Noble County

Indiana · IN

#48 in Indiana
71.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Noble County, Indiana

Noble County outpaces national median

Noble County's composite score of 71.8 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties for overall livability. This 44% advantage over the national baseline reflects strong fundamentals across affordability and tax burden.

Slightly above Indiana's typical county

Noble County ranks marginally ahead of Indiana's state average composite score of 71.2, holding steady among the state's solid mid-tier performers. Its profile mirrors typical Hoosier county strengths without extraordinary distinction.

Tax breaks and affordable homes shine

Noble County's greatest assets are its tax efficiency (83.1 score) with an effective tax rate of just 0.682% and housing affordability (80.0 score) at a median home value of $183,400. These dual advantages make it particularly attractive to budget-conscious families and retirees.

Income and risk need attention

The county's income score of 29.7 reflects a median household income of $70,908, notably below state and national norms for higher-earning families. With limited data on schools, safety, and water quality, prospective residents should seek additional community research before relocating.

Best for budget-first, modest-income families

Noble County suits families prioritizing low taxes and affordable homeownership over high earning potential or school rankings. It's an ideal fit for retirees, service workers, and those seeking rural or small-town Indiana living without financial strain.

Score breakdown

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

Tax83.1Cost80SafetyComing SoonHealth68.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.7Risk55.8WaterComing Soon
🏛83.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠80
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼29.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
68.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
55.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Noble County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Noble County

via TaxByCounty

Noble County taxes rank low nationally

Noble County homeowners pay an effective tax rate of 0.682%, well below the nation's median of 0.87%—placing the county in the bottom quarter nationally. With a median property tax of $1,250 annually on a $183,400 home, Noble residents pay roughly 47% of what the average American homeowner pays in property taxes.

Slightly above Indiana's average rate

Noble County's 0.682% effective rate sits just above Indiana's state average of 0.671%, ranking it in the middle tier among the state's 92 counties. The county's median tax of $1,250 is slightly above the state median of $1,199, making it a fairly typical Indiana county on the tax spectrum.

Noble sits in middle of regional range

Among its neighbors, Noble County is neither a tax bargain nor a tax burden: Orange County to the south charges just 0.578% while Pike County to the southwest imposes 0.813%. Noble's 0.682% places it right in the regional middle, making it moderately competitive for property owners in northeastern Indiana.

Your estimated annual Noble County tax

If you own a home valued at the county median of $183,400, expect to pay roughly $1,250 in annual property taxes at Noble's 0.682% rate. With a mortgage, that figure rises to approximately $1,286; without one, it drops to $1,179.

Many Noble homeowners may be overassessed

Studies show that 20-30% of Indiana homeowners are overassessed relative to market value, and Noble County is no exception. If you believe your home's assessed value is inflated, you can file a formal appeal with your county assessor—potentially lowering your annual tax bill.

Cost of Living in Noble County

via CostByCounty

Noble County rents are affordable.

At 13.1%, Noble County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national average, meaning renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than typical Americans. The median rent of $776 per month is significantly lower than what you'd find in many parts of the country, making Noble County an attractive option for cost-conscious households.

Best affordability in Indiana.

Noble County ties for the lowest rent-to-income ratio in Indiana at 13.1%, beating the state average of 15.6% by a notable margin. This places Noble County among the most affordable counties in the state for renters, offering substantial relief compared to neighbors struggling with higher housing cost burdens.

Cheaper than nearby counties.

Noble County's $776 median rent undercuts Ohio County's $852 and Orange County's $838, making it the rental bargain of the region. With a median home value of $183,400, Noble County also offers reasonable entry prices for buyers compared to the regional competition.

Housing takes modest share here.

On a $70,908 median household income, the typical Noble County household dedicates 13.1% of earnings to rent ($776/month) or 16.1% to mortgage costs ($952/month). This leaves substantial room in family budgets for other necessities and savings, a luxury not available in higher-cost regions.

Ready to stretch your paycheck?

If housing affordability is your priority, Noble County delivers value without sacrificing quality of life. Compare these numbers to your current housing costs—you might find that moving here frees up hundreds of dollars monthly for your family's other goals.

