countyscore
66.6
County Score
Safety 90.2Disaster Risk 88.8Property Tax 87.9

County Report Card

About Pulaski County, Indiana

Strong National Standing for Pulaski

Pulaski County secures a composite score of 66.6, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This ranking places the county in the top tier of American communities for overall livability.

Outpacing the Indiana Average

With a score of 66.6, Pulaski County comfortably beats the state average of 55.9. It serves as a high-performing rural anchor in Northern Indiana, particularly regarding safety and fiscal health.

Low Taxes and High Safety

The county shines with a Safety Score of 90.2 and an impressive Tax Score of 87.9, thanks to a low 0.480% effective tax rate. Homebuyers also find value here, with a median home value of just $134,600 contributing to a 71.8 Cost Score.

Lifting Incomes and Health Metrics

The local economy shows room for improvement with an Income Score of 38.8 and a Health Score of 38.2. These figures reflect a median household income of $59,956, which trails the county's other high-performing dimensions.

Perfect for Retirees and Families

Pulaski County is a sanctuary for those prioritizing safety and low living costs over high-speed career growth. It is an excellent fit for retirees or young families looking to own a home with minimal tax burden.

Score breakdown

Tax87.9Cost71.8Safety90.2Health38.2Schools47.6Income38.8Risk88.8Water33.9Weather54.9
🏛87.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡90.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤38.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡88.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧33.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨68.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.3
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

Starke County
Indiana
59.7
Jasper County
Indiana
65.8
White County
Indiana
60.6
Cass County
Indiana
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Fulton County
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Carroll County
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Marshall County
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LaPorte County
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Deep Dives

Pulaski County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pulaski County

via TaxByCounty

Pulaski has the nation's lowest rates

At 0.480%, Pulaski County's effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 5% nationwide — among the lowest in America. The median property tax of just $646 annually is less than one-quarter of the national median of $2,690.

Indiana's most tax-friendly county

Pulaski County's 0.480% effective rate is the lowest in Indiana, well below the state average of 0.671%. With a median tax of $646 and median home value of $134,600, this county offers exceptional affordability for homeowners.

Significantly lower than regional peers

Pulaski's 0.480% rate substantially undercuts nearby Putnam County (0.475%) and Posey County (0.628%), making it the region's tax champion. Lower median home values ($134,600) combined with the state's lowest rate create the Midwest's most affordable property tax burden.

Your annual Pulaski property tax bill

On a median home valued at $134,600, the annual property tax is just $646 (about $54 monthly). Homeowners with mortgages average $726; those without, $554.

Still worth checking your assessment

Even in low-tax counties like Pulaski, assessment errors can occur and cost you money. Review your county assessor's valuation to ensure you're paying the correct amount — and nothing more.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pulaski County

via CostByCounty

Pulaski: Budget-Friendly Renting

Pulaski County renters spend 14.3% of income on housing—below Indiana's state average of 15.6% and well within the affordability comfort zone. With median rent at just $715 monthly against a $59,956 median household income, renters here have room to save.

Upper-Middle Tier Affordability

Pulaski County ranks in Indiana's more affordable half, with a rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% compared to the state average of 15.6%. Its median rent of $715 is $168 below the state median, positioning it as a solid option for budget-conscious renters.

Competitive with Regional Peers

Pulaski's $715 rent is the lowest in this analysis, undercutting Randolph County by $26 and Ripley by $84 each month. Its $134,600 median home value is the most affordable in the region, appealing to first-time buyers with modest budgets.

The Monthly Housing Picture

Pulaski renters allocate $715 monthly while earning a median $4,996 per month, preserving about 85% of income for living expenses and savings. Homeowners pay $760 monthly—among the lowest monthly costs in the region—making this county particularly attractive for budget-focused families.

Pulaski Offers Rural Affordability

Relocating to Pulaski means securing some of Indiana's lowest housing costs without sacrificing regional amenities or proximity to larger employment centers. Weigh it against neighboring Randolph County if you're prioritizing affordable homeownership in north-central Indiana.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pulaski County

via IncomeByCounty

Pulaski County lags national income

Pulaski County's median household income of $59,956 falls 19.8% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower half of American counties. This gap signals that typical households here earn meaningfully less than their national counterparts.

Below-average earnings statewide

Pulaski County ranks below Indiana's median household income of $68,681, trailing the state by $8,725 (12.7%). The county's per capita income of $31,336 also falls short of Indiana's $34,773 average, reflecting economic challenges across income levels.

Struggling against nearby rivals

Pulaski County's $59,956 median income trails all nearby counties, including Ripley ($71,084), Putnam ($76,182), and Posey ($79,124). The county faces the steepest income disadvantage in its region, suggesting fewer high-wage job opportunities locally.

