Vanderburgh County scores 65.4 on the CountyScore composite index, meaningfully higher than the national median of 50.0. While not in the top tier, this score reflects solid livability compared to most U.S. counties.
2 / 5
Below Indiana's Average Performance
With a 65.4 composite score, Vanderburgh County falls slightly below Indiana's state average of 71.2. The county ranks in the middle tier among Indiana counties for overall livability.
3 / 5
Reasonable Taxes and Housing Costs
Vanderburgh County offers a 79.1 tax score with a 0.824% effective tax rate and a 76.3 cost score reflecting relatively affordable housing at $964/month rent and $172,300 median home value. Health outcomes score decently at 70.1.
4 / 5
Income Lag and Economic Risk
The income score of 23.2 reflects a median household income of $60,938, among the lower in this group. The risk score of 8.7 is the lowest among these eight counties, signaling potential economic volatility requiring attention.
5 / 5
Best for Budget-Minded Urban Dwellers
Vanderburgh County appeals to cost-conscious households seeking moderate taxes and affordable housing near urban services. Prospective residents should research local economic trends and income opportunities carefully before deciding.
Vanderburgh County scores 65.4 on the CountyScore composite index, meaningfully higher than the national median of 50.0. While not in the top tier, this score reflects solid livability compared to most U.S. counties.
Below Indiana's Average Performance
With a 65.4 composite score, Vanderburgh County falls slightly below Indiana's state average of 71.2. The county ranks in the middle tier among Indiana counties for overall livability.
Reasonable Taxes and Housing Costs
Vanderburgh County offers a 79.1 tax score with a 0.824% effective tax rate and a 76.3 cost score reflecting relatively affordable housing at $964/month rent and $172,300 median home value. Health outcomes score decently at 70.1.
Income Lag and Economic Risk
The income score of 23.2 reflects a median household income of $60,938, among the lower in this group. The risk score of 8.7 is the lowest among these eight counties, signaling potential economic volatility requiring attention.
Best for Budget-Minded Urban Dwellers
Vanderburgh County appeals to cost-conscious households seeking moderate taxes and affordable housing near urban services. Prospective residents should research local economic trends and income opportunities carefully before deciding.
Score breakdown
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🏛79.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Vanderburgh's effective rate of 0.824% keeps property taxes well below the national median of $2,690 per year. The county ranks in the lower-to-middle tier nationally despite being Indiana's more industrialized southwest region.
Among Indiana's higher tax counties
At 0.824%, Vanderburgh County has the highest effective rate among the eight counties profiled here, and ranks above Indiana's state average of 0.671%. The county's median tax of $1,420 exceeds the state median of $1,199 by about 18%.
Highest rate in the southwest region
Vanderburgh's 0.824% rate significantly exceeds Warrick County (0.654%) and Gibson County, making it the tax leader in southwestern Indiana. Evansville-area homeowners pay a measurable premium compared to adjacent counties.
Median homeowner pays $1,420 annually
On Vanderburgh's median home value of $172,300, annual property taxes reach $1,420. Mortgage holders pay an average of $1,437, while those without mortgages pay $1,386.
Consider an assessment appeal this year
Indiana law allows homeowners to challenge assessments if values exceed market conditions. Given Vanderburgh's higher rate, reviewing your property's assessed value could unlock meaningful tax savings.
Vanderburgh County faces housing affordability strain
Renters here spend 19.0% of their income on housing—significantly above the sustainable 12-15% range and well above the national average. With a median household income of just $60,938 (18% below the national median), rising rents of $964 per month create real pressure on household budgets.
Among Indiana's least affordable counties
Vanderburgh County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.0% ranks far worse than Indiana's state average of 15.6%, placing it among the state's most burdened communities. The county's combination of lower wages and higher rents creates a double squeeze on renters.
Pricier than surrounding areas
Vanderburgh County's rent of $964 is the highest among its peer group—$172 more than Union County and $185 more than Vermillion County to the north. Despite higher housing costs, incomes are among the lowest, making the affordability gap especially acute.
