CountyScore

Spencer County

Indiana · IN

#16 in Indiana
74.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Spencer County, Indiana

Spencer County shines nationally

With a composite score of 74.5, Spencer County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties for overall livability. This 49% advantage over the national baseline reflects strong fundamentals across tax, cost, and health dimensions that make the county competitive nationwide.

Outpacing Indiana's average

Spencer County scores 74.5 compared to Indiana's state average of 71.2, placing it among the better-performing counties in the state. This edge demonstrates that residents here benefit from conditions that exceed typical Indiana livability standards.

Tax savings and affordability lead

Spencer County excels with a tax score of 84.5 backed by an effective tax rate of just 0.631%, and a cost score of 83.9 with median home values at $180,200 and rent at $697 monthly. The county also delivers solid health outcomes with a score of 74.2, creating a triple win for budget-conscious residents.

Income growth remains limited

The income score of 29.7 is the county's weakest dimension, with median household income of $70,890 lagging behind what higher-income counties achieve. Safety, school quality, and water infrastructure data are not yet available, limiting a complete livability picture.

Ideal for tax-conscious families

Spencer County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing without sacrificing health and community stability. The combination of strong fiscal conditions and reasonable income levels makes it appealing to those seeking small-town living with real cost savings.

Score breakdown

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

Tax84.5Cost81.8SafetyComing SoonHealth74.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.7Risk60.6WaterComing Soon
🏛84.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡60.6
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 Spencer County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cleburne County
Alabama
74.5
Median income: $53,319
Gilpin County
Colorado
74.5
Median income: $88,654
Custer County
Idaho
74.5
Median income: $56,957
Lewis County
Idaho
74.5
Median income: $49,643
Franklin County
Indiana
74.5
Median income: $79,702

Deep Dives

Spencer County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Spencer County

via TaxByCounty

Spencer County taxes rank well nationally

Spencer County's effective tax rate of 0.631% sits well below the national median of 0.84%, placing homeowners in a favorable position compared to most U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $1,138 annually—less than half the national median of $2,690—thanks to both lower tax rates and more modest home values.

Below average for Indiana

Spencer County's 0.631% effective rate runs slightly lower than Indiana's state average of 0.671%, though its median tax of $1,138 tracks closely with the state median of $1,199. The county ranks in the middle tier statewide—neither among the lowest nor highest tax burdens.

Competitive with nearby counties

Spencer County's tax rate of 0.631% sits between Starke County's 0.603% and St. Joseph County's 0.867%. Among the eight-county region, Spencer offers a moderate tax environment, closer to lower-tax neighbors like Starke but cheaper than the higher-rate St. Joseph County.

What Spencer homeowners pay yearly

On a median home value of $180,200, Spencer County homeowners pay about $1,138 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,205; without one, it drops to $1,009—a difference driven by assessed valuations and exemptions.

Review your assessment

If your property taxes seem high, you may be overassessed. Spencer County homeowners can request a reassessment through the county assessor's office to ensure their valuation reflects current market conditions and eligible tax breaks.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Spencer County

via CostByCounty

Spencer County: Below National Average

Spencer County residents spend just 11.8% of their income on rent, well below the national benchmark and significantly lower than Indiana's 15.6% state average. With a median household income of $70,890—just slightly below the U.S. median of $74,755—renters here enjoy some of the best affordability in the Midwest.

Among Indiana's Most Affordable

Spencer County ranks among the state's most affordable counties for renters, with a rent-to-income ratio that beats 80% of Indiana's 92 counties. The $697 monthly median rent is $186 less than the state average, making it an outlier in terms of housing accessibility.

Spencer Stands Out Regionally

Compared to neighboring counties, Spencer's rent of $697 is notably competitive—$186 below Steuben County ($921) and $333 below St. Joseph County ($1,030). Homebuyers pay $933 monthly here versus $902 in St. Joseph, offering modest competition on the ownership front.

