countyscore
51
County Score
Property Tax 76.4Health 74.8Disaster Risk 72.8

County Report Card

About Steuben County, Indiana

Mirroring the National Experience

Steuben County sits at a composite score of 51.0, placing it right at the national median. It offers a quality of life that is very consistent with the average American county.

Slightly Behind State Benchmarks

While competitive nationally, the county trails the Indiana state average of 55.9. This suggests Steuben County has room to grow to reach the performance levels of its top-ranking Hoosier neighbors.

Strong Health and Fiscal Policies

Tax efficiency is a major strength with a score of 76.4 and an effective tax rate of 0.582%. The county also supports healthy lifestyles, reflected in a robust health score of 74.8.

Infrastructure and School Hurdles

Water resource management is a significant pain point with a low score of 18.3. School rankings also lag behind at 29.3, indicating challenges in local educational services.

Great for Health-Conscious Taxpayers

Steuben County is a strong fit for individuals who value low taxes and a healthy community environment. It appeals to those who are comfortable with current school performance in exchange for keeping more of their $71,483 median income.

2040608010076.437.838.474.829.370.272.818.357.2Tax76.4Cost37.8Safety38.4Health74.8Schools29.3Income70.2Risk72.8Water18.3Weather57.251/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Steuben County DNA

Foverall

How Steuben County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Steuben County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (72.8/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (18.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
76.4+24.400000000000006
Cost
37.8-10.200000000000003
Safety
38.4-16.6
Health
74.8+24.799999999999997
Schools
29.3-24.7
Income
70.2+19.200000000000003
Risk
72.8+25.799999999999997
Water
18.3-39.7
Weather
57.2
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Compare mortgage rates in Steuben County

Whether buying or refinancing in Steuben County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$204,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$921/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$204,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,483/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.3

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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Nearby counties

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37.2
DeKalb County
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62.1
Hillsdale County
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45.3
LaGrange County
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Williams County
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Noble County
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Defiance County
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St. Joseph County
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38.4

Deep Dives

Steuben County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Steuben County

via CrimeByCounty

Steuben County Below National Averages

Steuben County holds a safety score of 97.8, indicating a secure environment despite a total crime rate of 1,411.3 per 100,000. This figure is still nearly 1,000 points lower than the national average.

Monitoring Trends in Northeast Indiana

With a crime rate roughly double the Indiana state average of 693.8, Steuben faces more property-related challenges than many peers. Four reporting agencies actively monitor safety across the county.

Safety Comparisons with Regional Peers

Steuben reports a higher crime rate than rural Starke (763.7) but remains well below the levels seen in urban Indiana centers. Its safety score indicates it is still one of the more secure regions in the northeast corner of the state.

Property Crime vs. Violent Incidents

Property crime drives the statistics here at 1,359.1 per 100,000, while violent crime is exceptionally low at 52.2. This violent crime rate is roughly half the Indiana state average of 102.9.

Securing Your Home and Assets

Because property crime dominates the local data, focus on securing outbuildings and vehicles. Installing motion-sensor lights is an effective and affordable way to boost home security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Steuben County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact School Districts Serving Steuben

Steuben County manages two districts with a total of nine public schools serving 3,592 students. The landscape features five elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools.

High Investment for Growing Scholars

The county spends $5,997 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the state average of $5,507. While the graduation rate of 89.0% exceeds the national average of 87%, it currently trails the Indiana average of 92.6%.

MSD Steuben and Fremont Community Schools

MSD Steuben County is the larger of the two districts, educating 2,607 students across six campuses. Fremont Community Schools serves the remaining 985 students, and there are currently no charter schools in the county.

Predominantly Rural Learning Environments

Eight of the county's nine schools are in rural settings, offering students a quiet and focused environment. Angola High School is the largest institution with 785 students, while the average school size across the county sits at 399.

Discover Rural Education at its Best

Steuben County is an ideal location for those who value higher per-pupil spending and rural school settings. Start your home search here to join a community that invests heavily in its local education infrastructure.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Steuben County

via WaterByCounty

Severe Compliance Issues Lead to F Grade

Steuben County has recorded 26 health violations over five years, resulting in a failing grade. Its violation rate of 149.4 per 100,000 is more than triple the Indiana average of 42.3.

Watershed Health Outperforms State Averages

The 2022 assessment shows that 29.0% of 286 water bodies are impaired, which is better than the 40.9% state average. E. coli and dissolved oxygen are the primary causes of failure in these assessed waters.

