CountyScore

Tippecanoe County

Indiana · IN

#79 in Indiana
66.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Tippecanoe County, Indiana

Tippecanoe County above national midpoint

Tippecanoe County's composite score of 66.6 tops the national median of 50.0 by 33%, placing it in the upper middle tier of U.S. counties. While solid, this score ranks it lower than most of its Indiana peers in this cohort, reflecting some livability trade-offs.

Below Indiana's county average

Tippecanoe County scores 66.6 compared to Indiana's state average of 71.2, placing it among the lower-ranking counties in this eight-county group. This 7% deficit suggests residents face more headwinds than those in better-positioned Indiana communities.

Tax efficiency and health outperform

Tippecanoe County delivers a tax score of 84.8 with an effective rate of 0.623%, and a health score of 71.3 that supports community well-being. These strengths provide a foundation for residents despite other constraints.

Housing costs and income limit appeal

With a median home value of $217,600 and rent at $1,088 monthly—both among the highest in the cohort—Tippecanoe County's cost score of 72.9 reflects affordability pressures. The income score of 21.7 with median household income of $58,622 is also among the lowest, creating a challenging combination.

Best for university-centered communities

Tippecanoe County suits young professionals, students, and educated families drawn to college-town amenities willing to accept higher housing costs for urban opportunity. The combination of tax efficiency and health outcomes works best for those with strong external income or institutional affiliation.

Score breakdown

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

Tax84.8Cost72.9SafetyComing SoonHealth71.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.7Risk18.2WaterComing Soon
🏛84.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡18.2
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 Tippecanoe County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Broomfield County
Colorado
66.6
Median income: $121,025
Pueblo County
Colorado
66.6
Median income: $62,250
Coffee County
Georgia
66.6
Median income: $50,175
Wayne County
Georgia
66.6
Median income: $49,562
Wayne County
Indiana
66.6
Median income: $56,652

Deep Dives

Tippecanoe County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Tippecanoe County

via TaxByCounty

Tippecanoe County taxes run moderate

Tippecanoe County's effective tax rate of 0.623% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.84%, placing it among the nation's more affordable counties. The median annual property tax of $1,355 remains roughly half the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below Indiana's average

Tippecanoe County's 0.623% effective rate runs 7% below Indiana's state average of 0.671%, offering mild tax relief. The median annual tax of $1,355 exceeds the state median of $1,199, reflecting somewhat higher home values in the county.

Middle-tier tax rate regionally

Tippecanoe County's 0.623% rate sits in the moderate range of the eight-county region, above Steuben County's 0.582% and below St. Joseph County's 0.867%. The county provides a balanced tax environment without extreme burden or advantage.

What Tippecanoe homeowners pay yearly

On a median home value of $217,600, Tippecanoe County homeowners pay approximately $1,355 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, expect closer to $1,381; without one, around $1,292.

Review your property assessment

Tippecanoe County homeowners should verify their assessments reflect current market value. Many properties are overassessed—filing a reassessment request with the county assessor could reduce your tax liability and unlock available exemptions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Tippecanoe County

via CostByCounty

Tippecanoe County: Affordability Crisis

Tippecanoe County renters face a 22.3% rent-to-income ratio—the highest in this group and far above Indiana's 15.6% state average and national benchmarks. With median income of just $58,622 and rent of $1,088 monthly, affordability here is severely strained.

Indiana's Most Challenged Market

Tippecanoe County ranks among Indiana's worst counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio that signals genuine hardship for renters struggling with elevated housing costs. The combination of low income and high rents creates acute affordability pressure.

Tippecanoe's Premium Rents on Low Income

Tippecanoe's $1,088 rent is the region's highest, paired with the second-lowest median income ($58,622), creating the worst affordability picture in this comparison. Owner costs of $1,030 are similarly elevated, offering no relief for would-be homebuyers.

Housing Dominates the Budget

Tippecanoe County households spend $1,088 on median rent and $1,030 on owner costs, combining for a staggering 35.8% of income—the highest burden in this group. The 22.3% rent-to-income ratio means renters have minimal discretionary spending for other essentials.

