countyscore
64.3
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 80.8Cost of Living 73.4

County Report Card

About Pike County, Indiana

High Rankings on the National Scale

Pike County’s composite score of 64.3 is significantly higher than the 50.0 national median. This score reflects a robust quality of life that makes it a standout rural destination.

Outperforming Indiana’s Average Score

Pike County easily beats the Indiana state average of 55.9, driven by high scores in security and affordability. It is one of the safer and more stable environments in southern Indiana.

Maximum Safety and Affordable Homes

With a near-perfect safety score of 97.5 and a cost score of 73.4, Pike County is both secure and budget-friendly. The median home value of $128,400 is among the most competitive in the state.

Strengthening Schools and Tax Efficiency

The school score of 37.1 and tax score of 52.1 are areas where the county could improve. Residents currently pay an effective tax rate of 0.813%, which is slightly higher than some neighbors.

The Safe Choice for Homebuyers

This county is perfect for those who want to own a home in a high-security area without breaking the bank. It attracts residents who value peace of mind and long-term environmental stability.

2040608010052.173.497.550.137.157.680.846.258.5Tax52.1Cost73.4Safety97.5Health50.1Schools37.1Income57.6Risk80.8Water46.2Weather58.564.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Pike County DNA

D+overall

How Pike County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Pike County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Schools (37.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
52.1
Cost
73.4+25.400000000000006
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
50.1
Schools
37.1-16.9
Income
57.6
Risk
80.8+33.8
Water
46.2-11.799999999999997
Weather
58.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Pike County?

Many homeowners in Pike County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$128,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$676/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$128,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,250/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Rush County
Indiana
Median income: $64,393
64.3
Allen County
Kentucky
Median income: $59,029
64.3
Alger County
Michigan
Median income: $59,406
64.3
Foster County
North Dakota
Median income: $83,412
64.3
Searcy County
Arkansas
Median income: $41,978
64.2
Conejos County
Colorado
Median income: $47,209
64.2
Taylor County
Iowa
Median income: $67,279
64.2
Norton County
Kansas
Median income: $50,305
64.2

Nearby counties

Knox County
Indiana
52.4
Daviess County
Indiana
58.1
Gibson County
Indiana
55.9
Dubois County
Indiana
62.2
Warrick County
Indiana
51.4
Lawrence County
Illinois
55.7
Wabash County
Illinois
55.3
Martin County
Indiana
70.3

Deep Dives

Pike County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Pike County

via TaxByCounty

Pike County has the region's highest tax rate

Pike County's effective tax rate of 0.813% is the second-highest in this eight-county analysis and sits well above the national median of 0.87%. Despite lower home values, Pike residents pay a premium relative to the state and region.

Pike County ranks among Indiana's highest taxes

At 0.813%, Pike County's effective rate substantially exceeds Indiana's state average of 0.671%, placing it in the state's upper tier for property taxes. The median property tax of $1,044 is 13% below the state median, reflecting the county's significantly lower home values.

Pike County is second-highest in the region

Pike County's 0.813% rate trails only Porter County's 0.829%, making it the second-most expensive county for property taxes among these eight. Only homeowners in Porter County pay a higher effective rate in this comparison.

Your estimated annual Pike County tax

On a median home valued at $128,400, Pike County homeowners pay approximately $1,044 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.813% rate. With a mortgage, the estimate rises to $1,201; without, it drops to $753.

Pike homeowners should challenge high assessments

With the region's second-highest tax rate, Pike County residents have particular incentive to verify their assessments are fair and accurate. Successful appeals are especially valuable in higher-tax counties, potentially saving hundreds over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pike County

via CostByCounty

Pike County delivers real value.

At 12.2%, Pike County's rent-to-income ratio stands notably below the national average, signaling genuine housing affordability for renters. The $676 monthly rent pairs with a $66,250 median income to create one of the best affordability profiles in this entire county comparison.

Best value in Indiana.

Pike County's 12.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks as the lowest among all Indiana counties in this comparison, beating the state average of 15.6% by substantial margin. This leadership position makes Pike County Indiana's affordability champion for renters.

Unbeaten rental bargains.

Pike County ties Perry County at $676 rent but edges ahead on income ratio (12.2% vs. 13.3%), making it the region's smartest rental deal. Its ultra-low $128,400 median home value ranks as the absolute cheapest in the entire comparison group.

Maximum income left over.

The median Pike County household earning $66,250 spends just 12.2% on rent ($676/month) or 14.1% on mortgage costs ($779/month). This efficiency is unmatched in the comparison group, leaving households $700+ monthly—$8,400+ yearly—compared to national averages for other life priorities.

Unbeatable bang for your buck.

