Starke County's composite score of 74.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 48%, ranking it among the more livable counties nationwide. This strong performance reflects particular excellence in tax and cost dimensions that benefit residents across income levels.
2 / 5
Topping Indiana's performance curve
Starke County scores 74.2 against Indiana's state average of 71.2, placing it in the upper tier of Indiana counties. This 4% edge confirms that residents here enjoy above-average state livability conditions.
3 / 5
Unbeatable tax and housing value
Starke County leads with a tax score of 85.3 and effective rate of 0.603%, combined with a cost score of 83.9 featuring the lowest median home value among these eight counties at $148,400 and rock-bottom rent at $690 monthly. This makes it the most affordable option for budget-focused households.
4 / 5
Income and health need strengthening
The income score of 24.5 with median household income of $62,933 indicates limited earning potential compared to higher-income counties. Health outcomes at 66.6 are the lowest among these eight, and safety, school, and water data remain unavailable.
5 / 5
Perfect for budget-first households
Starke County is ideal for retirees, first-time homebuyers, and families maximizing purchasing power in a low-cost rural setting. Strong fundamentals in taxes and housing affordability make it compelling for those willing to trade higher income potential for unbeatable cost of living.
Starke County's composite score of 74.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 48%, ranking it among the more livable counties nationwide. This strong performance reflects particular excellence in tax and cost dimensions that benefit residents across income levels.
Topping Indiana's performance curve
Starke County scores 74.2 against Indiana's state average of 71.2, placing it in the upper tier of Indiana counties. This 4% edge confirms that residents here enjoy above-average state livability conditions.
Unbeatable tax and housing value
Starke County leads with a tax score of 85.3 and effective rate of 0.603%, combined with a cost score of 83.9 featuring the lowest median home value among these eight counties at $148,400 and rock-bottom rent at $690 monthly. This makes it the most affordable option for budget-focused households.
Income and health need strengthening
The income score of 24.5 with median household income of $62,933 indicates limited earning potential compared to higher-income counties. Health outcomes at 66.6 are the lowest among these eight, and safety, school, and water data remain unavailable.
Perfect for budget-first households
Starke County is ideal for retirees, first-time homebuyers, and families maximizing purchasing power in a low-cost rural setting. Strong fundamentals in taxes and housing affordability make it compelling for those willing to trade higher income potential for unbeatable cost of living.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛85.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Starke County's effective tax rate of 0.603% runs well below the national median of 0.84%, making it one of the most tax-efficient counties nationally. The median property tax of just $895 annually represents one-third the national median of $2,690.
Indiana's most affordable tax county
Starke County boasts the lowest effective tax rate among Indiana counties at 0.603%—10% below the state average of 0.671%. Its median annual tax of $895 is far below Indiana's state median of $1,199, offering genuine relief to property owners.
Clear tax advantage regionally
Starke County's 0.603% rate edges out Switzerland County's 0.412% but dominates the broader eight-county region—only Switzerland offers a lower burden. Homeowners here enjoy taxes significantly lighter than St. Joseph County's 0.867%.
What Starke homeowners pay yearly
On a median home value of $148,400, Starke County homeowners pay just $895 in annual property taxes—the lowest in the surveyed region. With a mortgage, you'll pay about $903; without one, approximately $876.
Verify your tax assessment
Even in lower-tax Starke County, some homeowners may be overassessed. Request a reassessment through the county assessor to confirm your valuation is accurate and you're receiving all available exemptions.
Starke County: Affordable Rents, Below-Average Income
Starke County achieves a 13.2% rent-to-income ratio—better than Indiana's 15.6% state average—despite having a median household income of just $62,933. Low rents of $690 monthly make this county exceptionally affordable for tenants, even on modest incomes.
Top Tier for Rental Affordability
Starke County ranks among Indiana's best counties for renters, with a 13.2% rent-to-income ratio that outperforms nearly 70% of the state's counties. The combination of low rents and manageable income expectations makes it a hidden gem for cost-conscious Hoosiers.
