countyscore
61.3
County Score
Safety 97.5Water Quality 86Lawn Care 71.9

County Report Card

About Owen County, Indiana

Performing Well Beyond National Norms

Owen County earns a 61.3 composite score, placing it comfortably above the 50.0 national median. This indicates a higher general standard of living than most counties across the country.

Above the Indiana State Average

The county’s score of 61.3 outperforms the Indiana state average of 55.9. It provides a high-quality alternative for residents looking for a rural lifestyle with strong community scores.

Exceptional Safety and Clean Resources

Safety is a primary strength with a score of 97.5, paired with a robust water score of 86.0. These figures highlight a secure community with high environmental standards.

Addressing Health and Economic Gains

The income score of 37.7 and health score of 38.2 are the county’s primary hurdles. These scores reflect a median household income of $59,586 and a need for better local medical resources.

A Retreat for Safety Seekers

Owen County is a great fit for individuals who value personal security and clean natural resources over high-speed urban growth. It appeals to those looking for a quiet, low-risk rural life.

Score breakdown

Tax66.3Cost45.1Safety97.5Health38.2Schools55.3Income37.7Risk64.9Water86Weather59.8
🏛66.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤38.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡64.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨70
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71.9
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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Nearby counties

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Putnam County
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Monroe County
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Morgan County
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Greene County
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Brown County
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Deep Dives

Owen County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Owen County

via TaxByCounty

Owen County taxes run right at national average

Owen County's effective tax rate of 0.672% sits just below the national median of 0.87%, placing it slightly in the middle-to-lower tier nationally. The median property tax of $1,091 is about 41% of the national median, reflecting both lower home values and lower rates in rural Indiana.

Owen County mirrors Indiana's statewide rates

At 0.672%, Owen County's effective rate is virtually identical to Indiana's state average of 0.671%, making it a representative example of typical Indiana property taxes. The median tax of $1,091 falls somewhat below the state median of $1,199, reflecting the county's lower median home values.

Owen County sits in regional middle ground

Owen County's 0.672% rate falls between Orange County's low of 0.578% and Perry County's high of 0.713%, positioning it squarely in the regional mainstream. This makes Owen County neither particularly expensive nor particularly bargain-priced among its neighbors.

Your estimated annual Owen County tax

On a median home valued at $162,400, Owen County homeowners pay approximately $1,091 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the estimate rises to $1,119; without, it drops to $1,058.

Assessment appeals can reduce your Owen County bill

Even in a tax-average county like Owen, roughly one in five properties may be overassessed relative to market value. Taking 15 minutes to file an assessment appeal could save you hundreds of dollars over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Owen County

via CostByCounty

Owen County rents strain budgets.

At 18.4%, Owen County's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the national average, signaling that housing consumes an outsized share of household income here. The $912 monthly rent against a $59,586 median income represents one of the tightest housing-cost burdens in this group of counties.

Least affordable in Indiana.

Owen County's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio stands well above Indiana's 15.6% state average, making it among the state's least affordable counties for renters. Households here dedicate notably more of their earnings to housing than typical Hoosiers, creating budget pressure statewide.

Highest burden in the region.

Owen County's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio towers above all nearby counties, with its $912 rent among the highest in the group paired with lower-than-average income. This combination makes Owen County the most housing-stressed county in this regional comparison.

Housing dominates household budget.

The median Owen County household with $59,586 income dedicates 18.4% to rent ($912/month) or 16.8% to mortgage costs ($833/month), leaving less discretionary income than neighboring counties. Combined, housing can consume over one-third of gross income for many households, creating genuine affordability challenges.

Consider whether costs fit your reality.

Owen County's housing burden outpaces most peer counties, so carefully evaluate if this move makes financial sense for your household. If housing costs are already stretching your budget, comparing Owen County's percentages against your current situation could reveal important trade-offs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Owen County

via IncomeByCounty

Owen significantly lags national income

Owen County's median household income of $59,586 falls $15,169 below the national median of $74,755, placing it well below the national average. This reflects the economic challenges facing rural Indiana communities with limited wage opportunities.

Owen ranks among Indiana's lowest earners

Owen County's median household income of $59,586 trails Indiana's state average of $68,681 by $9,095, positioning it in the bottom quartile of the state's 92 counties. This significant gap underscores the county's economic constraints.

Owen faces the steepest regional challenge

Owen County's $59,586 median household income ranks lowest among its regional peers, trailing Orange ($64,758), Perry ($61,099), and Noble ($70,908). The county faces distinct economic headwinds compared to surrounding communities.

