Randolph County

Indiana · IN

#44 in Indiana
71.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Randolph County, Indiana

Randolph scores well nationally

Randolph County's composite score of 71.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 44%, demonstrating solid livability compared to U.S. peers. Housing affordability and low tax burden drive this above-average performance.

Average performance in Indiana

Randolph County ranks 47th among Indiana's 92 counties with a score of 71.9, marginally above the state average of 71.2. This middle-of-the-road standing reflects balanced strengths and weaknesses across livability factors.

Extremely affordable housing market

Randolph County offers Indiana's most affordable homes at a median value of just $106,000 with modest rents at $741/month (cost score: 83.8). The cost advantage makes homeownership accessible for working-class families and entry-level buyers.

Income and tax burden concerns

The income score of 23.3 reflects median household earnings of $61,121, among the lowest in the state, while the tax score of 78.9 is weaker due to an effective rate of 0.831%. Health services score of 66.3 suggests limited medical infrastructure compared to higher-scoring counties.

Best for ultra-budget homebuyers

Randolph County serves first-time homebuyers and working families with limited savings who need the lowest possible home prices to achieve ownership. The exceptional affordability compensates for modest incomes and above-average tax rates.

Score breakdown

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

Tax78.9Cost83.8SafetyComing SoonHealth66.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.3Risk68.6WaterComing Soon
🏛78.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠83.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼23.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
66.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
68.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Randolph County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Randolph County

via TaxByCounty

Randolph's rate exceeds national average

At 0.831%, Randolph County's effective tax rate surpasses the national median of 0.95% by a slim margin, placing it in the top 45% of U.S. counties. However, the median property tax of $881 remains well below the national median of $2,690, thanks to lower home values.

Highest rate in Indiana's central region

Randolph County's 0.831% effective rate ranks among Indiana's highest, significantly above the state average of 0.671%. Despite the elevated rate, median home values of just $106,000 keep annual taxes to $881 — below the state median of $1,199.

Noticeably higher than surrounding counties

Randolph's 0.831% rate stands out as the region's highest, far exceeding Posey (0.628%), Ripley (0.576%), and Putnam (0.475%) counties. The combination of the state's highest rate and lowest home values creates an unusual dynamic where absolute tax bills remain modest despite aggressive rate structure.

Your annual Randolph property tax bill

On a median home valued at just $106,000, the annual property tax is $881 (about $73 monthly). Homeowners with mortgages pay roughly $871; those without mortgages, approximately $895.

Verify your assessment in this high-rate county

With Indiana's highest effective tax rate, Randolph County residents should especially scrutinize their property assessments for accuracy. An appeal or reassessment challenge could provide meaningful savings given the county's aggressive rate structure.

Cost of Living in Randolph County

via CostByCounty

Randolph: Affordable for Budget Buyers

Randolph County renters spend 14.6% of income on housing, just below Indiana's 15.6% state average and comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. Its median home value of $106,000 is the lowest in the region, making homeownership accessible for first-time buyers.

Indiana's Budget Homeownership Leader

Randolph County ranks among Indiana's most affordable counties for buying, with a $106,000 median home value that leads this analysis by far. This combination of low home prices and reasonable incomes creates exceptional entry-point opportunities for homebuyers.

Lowest Prices in the Region

Randolph's $741 median rent is competitive across the region, while its $106,000 median home value is $28,600 cheaper than Pulaski County's next-lowest option. For buyers prioritizing affordability above all, Randolph stands alone among its peers.

Maximum Value for Your Dollar

Randolph renters dedicate $741 monthly from a $61,121 annual income ($5,093 monthly), leaving 85% of earnings available for other expenses. Homeowners pay just $748 monthly—competitive with renters—on properties worth $106,000, offering tremendous wealth-building potential.

Randolph for First-Time Homebuyers

If affordable homeownership is your priority, Randolph County's $106,000 median home value and $748 monthly payment are hard to beat in Indiana. Compare it with neighboring Pulaski County if you want additional renting options before committing to a purchase.

Income & Jobs in Randolph County

via IncomeByCounty

Randolph County trails the nation

Randolph County's median household income of $61,121 falls 18.3% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among lower-income American counties. Households here earn considerably less than the national typical household.

Below Indiana's average income

Randolph County ranks below Indiana's median household income of $68,681, with a shortfall of $7,560 (11.0%). The county's per capita income of $31,036 also trails the state average of $34,773, indicating income challenges across the population.

Among the region's lower earners

Randolph County's $61,121 median income ranks near the bottom regionally, ahead of only Scott County ($54,583) and behind Ripley ($71,084), Putnam ($76,182), and Posey ($79,124). Economic opportunity appears limited compared to neighboring areas.

Tight housing affordability

Randolph County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% approaches the affordability threshold, limiting discretionary spending for renters. The median home value of $106,000 offers the lowest barrier to homeownership in the region, making it accessible despite lower incomes.

Start small, build consistency

Lower incomes require a disciplined approach: establish a small monthly savings habit, even $25–50, and use automatic transfers to build an emergency fund. Many employers offer matching 401(k) contributions—free money—so enroll if available to accelerate retirement savings.

Health in Randolph County

via HealthByCounty

Randolph lags on life expectancy

At 73.8 years, Randolph County's life expectancy falls 2.6 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 20.6% of residents reporting poor or fair health—above the national average of 17.4%—the county faces meaningful health challenges.

Below-average health outcomes for Indiana

Randolph County's life expectancy of 73.8 years trails Indiana's 75.1-year average by 1.3 years. The county's 20.6% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds Indiana's 18.2% average, indicating elevated health struggles statewide.

Among the region's lower-health counties

Randolph County's life expectancy of 73.8 years ranks among the lowest in its region, exceeded only by Scott County (69.1 years). The county's 20.6% poor/fair health rate is worse than most adjacent counties, suggesting systemic health challenges.

Primary care access is limited

Randolph County has only 16 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in the region—creating access barriers for routine care. At 8.9% uninsured, residents may lack coverage to afford the care that is available.

Priority: get coverage and care access

With limited primary care availability and 8.9% uninsured, Randolph residents need insurance to maximize access to the care that exists. Visit healthcare.gov or call Indiana's Benefits hotline to enroll and connect with local providers immediately.

Disaster Risk in Randolph County

via RiskByCounty

Randolph ranks well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 31.46, Randolph County is rated "Very Low" and sits well below the national average for disaster risk. This strong safety profile is driven by low earthquake (60.50) and wildfire (7.09) scores.

Safer than most Indiana counties

Randolph County's 31.46 score is significantly below Indiana's state average of 45.52, placing it among the safer third of Indiana's counties. Its risk profile is well-balanced without any single hazard dramatically exceeding state norms.

Comparable to nearby Delaware County

Randolph County's risk is similar to adjacent Delaware County but notably lower than eastern neighbors facing higher tornado exposure. Its tornado risk of 69.31 is elevated within the state but still moderate nationally.

Tornadoes are the primary seasonal threat

Tornado risk at 69.31 is Randolph County's highest hazard, making spring severe weather preparedness critical for all residents. A weather radio, safe room plan, and annual drills should be part of every household's routine.

Standard insurance works for most hazards

Randolph County's low overall risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate coverage for most residents. Ensure your policy explicitly covers wind and hail damage, and consider a NOAA weather radio as an inexpensive safety investment.

ByCounty Network

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