countyscore
67.8
County Score
Safety 97.5Property Tax 93.1Disaster Risk 88.4

County Report Card

About Switzerland County, Indiana

A National Leader in Livability

Switzerland County boasts a 67.8 composite score, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the top rural counties in the country for overall quality of life.

A Standout Indiana Performer

The county dominates the state average of 55.9 by nearly 12 points. It represents a high-performing model for rural success in the Hoosier state.

Unmatched Safety and Fiscal Health

Safety is nearly unparalleled with a score of 97.5, complemented by an elite tax score of 93.1. An exceptionally low effective tax rate of 0.412% provides residents with significant financial freedom.

Service Infrastructure Improvements

Educational performance lags at 33.9, while health outcomes sit at 44.8. These scores suggest that community services are the next frontier for this high-performing county.

Perfect for Tax-Savvy Families

This county is a paradise for those seeking the lowest possible tax burden and maximum community safety. It is the definitive choice for families who want a secure, low-cost rural retreat.

2040608010093.159.397.544.833.95588.48660.1Tax93.1Cost59.3Safety97.5Health44.8Schools33.9Income55Risk88.4Water86Weather60.167.8/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Switzerland County DNA

C-overall

How Switzerland County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Switzerland County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Safety (97.5/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Schools (33.9/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
93.1+41.099999999999994
Cost
59.3+11.299999999999997
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
44.8
Schools
33.9-20.1
Income
55
Risk
88.4+41.400000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
60.1
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Compare mortgage rates in Switzerland County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$183,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$720/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$183,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,148/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Ohio County
Indiana
68.2
Gallatin County
Kentucky
59.1
Carroll County
Kentucky
59.7
Boone County
Kentucky
47.3
Dearborn County
Indiana
62.9
Owen County
Kentucky
62.1
Grant County
Kentucky
59.4
Ripley County
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66

Deep Dives

Switzerland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Switzerland County

via TaxByCounty

Switzerland County offers exceptional tax relief

Switzerland County's effective tax rate of 0.412% is among the lowest in the nation, running roughly half the national median of 0.84%. The median annual property tax of $755 represents just 28% of the national median of $2,690.

Indiana's lowest effective tax rate

Switzerland County's 0.412% effective rate is the lowest among all Indiana counties—39% below the state average of 0.671%. This exceptional rate structure makes it one of the nation's most tax-efficient counties for homeowners.

Unmatched low-tax advantage

Switzerland County's 0.412% rate stands alone as the region's lowest, undercutting Starke County's 0.603% by a substantial margin. No other county in the eight-county survey comes close to matching Switzerland's tax advantage.

What Switzerland homeowners pay yearly

On a median home value of $183,200, Switzerland County homeowners pay just $755 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, you'll pay about $967; without one, approximately $563—among the lowest in the nation.

Confirm your assessment accuracy

Even in Switzerland County's low-tax environment, homeowners should verify their assessments are correct. Contact the county assessor to request a reassessment and ensure you're not overpaying due to inflated valuation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Switzerland County

via CostByCounty

Switzerland County: Solid Affordability

Switzerland County renters spend 13.3% of income on housing—below Indiana's 15.6% state average and well-positioned compared to national norms. With a median income of $65,148 and rent of $720, this rural county delivers genuine affordability.

Among Indiana's Better Markets

Switzerland County ranks in the upper tier of Indiana's most affordable counties for renters, with a 13.3% rent-to-income ratio outperforming roughly 70% of the state's counties. Its low rents place it competitively across all tenure types.

Switzerland Competes on Value

At $720 monthly rent, Switzerland County rivals Starke ($690) and Spencer ($697) as among the region's cheapest markets, while owner costs of $946 run higher than Spencer but lower than Steuben. The overall housing value package is strong for both renters and buyers.

Low Rents Support Balanced Budgets

Switzerland County households spend $720 on median rent and $946 on owner costs, totaling about 25.5% of income combined across tenure types. The 13.3% rent-to-income ratio ensures renters retain adequate disposable income despite modest earnings.

Switzerland: Rural Charm, Real Savings

If you're relocating to Switzerland County, expect competitive rents and reasonable home values in exchange for a quieter, more rural lifestyle. This county suits families seeking affordability without the trade-off of extreme budget constraints.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Switzerland County

via IncomeByCounty

Switzerland slightly below national median

Switzerland County's median household income of $65,148 falls about $9,600 short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting regional economic pressures. Per capita income of $31,238 lags the national average, though the county maintains a stable middle-class economy.

