countyscore
64
County Score
Safety 97.5Property Tax 86.5Soil Quality 74.5

County Report Card

About Parke County, Indiana

Outpacing the National Median Score

With a composite score of 64.0, Parke County sits well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high overall quality of life relative to the American average.

Surpassing the Indiana Average

Parke County is a top performer in Indiana, significantly exceeding the state average composite score of 55.9. It stands out as one of the most tax-friendly counties in the entire state.

Elite Safety and Unbeatable Taxes

The county boasts an incredible tax score of 86.5 and an effective tax rate of only 0.496%. This is paired with an elite safety score of 97.5, ensuring high security and low financial burden.

Improving Infrastructure and Schooling

The school score of 14.3 and water score of 7.4 highlight the need for investment in community infrastructure and local education. These areas are the primary focus for future development.

Ideal for the Financially Savvy

Parke County is a paradise for retirees or families who want to keep more of their paycheck and prioritize safety. With homes at a median $139,300, it offers exceptional value for money.

Score breakdown

Tax86.5Cost71.3Safety97.5Health50.6Schools14.3Income58.6Risk72.4Water7.4Weather50.7
🏛86.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼58.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤50.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓14.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡72.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧7.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66
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

Vermillion County
Indiana
60.4
Fountain County
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62
Montgomery County
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52.2
Putnam County
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65.3
Edgar County
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Vigo County
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Clay County
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Warren County
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Deep Dives

Parke County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Parke County

via TaxByCounty

Parke County offers exceptional tax savings

Parke County's effective tax rate of 0.496% is the lowest in this eight-county comparison and falls in the nation's bottom 5%. With a median property tax of just $691 annually, Parke homeowners pay about 26% of the national median—a remarkable savings.

Parke County leads Indiana on affordability

Parke County's 0.496% rate significantly undercuts Indiana's state average of 0.671%, making it one of the state's most tax-friendly counties. The median property tax of $691 is 42% lower than the state median of $1,199.

Parke County is the region's tax haven

Among all neighbors in this analysis, Parke County's 0.496% rate is the lowest by a substantial margin—nearly 0.10% below the next-lowest county. For homeowners seeking the lowest possible property tax burden, Parke County is the clear regional choice.

Your estimated annual Parke County tax

On a median home valued at $139,300, Parke County residents pay approximately $691 in annual property taxes—the lowest across these eight counties. With a mortgage, the estimate rises to $726; without, it drops to $604.

Parke homeowners should still verify assessments

Even the lowest-tax county can have overassessed properties, so reviewing your assessment is always worthwhile. A successful appeal in Parke County could provide additional relief on an already-affordable tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Parke County

via CostByCounty

Parke County offers strong affordability.

At 13.1%, Parke County's rent-to-income ratio beats the national average, meaning renters here keep more of their paychecks than typical Americans. The modest $731 monthly rent reflects genuine affordability for the county's $66,776 median household income.

Tied for Indiana's best value.

Parke County matches Noble County at 13.1% rent-to-income ratio, tying for the lowest affordability burden in Indiana and well below the state's 15.6% average. This elite standing places Parke County among the state's most livable counties for renters managing housing costs.

Cheapest rent in the region.

Parke County's $731 rent is the lowest among all comparison counties, beating Orange County ($838) and Ohio County ($852) by meaningful margins. Its $139,300 median home value also ranks among the region's most affordable for buyers.

Housing takes minimal income share.

On a $66,776 median income, the typical Parke County household spends just 13.1% on rent ($731/month) or 13.3% on mortgage costs ($743/month). This efficiency leaves maximum room in monthly budgets for groceries, healthcare, childcare, and savings—a rare luxury among rural Indiana counties.

Maximum value for rural living.

Parke County delivers some of the lowest housing costs in Indiana without sacrificing community or access, making it ideal for affordability-focused movers. Check these numbers against what you're currently paying—the difference could transform your family's financial position.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Parke County

via IncomeByCounty

Parke underperforms the national income level

Parke County's median household income of $66,776 falls $7,979 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle income range nationally. However, the county's per capita income of $31,264 trails Indiana's average, suggesting less distributed earning power.

Below Indiana's median income standard

Parke County's median household income of $66,776 ranks $1,905 below Indiana's state average of $68,681, positioning it slightly below the state midpoint among 92 counties. This places Parke in the lower-middle tier of Indiana's income distribution.

Parke competes modestly with regional peers

Parke County's $66,776 median household income outpaces Owen ($59,586), Perry ($61,099), and Orange ($64,758), though it trails Noble ($70,908) and Pike ($66,250). Among its region, Parke shows modest competitive strength.