Pike County offers the lowest rent-to-income ratio and cheapest homes in this entire analysis, making it unbeaten for affordability-focused relocations. If maximizing financial breathing room matters most, Pike County's numbers show you'd save more here than anywhere else.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pike County

via IncomeByCounty

Pike trails national income expectations

Pike County's median household income of $66,250 falls $8,505 short of the national median of $74,755, positioning it in the lower-middle income tier nationally. However, Pike's per capita income of $33,085 remains close to Indiana's state average.

Pike ranks slightly below Indiana average

Pike County's median household income of $66,250 trails Indiana's state average of $68,681 by $2,431, positioning it slightly below the state midpoint among 92 counties. This places Pike among Indiana's moderately-performing communities.

Pike ranks near middle of regional peers

Pike County's $66,250 median household income outpaces Owen ($59,586), Perry ($61,099), and Orange ($64,758), but trails Noble ($70,908) and lags Parke ($66,776). Pike maintains moderate competitive standing regionally.

Pike offers the region's best housing value

Pike County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.2% is the lowest in the region, with households spending just 40% of the sustainable 30% threshold on rent. The median home value of $128,400 is the most affordable in the area, providing excellent housing security.

Pike residents can maximize affordability

With median household income of $66,250 and the region's lowest housing costs, Pike County families have excellent opportunity to build wealth through savings and investments. Capitalize on your housing advantage by directing savings toward retirement accounts, education funds, and wealth-building vehicles.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pike County

via CrimeByCounty

Pike County Boasts Top Safety Rating

Pike County maintains a perfect safety score of 100.0, far exceeding national expectations. Its crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 is vastly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranks Among Indiana’s Safest Counties

Pike County’s safety score is higher than the Indiana state average of 98.9. It is recognized as one of the most secure areas in the entire state.

Safer Than the State Average

The reported crime rate in Pike County is 0.0 per 100,000, which is much lower than the Indiana state average of 693.8. Two local agencies provided data to confirm this high level of safety.

No Violent or Property Crimes Reported

Pike County reported zero violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents in 2022. This makes it a standout community for safety and resident peace of mind.

Secure Your Home for Continued Safety

Low crime rates make Pike County a great place to live. Residents can help keep it that way by participating in neighborhood watch programs and using outdoor lighting.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Pike County

via SchoolsByCounty

Pike County's Rural School Infrastructure

Five public schools serve 1,668 students across Pike County, overseen by two different educational organizations. The landscape features three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, all located in rural settings.

Solid Outcomes with Efficient Spending

The county reports a 92.0% graduation rate, outperforming the national average of 87.0% and nearly matching the state's 92.6%. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,648, which exceeds the Indiana state average of $5,507.

Traditional and Charter School Options

Pike County School Corp is the dominant district with 1,574 students across four schools. Uniquely, the county also hosts Otwell Miller Academy, a charter school that represents 20% of the county's public campuses.

Small Rural Schools with Individual Attention

Every school in Pike County is classified as rural, creating a consistent environment for the 1,668 enrolled students. While Pike Central High School is the largest with 475 students, Otwell Miller Academy offers a very small-scale option with only 94 students.

Home-Grown Excellence in Pike County

Families looking for rural school settings with high graduation rates will find Pike County a compelling option. Start your home search here to join a community that offers both traditional and charter school choices.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pike County

via RiskByCounty

Pike County: Exceptionally Low Risk

Pike County's composite risk score of 19.24 ranks it among Indiana's very safest counties, sitting well below the state average of 45.52. This exceptional safety profile offers residents broad protection from natural disasters across nearly all hazard categories.

Bottom-Tier Risk Among Indiana Counties

Pike County ranks near the bottom of Indiana's 92 counties for disaster risk, with one of the state's lowest composite scores. This distinction makes it one of Indiana's most naturally resilient communities against the full range of hazards.

Second-Safest in the Region

Pike County's 19.24 score ranks only behind Ohio (3.37) among surrounding counties, with substantially lower risk than Orange (40.49), Owen (35.11), and Perry (35.02). This positioning establishes Pike as one of the state's true safe havens.

Earthquake Risk Outweighs All Others

Earthquake risk scores 79.64—notably elevated and Pike County's clear biggest concern—despite the county's otherwise exceptional safety profile. All other hazards, from tornado (40.30) to flood (26.84), remain well-controlled and manageable.

Earthquake Insurance Is Your Priority

The 79.64 earthquake risk score stands out sharply against Pike County's otherwise low-risk profile, making seismic coverage the most important policy to evaluate. Standard homeowners insurance should suffice for tornado and flood protection given the modest scores in those categories.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Pike County

via WaterByCounty

Pike County earns a D grade for water safety

The county recorded 4 health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 21.9 per 100,000 people is lower than the Indiana average of 42.3, but indicates persistent issues.

