countyscore
41.4
County Score
Water Quality 68.6Lawn Care 66Soil Quality 61.3

County Report Card

About St. Joseph County, Indiana

Navigating Complex National Challenges

St. Joseph County records a composite score of 41.4, falling below the national median of 50.0. The data suggests the county faces more significant livability hurdles than many of its peers across the country.

Trailing the Indiana Average

The county's score of 41.4 sits well below the state average of 55.9. Local leaders face more complex socioeconomic pressures compared to higher-ranking Indiana counties.

Reliable Water and Competitive Income

Water quality is a notable strength with a score of 68.6. Household income remains competitive at a 53.9 score, supported by a median household income of $64,885.

Managing High Environmental Risk

Environmental risk presents a significant hurdle with a score of 14.2, while school performance trails at 19.8. Housing costs also impact livability, with median rents reaching $1,030 per month.

Best for Urban-Minded Professionals

This county suits residents who value urban amenities and solid income potential over quiet or environmental stability. It is best for those who can navigate higher local risks while enjoying strong regional water infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax47.8Cost33Safety48.5Health53.5Schools19.8Income53.9Risk14.2Water68.6Weather55.1
🏛47.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠33
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡48.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓19.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡14.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧68.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨61.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66
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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Compare St. Joseph County with Cross County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Cross County
Arkansas
Median income: $47,012
41.4
Bonneville County
Idaho
Median income: $76,646
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Cheyenne County
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Median income: $57,594
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Buncombe County
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Median income: $70,578
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Burke County
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Median income: $55,684
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Athens County
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Median income: $53,837
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Custer County
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Median income: $57,562
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Hardin County
Texas
Median income: $72,532
41.4

Nearby counties

LaPorte County
Indiana
43.2
Marshall County
Indiana
56.9
Berrien County
Michigan
32.7
Cass County
Michigan
41.1
Elkhart County
Indiana
36.6
Starke County
Indiana
59.7
Porter County
Indiana
49.4
Kosciusko County
Indiana
50.1

Deep Dives

St. Joseph County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in St. Joseph County

via TaxByCounty

St. Joseph County taxes above national average

St. Joseph County's effective tax rate of 0.867% exceeds the national median of 0.84%, putting it in the higher tier of U.S. counties for property taxes. The median annual tax of $1,559 remains well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Indiana's lower home values.

Among Indiana's highest-tax counties

St. Joseph County ranks high statewide with an effective rate of 0.867%—29% above Indiana's state average of 0.671%. At $1,559 in median annual taxes, St. Joseph County homeowners pay significantly more than the state median of $1,199.

Highest rate in the region

St. Joseph County's 0.867% tax rate is the steepest among the eight surveyed counties, nearly 45% higher than Starke County's 0.603%. The county stands alone at the top end of the local tax spectrum.

What St. Joseph homeowners pay yearly

On a median home value of $179,800, St. Joseph County homeowners pay approximately $1,559 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, expect closer to $1,640; without one, around $1,428—among the highest in the region.

Appeal your assessment today

Many St. Joseph County homeowners are overassessed and don't realize they can appeal. Contact the county assessor to request a reassessment and explore exemptions you may qualify for—potentially saving hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in St. Joseph County

via CostByCounty

St. Joseph County: Rent Pressure Rising

St. Joseph County renters allocate 19.1% of their income to housing—well above both the national average and Indiana's 15.6% state benchmark. With a median income of $64,885 and rent at $1,030 monthly, affordability here is tighter than most of the state.

Below State Average Income, Above Average Rent

St. Joseph County ranks in the middle-lower tier of Indiana's housing affordability spectrum, hampered by above-average rents coupled with below-state-average incomes. The rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% places it among counties where housing consumes a notably larger share of household budgets.

Highest Rents in This Regional Group

At $1,030 monthly, St. Joseph County rents tower over nearby Spencer ($697) and Starke ($690), making it the most expensive rental market in this comparison. Owner costs ($902) are comparatively moderate, offering some relief for those who can afford to buy.

Housing Takes a Bigger Bite

St. Joseph County households spend $1,030 on median rent and $902 on owner costs, totaling roughly 30.2% of income when combined across both tenure types. The rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% signals that renters here face genuine affordability constraints compared to state peers.

St. Joseph: Know Your Budget First

If relocating to St. Joseph County, budget carefully—rents here consume nearly one-fifth of median income, leaving less discretionary spending than many Indiana alternatives. The trade-off: reasonable owner costs and established urban amenities in the South Bend area.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in St. Joseph County

via IncomeByCounty

St. Joseph lags national income average

St. Joseph County's median household income of $64,885 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $10,000. This income gap reflects broader economic pressures facing mid-sized industrial counties in the Midwest, though residents still earn comfortably above poverty levels.