Slightly below Indiana average

Switzerland County's $65,148 median falls just below Indiana's state average of $68,681 by roughly $3,500. Per capita income of $31,238 underperforms the state average of $34,773, suggesting fewer specialized jobs in this rural southeast county.

Competitive with similar counties

Switzerland County earns more than Starke County ($62,933) and Sullivan County ($54,985) but less than Steuben County ($71,483) and Spencer County ($70,890). The county's income profile reflects typical rural Indiana challenges with some agricultural and light manufacturing base.

Housing costs well-managed

Switzerland County's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio indicates solid housing affordability, and median home values of $183,200 remain accessible to working families. Residents enjoy reasonable pathways to both renting and homeownership despite moderate incomes.

Leverage affordable housing for saving

Switzerland County's low housing burden creates room to save and invest despite below-average incomes. Target 10–12% of household income for retirement accounts, emergency reserves, and long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Switzerland County

via CrimeByCounty

Perfect Safety Scores Reported

Switzerland County reports a perfect 100.0 safety score based on zero reported crimes for the 2022 period. While the national average sits at 2,385.5, local data indicates an exceptionally quiet environment.

Topping the State for Safety

The county ranks at the top of Indiana for safety, far exceeding the state average safety score of 98.9. Two agencies report data, though they recorded no specific incidents in this cycle.

A Peaceful Regional Standing

Compared to neighboring counties with active crime reporting, Switzerland County appears remarkably peaceful. Residents enjoy a reported crime rate far below any of its regional peers.

Analyzing Minimal Crime Data

Both violent and property crime rates are currently listed as 0.0 per 100,000 residents. This suggests either a very low-activity year or limited incident reporting from local agencies.

Security Habits for Peace of Mind

Even with no reported crimes, home security remains a wise investment for peace of mind. Use simple measures like deadbolts and adequate exterior lighting to keep your home a hard target.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Switzerland County

via SchoolsByCounty

One District, One Community

Switzerland County operates a single unified school district serving 1,483 total students. This streamlined system consists of four schools: two elementary, one middle, and one high school.

Solid Performance with Efficient Spending

The county maintains a 92.0% graduation rate, which is well above the national 87% average. They achieve these results with a very efficient per-pupil spend of $4,568, nearly $1,000 less than the state average.

Switzerland County School Corp Spotlight

As the sole district in the county, Switzerland County School Corp manages all 1,483 students and four campuses. There are no charter schools, ensuring the community remains focused on its central public school system.

Classic Rural Indiana Schools

Every school in the county is classified as rural, reflecting the area's agricultural heritage. Switzerland County Senior High is the largest school with 435 students, while the average school size is 371.

Finding a Home in a Tight-Knit District

If you are looking for a community where everyone knows your name, Switzerland County’s single-district system is a perfect fit. Search for homes here to enjoy the benefits of a focused and efficient rural education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Switzerland County

via RiskByCounty

Switzerland County ranks lowest nationally

Switzerland County's composite risk score of 11.61 represents one of the lowest disaster risk profiles in the nation and is less than one-quarter of Indiana's state average of 45.52. The county offers exceptional protection from cumulative natural hazards.

Indiana's safest county by risk score

Switzerland County ranks as one of the absolute safest counties in Indiana's 92-county system, with the lowest composite disaster risk statewide. Residents enjoy substantially lower multi-hazard exposure than virtually all other Hoosier communities.

Clear regional safety leader

Switzerland County (11.61) stands as the safest in its south-central Indiana region, outpacing Sullivan County (20.64) and Spencer County (39.41). The county's geographic isolation and terrain create exceptional natural hazard protection.

Tornado risk is the primary concern

Tornado risk scores 49.17 in Switzerland County, the only moderate hazard exposure, while all other risks remain minimal. Flood (21.53), hurricane (10.93), wildfire (3.02), and earthquake (31.33) risks are all low to very low.

Maintain basic tornado readiness

Switzerland County homeowners should carry standard homeowners insurance with tornado coverage, though risk levels here are among the lowest statewide. A basement safe space provides added security during the occasional severe storm.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Switzerland County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Grade for Switzerland County

Switzerland County maintains an A grade for drinking water, reporting zero health violations over the last five years. This 0.0 violation rate is far superior to the Indiana average of 42.3.

High Watershed Health Despite Chemical Concerns

Only 11.7% of the 128 assessed water bodies are impaired, one of the best rates in the state. However, the impairments that do exist are serious, involving dioxins and PCBs.

Selective Monitoring Focused on Organic Compounds

With only 4 monitoring sites, the county has still managed 1,455 measurements over the last five years. Data collection is highly specialized, focusing on organics, pesticides, and metals.