Housing costs pose affordability risk

Owen County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% is the highest in the region, with households spending over 60% of the sustainable 30% threshold on rent alone. Combined with modest median household income, this leaves limited resources for savings, healthcare, and other essentials.

Owen residents can strengthen financial footing

With median household income of $59,586, Owen County families benefit most from low-cost banking services, wage optimization strategies, and employer benefits education. Connect with nonprofit credit counseling and financial coaching services to stretch dollars further and build long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Owen County

via CrimeByCounty

Owen County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Owen County maintains a top safety score of 100.0, reflecting a very secure environment. This stands in sharp contrast to the national total crime rate of 2,385.5 per 100,000 residents.

Leading the State in Safety

Owen County’s safety score is higher than the Indiana state average of 98.9. It ranks among the safest jurisdictions in the state for the 2022 reporting year.

Owen County Records Minimal Crime

With a crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000, Owen County is significantly safer than the Indiana state average of 693.8. It offers a tranquil alternative to busier neighboring counties.

A Clean Slate for Reported Crime

No violent or property crimes were reported per 100,000 people in Owen County during 2022. Because this reflects a single reporting agency, it highlights a very peaceful community with limited incidents.

Keep Your Property Secure

A perfect safety score is a point of pride for Owen County residents. Continuing to practice basic home security, such as locking doors and windows, ensures the community stays safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Owen County

via HealthByCounty

Owen County Faces Serious Health Crisis

At 72.8 years, Owen County's life expectancy is 3.3 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years, representing one of the lowest in the nation. The 20.9% poor/fair health rate is substantially higher than the national median, indicating severe daily health challenges for residents.

Indiana's Most Troubled Health Indicators

Owen County's 72.8-year life expectancy falls 2.3 years below Indiana's 75.1-year average—the lowest in the state—reflecting critical health disparities. The uninsured rate of 8.9% exceeds the state average of 8.4%, compounding access barriers for a vulnerable population.

Significantly Behind Regional Peers

Owen County's 72.8-year life expectancy is 5.2 years shorter than Ohio County (78.0) and 2.5+ years below Orange and Pike counties, indicating a profound regional health divide. Primary care access at just 14 providers per 100K is the lowest among nearby counties, creating a critical shortage.

Provider Shortages Compound Coverage Gaps

With 8.9% of residents uninsured and only 14 primary care providers per 100K—the lowest in its region—Owen County faces severe healthcare access barriers. Mental health support is available at 102 per 100K, but limited primary care means many residents can't access basic preventive services or manage chronic diseases effectively.

Coverage and Care: Urgent Action Needed

Owen County residents must prioritize health insurance enrollment—without coverage, managing health conditions becomes financially devastating and medically impossible. Call 211 or visit healthcare.gov immediately to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or community health programs that can save your life.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Owen County

via SchoolsByCounty

Owen County's Unified Rural School System

A single school district manages Owen County's six public schools, which serve a total of 2,238 students. The layout includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school to cover the entire county.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates and Performance

Owen County achieves a remarkable 97.0% graduation rate, ten points higher than the national average and significantly above Indiana's 92.6%. The county spends $5,991 per pupil, which is more than the $5,507 state average but below the national benchmark.

Spencer-Owen Community Schools Dominance

Spencer-Owen Community Schools operates 100% of the public campuses in the county with no charter school competition. The district's largest facility is Owen Valley Community High School, which enrolls 671 students.

A Purely Rural Learning Experience

All six schools are located in rural areas, offering a consistent environment for the county's 2,238 students. While Owen Valley High is the largest, Gosport Elementary provides a very intimate setting with just 144 students.

Find Your Place in Owen County

Families seeking elite graduation outcomes and a consistent rural atmosphere should look no further than Owen County. Explore available homes to join a community that clearly prioritizes student success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Owen County

via RiskByCounty

Owen County: Below-Average Disaster Risk

Owen County's composite risk score of 35.11 places it in the Very Low category, sitting notably below Indiana's 45.52 average. This relatively safe profile offers residents meaningful protection from the full range of natural disaster hazards.

Among Indiana's Lower-Risk Counties

Owen County ranks in the safer half of Indiana's 92 counties for overall disaster risk. The county's below-average composite score reflects consistent protection across most hazard types, with only moderate vulnerability to a few specific threats.

Safer Than Noble, Comparable to Perry

Owen County's 35.11 score runs lower than neighboring Noble (44.24) and sits alongside Perry (35.02) at similar risk levels. The county benefits from being positioned in a relatively protected zone compared to its higher-risk northern neighbors.

