countyscore
60.5
County Score
Health 84.9Income & Jobs 82.8Property Tax 71.2

County Report Card

About Posey County, Indiana

Posey County Exceeds National Standards

Posey County earns a composite score of 60.5, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This strong performance indicates a high quality of life compared to the majority of counties across the United States.

A Top Performer in Indiana

The county's overall score of 60.5 significantly outperforms the Indiana state average of 55.9. It ranks as a leader in the region, offering a more robust economic and health profile than many of its Hoosier neighbors.

Exceptional Health and High Incomes

Posey County excels with a Health Score of 84.9 and an Income Score of 82.8, driven by a strong median household income of $79,124. Residents also benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.628%, resulting in a Tax Score of 71.2.

Improving Water Infrastructure and Schools

The county faces its biggest hurdle in water quality, where it scores a low 11.7. Additionally, the School Score of 44.4 suggests room for growth in educational outcomes to match its high economic status.

Ideal for High-Earning Professionals

With its combination of high incomes and top-tier health metrics, Posey County is a premier choice for established professionals. It offers a wealthy, healthy lifestyle that few rural Indiana counties can match.

2040608010071.25257.984.944.482.853.711.758.9Tax71.2Cost52Safety57.9Health84.9Schools44.4Income82.8Risk53.7Water11.7Weather58.960.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average1 below average

Posey County DNA

Doverall

How Posey County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Posey County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (84.9/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (11.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
71.2+19.200000000000003
Cost
52
Safety
57.9
Health
84.9+34.900000000000006
Schools
44.4-9.600000000000001
Income
82.8+31.799999999999997
Risk
53.7
Water
11.7-46.3
Weather
58.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$218,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$744/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$218,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $79,124/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.9

per 100K

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
Compare Posey County with Harrison County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

White County
Illinois
62.5
Vanderburgh County
Indiana
33.2
Henderson County
Kentucky
46.2
Union County
Kentucky
60.1
Gallatin County
Illinois
67.6
Gibson County
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55.9
Edwards County
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66.7
Wabash County
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55.3

Deep Dives

Posey County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Posey County

via TaxByCounty

Posey's taxes rank low nationally

With an effective tax rate of 0.628%, Posey County homeowners pay far less than the national median of 0.95% — putting this county in the bottom 15% of all U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $1,370 annually, compared to a national median of $2,690.

Below Indiana's statewide average

Posey's 0.628% effective rate sits below Indiana's state average of 0.671%, ranking it in the middle-to-lower range among the state's 92 counties. The median tax of $1,370 is slightly above the state median of $1,199, reflecting moderate home values of $218,000.

Competitive with neighboring counties

Posey's rate of 0.628% is lower than nearby Ripley County (0.576%) and Randolph County (0.831%), placing it squarely in the region's middle tier. Home values in Posey ($218,000) run higher than most regional neighbors, explaining the slightly elevated median tax despite a below-average rate.

Your annual Posey property tax bill

On a home valued at $218,000, the median property tax is $1,370 per year ($114 monthly). With a mortgage, expect closer to $1,412 annually; without one, roughly $1,272.

You might be overassessed

Many Indiana homeowners, including those in Posey County, pay more than they owe due to assessment errors. Consider reviewing your assessment at your county assessor's office — a successful appeal could reduce your annual bill significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Posey County

via CostByCounty

Posey Beats National Housing Affordability

Posey County renters spend just 11.3% of income on rent, well below the national standard of 30% and significantly better than Indiana's 15.6% state average. With a median household income of $79,124—above the national median of $74,755—Posey residents have more breathing room in their housing budgets than most Americans.

Indiana's Most Affordable County

Posey County ranks among Indiana's most affordable places to live, with the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this analysis. At 11.3%, it's a full 4.3 percentage points better than the state average, making it a standout for renters and homeowners alike.

Southwest Indiana's Housing Bargain

Posey's median rent of $744 is $139 cheaper than Putnam County and $212 below Shelby County, while its median home value of $218,000 stays competitive with regional neighbors. Ripley County offers similar affordability with a 13.5% rent-to-income ratio, but Posey's higher incomes give residents more purchasing power.

Where Your Income Goes

Posey renters dedicate $744 monthly to housing while earning a median $6,594 per month, leaving substantial income for other expenses. Homeowners pay $1,051 monthly, but with a median home value of $218,000, this represents solid equity-building for the region.

Consider Posey for Affordable Living

If housing affordability matters to your relocation decision, Posey County deserves serious consideration—it combines above-average incomes with below-average costs. Compare it against Ripley and Putnam counties to find your ideal fit in southwest Indiana's competitive market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Posey County

via IncomeByCounty

Posey County outearns the nation

At $79,124, Posey County's median household income runs 5.8% above the U.S. median of $74,755. This solid performance places the county ahead of most American households and reflects a stronger economic foundation than the typical American family enjoys.