No Primary USGS Gauge Data Available

Switzerland County does not have a primary USGS streamgage providing real-time discharge information. Residents should continue to rely on the county's excellent drinking water compliance records for safety cues.

Maintain Vigilance Over Chemical Contaminants

While the drinking water is excellently managed, the presence of dioxins and PCBs in a small percentage of watersheds suggests caution during fishing or swimming. Follow all local consumption advisories regarding PCBs to stay safe.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Switzerland County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Humid River Climate

Switzerland County averages 56.6°F annually, placing it well above the national median. This southern Indiana county feels the influence of the Ohio River valley.

Among the Warmest in Indiana

At 56.6°F, the county is 4.4 degrees warmer than the Indiana state average. It ranks as one of the state's most consistently warm locations.

Extreme Heat Compared to Neighbors

Switzerland County faces 38 heat days, nearly double the 20 days seen in Shelby County. It is slightly cooler but much wetter than Spencer County.

Significant Summer Heat and Rain

The county endures 38 days over 90°F, the highest in the region, alongside 48.5 inches of rain. Winters remain relatively mild with 20.6 inches of snow.

Maximize Your Cooling Capacity

With over five weeks of extreme heat, high-capacity air conditioning is a must. Prepare for heavy rainfall by maintaining clear gutters and effective yard drainage.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Switzerland County

via SoilByCounty

Versatile Alfisols in Switzerland County

Switzerland County features Alfisols with a pH of 6.11, nearly matching the state average of 6.08. This sits just below the national median of 6.5, providing a slightly acidic but very workable environment. These soils are common across the rolling hills of southeastern Indiana.

Silty Texture with Rapid Drainage

The soil is a loamy fine sand, but it is heavily influenced by 61.7% silt and 20.5% clay. This high silt content makes the soil smooth to the touch and very good at retaining minerals. Despite the clay, the sand and silt mix allows for excellent water movement.

High Water Storage Despite Low Organic Matter

Organic matter content is 2.11%, which is lower than the Indiana state average of 4.90%. However, the available water capacity of 0.206 in/in is higher than the state average. This means the soil is surprisingly resilient during dry periods, holding water efficiently for plant use.

Excessive Drainage and Hydrologic Group A

This county's soil is somewhat excessively drained and belongs to hydrologic group A. Water moves through these soils very quickly, which prevents flooding but may require more frequent watering for shallow-rooted plants. It is an excellent soil for projects that require dry, stable ground.

Grapes and Fruits Thrive in Zone 6b

The somewhat excessive drainage and zone 6b climate make Switzerland County ideal for vineyards and stone fruits. These plants prefer the quick-drying soil that prevents root diseases. Consider planting a few fruit trees or a grape arbor to make the most of your land.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Switzerland County

via LawnByCounty

Southern Heat Challenges for Turf

Switzerland County has a lawn difficulty score of 66.4, making it slightly more demanding than the Indiana average. As a Hardiness Zone 6b area, it sits in a transition zone where summer heat is the primary obstacle to a perfect lawn.

Indiana’s Hot Spot for Grass

A staggering 38 extreme heat days per year puts this county far above the state average of 20, stressing traditional cool-season lawns. While 48.5 inches of rain is plentiful, the high evaporation from 4,193 growing degree days necessitates deep watering.

Loamy Sand with High Clay

The soil pH of 6.11 is within the ideal range, but the loamy fine sand texture is somewhat excessively drained. With a 20.5% clay content, you have a solid foundation, but you must monitor for quick drying during the hot summer months.

Recent Resilience Despite Heat

The county only faced four weeks of drought over the past year, and only 12.9% is currently abnormally dry. To keep your lawn resilient, avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day to reduce mechanical stress on the grass blades.

Thriving in a Long Growing Season

Heat-tolerant varieties like turf-type tall fescue are essential to withstand the 38 days above 90°F. Your growing season is quite long, beginning after the April 9th frost and continuing until the first frost on November 1st.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Switzerland County's county score?
Switzerland County, Indiana has a composite county score of 67.8 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 Switzerland County rank among counties in Indiana?
Switzerland County ranks #6 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 Switzerland County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Switzerland County is $755, with an effective tax rate of 0.41%. This earns Switzerland County a tax score of 93.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Switzerland County?
The median household income in Switzerland County, Indiana is $65,148 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Switzerland County earns an income score of 55/100 on CountyScore.
Is Switzerland County, Indiana a good place to live?
Switzerland County scores 67.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Switzerland 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 Switzerland 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.