countyscore
48.5
County Score
Lawn Care 82.8Soil Quality 79Income & Jobs 69.6

County Report Card

About Shelby County, Indiana

Shelby County Near National Median

Shelby County scores a 48.5, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. While it faces some challenges, it remains within the typical range for American communities.

Room to Grow in Indiana

The county's 48.5 score trails the Indiana state average of 55.9. It currently works to balance the pressures of proximity to Indianapolis with the needs of its local infrastructure.

Solid Incomes and Clean Water

Shelby County performs well in income with a score of 69.6 and a median household income of $71,301. It also maintains good environmental standards, with a Water Score of 63.2.

Safety and Cost Concerns

The Safety Score of 43.1 and Cost Score of 31.5 are primary areas for improvement. With a median gross rent of $956, housing costs are higher than many neighboring rural counties.

Strategic Choice for Commuters

Shelby County is best suited for workforce families who need proximity to regional job hubs. The higher incomes available in the county help offset the costs and safety challenges of its more urbanized areas.

Score breakdown

Tax62.6Cost31.5Safety43.1Health52.5Schools45.9Income69.6Risk56.6Water63.2Weather60
🏛62.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠31.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼69.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡43.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤52.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡56.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧63.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨79
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱82.8
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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Nearby counties

Johnson County
Indiana
47.3
Rush County
Indiana
64.3
Decatur County
Indiana
65.7
Hancock County
Indiana
52.8
Bartholomew County
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53.6
Marion County
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26
Brown County
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Fayette County
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Deep Dives

Shelby County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Shelby County

via TaxByCounty

Shelby's taxes run below national average

Shelby County's effective tax rate of 0.705% ranks in the bottom 35% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,327 remains less than half the national median of $2,690.

Slightly above Indiana's state average

At 0.705%, Shelby County's effective rate sits slightly above Indiana's state average of 0.671%, placing it in the upper-middle range among the state's 92 counties. The median tax of $1,327 exceeds the state median of $1,199, reflecting higher home values of $188,300.

Among region's highest rates

Shelby's 0.705% rate ranks second-highest in the region after Randolph (0.831%), exceeding Posey (0.628%), Ripley (0.576%), and Putnam (0.475%). However, median home values of $188,300 are moderate, keeping absolute tax bills competitive within the central Indiana context.

Your annual Shelby property tax bill

On a median home valued at $188,300, the annual property tax is $1,327 (roughly $111 monthly). Homeowners with mortgages pay closer to $1,407; those without mortgages, approximately $1,157.

Challenge your assessment if warranted

With one of the region's higher effective tax rates, Shelby County residents should especially verify their property assessments against market values. An appeal could provide tangible relief if your home's assessed value exceeds comparable recent sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Shelby County

via CostByCounty

Shelby Rents Above State Average

Shelby County renters spend 16.1% of income on housing—above Indiana's 15.6% state average—with median rent at $956, the highest in this analysis. Median household income of $71,301 is solid, but higher rents mean residents dedicate more resources to housing than typical Hoosiers.

Above-Average Housing Costs

Shelby County ranks below Indiana's affordability average, with a 16.1% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state baseline by 0.5 percentage points. Its $956 median rent is $73 above the state average, making it one of the pricier counties in this analysis.

Highest Rents in the Region

Shelby's $956 median rent tops all eight counties in this analysis—$212 more than Posey and $157 more than Putnam. While median home value at $188,300 is mid-range, Shelby's higher rents make it the priciest option for renters seeking housing in this region.

Housing Takes a Larger Share

Shelby renters spend $956 monthly from a median income of $5,942 per month, dedicating 16.1% to housing and leaving 83.9% for other expenses. Homeowners pay $1,022 monthly on $188,300 properties, requiring tighter budgeting than most peer counties.

Shelby for Those with Higher Incomes

Shelby County's higher rents suit relocators earning above-county-median income who prioritize amenities worth the premium. If affordability drives your decision, explore Posey, Ripley, or Putnam counties for better value in central Indiana.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Shelby County

via IncomeByCounty

Shelby County slightly below U.S. median

Shelby County's median household income of $71,301 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $3,454 (4.6%), placing it just below the national typical household. The county reflects solid middle-income performance with modest room for improvement.

Above Indiana's state average

Shelby County's $71,301 median income surpasses Indiana's state average of $68,681 by $2,620 (3.8%), ranking it among the state's moderate earners. Per capita income of $35,637 also exceeds Indiana's average of $34,773, indicating relatively balanced wealth distribution.

