CountyScore

Porter County

Indiana · IN

#84 in Indiana
65.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Porter County, Indiana

Porter County exceeds national average significantly

Porter County's composite score of 65.7 tops the national median of 50.0 by 31%, confirming above-average livability. However, it's notably the lowest-scoring county in this Indiana group, reflecting different priorities.

Below Indiana's county average

Porter County scores 65.7, falling below Indiana's state average of 71.2 and ranking as the lowest performer among these eight counties. This reflects higher costs and risks that offset its income advantages.

Highest incomes and strongest health outcomes

Porter County's income score of 39.4 and median household income of $85,828 represent the highest in this group, enabling greater wealth-building. Its health score of 73.8 matches top counties, supporting quality healthcare access.

Housing costs and risk create friction

Porter County's cost score of 67.9 reflects a median home value of $261,900 and monthly rent of $1,146—the highest in the group. Its risk score of just 18.6 signals elevated community risks that demand careful evaluation.

For higher-income professionals accepting trade-offs

Porter County suits dual-income professional families and established earners willing to pay premium housing costs for higher incomes and health infrastructure. Its appeal diminishes for budget-conscious households or those wary of community risks.

Score breakdown

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

Tax78.9Cost67.9SafetyComing SoonHealth74.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome39.4Risk18.6WaterComing Soon
🏛78.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡18.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Porter County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Clinch County
Georgia
65.7
Median income: $55,549
Jo Daviess County
Illinois
65.7
Median income: $74,954
Osage County
Kansas
65.7
Median income: $70,216
Kenton County
Kentucky
65.7
Median income: $79,421
Somerset County
Maryland
65.7
Median income: $52,462

Deep Dives

Porter County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Porter County

via TaxByCounty

Porter County's taxes rank high nationwide

Porter County's effective tax rate of 0.829% sits at the national median of 0.87%, making it relatively typical for the nation despite Indiana's lower statewide average. The median property tax of $2,172 is among the nation's higher bills, reflecting both higher home values and higher rates.

Porter County has Indiana's highest tax rate

At 0.829%, Porter County's effective rate is the highest among the eight counties analyzed and substantially exceeds Indiana's state average of 0.671%. The median property tax of $2,172 far surpasses the state median of $1,199, reflecting the county's premium home values and tax rates.

Porter County stands apart in tax burden

Porter County's 0.829% rate and $2,172 median tax are notably higher than all regional neighbors—nearly 0.35% higher in rate than Orange County and 50% higher in absolute dollars than Owen County. This reflects Porter's position as the region's most prosperous and highest-valued market.

Your estimated annual Porter County tax

On a median home valued at $261,900—the highest among these eight counties—Porter County homeowners pay approximately $2,172 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the estimate rises to $2,234; without, it drops to $2,043.

Assessment appeals yield the highest savings here

In Porter County, where property values and tax bills are highest, a successful assessment appeal can save homeowners thousands of dollars over time. Given the county's higher overall tax burden, challenging your assessment is particularly worthwhile.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Porter County

via CostByCounty

Porter County rents command premium.

At 16.0%, Porter County's rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds the national average, reflecting higher housing costs typical of more prosperous regions. The $1,146 monthly rent is the highest in this county group, supporting median household income of $85,828—the strongest in the comparison.

Above-average Indiana costs.

Porter County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio runs higher than Indiana's 15.6% state average, marking it as a premium housing market within the state. However, Porter County's higher incomes mean residents have greater absolute capacity to handle these costs compared to lower-income counties.

Premium pricing for urban access.

Porter County's $1,146 rent towers above all other comparison counties, reflecting its proximity to the Chicago metropolitan area and regional employment centers. Its $261,900 median home value is likewise the highest in the group, positioning Porter County as the region's most expensive but most income-rich market.

High costs, but higher incomes.

The median Porter County household earning $85,828 dedicates 16.0% to rent ($1,146/month) or 18.0% to mortgage costs ($1,287/month), the highest burdens in this group. Yet the county's strong income levels mean residents here have more absolute dollars remaining after housing costs than their lower-income neighbors.

Premium location, premium price.

