countyscore
52.4
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 88.4Soil Quality 72.3

County Report Card

About Newton County, Indiana

Competitive Quality of Life

Newton County's composite score of 52.3 sits slightly above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that holds its own against typical counties nationwide. It offers a stable, low-risk environment for its residents.

Just Below Indiana's Average

The county's score of 52.3 is slightly under the Indiana state average of 55.9. While it performs exceptionally well in specific categories, other metrics pull the average down. It remains a solid performer within the northwestern corner of the state.

Elite Safety and Low Risk

Safety is a standout at 97.5, matched by an impressive environmental risk score of 88.4. Residents can enjoy peace of mind knowing they live in one of the most stable and secure areas in the region. The income score of 63.3 also points to a healthy local economy.

Educational and Housing Hurdles

The school score of 14.6 is the most significant challenge facing the county. Housing affordability also shows room for improvement with a cost score of 35.5. Addressing these foundational issues would help the county climb higher in state rankings.

Ideal for Peace and Security

Newton County is a great match for individuals who prioritize personal safety and environmental stability above all else. It is well-suited for those who want a quiet, secure life away from urban hazards. It offers a rare combination of high safety and solid income levels.

Score breakdown

Tax50.8Cost35.5Safety97.5Health41.8Schools14.6Income63.3Risk88.4Water48.8Weather50.4
🏛50.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠35.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼63.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓14.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡88.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧48.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨72.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70.6
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

Newton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Newton County

via TaxByCounty

Newton County moderately taxed nationwide

Newton County's 0.826% effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.1% is actually lower, positioning it in the moderate-tax range. The median property tax of $1,316 is 51% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Newton second-highest among Indiana counties

Newton County's 0.826% effective rate ranks second statewide, exceeded only by Marion County at 0.929%. The rate is 23% above Indiana's 0.671% average, reflecting higher-than-typical assessments.

Newton's taxes highest in north-central region

Newton County's 0.826% rate significantly exceeds all nearby counties except Marion (0.929%), making it the second-most taxed in its region. Marshall (0.683%) and Monroe (0.702%) offer considerably lower rates.

Newton County homeowners pay more

On a median home value of $159,300, Newton County residents pay approximately $1,316 per year in property taxes. This higher-than-average burden reflects the county's elevated tax rate compared to state and regional peers.

Appeal your assessment if overvalued

Many Newton County homeowners are overassessed and should consider appealing their valuations. Given the county's high tax rate, a successful assessment challenge could yield meaningful annual savings—and the appeal process is free.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Newton County

via CostByCounty

Newton County balances cost and income

Newton County renters spend 16.2% of income on housing, slightly above Indiana's state average but well within national affordability comfort zones. The median household income of $68,596 supports $927 monthly rent reasonably well.

Modestly above Indiana average

At 16.2%, Newton County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Indiana's 15.6% state average by less than a percentage point. The $927 median rent runs $44 above the state average, placing Newton in the slightly-pricier-than-average tier.

Typical regional affordability

Newton County's $927 rent nearly matches Marshall County's $936 and Miami County's $794, clustering in the affordable-to-moderate range. The median home value of $159,300 aligns with Montgomery County ($166,300) rather than the higher-priced Marion or Monroe Counties.

Newton's balanced housing expenses

Renters earning Newton County's $68,596 median income pay $927 monthly, consuming 16.2% of gross earnings. Homeowners with a median home value of $159,300 face $969 in monthly costs, slightly higher than rents but still moderate in context of county income.

Solid choice for middle-income families

Newton County delivers moderate affordability and housing ratios suitable for families earning around Indiana's median income. It offers neither bargain prices nor premium premiums—a dependable, middle-ground option for practical-minded movers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Newton County

via IncomeByCounty

Newton County income below national median

Newton County's median household income of $68,596 trails the national median of $74,755 by $6,159, an 8.2% gap. Though below national average, the county's relative position is solid, placing it near the national median in a region with mixed economic fortunes.

Nearly at Indiana's state average

Newton County's $68,596 income slightly exceeds Indiana's state median of $68,681, placing it among the state's middle-income counties. Its per capita income of $32,318 trails the state average of $34,773, suggesting broader household distribution across more earners.

Strong performer in regional comparison

Newton County's $68,596 income ranks second-highest in the region, trailing only Morgan County ($79,088), and exceeding Marshall ($68,041), Montgomery ($66,571), Martin ($65,345), Monroe ($63,372), Marion ($63,450), and Miami ($61,130).

Housing costs well-controlled

Newton County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% is well below the 30% affordability threshold, leaving households with comfortable income after housing. With a median home value of $159,300, homeownership is accessible for families earning the county median income.

