55.4
County Score
Soil Quality 72.6Income & Jobs 68.6Safety 67

County Report Card

About Noble County, Indiana

Solid Performance Above the National Median

Noble County earns a composite score of 55.4, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that outperforms more than half of all counties in the United States.

A Mirror of Indiana's State Average

The county's 55.4 composite score is nearly identical to the Indiana state average of 55.9. It represents a typical but reliable Hoosier experience in terms of overall livability and economic stability.

Strong Incomes and Secure Communities

The county excels in financial health with an income score of 68.6, supported by a median household income of $70,908. Residents also enjoy a high safety score of 67.0, making it a secure place for families.

Focusing on Educational and Wellness Growth

Local schools present the most significant opportunity for improvement with a score of 32.5. Additionally, the health score of 52.1 suggests a need for expanded local medical services and wellness programs.

Ideal for Working Families Seeking Value

Noble County is a perfect match for professionals looking for steady earnings and manageable housing costs. With median rents at $776, it offers a budget-friendly lifestyle without sacrificing safety.

Score breakdown

Tax65.2Cost52.3Safety67Health52.1Schools32.5Income68.6Risk55.8Water56.1Weather57.3
🏛65.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠52.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼68.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡67
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
52.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓32.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
55.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧56.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤57.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨72.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱60.5
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

Noble County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Safety in Noble County

via CrimeByCounty

Noble County's High Safety Rating

Noble County scores a 98.8 for safety, placing it well ahead of national averages. Its total crime rate of 775.9 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the U.S. rate of 2,385.5.

Consistent with State Safety Norms

The county sits just 0.1 points below the state average safety score of 98.9. Its total crime rate of 775.9 is slightly higher than the Indiana state average of 693.8.

Stable Security in the Region

Noble maintains a competitive safety profile in the region, supported by data from four reporting agencies. It offers a more secure environment than many comparable industrial or agricultural counties.

Property vs. Violent Crime

Property crime makes up the bulk of reports at 676.8 per 100,000, while violent crime is low at 99.1. The violent crime rate is notably below the national average of 369.8.

Strengthening Home Defenses

Reducing property crime is the most effective way for Noble residents to improve their safety standing. Simple improvements like home security systems can help lower the current property crime rate.

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.

Schools in Noble County

via SchoolsByCounty

Noble County's Rural-Town Education Infrastructure

Noble County operates 16 public schools across three districts, serving a total of 6,744 students. The network includes nine elementary schools, two middle schools, and four high schools alongside one specialized facility.

Steady Success Despite Lower Spending

The county achieves a 91.5% graduation rate, which exceeds the national average of 87.0% but falls slightly behind the state mark of 92.6%. Despite this success, per-pupil expenditure sits at $5,332, notably lower than the national average of $13,000.

East Noble Leads the County

East Noble School Corporation is the largest provider, educating 3,417 students across seven different schools. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with traditional districts like West Noble and Central Noble managing all public enrollment.

A Mix of Town and Rural Learning

Education here feels local and personal, with nine schools in rural settings and seven in town locales. Sizes range from East Noble High School's 1,054 students down to smaller primary campuses, averaging 482 students per school.

Build Your Future in Noble County

With graduation rates consistently outperforming national benchmarks, this area is a strong choice for families prioritizing education. Explore local real estate to find a home near these established community school districts.

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.

Weather & Climate in Noble County

via WeatherByCounty

A Drier Profile for the Region

While specific temperature averages are unavailable, Noble County's 37.9 inches of rain is notably lower than the national median. The area follows a Great Lakes regional pattern of moderate precipitation.

Drier Than the Indiana Average

Noble County is drier than the rest of the state, with 37.9 inches of precipitation against the Indiana average of 43.9. This suggests a climate that avoids some of the heavy moisture seen in southern counties.

Snowier Than Southern Indiana Alternatives

The county averages 23.9 inches of snow, significantly more than the 12.8 inches seen in Orange County. However, it receives about 10 inches less total annual precipitation than Monroe County.

A Robust Winter With High Snowfall

Winter is a major factor here with 23.9 inches of annual snowfall and a distinct Great Lakes influence. Although temperature data is limited, the snow levels indicate a robust and cold winter season.

Manage Snow and Targeted Landscaping

Residents should focus on snow management strategies to handle the 23.9 inches of yearly accumulation. The lower precipitation total of 37.9 inches also means less concern for flooding compared to the state's southern tier.

Soil Quality in Noble County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols in Noble County

Noble County features a silt loam texture and a pH of 5.76, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. These soils belong to the Entisols order, indicating relatively young soil with minimal horizon development.

Gritty Texture and Strong Workability

The soil contains 43.0% sand, 30.9% silt, and 14.7% clay. This high sand percentage compared to neighbors provides decent workability, though the low clay content reduces the soil's natural ability to hold onto certain minerals.

Massive Organic Matter Reserves

Noble County boasts a remarkable 9.94% organic matter, more than double the state average of 4.90%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity of 0.197 in/in sits slightly below the Indiana benchmark of 0.202.

Managing Poor Drainage Challenges

These soils are classified as poorly drained and belong to hydrologic group C/D. This combination means water moves slowly through the profile, often requiring tiling or drainage systems for successful row cropping.

Hardy Crops for Zone 6a

In USDA zone 6a, this high-organic soil is a powerhouse for root vegetables and hardy perennials. With a soil score of 72.6, Noble County offers some of the best growing potential in the region.

Lawn Care in Noble County

via LawnByCounty

Moderately Easy Lawn Maintenance in Noble

Noble County earns a lawn difficulty score of 60.5, indicating it is significantly easier to grow grass here than the national median of 50.0. While it outperforms the country, it trails the Indiana state average score of 71.0. The hardiness zone 6a provides a stable foundation for cool-season grasses despite regional challenges.

Lower Rainfall Shapes Watering Needs

With 37.9 inches of annual precipitation, Noble is drier than the Indiana state average of 44.2 inches. This rainfall total sits at the lower end of the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy turf. Local homeowners must monitor moisture levels closely, as most climate metrics like extreme heat days and growing season length are currently unrecorded for this area.

Managing Acidic and Poorly Drained Soils

The soil pH of 5.76 is more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which often requires lime applications to improve nutrient uptake. The silt loam texture is combined with poor drainage, meaning lawns can hold water too long during wet spells. Aeration is essential to prevent soil compaction and root rot in these conditions.

Extended Dry Spells Demand Vigilance

Noble County spent 27 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, 100% of the county is classified as abnormally dry. Maintaining a taller mowing height helps shade the soil and retain what little moisture is available. Deep, infrequent watering is the best strategy to encourage root growth during these persistent dry periods.

Start Strong with Hardier Grasses

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are excellent choices for this 6a hardiness zone because of their cold tolerance. While specific local frost dates are unavailable, traditional Indiana windows suggest late summer or early fall for seeding. Establishing a deep root system now will help your lawn survive the frequent dry stretches Noble faces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Noble County's county score?
Noble County, Indiana has a composite county score of 55.4 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 Noble County rank among counties in Indiana?
Noble County ranks #57 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 Noble County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Noble County is $1,250, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Noble County a tax score of 65.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Noble County?
The median household income in Noble County, Indiana is $70,908 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Noble County earns an income score of 68.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Noble County, Indiana a good place to live?
Noble County scores 55.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Noble 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 Noble County with other counties side by side.