countyscore
64.3
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 84.3Lawn Care 80.8

County Report Card

About Rush County, Indiana

Rush County Stands Strong Nationally

Rush County's composite score of 64.3 puts it significantly above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high level of overall well-being compared to most US counties.

A Reliable Indiana Performer

The county's 64.3 score beats the Indiana average of 55.9 by a healthy margin. It represents the best of Indiana's rural-suburban mix, balancing safety with manageable living costs.

Maximum Safety and Low Risk

Rush County features an outstanding Safety Score of 97.5 and a Risk Score of 84.3, indicating low exposure to natural disasters. It remains affordable for many, with a median home value of $155,900.

Water Infrastructure Needs Attention

The Water Score of 20.3 is the county's most significant weakness, requiring infrastructure investment. Economic growth is also moderate, with an Income Score of 51.7 and a median household income of $64,393.

A Safe Bet for Rural Living

Rush County is ideal for those who prioritize a low-risk, safe environment above all else. It offers a classic small-town Indiana experience with the added benefit of high resilience to environmental hazards.

Score breakdown

Tax68.7Cost51Safety97.5Health52.7Schools53.3Income51.7Risk84.3Water20.3Weather59.9
🏛68.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼51.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤52.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡84.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧20.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱80.8
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Fayette County
Indiana
59.8
Shelby County
Indiana
48.5
Henry County
Indiana
61.3
Hancock County
Indiana
52.8
Decatur County
Indiana
65.7
Wayne County
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55.2
Franklin County
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61.1
Union County
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67.1

Deep Dives

Rush County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Rush County

via TaxByCounty

Rush County taxes run well below national

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rush County

via CostByCounty

Rush at State Affordability Average

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rush County

via IncomeByCounty

Rush County earns below U.S. median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rush County

via CrimeByCounty

Rush County Hits Perfect Safety Mark

Rush County reports a 0.0 crime rate per 100K, earning it a perfect safety score of 100.0. This is significantly safer than the national average of 2,385.5 crimes per 100K.

Setting the Standard for Indiana Safety

The county's score of 100.0 exceeds the Indiana state average of 98.9. Two agencies provided data to confirm this high level of community safety for 2022.

Safety Leader Among Nearby Counties

Rush County maintains a much lower crime profile than nearby Shelby County, where the rate is 1,283.9. It aligns with other high-performing areas like Randolph and Ripley.

No Violent or Property Crimes Reported

Both violent and property crime rates are currently 0.0 per 100K residents. This suggests an exceptionally peaceful year for local citizens and law enforcement alike.

Keep Your Community Secure

Home security cameras and good lighting help maintain this zero-incident record. Staying connected with neighbors is another effective way to prevent future property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Rush County

via HealthByCounty

Rush County at state and national baseline

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Rush County

via SchoolsByCounty

Quality Education Across Two Districts

Rush County manages a focused educational system of eight public schools serving 2,130 total students. The infrastructure consists of five elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. Most students are concentrated within the county's primary consolidated school district.

High Investment and Peak Graduation Rates

The county boasts an exceptional 97.0% graduation rate, placing it among the top in Indiana. Rush County invests $5,789 per pupil, which is higher than the state average of $5,507. This investment pays off with a strong composite school score of 54.6, outperforming state benchmarks.

Rush County Schools and Charter Choices

Rush County Schools is the dominant district, serving 1,958 students across six schools. The county also features one charter school, Mays Community Academy, which serves 120 students and represents 12.5% of total schools. This provides a small but meaningful alternative to the traditional public system.

A Balanced Town and Rural Experience

The county's schools are split evenly between town and rural locales, with four schools in each setting. Enrollment is concentrated at Rushville Consolidated High School (654 students), while smaller rural sites like Milroy Elementary serve just 151 students. The average school size is a cozy 266 students, fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Establish Your Family in Rush County

High per-pupil spending and a 97% graduation rate make Rush County a premier destination for families. Researching homes in the Rushville area provides the best proximity to the county’s largest and most diverse academic facilities. A home here is an investment in a high-performing, community-centered school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rush County

via RiskByCounty

Rush County ranks among safest nationally

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rush County

via WeatherByCounty

Near the national median

Rush County averages 51.7°F, placing it very close to the national median temperature. It is a wet region, receiving 45.6 inches of annual precipitation.