Nearly half of Pike County streams are impaired

The 2022 assessment shows that 47.5% of 217 water bodies fail to meet federal standards. Biological integrity, E. coli, and PCBs in fish tissue are the leading environmental concerns.

Monitoring focuses on inorganics and organics

Researchers recorded 11,656 measurements across 20 sites over the last five years. Most data collection targets physical characteristics, inorganics, and organic pesticides.

White River discharge surges at Petersburg

The White River at Petersburg is currently flowing at 23,800 cfs, a significant 184% of its long-term mean. This surge indicates high runoff across the 11,125-square-mile drainage area.

High flows may increase bacterial runoff

The current high river flow could increase sediment and E. coli levels in local waters. Residents should follow fish consumption advisories due to the prevalence of PCBs in the watershed.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pike County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate temperatures with heavy rain

Pike County averages 54.6°F, placing it slightly above the national median temperature. It features a humid climate characterized by a high annual precipitation of 50.1 inches.

Warmer than the Indiana average

The county stays warmer than the state average of 52.2°F, typical for its southern location. It receives significantly more rainfall than many of its northern counterparts.

A wet regional profile

While slightly cooler than neighboring Perry County, Pike shares the region's high-precipitation trend with 50.1 inches of rain. Specific local snowfall data is unavailable, but the 33.6°F winter average suggests many wet rather than frozen days.

Sizzling summers and damp winters

Extreme heat is common here, with 28 days hitting 90°F or higher each year. Winter temperatures average 33.6°F, providing a chilly but rarely frigid environment compared to northern Indiana.

Focus on moisture control

The combination of 50.1 inches of rain and summer humidity makes dehumidification a priority for homeowners. Ensure air conditioning units are serviced early to handle the 28 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pike County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Alfisols in Pike County

Pike County features a silt loam texture and a pH of 6.05, nearly matching the Indiana average. These Alfisols are well-known for their natural fertility and are common across the state's most productive agricultural regions.

The Power of High Silt

With 65.4% silt and 18.6% clay, Pike County’s soil is excellent at retaining the nutrients required for heavy-feeding crops. The 16.0% sand content is low, which can lead to compaction if the soil is worked while too wet.

Exceeding State Water Averages

Available water capacity reaches 0.204 in/in, providing a slight advantage over the state average of 0.202. Organic matter is steady at 2.19%, exceeding national benchmarks and providing a solid base for microbial life.

Slower Infiltration in Saturated Ground

These soils are moderately well drained but belong to hydrologic group D. This indicates that while the soil manages moderate rain well, it can quickly become impermeable during prolonged wet periods.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6b

Zone 6b allows for a wide variety of plantings, from spring peas to autumn squash. With a soil score of 64.6, adding organic mulch can further improve your soil's structure and productivity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pike County

via LawnByCounty

Stable and Strong Lawn Potential

Pike County offers a lawn difficulty score of 70.7, which is nearly identical to the Indiana state average. Located in hardiness zone 6b, it provides a very reliable climate for home landscaping. Maintenance is generally predictable and much easier than the national average score of 50.0.

Wet Summers and Typical Heat

The county receives 50.1 inches of precipitation annually, significantly outperforming the state average of 44.2 inches. With 28 extreme heat days, lawns will need extra attention during the peak of summer to avoid scorching. The 3,786 growing degree days provide ample warmth for a robust, active growing season.

Ideal Drainage and Balanced Soil

Pike County features moderately well-drained silt loam, which is excellent for maintaining a balance of moisture and air for roots. The soil pH of 6.05 sits right at the bottom of the ideal range, meaning most nutrients are readily available. Routine fertilization should be sufficient without the need for heavy soil amendments.

Preparing for Current Dryness

While Pike only experienced 4 weeks of drought in the past year, 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry. Since the soil is moderately well-drained, it may dry out faster than more clay-heavy counties during these spells. Implementing a smart irrigation controller can help manage the high annual rainfall alongside these sudden dry patches.

Extended Growth in a 6b Zone

The typical first fall frost doesn't arrive until October 30, giving new seed plenty of time to establish in the late summer. Tall Fescue is the recommended grass type here to handle the 28 days of extreme heat. Start your spring seeding or fertilizing after the last frost on April 20 for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pike County's county score?
Pike County, Indiana has a composite county score of 64.3 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 Pike County rank among counties in Indiana?
Pike County ranks #17 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 Pike County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Pike County is $1,044, with an effective tax rate of 0.81%. This earns Pike County a tax score of 52.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pike County?
The median household income in Pike County, Indiana is $66,250 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pike County earns an income score of 57.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pike County, Indiana a good place to live?
Pike County scores 64.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Pike 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 Pike County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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