Build on your income advantage

Newton County households earning $68,596 can leverage moderate housing costs to prioritize retirement and investment savings at competitive rates. Explore employer benefits thoroughly—pension plans, 401(k) matches, and HSAs—to maximize tax-advantaged wealth-building opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Newton County

via CrimeByCounty

Elite National Safety Standing

Newton County reports a perfect 100.0 safety score, far surpassing the national average of 2,385.5 crimes per 100,000. While only one agency reported data, current figures show a 0.0 crime rate.

Strong State Safety Ranking

Newton's reported safety outpaces the state average score of 98.9 and the state average crime rate of 693.8. This data reflects a highly secure environment for the local population.

Low Local Incident Rates

The county shows significantly lower crime activity than its regional peers, maintaining a 0.0 rate. Users should note this comes from a single reporting agency, suggesting a need for cautious interpretation.

Analyzing the Crime Breakdown

Both violent and property crime rates are recorded at 0.0 per 100,000 residents. This suggests an incredibly low risk for residents, though it relies on data from the county's single reporting law enforcement body.

Adding Extra Layers of Protection

With limited agency reporting, personal home security remains an important secondary layer of protection. Motion-sensor lights and reinforced entry points are practical ways to maintain this high level of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Newton County

via HealthByCounty

Newton County faces significant health gaps

Newton County residents live to 73.6 years, trailing the U.S. average of 78.1 years by 4.5 years—the second-largest gap in this group. At 19.7% reporting poor or fair health, the county exceeds the national average of 16%. Nearly one in ten residents (9.6%) lack health insurance, and provider scarcity creates additional barriers.

Lowest life expectancy in Indiana group

Newton County's 73.6-year life expectancy ranks lowest among these eight counties and falls 1.5 years below Indiana's 75.1-year average. At 19.7% poor or fair health and 9.6% uninsured, Newton County faces compounded challenges. The county's critical provider shortage—7 primary care and 7 mental health providers per 100K—amplifies all other barriers.

Crisis-level provider shortage

Newton County's 73.6-year life expectancy lags all but Marion County (73.0), and its provider networks are catastrophically thin. At just 7 primary care providers per 100K and 7 mental health providers per 100K—compared to Monroe's 59 and 365—Newton County residents face a genuine healthcare access emergency.

Coverage and provider crisis converge

Newton County's 9.6% uninsured rate affects roughly 1,100 residents with no insurance, and the county's extraordinary provider scarcity—7 providers per 100K for both primary care and mental health—means even insured residents must travel far for routine or emergency care. This dual crisis directly contributes to the county's lowest life expectancy in this group.

Newton County: insurance is just the start

At 9.6% uninsured, secure coverage first at healthcare.gov or through 211. But Newton County needs more: advocate for rural health investment, telehealth expansion, and regional care coordination. Your insurance matters—but so does the system's commitment to serve you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Newton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Schooling in Newton County

Newton County operates a compact educational system with only 7 schools serving 1,975 students. The landscape is managed by 2 school districts and includes 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools.

Graduation Trends and Local Funding

Newton County has an 85.8% graduation rate, which is currently slightly below the national average of 87.0%. The county invests $5,178 per pupil, and limited data is available regarding higher educational attainment for the area.

North and South Newton Districts

North Newton School Corp is the county's largest district, serving 1,113 students across four schools. This rural county maintains a traditional educational structure with no charter schools currently available.

A Purely Rural Learning Experience

Every school in Newton County is located in a rural setting, providing an average enrollment of 282 students per school. North Newton Jr-Sr High is the largest campus in the county, yet it remains relatively small with 521 students.

Search for Rural Homes in Newton

For those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with small school settings, Newton County offers a unique opportunity. Explore local listings to find your next home within the North or South Newton school boundaries.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Newton County

via RiskByCounty

Newton County enjoys exceptional low risk

Newton County's composite risk score of 11.67 ranks among the nation's lowest-risk counties, far below Indiana's state average of 45.52. All hazard categories remain remarkably restrained, with wildfire risk at 10.27 and hurricane risk at 16.35, reflecting genuine insulation from major natural disasters. This favorable profile positions Newton County among America's safest regions for natural disaster exposure.

Indiana's safest county overall

Newton County holds the distinction of being Indiana's lowest-risk county by composite score at 11.67, marginally edging Martin County (12.31) for the state's safest profile. This score runs dramatically below the state average of 45.52, reflecting exceptional natural disaster insulation. No Indiana county approaches Newton County's favorable risk profile.

Safest in its region by far

Newton County's 11.67 score stands in stark contrast to all surrounding areas: Marshall County (41.60), Miami County (52.80), and Montgomery County (41.00) each rank considerably higher. Newton County's exceptional safety distinguishes it clearly from its neighbors. Residents here enjoy notably lower natural disaster exposure than surrounding communities.

