Rush County's composite score of 74.3 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 49%, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. livable counties. Tax efficiency and affordable housing anchor this strong national standing.
2 / 5
Top performer among Indiana counties
Rush County ranks 6th among Indiana's 92 counties with a score of 74.3, significantly above the state average of 71.2. This top-tier placement reflects excellent livability conditions relative to statewide peers.
3 / 5
Low taxes and stable housing
Rush County features an effective tax rate of 0.650% (tax score: 84.0) and affordable housing with median rent at $831/month and homes valued at $155,900 (cost score: 80.4). Environmental resilience is strong with a risk score of 84.3, indicating excellent natural hazard protection.
4 / 5
Income and health gaps remain
The income score of 25.4 reflects median household income of $64,393, limiting wage-driven quality of life gains, while health score of 69.6 suggests modest medical accessibility. Safety and schools data are not yet available.
5 / 5
Ideal for security-minded families
Rush County appeals to families and retirees prioritizing low taxes, affordable housing, and environmental resilience over high incomes and extensive amenities. The strong risk protection makes it particularly attractive for those concerned about natural disaster exposure.
Rush County's composite score of 74.3 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 49%, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. livable counties. Tax efficiency and affordable housing anchor this strong national standing.
Top performer among Indiana counties
Rush County ranks 6th among Indiana's 92 counties with a score of 74.3, significantly above the state average of 71.2. This top-tier placement reflects excellent livability conditions relative to statewide peers.
Low taxes and stable housing
Rush County features an effective tax rate of 0.650% (tax score: 84.0) and affordable housing with median rent at $831/month and homes valued at $155,900 (cost score: 80.4). Environmental resilience is strong with a risk score of 84.3, indicating excellent natural hazard protection.
Income and health gaps remain
The income score of 25.4 reflects median household income of $64,393, limiting wage-driven quality of life gains, while health score of 69.6 suggests modest medical accessibility. Safety and schools data are not yet available.
Ideal for security-minded families
Rush County appeals to families and retirees prioritizing low taxes, affordable housing, and environmental resilience over high incomes and extensive amenities. The strong risk protection makes it particularly attractive for those concerned about natural disaster exposure.
Score breakdown
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🏛84
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Rush County's effective tax rate of 0.650% ranks in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties nationally. The median property tax of $1,013 is less than 40% of the national median of $2,690.
Slightly below Indiana's state average
At 0.650%, Rush County's effective rate is fractionally below Indiana's state average of 0.671%, placing it in the state's middle tier. The median tax of $1,013 falls slightly below the state median of $1,199, reflecting home values of $155,900.
Mid-range for the central region
Rush's 0.650% rate sits between Ripley (0.576%) and Randolph (0.831%), making it moderately competitive regionally. Home values of $155,900 are among the region's lowest, helping keep absolute tax bills manageable despite slightly elevated rate structure.
Your annual Rush property tax bill
On a median home valued at $155,900, the annual property tax is $1,013 (approximately $84 monthly). Homeowners with mortgages pay closer to $1,118; those without mortgages, roughly $794.
Review your assessment for overvaluation
Rush County residents should verify that their property assessments match current market values, as overassessment remains common across Indiana. A simple review by the county assessor could unlock meaningful tax savings.
Rush County renters spend 15.5% of income on housing, nearly identical to Indiana's state average of 15.6%, hovering near the national affordability comfort zone. With median rent at $831 and median income at $64,393, Rush residents manage moderate housing costs on moderate incomes.
Right on Indiana's Affordability Line
Rush County ranks squarely at Indiana's state average for housing affordability, with a 15.5% rent-to-income ratio that's effectively average for Hoosiers. This means residents experience typical Indiana housing cost pressures without exceptional relief or burden.
Middle Ground Among Peers
Rush's $831 rent is higher than most neighbors in this analysis, yet its 15.5% rent-to-income ratio remains competitive due to reasonable incomes. Its $155,900 median home value is moderate, positioning Rush as neither the most nor least expensive county regionally.