Below Indiana's median

St. Joseph County ranks in the lower-middle tier of Indiana counties with a $64,885 median, about $3,800 below the state average of $68,681. Per capita income of $35,714 remains close to the state average, suggesting income concentration rather than overall scarcity.

Middle ground among peers

St. Joseph County earns more than Sullivan County ($54,985) and Starke County ($62,933) but significantly less than Tipton County ($78,309). Its income profile reflects the economic challenges faced by many industrial counties in northern Indiana.

Housing pressure rising

A 19.1% rent-to-income ratio indicates rising housing affordability stress in St. Joseph County, approaching the 30% danger threshold. Median home values of $179,800 remain modest, but renters here face tighter budgets than in neighboring counties.

Prioritize financial resilience

St. Joseph County residents should focus on building emergency savings and controlling housing costs to free up income for investing. Even modest monthly investments in retirement accounts—starting with $100–200—create long-term wealth despite current income constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in St. Joseph County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Safety Scores in St. Joseph

St. Joseph County maintains a high safety score of 98.2 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1,156.8 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing County Safety to Indiana Averages

The county's crime rate sits above the Indiana state average of 693.8 per 100,000. Despite this, it remains a secure region with 11 different reporting agencies monitoring local activity.

Local Comparisons Across North Central Indiana

St. Joseph reports more crime than neighbor Starke County, which sits at 763.7. However, its overall safety score remains competitive with most similar-sized Indiana jurisdictions.

Understanding Property and Violent Crime Rates

Property crimes account for the bulk of incidents at 1,021.7 per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 135.1. Both figures stay well below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Simple Steps for Better Home Security

Since property crime is the primary concern, investing in smart lighting and camera systems can deter potential activity. Staying informed about local trends helps residents maintain the county's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in St. Joseph County

via HealthByCounty

St. Joseph County treads near national average

At 75.0 years, St. Joseph County's life expectancy sits slightly below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Nearly 19% report poor or fair health, reflecting regional healthcare challenges.

Slightly behind Indiana's pace

St. Joseph County's 75.0-year life expectancy trails Indiana's 75.1-year state average, though only marginally. The county faces similar health pressures as the state overall.

Mixed results against regional peers

St. Joseph County performs better than Starke County (72.2 years) but behind healthier counties like Steuben (77.3 years) and Tippecanoe (77.6 years). Its 18.7% poor/fair health rate places it in the middle of the regional pack.

Strong provider access, steady coverage

With 90 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 271 mental health providers per 100,000, St. Joseph County offers robust healthcare capacity. The 8.0% uninsured rate is near Indiana's state average, though still leaves some residents exposed.

Close the coverage gap

St. Joseph County's abundant providers deserve to serve everyone. If you're among the 8% uninsured, explore options at healthcare.gov or Indiana's IMPACT program to access care and preventive services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in St. Joseph County

via SchoolsByCounty

Vast Educational Infrastructure in St. Joseph

St. Joseph County supports a massive student population of 36,602 enrolled across 68 public schools. The system is distributed among 11 districts and includes 38 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, and 12 high schools.

Matching National Benchmarks in Performance

The county matches the national graduation rate of 87.0% while investing $5,571 per pupil, slightly above the Indiana state average. With a composite school score of 48.9, the region continues to work toward meeting the state median of 51.7.

South Bend and Penn-Harris-Madison Lead

South Bend Community School Corporation is the largest district with 15,301 students, followed by Penn-Harris-Madison at 11,360. The county also offers school choice through five charter schools, which make up roughly 7% of total campuses.

Diverse Urban and Suburban Campus Mix

The county offers a diverse locale mix with 41 city schools and 15 suburban sites. Penn High School is the largest campus by far with 3,624 students, while many elementary schools provide a more traditional, smaller feel.

Finding the Right Fit for Families

From massive suburban high schools to urban elementary options, St. Joseph County offers housing near diverse educational settings. Research local real estate to find a home that aligns with your district preferences and academic goals.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in St. Joseph County

via RiskByCounty

St. Joseph faces elevated national risk

St. Joseph County's composite risk score of 85.81 earns a Relatively Moderate rating, nearly double Indiana's state average of 45.52 and well above typical U.S. counties. This county experiences substantially higher cumulative exposure to multiple natural hazards.

Among Indiana's riskiest counties

St. Joseph County ranks in the top tier of Indiana's 92 counties for natural disaster risk, with the second-highest composite score statewide. Only a handful of Indiana counties face comparable multi-hazard exposure.

Significantly riskier than surrounding areas

St. Joseph County's 85.81 score dramatically exceeds neighboring Starke County (24.94) and Steuben County (27.19), making it a clear outlier for disaster risk in the region. The county's northern location contributes to elevated flood and tornado vulnerabilities.