Top earners in Indiana

Posey County ranks among Indiana's wealthier counties, with a median income 15.1% above the state average of $68,681. The county's per capita income of $38,398 also exceeds Indiana's average of $34,773, signaling broad-based economic health.

Outpacing nearby counties

Posey County's $79,124 median household income leads nearby Putnam County ($76,182) and Ripley County ($71,084). This regional income advantage suggests stronger job opportunities and wage stability in Posey than in surrounding areas.

Housing costs remain manageable

Posey County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.3% is well below the national affordability threshold of 15%, meaning renters spend just over a tenth of their income on housing. With a median home value of $218,000, homeownership remains accessible to households earning the county median.

Build on your county's earnings

With incomes outpacing both state and national averages, Posey County residents are positioned to save and invest beyond basic needs. Consider working with a financial advisor to direct your above-average earnings toward retirement, education funds, or wealth-building investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Posey County

via CrimeByCounty

Posey County Safety Beats National Average

Posey County has a safety score of 98.5, indicating a very secure community. Its total crime rate of 967.3 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing Posey County to the State

Posey County’s safety score is slightly below the Indiana state average of 98.9. The local crime rate of 967.3 per 100,000 is higher than the state average of 693.8.

Regional Safety in Southwest Indiana

Despite having a higher crime rate than the state average, Posey County is safer than many larger regional hubs. Three agencies report data that helps residents stay informed.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime

The county records 134.8 violent crimes and 832.5 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Property crime represents the vast majority of all reported criminal activity in the area.

Take Steps to Secure Your Property

Property security should be a priority for Posey County residents. Simple improvements like deadbolt locks and window sensors can significantly reduce the risk of burglary.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Posey County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small but Specialized Educational Landscape

Posey County manages its education through nine public schools across two distinct districts, serving 3,538 students. The system includes five elementary, two middle, and two high schools. This compact infrastructure focuses heavily on foundational primary education.

Superior Graduation Rates at Competitive Costs

The county boasts a 94.2% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 92.6%. With a per-pupil expenditure of $5,566, Posey outpaces the state spending average while achieving a composite school score of 52.6. These results reflect a high-efficiency system that turns modest investment into top-tier student outcomes.

Focusing on MSD Mount Vernon and North Posey

MSD Mount Vernon serves as the county’s largest district with five schools and 2,101 students. MSD North Posey County Schools follows with four schools and 1,437 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school model.

A Predominantly Rural Learning Environment

The county’s schools are largely rural, with six schools in rural settings and three in town locales. Students attend schools with an average size of 393, ranging from South Terrace Elementary's 381 students to Mount Vernon High School's 620 students. This mix provides a quiet, community-focused atmosphere for learning.

Find a Home in High-Performing Districts

Families looking for strong academic results in a peaceful setting should explore homes near Mount Vernon or North Posey schools. High graduation rates and efficient spending make this county a prime choice for education-minded homebuyers. Local school quality remains a cornerstone of property value and community stability here.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Posey County

via RiskByCounty

Posey ranks above average for disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 46.31, Posey County faces slightly elevated natural disaster risk compared to the national average. This "Relatively Low" rating reflects a county where residents should maintain awareness of multiple hazard types, particularly earthquake risk, which scores unusually high at 88.10.

Middle of the pack in Indiana

Posey County's 46.31 score puts it just above Indiana's state average of 45.52, ranking it as a moderate-risk county within the state. Among Indiana's 92 counties, Posey's overall risk profile is fairly typical, though certain hazards deserve closer attention.

Riskier than nearby Vanderburgh

Compared to its regional neighbors, Posey County faces higher overall risk than adjacent areas, with notably elevated tornado (55.85) and earthquake (88.10) scores. Its flood risk of 51.18 is significant for the Ohio River corridor location.

Earthquakes and tornadoes pose greatest threats

Posey County's earthquake risk score of 88.10 is exceptionally high and warrants specific preparation, including securing heavy furniture and knowing safe shelter locations. Tornado risk at 55.85 is also substantial; residents should have a weather radio and evacuation plan in place before severe spring storms arrive.

Secure comprehensive coverage for earthquakes

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake damage, making standalone earthquake insurance essential for Posey County residents given the 88.10 risk score. Also review flood insurance options, as the county's 51.18 flood risk suggests vulnerability to rising water from nearby rivers and heavy rainfall events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Posey County

via WaterByCounty

Posey County faces severe drinking water challenges

The county holds a failing grade with 28 health violations recorded over the last five years. Its violation rate of 275.6 per 100,000 residents dwarfs the Indiana state average of 42.3. This represents one of the most significant compliance gaps in the region.

Pollutants impact one-third of local waterways

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 29.4% of the county's 211 assessed water bodies fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. While this is lower than the state average of 40.9%, officials identify E. coli, biological integrity, and PCBs in fish tissue as primary concerns. These impairments signal ongoing risks to both recreational use and local aquatic life.

