countyscore
42.9
County Score
Soil Quality 81.6Property Tax 71.6Lawn Care 70

County Report Card

About Tippecanoe County, Indiana

Navigating Growth and Risks

Tippecanoe County records a composite score of 42.8, trailing the national median of 50.0. The data indicates that despite its growth, the county faces specific livability challenges relative to the national average.

Work to Do Locally

The county's score falls below the Indiana average of 55.9. It faces a more difficult climb in improving overall quality of life compared to many of its state peers.

Solid Taxes and Clean Water

A tax score of 71.6 and a water score of 63.8 represent the county's primary strengths. Residents benefit from a manageable effective tax rate of 0.623% and reliable resource infrastructure.

Safety and Environmental Pressure

Environmental risk scores are low at 18.2, while safety rankings sit at 27.0. High demand for housing also impacts affordability, with a cost score of 25.1 and median home values over $217,000.

Suits Active, Low-Tax Lifestyles

Tippecanoe is best for young professionals or students who value proximity to major institutions and low tax rates. It is a fit for those who thrive in high-activity environments and are less sensitive to climate risks.

2040608010071.625.12760.943.834.418.263.854.6Tax71.6Cost25.1Safety27Health60.9Schools43.8Income34.4Risk18.2Water63.8Weather54.642.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Tippecanoe County DNA

Foverall

How Tippecanoe County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Tippecanoe County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (71.6/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (18.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
71.6+19.599999999999994
Cost
25.1-22.9
Safety
27-28
Health
60.9+10.899999999999999
Schools
43.8-10.200000000000003
Income
34.4-16.6
Risk
18.2-28.8
Water
63.8
Weather
54.6
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Compare mortgage rates in Tippecanoe County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$217,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,088/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$217,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,622/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

4.3

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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61.6
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61
Clinton County
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Warren County
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Deep Dives

Tippecanoe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Tippecanoe County

via CrimeByCounty

Urban Hub Stays Below National Average

Tippecanoe County has a safety score of 97.2, reflecting its status as a busy hub with a crime rate of 1,775.3 per 100,000. Despite the local activity, this rate is still significantly lower than the national average.

Above Average Activity in Indiana

The crime rate exceeds the Indiana state average of 693.8, placing the county among the state's more active jurisdictions. Six reporting agencies work to manage public safety for the growing population.

Higher Activity than Rural Neighbors

Tippecanoe sees more crime than surrounding rural counties like Sullivan or Starke. However, it maintains a strong safety score given its higher population density and regional importance.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Property crime accounts for 1,464.5 incidents per 100,000, while violent crime stands at 310.8. Both figures are lower than national averages, indicating a relatively safe urban environment.

Effective Deterrents for Homeowners

High-traffic areas benefit most from visible security measures like cameras and alarm systems. Staying alert and locking vehicles can significantly reduce the risk of property-related incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Tippecanoe County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Hub of Higher Learning

Tippecanoe County hosts a large network of 36 public schools serving 23,726 students across four districts. The infrastructure is well-rounded, featuring 20 elementary schools, nine middle schools, and six high schools.

Top-Tier Performance and Higher Spending

The county’s graduation rate of 93.7% outperforms both state and national averages. Education is a priority here, with per-pupil spending reaching $5,681, surpassing the Indiana average of $5,507.

Leading Districts in Greater Lafayette

Tippecanoe School Corp is the largest district with 13,616 students, followed by Lafayette School Corporation with 7,368. The county also features one charter school to provide additional choice to families.

Diverse Settings from City to Countryside

Students choose between 17 city schools, seven suburban locations, and 12 rural campuses. Large campuses like William Henry Harrison High School serve over 2,100 students, while the average school size remains healthy at 698.

Move Near Premier Indiana Schools

High graduation rates and a variety of school settings make Tippecanoe County a top choice for families. Explore homes in West Lafayette or Lafayette to find the perfect school district for your children’s needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Tippecanoe County

via WaterByCounty

Strong Compliance Performance in Tippecanoe County

The county holds a B grade with 7 health violations over the last five years. Despite these occurrences, its violation rate of 4.3 per 100,000 is much better than the Indiana average of 42.3.

Over Half of Local Waters Face Impairments

Assessments from 2022 show 50.9% of 169 water bodies are impaired, which is higher than the state average. Leading causes of impairment include PCBs in fish tissue, E. coli, and biological integrity.

Indiana's Leader in Water Quality Monitoring

A massive network of 158 sites has generated 14,153 measurements over the past five years. This intensive monitoring tracks nutrients, physical properties, and inorganic metals across the county.