Earthquakes and Floods Lead Concerns

Earthquake risk scores highest at 61.16, reflecting Owen County's position near seismic zones affecting the broader region. Flood risk follows at 49.43, making water-related damage a secondary but meaningful threat during heavy rain events.

Focus on Flood and Earthquake Policies

Evaluate earthquake insurance carefully given the 61.16 risk score, particularly if your home sits on unstable soil or in an older structure. Flood insurance is strongly recommended due to the 49.43 flood risk, especially if you're in a mapped flood zone or near streams.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Owen County

via WeatherByCounty

Matched With the National Temperature Median

Owen County averages 52.8°F, placing it right in line with the national median. This balance provides a classic four-season experience without the extreme cold of the far north.

Above the Indiana Average Temperature

The county's 52.8°F average is slightly higher than the state average of 52.2°F. It holds a middle-to-warm rank among Indiana's 92 counties.

The Wettest County in the Region

Owen is the wettest county in this group, receiving 49.7 inches of precipitation compared to Newton's 40.1. It also experiences 18 extreme heat days, more than Montgomery but fewer than Orange.

High Humidity and Moderate Snowfall

The county sees 15.8 inches of snow and a winter average of 31.4°F. Summer brings a July average of 74.7°F and 18 days of temperatures topping 90°F.

Focus on Drainage and Moisture Control

With nearly 50 inches of annual rain, drainage and moisture control are the primary concerns for local property owners. Residents should also keep summer gear ready for the 18 days of high heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Owen County

via SoilByCounty

The Unique Muck of Owen County

Owen County stands out with dominant Muck textures and Histosols, a taxonomic order defined by organic-rich materials. The average pH of 6.08 perfectly matches the Indiana state average but remains slightly acidic compared to the national median.

Low Sand, High Silt Content

The mineral component consists of 63.2% silt and 20.0% sand. This mix creates a soil that is exceptionally soft and easy to work, though it can become quite dusty when dry or muddy when wet.

High Capacity for Water Storage

The organic matter level is 2.82%, which is higher than the national average of 2.0%. An available water capacity of 0.205 in/in suggests these soils are excellent at reservoir-like water storage for thirsty summer crops.

Very Poor Drainage Profiles

Classified as very poorly drained with a hydrologic group of A/D, these soils have a naturally high water table. While group A indicates high infiltration, the 'D' designation reflects the reality of local drainage restrictions.

Mastering the Zone 6a Garden

In USDA zone 6a, these moisture-retentive soils are perfect for leafy greens and moisture-loving herbs like mint. The county's soil score of 70.0 indicates a high-quality foundation for any agricultural project.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Owen County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Growing Conditions in Owen

Owen County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 71.9, placing it slightly above the state average and making it one of the easier places in Indiana to keep a lawn. Situated in hardiness zone 6a, the local climate is highly favorable compared to the national median. Homeowners here benefit from a mix of consistent rainfall and moderate summer temperatures.

Abundant Water and Mild Summers

The county receives 49.7 inches of rain per year, providing a lush environment that exceeds the Indiana average of 44.2. With only 18 extreme heat days, Owen stays cooler than the state average of 20 days. This combination reduces evaporation stress and keeps mowing schedules regular throughout the 3,477 growing degree days.

Muck Soils and Drainage Challenges

Unlike most of its neighbors, Owen County features a muck soil texture that is very poorly drained. While the pH of 6.08 is perfectly within the ideal range, the high water retention can lead to soggy lawns and root rot. Surface drainage improvements or selecting water-tolerant grass varieties may be necessary for low-lying areas.

Current Dryness vs Muck Retention

Owen County experienced 15 weeks of drought last year, and 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry. However, the organic-rich muck soil acts as a sponge, often holding onto moisture longer than sandy soils would. Even so, it is important to avoid heavy foot traffic when the ground is extremely dry to prevent damage to the turf crowns.

Optimal Planting Between Frost Dates

With the last spring frost on April 20 and the first fall frost on October 20, the growing window is well-defined. Kentucky Bluegrass performs exceptionally well here in zone 6a and benefits from the area’s naturally high moisture. Late summer is the best time to seed, allowing the lawn to establish before the ground freezes in October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Owen County's county score?
Owen County, Indiana has a composite county score of 61.3 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 Owen County rank among counties in Indiana?
Owen County ranks #32 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 Owen County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Owen County is $1,091, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Owen County a tax score of 66.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Owen County?
The median household income in Owen County, Indiana is $59,586 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Owen County earns an income score of 37.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Owen County, Indiana a good place to live?
Owen County scores 61.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Owen 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 Owen County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.