Income & Jobs in Noble County

via IncomeByCounty

Noble earns above the national average

Noble County's median household income of $70,908 sits $3,847 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the middle tier nationally. While not exceeding the U.S. benchmark, Noble households earn more than two-thirds of American counties, demonstrating solid economic footing.

Indiana's income leaders are here

Noble County ranks above Indiana's state average median income of $68,681, earning $2,227 more per household. This positions Noble in the upper tier of Indiana's 92 counties, reflecting stronger local economic conditions than most state peers.

Noble outpaces most regional peers

Noble's $70,908 median household income exceeds nearby counties like Owen ($59,586) and Orange ($64,758), though it trails Porter County ($85,828) to the north. Among its immediate neighbors, Noble ranks second, signaling regional economic strength.

Housing costs are comfortably manageable

Noble County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.1% sits well below the sustainable threshold of 30%, meaning households dedicate less than a quarter of that benchmark to rent. With a median home value of $183,400 and solid household incomes, homeownership and rental stability are within reach for most residents.

Build on Noble's economic stability

With median household income of $70,908 and manageable housing costs, Noble residents are positioned to invest in retirement accounts, college savings, and wealth-building opportunities. Consider consulting a financial advisor about maximizing employer benefits and long-term investment strategies tailored to your income level.

Health in Noble County

via HealthByCounty

Noble County's Health: Better Than Average

At 75.8 years, Noble County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.1 years by staying competitive with the nation's health outcomes. The county's 18.2% poor/fair health rate sits near the national median, suggesting residents have moderate health status compared to peers across America.

Outpacing Indiana's Health Trends

Noble County residents live 0.7 years longer than the Indiana average of 75.1 years, positioning the county in the healthier half of the state. With an uninsured rate of 10.2% versus Indiana's 8.4%, the county does face slightly higher coverage gaps than its state neighbors.

Noble Holds Its Own Regionally

Noble County's 75.8-year life expectancy outpaces nearby Orange and Pike counties (both 74.2 years) but trails Ohio County's 78.0 years. The county's mental health provider density of 101 per 100K is strong, though primary care availability at 34 per 100K lags behind Perry County's 47 per 100K.

Healthcare Access: Room to Improve

One in 10 Noble County residents—10.2%—lack health insurance, creating gaps in preventive care access and financial hardship for families. With 34 primary care providers per 100K residents, the county has moderate access, though rural areas may experience longer wait times or travel distances.

Don't Go Without Coverage

If you're among Noble County's uninsured, explore options through Indiana's health insurance marketplace or Medicaid programs—coverage helps catch health issues early and protects your family's finances. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to find plans that fit your budget and health needs.

Disaster Risk in Noble County

via RiskByCounty

Noble County's Risk: Below the Curve

Noble County scores 44.24 on the composite risk scale, landing it in the Relatively Low category and slightly below Indiana's average of 45.52. This positioning means residents face somewhat lower exposure to natural disasters than the typical Hoosier county, though serious risks remain.

Middle of the Pack in Indiana

Among Indiana's 92 counties, Noble ranks around the middle for overall disaster risk. The county's relatively balanced hazard profile—neither especially vulnerable to one type of disaster nor protected across the board—reflects its position as a moderate-risk area within the state.

Safer Than Most Nearby Counties

Noble County's 44.24 composite score runs meaningfully lower than neighboring counties like Orange (40.49) and Owen (35.11), though it sits above smaller-risk areas. This places Noble in a moderate zone regionally, with tornado and earthquake risks comparable to surrounding areas.

Tornadoes and Earthquakes Top the List

Tornado risk scores highest for Noble at 74.46, making severe spring and summer storms a genuine concern for residents and property owners. Earthquake risk follows at 54.55, reflecting the county's position near seismic zones that occasionally affect the Midwest.

Coverage for Two Major Threats

Standard homeowners insurance covers tornado damage, but review your policy limits closely given the 74.46 tornado risk score. Earthquake coverage is sold separately and worth evaluating, especially for older homes, given the 54.55 earthquake risk rating.

ByCounty Network

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