Starke's Competitive Rental Market
Starke's $690 rent matches Spencer County ($697) as one of the region's cheapest, while undercutting St. Joseph ($1,030) and Tippecanoe ($1,088) by substantial margins. Owner costs of $803 are similarly competitive, offering genuine options for both renters and buyers.
Low Costs Stretch Limited Income
Starke County households spend $690 on median rent and $803 on owner costs, totaling about 23.9% of income combined across tenures. The 13.2% rent-to-income ratio means renters here have more money left for essentials and savings despite lower overall earnings.
Starke: Maximum Affordability
Moving to Starke County? You'll find some of Indiana's most accessible rents paired with genuinely low home values—a rare combination for families prioritizing affordability over urban amenities. This county delivers exceptional housing value for the budget-stretched.
Starke County's median household income of $62,933 lags the national median by nearly $12,000, reflecting economic constraints in this rural northeast Indiana community. The county's per capita income of $28,895 also trails the national figure, suggesting limited high-wage employment opportunities.
Lower-middle tier in Indiana
Starke County ranks in the lower half of Indiana counties with a median income $5,748 below the state average of $68,681. Its per capita income of $28,895 significantly underperforms the state average of $34,773, indicating fewer professional and specialized jobs.
Struggles compared to adjacent counties
Starke County's $62,933 median falls notably below neighboring Steuben County ($71,483) and Spencer County ($70,890). The county faces steeper economic headwinds than most of its peers, with per capita income particularly lagging surrounding communities.
Rent remains affordable
Starke County's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio is among the best in the region, offering genuine relief for renters despite modest incomes. Median home values of $148,400—the lowest among these counties—make homeownership more achievable for local households.
Maximize savings in low-cost county
Starke County's affordable housing creates an opportunity: control rent or mortgage payments and redirect savings into retirement and investment accounts. Even residents earning below state average can build wealth by taking advantage of the county's low cost of living.
At 72.2 years, Starke County's life expectancy lags the U.S. average of 76.1 years by nearly 4 years—a substantial gap reflecting serious health challenges. Nearly 1 in 5 residents report poor or fair health.
Among Indiana's healthiest challenges
Starke County's 72.2-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in Indiana, trailing the state average of 75.1 years by nearly 3 years. This disparity signals urgent health needs within the community.
Struggling relative to regional neighbors
Starke County significantly lags every neighboring county, including Switzerland (74.0 years), Spencer (76.3 years), and Tippecanoe (77.6 years). At 19.1% poor/fair health, it faces the highest rate in this regional comparison.
Provider shortage compounds access barriers
Starke County has just 13 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than one-fifth of St. Joseph County's supply. With 8.6% uninsured and limited mental health capacity (35 providers per 100,000), residents face both financial and geographic barriers to care.
Support starts with coverage
Healthcare access begins with insurance. Starke County residents should explore Indiana Health Coverage Programs at 1-877-438-4479 or healthcare.gov to reduce the uninsured rate and connect with the county's limited providers.
Starke County scores 24.94 on the composite risk scale with a Very Low rating, less than half Indiana's state average of 45.52. The county provides one of the safer natural hazard environments in the nation.
Among Indiana's safest counties
Starke County ranks in the bottom quartile of Indiana's 92 counties for natural disaster risk, with a composite score well below the state median. Residents benefit from significantly lower multi-hazard exposure compared to most of the state.
Comparable safety to nearby counties
Starke County (24.94) closely mirrors the risk levels of Steuben County (27.19) and Tipton County (8.87), making the entire northeastern region relatively safe. These neighboring areas share similar geographic and climatic protections.
Tornado risk stands above other threats
Tornado risk scores 59.73 in Starke County, the dominant hazard concern, while flood risk remains moderate at 27.48. Earthquake (41.41) and wildfire (13.14) risks are minimal by comparison.
Prioritize tornado preparedness planning
Starke County homeowners should focus tornado preparedness with reliable homeowners insurance and a FEMA-approved safe room, given the 59.73 tornado risk score. Basic flood insurance is also advisable as a secondary precaution.