Even top hazards remain very low

Newton County's highest-risk category—earthquake at 44.78—remains well below statewide concern thresholds, while tornado (32.51) and flood (19.34) risks are remarkably modest. Wildfire and hurricane threats register as virtually non-existent at 10.27 and 16.35 respectively. Overall, Newton County faces negligible natural disaster vulnerability.

Standard insurance provides ample protection

Newton County residents can confidently rely on standard homeowners insurance without specialized add-ons, given the county's exceptionally low natural disaster profile. Basic awareness of tornado safety and flood risks remains prudent general knowledge, though neither presents acute concern. Annual policy reviews ensure coverage remains current with minimal complexity.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Newton County

via WeatherByCounty

Northern Chills Below the National Median

Newton County averages 51.0°F annually, staying cooler than the national median. This northern Indiana climate is characterized by sharp seasonal swings and significant winter moisture.

Cooler Than the Indiana Average

The county's 51.0°F average sits below the statewide mean of 52.2°F. This cooler ranking reflects its position in the northern reaches of the state where winters are more impactful.

Significant Snow Compared to Southern Neighbors

Newton is much snowier than southern neighbor Parke County, recording 29.7 inches of snow compared to Parke's 20.4. Despite the cold, Newton still sees 23 days of extreme heat, outpacing Montgomery County's 12 days.

Deep Winter Freezes and Intense Summer Heat

Winters are cold with a January average of 24.8°F and a heavy 29.7 inches of snow. However, summers still get intense, recording 23 days where temperatures climb above 90°F.

Heavy Snow Removal and Thermal Insulation

Heavy-duty snow removal equipment is a must for the nearly 30 inches of annual snowfall. Homeowners should also ensure high-quality insulation to manage the wide gap between deep winter freezes and 90-degree summer days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Newton County

via SoilByCounty

The dark, rich Mollisols of the west

Newton County is defined by Mollisols, the same deep, dark soils that power the Great Plains. With an average pH of 6.23, it sits slightly above the state average of 6.08 and near the national median of 6.5. This taxonomic order is famous for its natural fertility and high agricultural value.

Sandy loam with high permeability

The soil is remarkably sandy for Indiana, consisting of 53.0% sand and only 12.9% clay. This fine sandy loam texture allows for rapid water movement through the top layers but can be prone to drying out. However, the 27.6% silt content helps provide enough structure to keep the soil from becoming pure sand.

Extraordinary organic matter levels

Newton County features a massive 7.57% organic matter content, significantly higher than the state average of 4.90%. While its available water capacity of 0.180 in/in is below the state average, the high organic matter provides a critical nutrient reservoir. This soil is naturally 'recharged' with the decayed remains of ancient prairie grasses.

Challenges with very poor drainage

Despite the high sand content, the county is classified as very poorly drained with a hydrologic group of C/D. This is often due to a high water table or flat topography that prevents water from leaving the area. Many fields require specialized management to prevent saturation during the wet spring months.

Prairie potential in Zone 5b

As one of Indiana's colder regions in Zone 5b, Newton County is ideal for cool-season crops and native prairie restorations. The high organic matter means your plants will have plenty of fuel to grow once the drainage is managed. It is an excellent place to start a garden if you enjoy working with rich, dark earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Newton County

via LawnByCounty

Colder Winters Define Newton County

Newton County is in hardiness zone 5b, making it the coldest region in this group with a lawn score of 70.6. This score is right in line with the Indiana state average of 71.0, though the winter survival of grass is a greater concern here.

High Heat Days Despite Cold Zone

Even in a colder zone, Newton faces 23 extreme heat days, which is higher than the state average of 20. The 40.1 inches of precipitation is on the lower end of the ideal range, necessitating careful water management during summer.

Sandy Soils with Poor Drainage

With 53.0% sand, these soils would typically drain fast, but the 'very poorly drained' classification suggests a high water table or underlying clay. The 6.23 pH is excellent, but the unique texture requires aeration to prevent root rot in wet years.

Extended Drought Impact

Newton County has endured 32 weeks of drought over the past year, and 10.5% of the area remains in severe drought (D2+). With 90.7% of the county classified as abnormally dry, supplemental irrigation is currently vital.

Cold-Hardy Varieties Are Essential

In zone 5b, choosing winter-hardy seeds like Creeping Red Fescue or Kentucky bluegrass is critical for survival. Planting should occur between the April 23 spring frost and the October 14 fall frost for best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Newton County's county score?
Newton County, Indiana has a composite county score of 52.4 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 Newton County rank among counties in Indiana?
Newton County ranks #64 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 Newton County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Newton County is $1,316, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Newton County a tax score of 50.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Newton County?
The median household income in Newton County, Indiana is $68,596 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Newton County earns an income score of 63.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Newton County, Indiana a good place to live?
Newton County scores 52.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #64 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Newton 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 Newton County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.