Typical Housing Budget Pattern
Rush renters spend $831 monthly from a median income of $5,366 per month, dedicating 15.5% to housing and leaving 84.5% for other costs. Homeowners pay $857 monthly on properties worth $155,900, requiring more careful budgeting than lower-cost counties but still manageable.
Rush for Average-Income Relocators
If your household earns near Indiana's median income, Rush County's typical affordability levels mean you'll face standard state housing pressures. Compare it with the more affordable Posey, Pulaski, and Ripley counties if you want more financial cushion after housing costs.
Rush County's median household income of $64,393 falls 13.8% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it well below the national typical household. This gap reflects a lower-income county facing economic headwinds.
Below average for Indiana
Rush County ranks below Indiana's median household income of $68,681, trailing the state by $4,288 (6.2%). The county's per capita income of $30,233 significantly lags Indiana's $34,773 average, suggesting limited high-wage opportunities.
Among the region's lower earners
Rush County's $64,393 median income ranks near the regional bottom, ahead only of Scott County ($54,583) and below all other neighbors. Limited job diversity and wage growth appear to constrain earning potential relative to surrounding counties.
Housing costs strain budgets
Rush County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% exceeds the affordability threshold, consuming an outsized share of renter household budgets. The median home value of $155,900 requires careful financial planning, though it remains more accessible than renting.
Focus on reducing expenses first
Below-average incomes and elevated housing costs make expense management critical for Rush County households. Build a small emergency fund, then explore employer benefits like health savings accounts (HSAs) that offer tax advantages, and consider side income to accelerate wealth building.
At 75.0 years, Rush County's life expectancy is nearly identical to both Indiana's 75.1-year average and close to the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 18.1% reporting poor or fair health—just above the national average of 17.4%—the county shows typical wellness.
Matching Indiana's average health profile
Rush County's life expectancy of 75.0 years is essentially at Indiana's 75.1-year average, positioning it as a typical county statewide. Its 18.1% poor/fair health rate is near Indiana's 18.2% average, reflecting standard health outcomes.
Average health for the region
Rush County's life expectancy of 75.0 years places it at the middle of the regional range, above Pulaski (72.2 years) but below Posey (78.3 years). Its health perception closely mirrors Ripley County (74.7 years) and Putnam County (75.8 years).
Excellent provider infrastructure
Rush County has 36 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the highest in the region—and exceptional mental health support at 131 providers per 100,000. At 8.8% uninsured, most residents can access these abundant local services.
Leverage Rush's strong care network
Rush County has excellent primary and mental health infrastructure, but 8.8% of residents remain uninsured. If you're uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to access coverage and take full advantage of the robust providers in your community.
With a composite risk score of 15.78, Rush County is rated "Very Low" and ranks well below the national average for disaster risk. The county's minimal wildfire risk (1.24) and low flood risk (28.50) contribute to its strong safety profile.
One of Indiana's safest counties
Rush County's 15.78 score is dramatically below Indiana's state average of 45.52, placing it among the lowest-risk counties in the entire state. Residents enjoy substantially lower exposure to major natural hazards compared to typical Indiana communities.
Notably safer than surrounding counties
Rush County's risk profile is considerably lower than neighboring Fayette and Union counties, which face moderate to elevated tornado risks. Its overall composite score exceeds only Pulaski County's in the broader region.
Tornado risk deserves basic preparedness
Even in low-risk Rush County, tornado risk at 54.83 remains the relative highest hazard, requiring residents to maintain seasonal weather awareness. Earthquake risk of 53.37 is also moderate, though less immediate a concern than tornado threats.
Essential coverage is straightforward
Rush County's very low risk means standard homeowners insurance typically provides sufficient protection for most residents. A weather radio and basic tornado plan during spring months are prudent precautions even in this safe community.