countyscore
32.2
County Score
Soil Quality 66.9Lawn Care 66.8Water Quality 65

County Report Card

About Vigo County, Indiana

Vigo County Scores Below Median

Vigo County's composite score of 32.2 falls well short of the national median of 50.0. This suggests significant room for improvement across multiple quality-of-life metrics.

Below the Indiana Benchmark

At 32.2, Vigo County ranks significantly below the Indiana state average of 55.9. The county faces unique local challenges that impact its overall attractiveness to new residents.

Affordable Housing and Clean Water

Housing remains accessible with a cost score of 46.3 and a median gross rent of $879. The county also performs moderately well in water quality with a score of 65.0.

Safety and Income Limitations

The county struggles with a safety score of 3.8 and an income score of 19.7. Environmental risk is also a concern, as evidenced by a low risk score of 16.8.

Best for Low-Cost Urban Living

Vigo County suits individuals looking for low-cost living who are comfortable with an urban environment. It offers affordable entry into the housing market for those who can navigate its safety challenges.

Score breakdown

Tax45.5Cost46.3Safety3.8Health42Schools25.1Income19.7Risk16.8Water65Weather55.3
🏛45.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠46.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡3.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤42
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓25.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡16.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧65
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Clark County
Illinois
55.5
Clay County
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58
Sullivan County
Indiana
57.4
Edgar County
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Parke County
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Crawford County
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Vermillion County
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Owen County
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Deep Dives

Vigo County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Vigo County

via TaxByCounty

Vigo County has Indiana's highest property tax rate

Vigo County's 0.895% effective rate stands among Indiana's highest and remains below the national median of $2,690 annually. On the county's median home value of $140,400, residents pay $1,256 per year—still a moderate burden nationally.

Highest rate among all Indiana counties profiled

Vigo County's 0.895% effective rate substantially exceeds Indiana's state average of 0.671%, making it the tax leader of the eight counties examined. This 33% premium above state average reflects the county's higher municipal and school funding needs.

Tax leader in west-central Indiana corridor

Vigo County's 0.895% rate far exceeds Clay County (0.65%) and Vermillion County (0.721%) to its west. Terre Haute-area residents accept the region's highest tax burden in exchange for urban services and infrastructure.

Median homeowner pays $1,256 annually

On Vigo's median home value of $140,400, the effective rate produces a median tax of $1,256 per year. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,303 on average, while those without pay $1,156.

High rates make appeals especially worthwhile

With Vigo County's above-average tax rate, even a modest successful assessment appeal yields substantial savings. Contact the assessor to request a reassessment if your home's value has declined or if comparable nearby homes are assessed lower.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Vigo County

via CostByCounty

Vigo County faces serious housing affordability challenges

Renters spend 20.1% of their income on housing—well above the sustainable 12-15% range and one of Indiana's worst ratios. The county's median household income of $52,525 trails the national median by $22,230, making every housing dollar harder to find.

Among Indiana's most cost-burdened counties

Vigo County's 20.1% rent-to-income ratio is nearly 5 points worse than Indiana's state average of 15.6%, placing it among the state's least affordable places. Low incomes combined with persistent housing costs create a difficult equation for renters.

Higher costs, lower incomes

Vigo County's rent of $879 is among the highest in the peer group despite having the lowest median income ($52,525) of any neighbor. This unfavorable combination makes the county's affordability crisis especially acute compared to surrounding areas.

Housing takes the biggest bite here

With median rent at $879 and homeowner costs at $851, housing consumes just over one-fifth of median household income of $52,525. This leaves minimal room in budgets for other essentials like healthcare, childcare, and emergency savings.

Reconsider Vigo as a relocation destination

If you're planning a move to Vigo County, carefully assess the 20.1% housing burden against lower wage prospects compared to other Indiana counties. Nearby alternatives like Union County (11.9%) or Vermillion County (15.9%) may better protect your household budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Vigo County

via IncomeByCounty

Vigo County faces significant income gap

Vigo County's median household income of $52,525 ranks 29.8% below the U.S. median of $74,755—among the lowest in the nation. This $22,230 shortfall reflects deep economic challenges.

Lowest-earning county in Indiana

Vigo County's $52,525 income falls $16,156 below Indiana's state average of $68,681, representing the state's weakest household earning performance. Urgent economic revitalization efforts are needed.

Regional income depression across counties

Vigo County's $52,525 income is the lowest in its cluster, just behind Vermillion County ($59,363) and Vanderburgh County ($60,938). This multi-county pattern signals systemic regional economic distress.

