CountyScore

Steuben County

Indiana · IN

#13 in Indiana
74.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Steuben County, Indiana

Steuben County leads the pack nationally

Steuben County's composite score of 74.8 outpaces the national median of 50.0 by 50%, making it one of the most livable counties across the United States. This exceptional ranking reflects consistent strength across multiple livability dimensions, particularly fiscal and health factors.

Indiana's premier livability county

Steuben County scores 74.8 compared to Indiana's state average of 71.2, topping our entire eight-county cohort and outperforming the vast majority of Indiana counties. This leadership position makes it the state's gold standard for overall livability among this group.

Best-in-class tax and health scores

Steuben County delivers the lowest effective tax rate at 0.582% paired with a tax score of 85.9, while also boasting the highest health score of 75.6 among these eight counties. The income score of 30.0 and median household income of $71,483 round out the strongest financial profile in the cohort.

Housing costs moderate the value

The cost score of 77.6 and median home value of $204,300 represent the highest in this group, meaning residents pay a premium despite savings on taxes. Safety, school quality, and water infrastructure data are not yet available to complete the picture.

Best for quality-of-life seekers

Steuben County suits affluent families and professionals who prioritize excellent health outcomes, minimal taxes, and higher incomes over maximum housing affordability. It represents the most balanced, upscale living experience among these eight Indiana counties.

Score breakdown

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

Tax85.9Cost77.6SafetyComing SoonHealth75.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome30Risk72.8WaterComing Soon
🏛85.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡72.8
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 Steuben County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cleveland County
Arkansas
74.8
Median income: $50,509
Decatur County
Indiana
74.8
Median income: $74,228
Wallace County
Kansas
74.8
Median income: $60,263
Garrett County
Maryland
74.8
Median income: $69,031
Holt County
Missouri
74.8
Median income: $58,516

Deep Dives

Steuben County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Steuben County

via TaxByCounty

Steuben County beats national tax average

Steuben County's effective tax rate of 0.582% sits well below the national median of 0.84%, positioning it among the nation's more affordable counties for property taxes. The median annual tax of $1,188 is less than half the national median of $2,690.

Below Indiana's statewide rate

Steuben County's 0.582% effective rate runs 13% lower than Indiana's state average of 0.671%. The median tax of $1,188 closely tracks the state median of $1,199, reflecting a slight advantage in rate structure.

Second-lowest tax rate in the region

Only Switzerland County's 0.412% beats Steuben County's 0.582% rate in the eight-county region. Steuben offers substantially lower taxes than St. Joseph County's 0.867% and outperforms the regional middle tier.

What Steuben homeowners pay yearly

On a median home value of $204,300, Steuben County homeowners pay approximately $1,188 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, you'll pay about $1,202; without one, around $1,170.

Check if you're overassessed

Steuben County property owners should review their assessments to ensure accuracy. Many homeowners qualify for exemptions or may find their valuation exceeds current market conditions—a reassessment request could reduce your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Steuben County

via CostByCounty

Steuben County: Right at State Average

Steuben County renters spend 15.5% of their income on housing—virtually identical to Indiana's 15.6% state average and slightly above the national norm. With a median household income of $71,483 and median rent of $921, this county offers typical Indiana affordability.

Steuben: Indiana's Middle Ground

Steuben County ranks near the state median for housing affordability, offering neither exceptional deals nor significant pressures for renters. Its 15.5% rent-to-income ratio places it squarely in Indiana's comfort zone, making it representative of state-wide affordability trends.

Steuben Bridges the Regional Gap

Steuben's $921 rent sits between Spencer's bargain rents ($697) and St. Joseph's premium market ($1,030), positioning it as a moderate option regionally. Owner costs of $932 are comparable to Spencer, offering straightforward choice between tenure types.

Housing Costs Share a Balanced Load

Steuben County households dedicate $921 to median rent and $932 to owner costs, combining for about 26.1% of median income. The balanced rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% reflects a stable housing market where neither renters nor buyers face acute affordability stress.

Steuben: Standard Indiana Living

If you're relocating and want a representative Indiana experience, Steuben County delivers moderate rents and reasonable income levels without surprising affordability gaps. This county works well for those seeking stable, predictable housing costs near state-wide averages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Steuben County

via IncomeByCounty

Steuben approaches national income level

Steuben County's median household income of $71,483 nearly matches the national median of $74,755, placing it in the upper-middle tier nationally. Per capita income of $37,126 surpasses the national average, reflecting a well-educated and skilled workforce.

Top quarter in Indiana

Steuben County ranks among Indiana's highest-earning counties with a median of $71,483, outpacing the state average of $68,681 by over $2,800. Per capita income of $37,126 significantly exceeds Indiana's state average of $34,773, indicating strong individual earning power.

Leads most neighboring counties

Steuben County's $71,483 median outearns all comparable neighbors except Tipton County ($78,309) and Spencer County ($70,890). The county's economic strength reflects a balanced mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and professional services.

Housing values reflect prosperity

Steuben County's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio is well within the healthy range, and median home values of $204,300 reflect strong property appreciation. Residents enjoy both affordable housing costs and rising asset values—a favorable combination for wealth-building.

Invest aggressively in Steuben

With above-average incomes and reasonable housing costs, Steuben County residents have genuine capacity for substantial retirement and investment contributions. Consider directing 15–20% of household income to tax-advantaged accounts, real estate equity, and diversified portfolios.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Steuben County

via HealthByCounty

Steuben County leads on longevity

At 77.3 years, Steuben County's life expectancy outpaces the U.S. average of 76.1 years by more than a year. Just 14.9% report poor or fair health, placing it among America's healthier counties.

One of Indiana's healthiest counties

Steuben County's 77.3-year life expectancy exceeds Indiana's state average by 2.2 years, ranking it among the state's strongest performers. The low 14.9% poor/fair health rate reinforces this distinction.

Outshines most regional peers

Steuben County leads this regional group with a 77.3-year life expectancy, bested only by Tippecanoe County (77.6 years). Its 14.9% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among comparable counties.

Good coverage, solid provider access

Steuben County's 7.6% uninsured rate beats Indiana's state average of 8.4%, ensuring most residents have coverage. With 29 primary care providers and 109 mental health providers per 100,000, the county maintains reasonable healthcare capacity.

Maintain Steuben's health edge

Steuben County's strong health outcomes depend on sustained coverage. Those uninsured should visit healthcare.gov or call Indiana Health Coverage Programs to stay aligned with the county's wellness priorities.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Steuben County

via RiskByCounty

Steuben County maintains very low risk

Steuben County's composite risk score of 27.19 with a Very Low rating falls well below Indiana's state average of 45.52. The county ranks among the lowest-risk natural disaster zones in the United States.

Safer than most Indiana counties

Steuben County ranks in the lower third of Indiana's 92 counties for composite disaster risk, with a score significantly below the state median. Residents experience substantially lower cumulative hazard exposure than average Hoosiers.

Part of a low-risk regional zone

Steuben County (27.19) aligns closely with neighboring Starke County (24.94) and sits far below higher-risk counties to the south and west. The northeastern Indiana region benefits from consistent geographic and climatic protections.

Tornado risk requires primary attention

Tornado risk scores 60.40 in Steuben County, the highest hazard exposure by far, while flood risk at 38.20 poses a secondary concern. Wildfire and hurricane risks remain negligible at 12.95 and 28.49 respectively.

Build tornado safety into home plans

Steuben County homeowners should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance and consider constructing a safe room rated for tornado winds, given the 60.40 tornado risk score. Annual weather preparedness drills strengthen family resilience.

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.