Housing eats a bigger slice
With median rent at $964 and homeowner costs at $963, renters and owners pay nearly identical amounts on housing that consumes nearly a fifth of median household income. At $60,938 in median income, families have less flexibility to absorb housing cost increases.
Weigh Vanderburgh carefully in a move decision
If you're considering relocating to Vanderburgh County, compare its 19% rent-to-income ratio against neighboring options like Union County (11.9%) or Vermillion County (15.9%). The cost of living trade-offs here are steeper than across much of Indiana.
Vanderburgh County's median household income of $60,938 falls $13,817 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it below the national average. This 18.5% gap reflects regional economic challenges.
Below-average for Indiana overall
Vanderburgh County earns $7,743 less than Indiana's state average of $68,681, ranking in the lower-middle tier statewide. Regional economic diversification remains key to lifting household incomes.
Struggling more than nearby counties
Vanderburgh's $60,938 income lags significantly behind Wabash County ($68,414) and Warren County ($74,635). Only Vigo County ($52,525) and Vermillion County ($59,363) earn notably less in this region.
Housing costs strain household budgets
A 19.0% rent-to-income ratio means typical renters spend about $966 monthly on rent, approaching the 30% affordability ceiling. Many households face tight margins between income and living expenses.
Small steps lead to financial security
Even modest savings—starting with $50–$100 monthly in emergency funds—builds resilience for Vanderburgh households. Explore employer 401(k) matches and local financial literacy programs to strengthen your financial foundation.
At 74.0 years, Vanderburgh County residents live more than two years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, ranking among Indiana's lowest. The county's 17.6% poor/fair health rate is slightly below the national average, but the shorter lifespan points to serious underlying health challenges.
Below-average life expectancy for Indiana
Vanderburgh County's 74.0-year life expectancy falls 1.1 years below the Indiana average of 75.1 years, placing it in the lower third of state counties. The 7.9% uninsured rate is slightly better than the state average, but insurance access alone hasn't translated to better health outcomes.
Poorest health outcomes in the region
Vanderburgh County's 74.0-year life expectancy is the lowest among its peer counties, trailing Vigo (73.7 years only) and significantly behind Warrick (76.9 years). The county faces compounded health challenges despite having robust provider networks, suggesting structural barriers beyond simple access.
Strong provider networks, persistent health gaps
Vanderburgh boasts 78 primary care providers and 266 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the highest in the region—yet health outcomes remain poor. This gap suggests that availability of care isn't translating to improved community health, pointing to possible issues with affordability, health literacy, or social factors.
Protect yourself with health insurance
Nearly 8% of Vanderburgh County residents lack health coverage, leaving them vulnerable to medical emergencies and chronic illness costs. Check your current options at healthcare.gov or call 211 to learn about Medicaid expansion, marketplace subsidies, and community health programs tailored for your situation.
Vanderburgh County's composite risk score of 91.32 is nearly double the national average, reflecting significant exposure to multiple hazards. This relatively moderate rating places it in the higher-risk tier for U.S. counties.
Among the highest-risk counties in Indiana
With a score of 91.32 against Indiana's state average of 45.52, Vanderburgh County faces nearly twice the typical state-level risk. This positions it as one of Indiana's most hazard-exposed counties overall.
Higher risk than most surrounding counties
Vanderburgh's composite risk of 91.32 significantly exceeds nearby Warrick County (65.11) and Vigo County (83.21). The southwestern Indiana location concentrates multiple hazard exposures that neighboring counties experience less intensely.
Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate the threat landscape
Earthquake risk (97.17) and tornado risk (95.90) are Vanderburgh's primary concerns, both ranking in the top tier nationally. Flood risk (89.79) adds a third significant threat, driven by proximity to the Ohio River.
Comprehensive coverage is essential here
Standard homeowners insurance must include tornado and wind protections; consider separate flood insurance given the Ohio River proximity and 89.79 flood risk score. Earthquake insurance, though less common, merits discussion with your agent given the county's 97.17 earthquake risk.