Wabash River Running Significantly Below Normal

The Wabash River at Lafayette currently records a discharge of 4,480 cfs, which is only 64% of its long-term mean. These low flows can lead to higher concentrations of existing contaminants like E. coli.

Heightened Risks During Low River Flows

The current low flow in the Wabash River means pollutants may be less diluted than usual. Residents should follow fish consumption advisories related to PCBs and monitor local water utility updates for any quality shifts.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tippecanoe County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Midwestern Continental Climate

With an average temperature of 51.1°F, Tippecanoe County is slightly cooler than the national median. This humid continental climate experiences distinct seasonal transitions throughout the year.

Cooler and Drier Than State Averages

The county sits below the Indiana state average temperature of 52.2°F. It also receives 38.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is roughly five inches less than the state average.

Drier Conditions than Eastern Neighbors

Tippecanoe stays drier than neighboring Tipton County, which sees over 42 inches of rain. It shares a similar winter profile with local peers, averaging about 28.3°F during the coldest months.

Cold Winters and Managed Summer Heat

Summers are manageable with 18 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winters bring a consistent chill, dropping to a January average of 25.2°F with nearly 20 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Chilly January Nights

Residents should prioritize home insulation for the cold 25.2°F January nights. A moderate 19.7 inches of snow means a reliable shovel is necessary, though extreme heat is less frequent here than in southern Indiana.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tippecanoe County

via SoilByCounty

Elite Mollisols of Tippecanoe County

Tippecanoe County is home to Mollisols, which are among the most fertile soils in the world. With an average pH of 6.35, it is one of the closest counties to the ideal national median of 6.5. This provides an nearly perfect chemical balance for maximum crop yields.

A Classic Fine Sandy Loam Blend

The texture is a fine sandy loam made of 48.2% silt, 31.2% sand, and 17% clay. This blend is highly prized because it offers the perfect balance of aeration from sand and nutrient storage from clay. It remains easy to manage even during large-scale agricultural operations.

Superior Organic Wealth and Moisture

The county boasts a strong 5.72% organic matter content, surpassing the state average of 4.90%. Its available water capacity of 0.201 in/in aligns with the state benchmark, ensuring that the soil's high nutrient levels are always accessible to plants. This is prime land for any agricultural endeavor.

Rapid Water Infiltration and Movement

Classified as somewhat excessively drained and part of hydrologic group A, this soil moves water quickly through the profile. This trait prevents soggy fields but requires careful nutrient management to avoid leaching. It is ideal for plants that need well-aerated roots and stable moisture.

Garden Gold in Hardiness Zone 6a

Tippecanoe's zone 6a climate and rich Mollisols are perfect for high-value vegetables and prize-winning flowers. The soil's natural fertility means your garden will thrive with minimal extra fertilizer. It is a great year to start a backyard farm in some of Indiana's best soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tippecanoe County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Lawn Potential in Tippecanoe

Tippecanoe County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 70.0, the closest in this group to the Indiana state average of 71.0. Hardiness Zone 6a conditions provide a stable environment for most standard Midwestern lawn practices.

Balanced Heat and Moderate Rain

With 18 extreme heat days and 3,280 growing degree days, the climate is warm but manageable for cool-season grasses. However, the 38.8 inches of annual precipitation is significantly lower than the state average, making irrigation planning essential.

Excellent Soil for Turf Establishment

The soil pH is an ideal 6.35, and the fine sandy loam texture is naturally well-suited for root development. Because it is somewhat excessively drained, your lawn will respond quickly to fertilizer but may dry out faster than clay-heavy neighbors.

Critical Drought Alert for Homeowners

The county is currently in a severe drought, with 100% of the area at D2+ levels after 42 weeks of drought in the past year. Watering restrictions may be necessary; prioritize established trees and shrubs over dormant grass during this time.

Spring and Autumn Success

Kentucky bluegrass and fescue blends are the standard here, thriving between the April 26th last frost and October 18th first frost. When drought levels subside, fall is the perfect time to overseed and repair any patches lost to the summer's dry spell.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tippecanoe County's county score?
Tippecanoe County, Indiana has a composite county score of 42.9 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 Tippecanoe County rank among counties in Indiana?
Tippecanoe County ranks #82 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 Tippecanoe County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Tippecanoe County is $1,355, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Tippecanoe County a tax score of 71.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tippecanoe County?
The median household income in Tippecanoe County, Indiana is $58,622 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tippecanoe County earns an income score of 34.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tippecanoe County, Indiana a good place to live?
Tippecanoe County scores 42.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #82 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Tippecanoe 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 Tippecanoe 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.