow still requires basic winter gear and vehicle preparation.

Soil Quality in Morgan County

via SoilByCounty

Alfisols with a balanced profile

Morgan County features Alfisols with an average pH of 6.23, which is slightly higher than the state average of 6.08. This brings the soil chemistry closer to the national median of 6.5, making it a friendly environment for most plants. The county earns a soil score of 69.6, indicating solid productivity across its varied landscape.

Fine sandy loam for easy tillage

The dominant texture is fine sandy loam, composed of 58.0% silt and 23.8% sand. With 18.2% clay, the soil has enough structure to hold nutrients without becoming difficult to dig or plow. This balanced texture is highly valued by gardeners for its ability to crumble easily when worked.

Steady water capacity and healthy minerals

Organic matter in Morgan County averages 2.41%, which is lower than the state average but still above the 2.0% national benchmark. The available water capacity is 0.204 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.202. These stats suggest the soil is reliable and capable of sustaining growth through typical Indiana summers.

Excellent drainage for versatile use

Classified as well-drained and belonging to hydrologic group B, this soil handles rainfall with ease. You won't often find water pooling in these fields, which makes the land suitable for both farming and stable construction. This drainage efficiency helps oxygen reach plant roots, promoting faster and healthier growth.

Thriving in hardiness zone 6a

Zone 6a allows for a wide range of gardening successes, from hardy greens to vibrant summer perennials. The fine sandy loam texture is particularly forgiving for new gardeners who want an easy start. Grab a shovel and start planting, as Morgan County's soil is ready to support your green thumb.

Lawn Care in Morgan County

via LawnByCounty

Indiana's Leader in Easy Lawn Care

Morgan County boasts a difficulty score of 79.7, the highest in this group and well above the state average of 71.0. This 6a zone provides some of the most forgiving conditions for Indiana homeowners.

Moderate Temperatures for Healthy Grass

Only 12 extreme heat days occur annually, which is far lower than the state average of 20. Combined with 45.5 inches of precipitation, the local climate keeps grass in a productive growth state for most of the 3244 growing degree days.

Fine Sandy Loam Provides Stability

A pH of 6.23 is nearly perfect for lawn health, and the fine sandy loam texture offers a great balance of drainage and retention. The 18.2% clay content provides enough structure to hold nutrients without becoming a heavy, unworkable mess.

High Resilience to Dry Weather

With only 10 weeks of drought in the past year and no current severe drought (D2+), the region is relatively stable. Only 68.9% of the area is abnormally dry, which is significantly better than many neighboring counties.

Optimal Start in Late April

Homeowners should aim to seed after the final frost on April 24 to maximize the spring growing window. Given the excellent score, almost any cool-season grass like Kentucky bluegrass will thrive with minimal intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morgan County's county score?
Morgan County, Indiana has a composite county score of 62.9 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 Morgan County rank among counties in Indiana?
Morgan County ranks #23 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 Morgan County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Morgan County is $1,056, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Morgan County a tax score of 87.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Morgan County?
The median household income in Morgan County, Indiana is $79,088 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Morgan County earns an income score of 82.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Morgan County, Indiana a good place to live?
Morgan County scores 62.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Morgan 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 Morgan County with other counties side by side.