Tornadoes and floods dominate threats

Tornado risk reaches 90.52 in St. Joseph County—among the highest in Indiana—while flood risk scores 85.40, reflecting the county's water infrastructure and storm patterns. Earthquake risk at 78.31 and hurricane risk at 43.55 round out significant secondary concerns.

Invest in storm and flood protection

St. Joseph County residents should maintain robust homeowners and flood insurance, as both tornado (90.52) and flood (85.40) risks are critical. A designated safe room built to FEMA specifications offers vital protection during severe storms and high winds.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in St. Joseph County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cold Northern Climate Profile

St. Joseph County averages a cool 48.9°F annually, falling well below the national median. Its location near Lake Michigan subjects it to unique weather patterns.

Among the State's Coldest Regions

The county stays significantly cooler than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. It represents the colder, northern tier of the state's climate spectrum.

Colder and Snowier Than Neighbors

St. Joseph is cooler than nearby Starke County by about half a degree. It experiences much more intense winter conditions than central counties like Shelby.

Heavy Snow and Mild Summers

Lake-effect weather dumps a massive 50.5 inches of snow annually, the highest in the region. Summers remain comfortable with only 10 days hitting 90°F.

Invest in Serious Snow Equipment

A heavy-duty snow blower is essential for managing over 50 inches of annual snow. Ensure your home has high-grade insulation to handle January averages of 23.6°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in St. Joseph County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Acidic Soils of St. Joseph

St. Joseph County averages a pH of 5.10, which is significantly more acidic than the Indiana state average of 6.08. This level sits well below the national median of 6.5, indicating a unique chemical profile for the region. While taxonomic data is limited, this acidity defines how nutrients interact with local plant life.

Coarse Sand and Low Clay Content

The soil is remarkably sandy at 45.1%, balanced by 24.9% silt and just 9.3% clay. This coarse texture ensures the ground is easy to till and work, though it may struggle to hold onto fertilizers. The high sand ratio provides excellent aeration but requires more frequent monitoring for moisture loss.

Exceptional Organic Wealth and Fertility

The county boasts a staggering 15.55% organic matter, more than triple the state average of 4.90%. Even with its sandy texture, the available water capacity stays competitive at 0.196 in/in. This rich organic content provides a massive natural nutrient bank that few other Indiana counties can match.

Rapid Infiltration and Drainage Needs

Specific drainage classifications are unavailable, but the 45.1% sand content suggests very rapid water infiltration. This helps prevent standing water after heavy rains but can lead to nutrient leaching if not managed. Gardeners should focus on balancing the high acidity to unlock the soil's full organic potential.

Ideal for Acid-Loving Plants in 6a

In hardiness zone 6a, this county is a paradise for acid-loving crops like blueberries, potatoes, and rhododendrons. The massive organic matter levels give any home garden a serious head start on productivity. It is a great time to test your soil and plant a high-yield vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in St. Joseph County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Lawn Challenges in St. Joseph

A lawn difficulty score of 66.0 places the county below the Indiana average of 71.0, though it remains easier than the national median. As a Hardiness Zone 6a area, the climate favors cool-season grasses that can withstand cold winters and moderate summers.

Cool Summers and Steady Rain

With only 10 extreme heat days per year, your grass faces less thermal stress than lawns in southern Indiana. The 40.5 inches of annual precipitation is slightly lower than the state average but supports a healthy 2,830 growing degree days.

Addressing Highly Acidic Sandy Soils

The soil pH of 5.10 is significantly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, likely requiring lime applications to unlock nutrients. A high sand content of 45.1% means your lawn drains quickly but struggles to hold onto water and fertilizers.

Recovering from Recent Dry Spells

The county endured 14 weeks of drought over the past year, though current conditions show no immediate drought area. Because of the sandy soil, you should mulch clippings back into the lawn to improve organic matter and water retention.

Timing the Growing Season

Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass thrive in this 6a climate, especially with the reduced heat stress. Plan to seed after the last frost on May 1st, or target late August for the best establishment before the October 19th first frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Joseph County's county score?
St. Joseph County, Indiana has a composite county score of 41.4 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 St. Joseph County rank among counties in Indiana?
St. Joseph County ranks #84 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 St. Joseph County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in St. Joseph County is $1,559, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns St. Joseph County a tax score of 47.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in St. Joseph County?
The median household income in St. Joseph County, Indiana is $64,885 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. St. Joseph County earns an income score of 53.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is St. Joseph County, Indiana a good place to live?
St. Joseph County scores 41.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #84 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate St. Joseph 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 St. Joseph 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.