Active Monitoring Across Forty-Three Local Sites

The county maintains 43 monitoring sites which have captured 5,135 measurements since 2019. Testing focuses largely on physical properties, nutrients, and inorganic metals to track water quality.

Pigeon Creek Flowing Slightly Above Average

The USGS gauge on Pigeon Creek near Angola reports a current flow of 94 cfs, or 108% of its typical mean. This indicates healthy, standard flow levels for the surrounding 106 square mile drainage area.

Prioritize Drinking Water Filtration and Testing

Given the county's high violation rate and F grade, residents should consider point-of-use water filtration and stay informed on system alerts. While the watershed health is relatively strong, E. coli remains a persistent local concern.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Steuben County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Nation's Brisk Spots

Steuben County averages 48.3°F annually, marking it as one of the cooler counties in the lower Midwest. It stays well below the national median temperature.

Indiana's Cold Northern Edge

At 48.3°F, Steuben is the coldest county in this group and far below the state average of 52.2°F. It represents the peak of Indiana's northern winter intensity.

Coldest of the Northern Tiers

Steuben is over a degree cooler than neighboring Starke County. It experiences a much harsher winter than southern counterparts like Switzerland County.

Deep Winters and Brief Summers

Snowfall averages 38.9 inches per year as January temperatures drop to 23.3°F. Summer is mild and pleasant, with only 7 days exceeding 90°F.

Prepare for Long Winter Months

High-efficiency heating and thick winter gear are necessities for the nearly 40 inches of snow. Outdoor planning should focus on the brief but beautiful mild summer window.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Steuben County

via SoilByCounty

Steuben's Rich Northern Histosols

Steuben County features Histosols, organic-rich soils that formed in the county's many low-lying lake areas. The average pH of 5.84 is slightly more acidic than the state average of 6.08 and the national median of 6.5. These soils represent a legacy of glacial activity and wetland development.

Workable Muck and High Sand Levels

The soil has a muck texture, driven by 46.2% sand and 12.4% clay. This mix makes the soil very workable and light, preventing the heavy, sticky feel found in clay-heavy counties. It offers a unique medium for roots to penetrate deeply without much resistance.

Double the State's Average Organic Matter

With 10.55% organic matter, Steuben County more than doubles the Indiana state average of 4.90%. The available water capacity is 0.189 in/in, which is slightly below the state average but still provides a reliable reservoir. This combination creates a highly fertile environment for both farmers and hobbyists.

Managing Very Poorly Drained Areas

Steuben's soils are categorized as very poorly drained and fall into hydrologic group C/D. This means the ground naturally stays saturated for long periods, which is typical for muck soils. Using raised beds is a smart strategy for local gardeners to prevent root rot during wet springs.

Cool Weather Success in Zone 6a

Hardiness zone 6a and organic-rich soil make this county ideal for leafy greens, peas, and brassicas. The high nutrient content means you can grow lush, healthy plants with very little additional fertilizer. It is a fantastic environment for anyone looking to start a productive home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Steuben County

via LawnByCounty

Northeast Indiana’s Cool-Season Strengths

Steuben County scores a 68.0 for lawn difficulty, outperforming the national average of 50.0. This Hardiness Zone 6a county provides a classic northern Indiana environment that is generally favorable for traditional home lawns.

Dryer Air and Mild Summers

At 38.8 inches, annual precipitation is lower than the Indiana average of 44.2 inches, requiring more supplemental watering. However, only 7 extreme heat days per year mean your lawn is unlikely to scorch in the summer sun.

Acidic Sandy Muck Challenges

The soil pH of 5.84 is slightly below the ideal 6.0 threshold, so a light lime application may be necessary. The high sand content of 46.2% and muck texture classified as 'very poorly drained' create a complex balance of fast drainage and soggy patches.

Adapting to Consistent Drought Pressures

The county spent 27 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Maintaining a higher mowing height of 3 to 4 inches will help shade the soil and preserve what little moisture remains.

Spring and Fall Seeding Windows

Fine fescues perform well in the sandy soils of this 6a zone and can handle the 2,721 growing degree days. Start seeding after the April 30th last frost to ensure roots take hold before the October 16th frost ends the season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Steuben County's county score?
Steuben County, Indiana has a composite county score of 51 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 Steuben County rank among counties in Indiana?
Steuben County ranks #71 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 Steuben County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Steuben County is $1,188, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Steuben County a tax score of 76.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Steuben County?
The median household income in Steuben County, Indiana is $71,483 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Steuben County earns an income score of 70.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Steuben County, Indiana a good place to live?
Steuben County scores 51/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #71 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Steuben 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 Steuben County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.