Mid-tier regional performer

Shelby County's $71,301 income matches Ripley County and ranks ahead of Randolph, Rush, and Scott counties, but trails Putnam ($76,182) and Posey ($79,124). The county provides decent earning opportunity relative to most of its neighbors.

Watch housing cost pressure

Shelby County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% slightly exceeds the 15% affordability threshold, suggesting housing costs are a tighter squeeze than in wealthier counties. The median home value of $188,300 remains within reach but requires disciplined saving.

Leverage stability for growth

Above-average state income and manageable housing create a platform for Shelby County residents to invest. Contribute consistently to employer retirement plans, consider an IRA for additional retirement savings, or explore real estate investment through home equity as wealth builds.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Shelby County

via CrimeByCounty

Shelby County Remains Safer Than US Average

Shelby County’s total crime rate of 1283.9 per 100K is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a respectable safety score of 98.0.

A Moderate Safety Score Within Indiana

The county's safety score of 98.0 is slightly below the Indiana state average of 98.9. This reflects a more active crime environment than some of its rural neighbors.

Comparing Shelby to Nearby Counties

Shelby County sees more reported crime than neighbors like Rush and Putnam, which reported zero incidents. However, its rate remains significantly lower than many urban areas nationwide.

Property Crime Drives Local Numbers

The violent crime rate is 247.0, but property crime is much higher at 1036.9 per 100K residents. Theft and property damage are the most frequent issues handled by the two reporting agencies.

Protecting Your Assets in Shelby

Investing in a home security system and high-quality locks can help mitigate the risk of property crime. Residents should stay vigilant and report suspicious activity to help lower local rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Shelby County

via HealthByCounty

Shelby below U.S. life expectancy average

At 75.6 years, Shelby County's life expectancy falls 0.8 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 20.4% of residents reporting poor or fair health—above the national average of 17.4%—the county shows elevated health challenges.

Slightly above Indiana's average

Shelby County's life expectancy of 75.6 years modestly exceeds Indiana's 75.1-year average by 0.5 years. However, its 20.4% poor/fair health rate surpasses Indiana's 18.2% average, suggesting underlying health vulnerabilities despite adequate life span.

Middling outcomes compared to region

Shelby County's life expectancy of 75.6 years ranks above Pulaski (72.2 years) and Randolph (73.8 years) but below Posey (78.3 years). Its elevated poor/fair health rate of 20.4% suggests residents experience more health struggles than life expectancy alone indicates.

Excellent mental health resources

Shelby County offers 111 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the second highest in the region—and solid primary care access at 36 providers per 100,000. At 7.7% uninsured, most residents have coverage to access these services.

Secure coverage for community resources

Shelby County has strong mental and primary care infrastructure, but 7.7% of residents lack insurance to access it. If uninsured, visit healthcare.gov or Indiana's Benefits portal to enroll and connect with the county's robust health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Shelby County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust and Diverse School Network

Shelby County features a large network of 18 public schools across six districts, serving 7,433 students. This includes eight elementary schools, seven high schools, and two middle schools, plus a specialized center. This broad system provides a variety of educational environments for local families.

High Graduation Standards and Solid Scores

The county achieves a 95.2% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state (92.6%) and the nation (87.0%). While per-pupil expenditure is $5,130, the composite school score of 52.2 remains higher than the state average. This efficiency highlights the quality of instruction and administration in Shelby's districts.

Leading Districts and Educational Choice

Shelbyville Central Schools is the largest district, serving 4,036 students across seven schools. Northwestern Consolidated School Corp and Shelby Eastern Schools follow with 1,409 and 1,213 students respectively. The county also hosts one charter school, offering a touch of educational diversity to the traditional mix.

Balanced Urban and Rural Learning

The school locale mix is perfectly balanced with nine town schools and nine rural schools. Average school size is 437, though Shelbyville Senior High stands out as a large campus with 1,101 students. This variety allows parents to choose between large, town-based facilities and smaller, rural elementary schools like Triton Central.

Find Your Future in Shelby County

Excellent graduation rates and a wide range of school sizes make Shelby County a top contender for homebuyers. Whether you prefer the energy of Shelbyville Central or the quiet of the rural districts, you will find high-performing schools for your children. Local school quality continues to be a major driver for the county's residential growth.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Shelby County

via RiskByCounty

Shelby faces moderate national disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 43.42, Shelby County rates as "Relatively Low" but sits slightly below the national average for disaster risk. Tornado risk at 78.85 is notably elevated, placing it above national norms.

Close to Indiana's state average risk

Shelby County's 43.42 score is slightly below Indiana's state average of 45.52, placing it near the middle of the state's risk profile. Its tornado risk is among the highest in Indiana.

