CountyScore

Shelby County

Indiana · IN

#65 in Indiana
70.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Shelby County, Indiana

Shelby remains above national median

Shelby County's composite score of 70.3 is 41% higher than the national median of 50.0, indicating solid livability despite being the lowest-scoring county in this group. Tax advantages and affordable housing remain key strengths.

Just below Indiana average

Shelby County ranks 59th among Indiana's 92 counties with a score of 70.3, slightly below the state average of 71.2. This modest gap reflects competitive livability conditions relative to statewide peers.

Reasonable taxes and incomes

Shelby County offers an effective tax rate of 0.705% (tax score: 82.4) paired with solid median household income of $71,301, providing middle-class stability. Housing is reasonably priced at $188,300 with median rent at $956/month.

Higher rent burden than peers

Shelby County's cost score of 75.6 is the lowest in the group, with median rent at $956/month—the highest among these eight counties—squeezing renters' budgets. Health score of 69.1 suggests limited medical infrastructure compared to stronger performers.

Suits middle-class homeowners

Shelby County appeals to middle-income homeowners seeking reasonable tax rates and stable household incomes but should be avoided by renters facing above-average housing costs. The moderate profile makes it a practical choice for those prioritizing ownership over rental affordability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax82.4Cost75.6SafetyComing SoonHealth69.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.9Risk56.6WaterComing Soon
🏛82.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡56.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Shelby County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Petersburg Borough
Alaska
70.3
Median income: $77,026
Trinity County
California
70.3
Median income: $53,498
Johnson County
Georgia
70.3
Median income: $54,183
Pulaski County
Georgia
70.3
Median income: $47,688
Webster County
Georgia
70.3
Median income: $40,764

Deep Dives

Shelby County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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