Tippecanoe: Consider Alternatives

Relocating to Tippecanoe County? Proceed cautiously—housing consumes nearly one-quarter of renter income here, the worst in this Indiana group, leaving limited financial flexibility. Only consider this county if higher income prospects or relocation assistance offset the acute affordability challenge.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tippecanoe County

via IncomeByCounty

Tippecanoe significantly below national mark

Tippecanoe County's median household income of $58,622 lags the national median of $74,755 by over $16,000, the second-largest gap in this profile. Per capita income of $32,271 also trails national averages, despite the presence of Purdue University and higher-education jobs.

Lower-middle tier in Indiana

Tippecanoe County's $58,622 median falls about $10,000 below Indiana's state average of $68,681, ranking in the lower half of the state. Per capita income of $32,271 slightly underperforms the state average, reflecting income inequality and a significant student population.

Weaker than comparable counties

Tippecanoe County's $58,622 median trails most neighboring counties, including Spencer County ($70,890), Steuben County ($71,483), and Tipton County ($78,309). The county's economy reflects the influence of university employment and student housing rather than robust private-sector growth.

Housing costs strain budgets

Tippecanoe County's 22.3% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these eight counties, approaching affordability crisis levels for renters. Median home values of $217,600—inflated by university-area demand—make homeownership challenging for average-income households.

Control housing to build wealth

Tippecanoe residents face genuine housing cost pressures; the priority is negotiating lower rent or exploring homeownership alternatives before aggressive investing. Once housing stability is secured, even modest monthly contributions to retirement accounts build meaningful long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Tippecanoe County

via HealthByCounty

Tippecanoe County leads national comparison

At 77.6 years, Tippecanoe County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 1.5 years. Though 18.7% report poor or fair health, the county remains among America's healthier communities.

Indiana's strongest health performer

Tippecanoe County's 77.6-year life expectancy leads Indiana by 2.5 years, making it one of the state's healthiest counties. This distinction reflects strong community health outcomes.

Tops regional health rankings

Tippecanoe County claims the highest life expectancy in this regional group, narrowly edging Steuben County (77.3 years). Only Steuben matches its strong performance across health metrics.

Robust provider access, strong coverage

With 70 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 190 mental health providers per 100,000, Tippecanoe County boasts superior healthcare capacity. The 8.7% uninsured rate is near Indiana's average, though room remains to reach everyone.

Complete Tippecanoe's health story

Tippecanoe County's excellent providers and outcomes serve most residents well. If you're uninsured, visit healthcare.gov or contact Indiana Health Coverage Programs to ensure you benefit from the county's strong health infrastructure.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tippecanoe County

via RiskByCounty

Tippecanoe faces elevated national risk

Tippecanoe County's composite risk score of 81.84 earns a Relatively Moderate rating, nearly double Indiana's state average of 45.52. The county experiences significantly higher exposure to multiple natural hazards than most U.S. communities.

Among Indiana's highest-risk counties

Tippecanoe County ranks in the top tier of Indiana's 92 counties for disaster risk, with the third-highest composite score statewide. Only a handful of Indiana counties face comparable cumulative hazard exposure.

Notably riskier than surrounding areas

Tippecanoe County's 81.84 score far exceeds neighboring Starke County (24.94) and Steuben County (27.19), making it a significant regional outlier. The county's central location and water systems contribute to elevated risk levels.

Floods and tornadoes dominate threats

Tornado risk reaches 83.33 in Tippecanoe County while flood risk scores 79.71, creating a two-front hazard challenge. Earthquake (80.34) and hurricane (43.64) risks further compound the county's multi-hazard exposure.

Secure comprehensive disaster coverage

Tippecanoe County residents should maintain robust homeowners and flood insurance given the critical tornado (83.33) and flood (79.71) risk scores. A FEMA-rated safe room and family emergency plan are essential protections.

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.