Housing costs dominate household spending

A 20.1% rent-to-income ratio means renters spend approximately $885 monthly, pressing close to the affordability threshold. Many households face difficult trade-offs between housing and other essentials.

Focus on financial resilience first

Vigo County residents should prioritize building emergency savings of $500–$1,000 before investing long-term. Seek employer benefits, local job training programs, and financial counseling to strengthen household stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Vigo County

via CrimeByCounty

Higher Crime Rates Than National Average

Vigo County reports a total crime rate of 3,805.2 per 100,000 residents, which is considerably higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 94.0, indicating a higher frequency of incidents than many other regions. Local law enforcement manages a significant volume of cases relative to the population.

Safety Score Trails Behind Indiana Average

With a safety score of 94.0, Vigo County sits below the Indiana state average of 98.9. The local crime rate of 3,805.2 per 100,000 is more than five times higher than the state average of 693.8. These statistics highlight Vigo as an area with higher-than-normal law enforcement activity for Indiana.

Vigo Leads Neighbors in Reported Incidents

Vigo County's crime rate is significantly higher than neighboring Vanderburgh (3,242.3) and far above Vermillion (0.0 reported). This makes Vigo a regional focal point for reported property and violent crimes. Residents here see more reported activity than in most surrounding counties.

Property Crime is the Primary Concern

Property crime in Vigo County stands at 3,387.7 per 100,000, which is nearly 70% higher than the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also elevated at 417.5 per 100,000, compared to the national 369.8. The vast majority of local police reports involve theft, burglary, or other property-related offenses.

Secure Your Property Against Theft

Given that property crime is the most frequent issue in the county, residents should focus on home and car security. Use smart doorbells and alarm systems to deter potential intruders and document any suspicious activity. Simple steps like keeping porch lights on overnight can make your home a less attractive target.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Vigo County

via HealthByCounty

Vigo County faces significant health challenges

At 73.7 years, Vigo County residents live nearly three years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, marking it among the nation's lowest life expectancy counties. With 20% reporting poor/fair health and 9.3% uninsured—the highest uninsured rate among these eight counties—Vigo faces compounded barriers to health.

Lowest life expectancy in Indiana sample

Vigo County's 73.7-year life expectancy is the lowest among Indiana's eight analyzed counties and trails the state average of 75.1 years by 1.4 years. The 9.3% uninsured rate is the highest among peers and above Indiana's 8.4% average, indicating both access and affordability crises.

Most vulnerable health outcomes regionally

Vigo County's 73.7-year life expectancy and 20% poor/fair health rate place it as the health-challenged anchor of the region, outpaced by all neighboring counties. The 9.3% uninsured rate compounds these disparities, suggesting residents face the steepest climb toward health equity in the area.

Robust providers serving vulnerable population

Vigo County provides 83 primary care providers and 194 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, suggesting care is available to those who can access it. Yet the high uninsured rate and poor health outcomes suggest that affordability, transportation, or social determinants—not provider availability—are the real barriers to care.

Urgent: Get health coverage now

Nearly 1 in 10 Vigo County residents lack health insurance, putting them at risk during medical emergencies and delaying life-saving treatment. Call 211 or visit the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration website immediately to apply for Medicaid, explore marketplace subsidies, or find free community health resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Vigo County

via SchoolsByCounty

Major Urban Educational Infrastructure

Vigo County supports 27 public schools and 13,787 students, primarily through the Vigo County School Corp. This diverse system includes 16 elementary schools, five middle schools, and four high schools, along with specialized alternative sites.

High Investment Amid Performance Goals

The county invests $6,496 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the state average of $5,507. Despite this investment, the graduation rate currently sits at 85.0%, trailing both state and national averages.

Centralized District Operations

Nearly all students are enrolled in the Vigo County School Corp, which manages 26 of the 27 total schools. The county does not currently offer charter school options, focusing instead on its traditional public school network.

City-Centric Schools and Large Campuses

With 16 schools located in city locales, the average school size is a substantial 530 students. Terre Haute South Vigo High School is the county's largest institution, housing 1,610 students on one campus.

Relocate Near Terre Haute's Best Schools

Families in Vigo County benefit from high per-pupil spending and robust city amenities. Explore the diverse housing options near the county's major high schools to find the perfect fit for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Vigo County

via RiskByCounty

Vigo County faces elevated national disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 83.21, Vigo County confronts hazard exposure nearly twice the national average. This relatively moderate rating reflects concentrated risk from multiple natural disaster types.