Porter County commands top dollar for housing, but delivers proximity to major employment and regional opportunity that justifies the cost for many. If you're relocating for better jobs and can support higher housing expenses, Porter County's strong income potential may offset its premium rent and home values.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Porter County

via IncomeByCounty

Porter significantly exceeds national income

Porter County's median household income of $85,828 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $11,073, placing it in the top tier nationally. With a per capita income of $42,814—well above Indiana's state average of $34,773—Porter demonstrates robust earning power.

Porter leads Indiana's income rankings

Porter County's median household income of $85,828 ranks $17,147 above Indiana's state average of $68,681, positioning it firmly in the top tier of the state's 92 counties. Porter is among Indiana's highest-earning communities.

Porter dominates regional income landscape

Porter County's $85,828 median household income substantially outpaces all regional peers, exceeding Noble ($70,908) by $14,920 and Ohio ($67,942) by $17,886. Porter's economic advantage is clear and significant.

High incomes support premium housing

Porter County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% reflects manageable housing costs despite the median home value of $261,900, the region's highest. Strong household incomes allow residents to comfortably afford premium housing while maintaining financial flexibility.

Porter households can invest aggressively

With median household income of $85,828 and strong per capita earnings, Porter County residents are positioned to pursue aggressive wealth-building strategies including diversified investments, real estate, and education funding. Consult a financial advisor about tax-efficient investing, retirement optimization, and legacy planning suited to your income level.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Porter County

via HealthByCounty

Porter County's Health Exceeds National Norms

At 77.0 years, Porter County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 0.9 years, reflecting above-average health. The 16.8% poor/fair health rate is below the national median, indicating residents report better daily health than most Americans.

Among Indiana's Healthiest Counties

Porter County's 77.0-year life expectancy surpasses Indiana's 75.1-year average by 1.9 years, placing it firmly in the state's healthier tier. At 6.9% uninsured—well below the state average of 8.4%—Porter County residents enjoy strong insurance coverage supporting good health outcomes.

Regional Health and Access Leader

Porter County's 77.0-year life expectancy places it in the regional top tier, trailing only Ohio (78.0) and Parke (77.9) counties by small margins. With 56 primary care providers and 237 mental health providers per 100K—the highest mental health capacity in the profile—Porter County offers exceptional healthcare infrastructure.

Outstanding Provider Network and Coverage

Porter County's 6.9% uninsured rate is second-lowest in the profile, and its 56 primary care providers per 100K represent the strongest primary care access statewide. The exceptional 237 mental health providers per 100K far exceed any peer county, providing robust behavioral health support that enables comprehensive health management.

Complete Your Health Security Today

Porter County's excellent health outcomes reflect strong insurance coverage and provider access—if you're uninsured, enrollment locks in these community advantages for your family. Visit healthcare.gov to explore plans and join the vast majority of Porter County residents who benefit from comprehensive coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Porter County

via RiskByCounty

Porter County: Indiana's Highest-Risk County

Porter County's composite risk score of 81.39 ranks it as Relatively Moderate—the highest among all Indiana counties and substantially above the state average of 45.52. This elevated exposure requires serious hazard preparedness and comprehensive insurance coverage.

The Riskiest County in Indiana

Porter County stands alone as Indiana's most disaster-prone county, with a composite score nearly double the state average. This distinction reflects the county's position near Lake Michigan and exposure to multiple hazard types simultaneously.

Far Riskier Than All Surrounding Counties

Porter County's 81.39 score vastly exceeds all neighboring counties—by comparison, Orange (40.49) and Noble (44.24) appear relatively safe. This dramatic difference reflects Porter's unique geographic vulnerability to storms, flooding, and other disasters.

Tornadoes, Floods, and Wildfire Combine

Tornado risk scores a dangerous 94.40—the highest hazard type in the county and well above state norms—followed by flood risk at 79.96. Wildfire risk scores 60.53, an unusually elevated concern for Indiana, creating a triple threat to property and life.

Maximum Coverage Is Essential

Your homeowners policy must include comprehensive tornado and hail coverage given the extreme 94.40 tornado score—consider a higher deductible to lower premiums if budget-constrained. Flood insurance is mandatory, not optional, with the 79.96 flood risk; contact your lender about requirements or FEMA flood maps for your specific address.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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