How Income Covers Housing Costs

The median Spencer County household spends $697 on rent and $933 on owner costs, consuming roughly 19.6% of income combined. This leaves renters with substantially more disposable income compared to state averages, supporting stronger quality of life metrics.

Consider Spencer for Affordability

If you're relocating to Indiana and prioritize affordable rents, Spencer County delivers—your housing costs will eat up less of your paycheck here than almost anywhere else in the state. The combination of reasonable income levels and low housing costs makes it a magnet for budget-conscious families.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Spencer County

via IncomeByCounty

Spencer income tops national median

Spencer County's median household income of $70,890 falls slightly below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the middle tier nationally. While not among the wealthiest counties, Spencer households earn more than the vast majority of rural American communities, reflecting a stable working-class economy.

Above average for Indiana

Spencer County's $70,890 median ranks above Indiana's state average of $68,681, positioning it in the upper half of the state's 92 counties. Per capita income of $36,718 also exceeds the state average of $34,773, suggesting stronger individual earning power.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Spencer County outearns neighboring Warrick and Perry counties and matches the income profile of comparable rural Indiana counties. Its median sits solidly above smaller counties like Sullivan ($54,985) and Starke ($62,933), reflecting a more diversified local economy.

Rent is manageable here

The 11.8% rent-to-income ratio indicates that housing affordability is strong in Spencer County—well below the national 30% benchmark. Combined with a median home value of $180,200, residents enjoy reasonable pathways to both renting and homeownership.

Build on Spencer's stability

With above-average income and low housing burden, Spencer County residents have genuine capacity to save and invest. Consider setting aside 10–15% of household income for retirement, emergency funds, and wealth-building—your local economy provides the foundation for financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Spencer County

via HealthByCounty

Spencer County outlives the nation

At 76.3 years, Spencer County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Just 16.2% report poor or fair health, a better rate than many American counties facing chronic disease challenges.

Well above Indiana average

Spencer County's 76.3-year life expectancy beats Indiana's state average of 75.1 years by more than a year. This strong performance places the county among Indiana's healthier communities.

Outperforming regional peers

Spencer County residents enjoy better health outcomes than nearby Starke County (72.2 years) and Switzerland County (74.0 years). The county's 16.2% poor/fair health rate also ranks favorably against regional neighbors struggling with higher rates.

Good access, low uninsured rate

Spencer County's 6.9% uninsured rate is significantly below Indiana's 8.4% average, ensuring most residents have healthcare coverage. With 35 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 45 mental health providers per 100,000, healthcare access remains solid.

Keep Spencer County protected

While Spencer County leads on coverage, the 6.9% without insurance still deserve options. Visit healthcare.gov or contact the Indiana Health Coverage Programs to explore plans and ensure every resident stays protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Spencer County

via RiskByCounty

Spencer County's low disaster risk profile

Spencer County scores 39.41 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting well below Indiana's state average of 45.52. This places the county among the safer regions for natural disaster exposure across the United States.

Safer than most Indiana counties

Spencer County ranks in the lower tier of Indiana's 92 counties for disaster risk, with a composite score notably below the state average. Residents here face significantly less cumulative natural hazard exposure compared to peers elsewhere in the state.

Regional comparison shows mixed risk

Spencer County's risk profile (39.41) sits between nearby Sullivan County (20.64) and St. Joseph County (85.81), making it moderately safer than some neighbors but riskier than others. Local geography and proximity to different hazard zones create notable variation across the region.

Tornadoes and earthquakes top concerns

Tornado risk scores 55.53 in Spencer County, the highest hazard threat, followed by earthquake risk at 83.46—reflecting the area's position near seismic zones. Flood risk remains moderate at 45.45, while wildfire and hurricane risks are low.

Secure tornado and earthquake coverage

Spencer County homeowners should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance that covers tornado damage and consider earthquake coverage given the 83.46 earthquake risk score. A basement safe room or reinforced interior space can provide additional protection during severe weather events.

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.