Rent pressure affects budgets

At 14.3%, Pulaski County's rent-to-income ratio approaches the affordability threshold, consuming a larger share of household budgets than in wealthier counties. With a median home value of $134,600, homeownership remains within reach but requires careful financial planning.

Prioritize financial stability first

Below-average incomes make emergency savings and debt reduction critical priorities for Pulaski County households. Start with a modest 3-month emergency fund, then explore low-cost investment vehicles like employer 401(k) plans or Roth IRAs to begin building long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pulaski County

via CrimeByCounty

Pulaski County Remains Far Below National Averages

Pulaski County reports a total crime rate of 192.0 per 100K residents, which is less than a tenth of the national average of 2,385.5. This exceptional data earns the county a safety score of 99.7 out of 100.

Exceeding Indiana's High Safety Standards

With a safety score of 99.7, Pulaski outperforms the Indiana state average score of 98.9. This makes it one of the more secure counties in the region based on 2022 reporting.

Lower Crime Rates Than Regional Peers

Pulaski's crime rate is significantly lower than neighbor Shelby County, which sees 1,283.9 crimes per 100K. It aligns more closely with very low-activity areas like Spencer County.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

The county sees a violent crime rate of 88.0 and a property crime rate of 104.0 per 100K people. Because these figures come from a single reporting agency, they represent a focused view of local law enforcement activity.

Proactive Safety for Your Property

Even in areas with low property crime, simple steps like motion-activated lighting can deter opportunistic theft. Consistent security habits help maintain the county's high safety profile.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pulaski County

via HealthByCounty

Pulaski faces significant health challenges

At 72.2 years, Pulaski County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 4.2 years, reflecting serious health disparities. Nearly one in five residents (19.7%) reports poor or fair health, exceeding the national average of 17.4%.

Struggling among Indiana counties

Pulaski County ranks among the lowest in Indiana for life expectancy at 72.2 years, compared to the state average of 75.1 years. The county's poor/fair health rate of 19.7% exceeds Indiana's 18.2% average, indicating elevated health challenges.

Lowest life expectancy in the region

Pulaski residents face the lowest life expectancy in their region, living 3 years less than Ripley County (74.7 years) and 6.1 years less than Posey County (78.3 years). The county's health struggles are notably worse than all adjacent counties.

Uninsured rate exceeds state average

Pulaski County has 32 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, but 9.2% of the population is uninsured—exceeding Indiana's 8.4% average. Mental health support is strong at 57 providers per 100,000, yet many residents may lack the insurance to access these services.

Get insured today, improve health tomorrow

With 9.2% of Pulaski County uninsured, finding coverage is urgent. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Indiana's Benefits hotline to enroll in affordable plans and get access to the primary and mental health care your county provides.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pulaski County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Schools Serving Pulaski Students

Pulaski County operates a streamlined network of six public schools managed by two local districts. These facilities serve a total enrollment of 1,778 students, balanced evenly with two elementary, two middle, and two high schools. It is a highly localized system designed for close-knit student populations.

Strong Success Indicators in Pulaski

The county achieves a 93.1% graduation rate, which sits comfortably above the state average of 92.6% and the national mark of 87.0%. Pulaski invests $6,191 per pupil, which is higher than the state average of $5,507. This investment is reflected in a school score of 53.4, surpassing the state median.

Eastern Pulaski and West Central Districts

Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation is the larger provider, enrolling 1,139 students across three schools. West Central School Corporation serves the remaining 639 students. The county does not host any charter schools, focusing all resources on its two core community districts.

Town and Country Classroom Settings

The locale is split evenly between town and rural settings, with three schools in each category. The average school size is remarkably small at 296 students, ranging from Winamac Community Middle School's 255 students to Eastern Pulaski Elementary's 510 students. Education here feels personal and community-oriented due to these low enrollment numbers.

Small-Town Living with Big Academic Results

Pulaski County is an excellent choice for families who prefer smaller classroom sizes and a strong graduation track record. When researching homes, prioritize the areas surrounding Winamac or Medaryville to access these high-scoring districts. A home here offers the benefit of a high-investment, low-ratio educational environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pulaski County

via RiskByCounty

Pulaski has remarkably low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of just 11.20, Pulaski County ranks among the safest counties nationally and is rated "Very Low" for natural disaster risk. This score reflects well below-average exposure to most major hazards, making it one of Indiana's safer communities.

Safest county in Indiana

Pulaski County's 11.20 score is dramatically below Indiana's state average of 45.52, making it the lowest-risk county in the state by a significant margin. Residents enjoy substantially lower overall disaster exposure compared to typical Indiana counties.

