CountyScore

Newton County

Indiana · IN

#51 in Indiana
71.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Newton County, Indiana

Above Average Livability Near State Standard

Newton County scores 71.7 on the composite index—well above the national median of 50.0 and just slightly below Indiana's state average of 71.2, placing it at approximately the 72nd percentile nationally. This competitive standing reflects solid, mainstream livability for residents.

Right at Indiana's Competitive Middle

Newton County scores just fractionally below Indiana's state average composite score of 71.2, holding its ground among Indiana counties with near-average performance. The county meets or slightly trails the state's typical livability standard.

Solid Income and Affordable Housing Foundation

Newton County delivers a 28.2 income score supported by $68,596 median household income—among the strongest in this group—plus a 76.9 cost score reflecting affordable housing at $927 monthly rent and $159,300 median home value. This combination provides solid earning and spending balance.

Higher Tax Burden and Notable Risk Exposure

The county's 79.0 tax score and 0.826% effective rate represent the highest tax burden in this group, while an 88.4 risk score—the highest here—indicates significant exposure to economic or environmental vulnerabilities. Limited data on schools and safety compounds uncertainty.

Suited for Risk-Tolerant Families Earning Well

Newton County appeals to families with solid incomes who can absorb the higher tax burden and are willing to accept notable economic or environmental risk exposure. The strong income profile and reasonable housing costs may offset tax and risk concerns for those seeking rural character and earning potential.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79Cost76.9SafetyComing SoonHealth66.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.2Risk88.4WaterComing Soon
🏛79
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡88.4
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 Newton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Yakutat City and Borough
Alaska
71.7
Median income: $80,625
Howard County
Arkansas
71.7
Median income: $44,492
Monroe County
Arkansas
71.7
Median income: $43,955
Montrose County
Colorado
71.7
Median income: $66,072
Lawrence County
Indiana
71.7
Median income: $65,551

Deep Dives

Newton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.