Tornadoes exceed neighboring counties

Shelby County's tornado risk of 78.85 is significantly higher than most neighboring counties, reflecting its location in a particularly tornado-prone corridor. Its earthquake risk of 72.61 is also elevated and above regional norms.

Tornadoes and earthquakes require planning

Shelby County's tornado risk of 78.85 is exceptionally high, making safe room identification and family drills essential for all residents. Earthquake risk of 72.61 is also significant; residents should secure heavy furniture and practice drop-cover-hold-on techniques.

Prioritize tornado preparedness above all

Shelby County residents must verify homeowners insurance covers wind and hail from tornadoes, and consider earthquake insurance given the 72.61 risk score. Maintain a NOAA weather radio, know your safe room, and practice tornado drills at least twice yearly.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Shelby County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Mid-American Weather Patterns

Shelby County averages 53.5°F annually, sitting right in line with the national median for temperate climates. The region experiences distinct seasonal transitions throughout the year.

Slightly Above the Indiana Average

At 53.5°F, Shelby County is warmer than the state average of 52.2°F. It serves as a middle-ground climate between the colder north and the hot southern counties.

Cooler Than the Far South

Shelby County remains cooler than southern neighbors like Switzerland County, which reaches 56.6°F. It is nearly four degrees warmer on average than the snowy northern counties like Starke.

Steady Snowfall and Summer Heat

Residents see an average of 17.3 inches of snow annually, mostly falling during the 31.7°F winters. Summer brings 20 extreme heat days where temperatures top 90°F.

Prepare for Moderate Winter Maintenance

Keep a reliable snow shovel and salt on hand for the 17-inch annual snowfall. Budget for air conditioning during the 20 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Shelby County

via SoilByCounty

Shelby’s Neutral and Robust Soils

Shelby County features an average pH of 6.59, which is slightly higher than the national 6.5 median and more neutral than the 6.08 state average. This makes it one of the more chemically balanced counties in Indiana for general plant health. The soil provides a versatile foundation for both large-scale agriculture and home landscaping.

Silt and Sand for Easy Tilling

The soil mix contains 31.5% sand, 47.4% silt, and 19.2% clay. The higher sand content compared to neighboring counties makes these soils easier to till and allows for better drainage. This balanced texture prevents the ground from becoming too sticky or too loose.

Rich Organic Matter and High Scores

Organic matter levels are strong at 3.94%, nearly double the national average of 2.0%. Although the available water capacity of 0.199 is just below the state average, the high soil score of 79.0 reflects its overall quality. This land is naturally predisposed to produce high yields with standard management.

Well-Drained Land for Healthy Roots

Classified as well drained, Shelby's soil is excellent at moving excess water away from plant roots. This reduces the risk of fungal diseases and allows for more flexible timing for spring planting. It is a highly desirable trait for farmers and homeowners alike who want to avoid soggy yards.

A Gardeners Paradise in Zone 6a

With a 6a hardiness rating and a near-perfect pH, Shelby County is a great place to start a diverse garden. You can grow a wide range of vegetables and flowers without the constant need for chemical adjustments. From sweet corn to roses, almost everything thrives in this well-balanced soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Shelby County

via LawnByCounty

Indiana's Top Lawn Environment

Shelby County is a premier location for lawn care, boasting a difficulty score of 82.8. This is one of the highest scores in the state, making it far easier to maintain a yard here than the national average of 50.0.

Perfect Balance of Heat and Rain

With 44.0 inches of rain and 20 extreme heat days, Shelby County perfectly tracks the state's climatic averages. The 3,640 growing degree days provide an ample and predictable schedule for seasonal lawn maintenance.

Superior Drainage and Ideal pH

Lawns benefit from a near-perfect pH of 6.59 and well-drained soil conditions. With 31.5% sand content, the soil allows for excellent root oxygenation while maintaining enough clay to hold vital nutrients.

Stable Moisture Conditions

Shelby County is currently drought-free, having faced only 9 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. This lack of water stress makes it much simpler to maintain a vibrant green color throughout the summer months.

Prime Planting in Shelby

The Zone 6a climate is perfect for diverse grass blends including Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass. Start your lawn after the last frost on April 17 and enjoy a long growing season until the October 23 frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shelby County's county score?
Shelby County, Indiana has a composite county score of 48.5 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 Shelby County rank among counties in Indiana?
Shelby County ranks #74 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 Shelby County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Shelby County is $1,327, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Shelby County a tax score of 62.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Shelby County?
The median household income in Shelby County, Indiana is $71,301 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Shelby County earns an income score of 69.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Shelby County, Indiana a good place to live?
Shelby County scores 48.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #74 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Shelby 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 Shelby 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.