Housing remains affordable in Parke

Parke County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.1% is among the lowest in the region, with households spending well below the 30% sustainable threshold for rent. The median home value of $139,300 is affordable relative to median household income, providing housing stability for most residents.

Parke households can leverage affordability

With median household income of $66,776 and low housing costs, Parke County residents have relative breathing room to invest in retirement savings and education. Take advantage of your housing affordability advantage by building emergency funds and exploring tax-advantaged investment accounts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Parke County

via CrimeByCounty

Parke County Earns Perfect Safety Rating

Parke County features a safety score of 100.0, indicating it is one of the safest places in the country. The county reports 0.0 crimes per 100,000, compared to a national rate of 2,385.5.

Setting the Standard in Indiana

Parke County’s safety score surpasses the Indiana state average of 98.9. It remains a leader for low crime rates among Indiana’s rural counties.

Lower Crime Than State Averages

The county's crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 is far below the Indiana state average of 693.8. It remains a quiet and safe pocket within the region.

Zero Violent and Property Crimes

In 2022, Parke County reported zero violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents. Although only one agency reported data, the figures suggest a very safe local atmosphere.

Preserving Parke County’s Peace

Parke County’s safety is a major community asset. Residents can maintain this security by using smart home technology and looking out for their neighbors.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Parke County

via HealthByCounty

Parke County's Life Span Beats National Average

At 77.9 years, Parke County residents live 1.8 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, placing the county in the nation's healthier tier. However, the 20.0% poor/fair health rate suggests daily health challenges despite strong longevity—a pattern indicating chronic disease management issues.

High Longevity, High Uninsured Rate

Parke County's 77.9-year life expectancy exceeds Indiana's 75.1-year average by 2.8 years, yet the uninsured rate of 11.9% is the highest among all Indiana counties profiled. This disparity suggests that while some residents enjoy good health outcomes, access gaps persist for a significant share of the population.

Strong Life Span, Weak Insurance Coverage

Parke County's 77.9-year life expectancy rivals Ohio (78.0) and Perry (77.3), yet its 11.9% uninsured rate far exceeds neighbors Noble (10.2%) and Owen (8.9%). With 31 primary care and 73 mental health providers per 100K, infrastructure is adequate, but coverage barriers may prevent access.

Insurance Gap Threatens Health Gains

Parke County's 11.9% uninsured rate—the highest profiled—means nearly 1 in 8 residents lack coverage and face financial hardship when health issues arise. With 31 primary care providers per 100K, the county has moderate access, but uninsured residents may skip preventive care, undermining the county's otherwise strong longevity.

Don't Jeopardize Your Health and Finances

If you're among Parke County's uninsured, enrollment is critical—coverage protects your health and prevents medical debt that can devastate families. Visit healthcare.gov or call your county health department to find affordable plans and enrollment assistance today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Parke County

via SchoolsByCounty

Parke County's Two-District Education System

Seven public schools serve 2,210 students across Parke County, managed by two distinct school corporations. The infrastructure includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools located in rural and town settings.

Room for Growth in Graduation Rates

The county's 84.5% graduation rate currently trails both the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 92.6%. However, per-pupil spending of $5,593 is slightly above the Indiana state average of $5,507.

North Central Parke Leads Enrollment

North Central Parke Community School Corp is the larger of the two districts, managing four schools and 1,194 students. Southwest Parke Community School Corp follows closely, serving 1,016 students across its three campuses.

Cozy Schools in a Rural Landscape

Parke County schools are small and intimate, with an average enrollment of just 316 students. Five schools are situated in rural areas and two are in town, with Riverton Parke Jr-Sr High being the largest at 472 students.

Rural Living and Community Schools

For those who value small class sizes and a rural lifestyle, Parke County offers a grounded environment for raising a family. Search for a home near these community-focused districts to plant your roots.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Parke County

via RiskByCounty

Parke County: Well Below Average Risk

Parke County's composite risk score of 27.58 places it firmly in the Very Low category, sitting well below Indiana's 45.52 average. This favorable position reflects one of the state's safer counties for natural disaster exposure overall.

Among Indiana's Safest Counties

Parke County ranks in Indiana's lower quartile for disaster risk among the state's 92 counties. The county's notably low composite score reflects broad protection from natural hazards, making it one of Indiana's more resilient communities.

Safest County in Its Region

Parke County's 27.58 score runs substantially lower than all neighbors—Noble (44.24), Owen (35.11), and Perry (35.02)—making it the safest in its immediate area. This distinction reflects the county's fortunate position relative to regional hazard patterns.

