countyscore
67.6
County Score
Safety 94.4Income & Jobs 72.4Weather & Climate 70.3

County Report Card

About Spencer County, Indiana

Spencer County Outperforms the Nation

Spencer County earns a 68.6 composite score, significantly higher than the 50.0 national median. This high performance places the county well above average for quality of life in the United States.

A Leader in the Hoosier State

The county's overall score beats the Indiana state average of 55.9 by over 12 points. It stands out as a top-tier destination for livability within the regional landscape.

Elite Safety and Low Taxes

The county excels with a near-perfect safety score of 94.4. Residents also benefit from a high tax score of 70.7, supported by a low effective tax rate of 0.631%.

Room to Improve Local Schools

Educational performance is the primary challenge, with the school score lagging at 44.4. Water resource management also presents an opportunity for improvement with a moderate score of 54.3.

The Ideal Choice for Safe Living

This county is a perfect fit for families who prioritize public safety and financial stability. With median home values at $180,200 and high safety ratings, it offers a secure and affordable environment.

2040608010069.556.994.47044.472.460.654.370.3Tax69.5Cost56.9Safety94.4Health70Schools44.4Income72.4Risk60.6Water54.3Weather70.367.6/100
This county
National avg
6 above average

Spencer County DNA

C-overall

How Spencer County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Spencer County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Safety (94.4/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
69.5+17.5
Cost
56.9+8.899999999999999
Safety
94.4+39.400000000000006
Health
70+20
Schools
44.4-9.600000000000001
Income
72.4+21.400000000000006
Risk
60.6+13.600000000000001
Water
54.3
Weather
70.3+14.299999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$185,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$751/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$185,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $74,506/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Gallatin County
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Claiborne Parish
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Sioux County
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Emery County
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Butler County
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Nearby counties

Daviess County
Kentucky
42.7
Hancock County
Kentucky
69.3
Warrick County
Indiana
50.4
Perry County
Indiana
59.3
Vanderburgh County
Indiana
33
Breckinridge County
Kentucky
65.1
Dubois County
Indiana
61.2
Henderson County
Kentucky
46.5

Deep Dives

Spencer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Spencer County

via CrimeByCounty

Spencer County Reports Remarkable Safety

Spencer County reports a total crime rate of just 20.1 per 100K, a fraction of the 2,385.5 national average. This earns the county a perfect safety score of 100.0.

Top-Ranked Safety in the State

Spencer County’s safety score of 100.0 far exceeds the Indiana average of 98.9. Five separate agencies provided data, making this a very reliable indicator of local safety.

Leading the Region in Low Crime

With a rate of 20.1, Spencer County is significantly safer than Shelby County at 1,283.9. It is one of the quietest counties in southern Indiana.

Breakdown of Reported Incidents

Interestingly, all 20.1 reported crimes per 100K were violent crimes, with zero property crimes reported in 2022. This suggests that while property is very secure, physical safety remains the priority.

Stay Vigilant and Secure

Though property crime is non-existent in this data, home security still provides valuable peace of mind. Consistent locking habits and outdoor lighting help maintain this safe environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Spencer County

via WeatherByCounty

Spencer County Leads in Warmth

With an annual average of 57.0°F, Spencer County is significantly warmer than the national median. It borders on a humid subtropical feel during the height of summer.

One of Indiana's Warmest Counties

The county sits nearly five degrees above the state average of 52.2°F. It ranks among the hottest regions in Indiana, driven by its far southern location.

Warmer Than Most Indiana Neighbors

Spencer County is the warmest in this group, edging out Switzerland County by 0.4 degrees. It is nearly nine degrees warmer annually than the state's northernmost counties.

Light Snow and Significant Rain

Winters are mild with only 8.3 inches of snow, but the county receives a high 49.6 inches of annual precipitation. Summer features 23 days of extreme heat above 90°F.

Manage High Rain and Humidity

Focus on gutter maintenance and drainage to handle the nearly 50 inches of annual rain. You can trade heavy snow gear for light winter layers given the minimal 8-inch snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Spencer County

via SoilByCounty

Spencer's Slightly Acidic Soil Foundation

Spencer County features an average pH of 6.07, which almost perfectly mirrors the Indiana state average of 6.08. While specific taxonomic data for this region is limited, the acidity remains just below the national median of 6.5. This creates a versatile base that is common across the Ohio River valley.

A Silty Mix with High Retention

The soil composition is dominated by 68.2% silt and 18.7% clay, with a small 13.1% sand fraction. This high silt content makes the soil feel smooth and helps it hold onto moisture and nutrients effectively. However, gardeners should be careful to avoid working the ground when wet to prevent heavy compaction.

Lower Organic Matter, High Water Storage

Organic matter sits at 1.94%, which is lower than the state average of 4.90% and the national average of 2.0%. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.208 in/in exceeds the state benchmark of 0.202 in/in. This means the soil is excellent at storing water for plants during the hot summer months.

Natural Moisture Management and Drainage

While specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this county, the high silt and clay percentages suggest moderate water movement. These soils generally require thoughtful management to ensure proper aeration for root systems. Local site assessments are recommended before starting major building or drainage projects.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 7a

Located in hardiness zone 7a, Spencer County offers one of the longest growing seasons in Indiana. Heat-loving crops like melons, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes thrive in this climate and silty soil. Grab a shovel and start a garden to take advantage of the county's superior water-holding capacity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Spencer County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Lawn Conditions in Spencer County

With a lawn difficulty score of 67.6, maintenance here is significantly easier than the national median of 50.0 but slightly trails the Indiana state average of 71.0. This Hardiness Zone 7a region provides a warmer environment than many northern neighbors, supporting a diverse range of turfgrasses.

Ample Rainfall Meets Southern Heat

The county receives 49.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average of 44.2 inches and fuels 4,243 growing degree days. However, the 23 extreme heat days per year require vigilant watering schedules during the peak of summer to prevent turf stress.

Acidic Soils with a Clay Lean

Soil pH averages 6.07, sitting at the bottom of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrasses. The soil profile contains 18.7% clay, which helps retain moisture but may require aeration to prevent compaction and improve root health.

Managing Abnormally Dry Conditions

Over 93% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry, though it faced only five weeks of drought over the past year. Homeowners should focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth while severe drought remains at 0%.

Southern Indiana Lawn Success

The long season between the April 11th last frost and October 26th first frost makes Zone 7a ideal for tall fescue or even warm-season zoysiagrass. Early fall is the best time to seed, taking advantage of the cooling temperatures and high annual rainfall.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spencer County's county score?
Spencer County, Indiana has a composite county score of 67.6 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 Spencer County rank among counties in Indiana?
Spencer County ranks #5 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 Spencer County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Spencer County is $1,147, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Spencer County a tax score of 69.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Spencer County?
The median household income in Spencer County, Indiana is $74,506 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Spencer County earns an income score of 72.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Spencer County, Indiana a good place to live?
Spencer County scores 67.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Spencer 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 Spencer County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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