Close to the Indiana average

The county's climate mirrors the state average of 52.2°F almost perfectly. It receives slightly more rainfall than the average Indiana county, totaling 45.6 inches annually.

Warmer and wetter regional profile

Rush is warmer and receives about five inches more rain than neighboring Randolph County. However, it sees less snowfall, with only 15.9 inches compared to Randolph’s 23 inches.

Moderate extremes throughout the year

The county experiences only 13 days of extreme heat with a comfortable July average of 73.5°F. Winters are manageable with 15.9 inches of snow and a January average of 26.7°F.

Prepare for consistent rainfall

Reliable drainage systems are important to manage the 45.6 inches of annual rain. While snow is moderate, basic winter car kits are recommended for the chilly 29.8°F winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rush County

via SoilByCounty

The Ideal pH of Rush County

Rush County boasts an average pH of 6.53, which perfectly aligns with the national median of 6.5. This neutral soil is primarily composed of Entisols, which are relatively undeveloped but highly versatile. This chemistry is much closer to ideal than the state average of 6.08, requiring less adjustment for most crops.

A Balanced Blend for General Use

With 23.8% sand, 54.9% silt, and 21.3% clay, the soil offers a very balanced physical profile. While a dominant texture class is not specified, this mix provides enough clay for nutrients and enough sand for aeration. It represents a stable, productive base for the county's famous farmland.

Productive Soils with Solid Storage

The soil contains 2.31% organic matter, which beats the national average of 2.0% but stays below the Indiana state average of 4.90%. Its available water capacity of 0.205 inches per inch is right in line with the state norm. These factors contribute to a strong soil score of 75.1, indicating high natural potential.

Steady Water Movement Across Fields

Specific drainage classes are not provided in the current dataset for Rush County. However, the balanced texture and neutral pH suggest a soil that responds well to standard management practices. Its Entisol classification often means it is located in areas where new sediment provides fresh mineral nutrients.

Neutral Soils for a Healthy Garden

Being in Zone 6a, Rush County is a prime spot for classic Midwestern gardening. Because the pH is near neutral at 6.53, you can grow everything from asparagus to zucchini with minimal soil correction. Your backyard garden has a head start thanks to this naturally balanced chemistry.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rush County

via LawnByCounty

Premier Lawn Conditions in Rush

Rush County offers an elite lawn difficulty score of 80.8, ranking it as one of the easiest places in Indiana to keep a green yard. This Zone 6a county provides a much more favorable environment than the state average of 71.0.

Balanced Weather for Turf

With 45.6 inches of rain and only 13 extreme heat days, the climate keeps grass growing steadily. The 3,306 growing degree days offer a long, productive window for mowing and typical lawn care activities.

Ideal Soil Chemistry

The soil pH in Rush County is a healthy 6.53, sitting right in the center of the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. While specific drainage data is limited, the moderate 21.3% clay content suggests a stable foundation for most grass types.

Minimal Drought Stress

Only 21% of Rush County is currently abnormally dry, and it has faced just 16 weeks of drought over the past year. This relatively low drought pressure means homeowners can spend less time worrying about water restrictions.

An Early Spring Window

Cool-season grasses are the standard here, with a recommended seeding start after the April 19 spring frost. Your lawn has plenty of time to establish before the first fall frost arrives on October 23.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rush County's county score?
Rush County, Indiana has a composite county score of 64.3 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 Rush County rank among counties in Indiana?
Rush County ranks #18 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 Rush County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Rush County is $1,013, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Rush County a tax score of 68.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rush County?
The median household income in Rush County, Indiana is $64,393 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rush County earns an income score of 51.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rush County, Indiana a good place to live?
Rush County scores 64.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Rush 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 Rush County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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