Tornadoes and Earthquakes Still Matter

Tornado risk reaches 47.49 in Parke County, marking it as the highest hazard despite remaining below state averages. Earthquake risk scores 62.50, reflecting the county's exposure to the broader Midwest seismic zone.

Standard Coverage Likely Sufficient

Ensure your homeowners insurance includes tornado and hail coverage, though the 47.49 tornado risk is more moderate than many counties. Earthquake insurance may be worth evaluating given the 62.50 score, but flooding is minimal concern here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Parke County

via WeatherByCounty

Near the National Temperature Average

Parke County’s average temperature of 52.0°F is just below the national median. This central Indiana locale experiences a dynamic climate marked by particularly hot summer peaks.

Typical of the Central Indiana Climate

The county's 52.0°F average is nearly identical to the state mean of 52.2°F. It represents the quintessential climate experience for the central Indiana region.

Leading the Region in Extreme Heat

Parke stands out for its heat, recording 28 extreme heat days—more than any other county in this group. Despite this, it still gets 20.4 inches of snow, which is more than Monroe's 17.5 inches.

Intense Summer Heat and Snowy Winters

Summers are intense with 28 days hitting 90°F and a July average of 73.9°F. Winter brings a chill with a January average of 26.5°F and over 20 inches of annual snow.

Invest in High-Efficiency Home Cooling

Homeowners must prepare for the highest frequency of extreme heat in the area with high-efficiency cooling systems. Winter plans should include standard snow removal tools to handle the 20.4 inches of yearly accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Parke County

via SoilByCounty

Parke County's Rich Inceptisols

Dominating Parke County are Inceptisols with a silty clay loam texture and a pH of 6.31. This pH level is one of the closest to the national median of 6.5 in the region, making it very versatile for different plant species.

Balanced Clay and Silt Mix

The soil contains a substantial 31.4% sand and 51.0% silt, providing a grit that aids in physical structure. The 16.7% clay content provides enough stickiness to hold nutrients without becoming an impenetrable block when dry.

Strong Organic Foundation

With 2.95% organic matter, Parke County exceeds the national average of 2.0%. Its available water capacity of 0.203 in/in is slightly better than the state average, providing a reliable buffer against summer heat.

Navigating Poor Drainage Realities

These soils are poorly drained and fall under hydrologic group C/D. Surface water tends to linger, so raised beds are highly recommended for home gardeners to prevent root rot during wet Indiana springs.

A High-Scoring Garden Spot

Boasting a soil score of 74.5, Parke County outperforms the state average for quality. In zone 6a, you can successfully grow everything from sweet corn to heirloom tomatoes with minimal extra effort.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Parke County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging but Rewarding Lawns in Parke

Parke County's lawn difficulty score of 66.0 is lower than the Indiana average of 71.0, largely due to recent weather extremes. Despite being in a reliable 6a hardiness zone, it remains more favorable than the national median of 50.0. Success here requires a more proactive approach to moisture management than in other parts of the state.

High Heat Impacts Mowing Routine

Lawns in Parke must withstand 28 extreme heat days, which is significantly higher than the state average of 20 days. While the 45.5 inches of annual precipitation is slightly above the state average, the extra heat increases evaporation rates. Homeowners should plan for dormant periods in mid-summer unless they employ a rigorous irrigation schedule.

Silty Clay Loam Needs Aeration

The soil pH of 6.31 is ideal for turf, but the silty clay loam texture presents drainage issues. Classified as poorly drained, this soil can become compacted easily, choking off the oxygen that roots need. Annual core aeration is highly recommended to improve water infiltration and root depth in these heavy soils.

Severe Drought Requires Water Conservation

Parke County has suffered through 33 weeks of drought over the past year, and 54% of the county is currently in a severe drought (D2+). Lawns are under significant stress, making it critical to prioritize watering only the most established areas. During these severe conditions, it is best to let the grass go dormant rather than applying shallow, frequent water.

Timing Your Seeding for Success

The first fall frost hits early on October 12, so all seeding should be completed by mid-September. Kentucky Bluegrass and Turf-Type Tall Fescue are recommended for zone 6a to handle the varied temperature swings. Aim to start your spring work after the last frost date of April 30 to ensure young shoots aren't damaged.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Parke County's county score?
Parke County, Indiana has a composite county score of 64 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 Parke County rank among counties in Indiana?
Parke County ranks #19 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 Parke County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Parke County is $691, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Parke County a tax score of 86.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Parke County?
The median household income in Parke County, Indiana is $66,776 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Parke County earns an income score of 58.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Parke County, Indiana a good place to live?
Parke County scores 64/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Parke 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 Parke County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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