Active monitoring tracks organics and pesticides

Technicians manage 11 monitoring sites that have generated 17,551 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses heavily on organics and pesticides, reflecting the county's agricultural landscape. This robust dataset provides a critical baseline for tracking chemical runoff into the local water supply.

Wabash River flows surge above average

The USGS gauge at New Harmony currently records a discharge of 61,700 cfs, which is 183% of its long-term mean. This high flow volume moves significant sediment and surface pollutants through the drainage area. The river is currently running much higher and faster than typical seasonal expectations.

Prioritize filtration and source awareness

Due to the high rate of SDWIS health violations, residents should verify their water provider's latest testing results and consider secondary filtration. High streamflow on the Wabash can also increase turbidity and pesticide concentrations in source water. Stay informed about local fish consumption advisories related to PCB levels identified in the watershed.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Posey County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical heat in Indiana

Posey County averages 56.3°F, making it one of the warmer spots compared to the national median. It experiences a humid climate with 48.4 inches of annual precipitation.

One of Indiana’s hottest counties

The county is over four degrees warmer than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. It represents the extreme southern climate of the state, with significantly more 90°F days than northern regions.

Hotter than its neighbors

Posey experiences 39 days of extreme heat, far more than neighboring Perry or Pike counties. While temperatures are similar, its summer peaks are more intense than almost anywhere else in the state.

Long summers and short winters

The July average reaches 77.7°F with 39 days of extreme heat per year. Winters are mild, averaging 35.5°F with less than 10 inches of annual snowfall.

Manage the extreme heat

With over five weeks of 90°F weather, reliable air conditioning and attic insulation are critical. Residents should also maintain exterior surfaces to withstand the 48.4 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Posey County

via SoilByCounty

Inceptisols and Sandy Loam in Posey

The county's soil features an average pH of 6.26, which sits slightly lower than the national median of 6.5. This land belongs primarily to the Inceptisols order, characterized by its relatively young age and sandy loam texture. It provides a more neutral environment for plant growth than the Indiana state average of 6.08.

Balanced Composition for Better Airflow

Posey's soil consists of 23.6% sand, 59.6% silt, and 16.8% clay. This high silt percentage makes the ground feel smooth and holds moisture well, while the sand ensures decent aeration for root systems. It is generally easy to work, though high silt can lead to surface crusting after heavy rains.

Moderately Fertile Southern Plains

The organic matter content stands at 1.92%, nearly matching the national average of 2.0% but falling well below the state average of 4.90%. With an available water capacity of 0.196 inches per inch, the soil is slightly less efficient at storing water than the typical Indiana farm. Local growers often rely on soil amendments to boost these natural levels.

Managing Water in Slow-Moving Soil

Classified as poorly drained with a hydrologic group of C/D, Posey’s soil struggles to shed excess water naturally. This slow drainage poses challenges for construction and can delay field work during wet Indiana springs. Farmers often implement drainage tiles to manage the high water table effectively.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 7a

Sitting in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, Posey County enjoys a warmer climate than most of the state. This environment is perfect for late-season corn, soybeans, and even Southern-leaning specialty crops like watermelons. Grab some seeds and start your garden early to take advantage of the long growing window.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Posey County

via LawnByCounty

Posey County's Southern Lawn Landscape

Maintaining a lawn in Posey County is slightly more challenging than the Indiana average, with a difficulty score of 65.7 compared to the state's 71.0. As a Zone 7a region, it enjoys a warmer profile than much of the state, making it significantly easier to manage than the national median of 50.0.

High Heat and Ample Rain

The county receives 48.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average of 44.2 inches. However, homeowners must manage 39 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the state average of 20, which can stress cool-season grasses during the 4,178 growing degree days.

Poor Drainage in Sandy Loam Soils

The soil features a healthy pH of 6.26, sitting right in the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for turfgrass. While the sandy loam texture is generally workable, the poor drainage classification means lawns here often face waterlogged roots during heavy Indiana rains.

Abnormally Dry Conditions Persist

Currently, 100% of Posey County is classified as abnormally dry, following 10 weeks of drought over the past year. Residents should focus on deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to maintain resilience against these dry spells.

Ready for a Zone 7a Start

Tall fescue and warm-season hybrids thrive in this hardiness zone. Plan to start your lawn projects after the last spring frost on April 7, ensuring your grass is established before the first fall frost arrives around October 31.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Posey County's county score?
Posey County, Indiana has a composite county score of 60.5 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 Posey County rank among counties in Indiana?
Posey County ranks #37 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 Posey County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Posey County is $1,370, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Posey County a tax score of 71.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Posey County?
The median household income in Posey County, Indiana is $79,124 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Posey County earns an income score of 82.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Posey County, Indiana a good place to live?
Posey County scores 60.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Posey 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 Posey 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.