Notably safer than surrounding counties

Pulaski County's risk profile is considerably lower than adjacent counties like Starke and Marshall, which face moderate tornado and flood hazards. The county's 1.94 wildfire risk and 18.35 flood risk are among the state's lowest.

Tornado risk requires routine preparedness

Even though Pulaski County is very safe overall, tornadoes represent the relative highest risk at 34.64, which is still well below national norms. Residents should maintain basic severe weather awareness during spring months, though risk is modest compared to other Indiana counties.

Standard coverage is usually sufficient

Pulaski County's very low risk profile means most residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance without additional disaster-specific policies. However, regular home maintenance and a basic emergency plan remain prudent even in low-risk areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pulaski County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool continental weather patterns

Pulaski County’s 50.0°F average makes it cooler than the national median. It receives 39.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is below the Indiana state average of 43.9 inches.

Chilly northern Indiana winters

The county is 2.2 degrees cooler than the state average, reflecting its northern position. This results in shorter growing seasons and more sustained winter cold than southern Indiana.

Drier than the lakeshore

Pulaski is slightly cooler than neighboring Porter County but receives significantly less snow. It lacks the intense lake-effect accumulation seen just a few miles to its north.

Snowy winters and mild summers

Winters feature 26.4 inches of snow and a cold January average of 23.8°F. Summers remain pleasant, with only 13 days of extreme heat and a July average of 72.8°F.

Prepare for frozen precipitation

Residents need reliable heating systems and winter emergency kits to handle the 26.8°F average winter temperature. Keeping ice melt on hand is important for managing the 26.4 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pulaski County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles and Unique Soil History

Pulaski County soils are significantly acidic with an average pH of 5.15, far below the national 6.5 median and the 6.08 state average. While specific taxonomic data is limited here, the chemical profile suggests a specialized growing environment. This level of acidity often requires regular lime applications for traditional row crops.

Sandy Ground with Rapid Infiltration

The soil mix is 49.0% sand, 18.9% silt, and only 8.3% clay. This high sand content creates a very loose structure that allows water to move through the profile rapidly. While easy to till and plow, these soils struggle to hold onto liquid nutrients compared to heavier clay soils.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

The county boasts a staggering 19.36% organic matter, nearly four times the state average of 4.90%. This rich material creates an available water capacity of 0.211 inches per inch, outperforming the state norm of 0.202. This high fertility makes the land incredibly productive for moisture-loving plants.

Managing Unique Hydrological Needs

While specific drainage classes are not recorded in this dataset, the high sand and organic content suggest a dynamic relationship with water. The soil holds water like a sponge thanks to the organic matter, yet the sand allows for quick surface entry. Proper water management is key to preventing the high organic content from becoming waterlogged.

Cool Climates for Hardy Crops

In USDA Zone 5b, Pulaski growers handle shorter seasons and colder winters than their southern neighbors. The acidic, high-organic soil is legendary for specialty crops like mint, onions, and potatoes. Plan your garden for cold-hardy varieties that thrive in these rich, dark soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pulaski County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Northern Indiana

With a lawn difficulty score of 56.3, Pulaski County is one of the tougher places in Indiana to maintain a perfect yard. While it still beats the national median of 50.0, it sits far below the Indiana average score of 71.0 due to its harsh Zone 5b winters.

Colder Winters and Moderate Rainfall

Pulaski receives 39.3 inches of rain annually, which is slightly below the state average of 44.2 inches. With only 13 extreme heat days and 3,081 growing degree days, the primary challenge is the shorter growing window rather than intense summer heat.

High Acidity and Sandy Soil

The soil pH is notably low at 5.15, which is far below the ideal range for turf and likely requires lime amendments. With sand making up 49% of the soil profile, water and nutrients leach away quickly, requiring more frequent attention than heavier Indiana clays.

A Year of Sustained Dryness

The county has faced 39 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, 100% of the area remains abnormally dry. This prolonged water stress, combined with sandy soil, makes consistent irrigation essential for lawn survival.

Sowing for Zone 5b Success

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are the best bets for these northern Indiana temperatures. Wait until the threat of frost passes after April 26 to begin seeding, as the growing season wraps up quickly with an October 18 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pulaski County's county score?
Pulaski County, Indiana has a composite county score of 66.6 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 Pulaski County rank among counties in Indiana?
Pulaski County ranks #8 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 Pulaski County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Pulaski County is $646, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Pulaski County a tax score of 87.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pulaski County?
The median household income in Pulaski County, Indiana is $59,956 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pulaski County earns an income score of 38.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pulaski County, Indiana a good place to live?
Pulaski County scores 66.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Pulaski 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 Pulaski County with other counties side by side.

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