Second-highest risk in Indiana

Vigo County's score of 83.21 nearly doubles Indiana's state average of 45.52, ranking it among the state's most hazard-exposed counties. Only Vanderburgh County (91.32) carries more overall disaster risk in Indiana.

Much higher risk than typical Indiana neighbors

Vigo's composite risk of 83.21 far exceeds nearby Vermillion County (23.44) and Warren County (5.76) in the north. The west-central Indiana location concentrates earthquake, tornado, and flood risks beyond surrounding counties.

Earthquakes and tornadoes are primary threats

Earthquake risk (91.38) and tornado risk (83.24) dominate Vigo County's hazard profile, with flood risk (85.11) adding a close third. All three rank in the upper range nationally, requiring serious preparedness planning.

Comprehensive insurance strategy essential

Homeowners must secure robust tornado and wind coverage through their standard policy; separate flood insurance is strongly recommended given the 85.11 flood risk score. Discuss earthquake insurance options with your agent, as Vigo's 91.38 earthquake risk is among Indiana's highest.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Vigo County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer-Leaning Mid-Continental Weather

Vigo County is warmer than the national median, averaging 54.3°F annually. This puts it on the warmer side of the Midwest's humid continental climate zone.

Above Average Temperatures for Indiana

The county exceeds the Indiana state average temperature of 52.2°F. Its precipitation level of 43.2 inches sits just below the state average of 43.9 inches.

Warmer and Hotter than Vermillion

Vigo is noticeably warmer and more prone to heat than Vermillion County to its north. It averages 32 days of extreme heat, while its northern neighbors see much fewer.

Hot Summers with Mild Winters

Summers can be intense, with 32 days topping 90°F and a July average of 76.4°F. Winters are relatively mild for the region, with December through February temperatures averaging 32.1°F.

Invest in Reliable Air Conditioning

Residents should prepare for over a month of extreme heat by ensuring air conditioning systems are efficient. Since winters stay near the freezing mark at 32.1°F, winterizing pipes remains a critical task.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Vigo County

via SoilByCounty

Vigo County’s Unique Silty Clay Ground

Inceptisols are the primary soil order here, featuring a dominant silty clay texture. The 6.31 pH level is very near the national median of 6.5 and is higher than Indiana’s state average of 6.08.

Sandy Streaks in a Clay Base

With 29.6% sand and 17.0% clay, this soil offers a unique texture that differentiates it from typical Indiana silt loams. The 53.4% silt content maintains workability, though the clay requires careful timing to avoid clodding.

Stable Organic Matter for Plant Health

Organic matter levels reach 2.34%, which beats the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.194 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.202, meaning plants may need supplemental water during Indiana's hottest months.

Navigating Poorly Drained Hydrologic Groups

Much of the county is poorly drained and falls into hydrologic group C/D. This means the soil is prone to saturation, often requiring raised beds or drainage systems for successful gardening and construction.

Managed Growth in Zone 6a

In zone 6a, Vigo County supports a wide variety of native prairie plants and traditional crops. Gardeners should prioritize organic amendments to improve the lower water capacity and consider moisture-loving perennials.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Vigo County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Moderate Challenges in Vigo

Vigo County earns a lawn difficulty score of 66.8, indicating slightly more work is required here than the state average of 71.0. The Hardiness Zone 6a climate is generally hospitable, but soil and drought factors can complicate maintenance. Homeowners should expect a moderate level of effort to keep their lawns looking their best year-round.

Warmer Summers Demand Extra Water

Vigo experiences 32 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly higher than the Indiana average of 20 days. The 43.2 inches of annual precipitation helps offset this heat, but supplemental watering is often necessary in July when temps average 76.4°F. Monitoring soil moisture is essential during the 3,806 growing degree days.

Managing Poorly Drained Silty Clay

The local silty clay soil is classified as poorly drained, which can lead to standing water and root rot during wet springs. With a pH of 6.31 and 17.0% clay, the soil is nutrient-rich but physically dense. Core aeration is a critical annual task here to break up the soil structure and improve drainage.

A Year of Persistent Dryness

Lawns in Vigo County spent 30 weeks in drought over the past year, and 16.6% of the county currently faces Severe+ conditions. While 100% of the area is at least Abnormally Dry, the high precipitation usually provides a buffer. Focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage the roots to reach deeper into the silty clay base.

Best Grasses for the Wabash Valley

Tall Fescue is highly recommended for its ability to handle both the clay soil and the 32+ days of extreme heat. Plan your planting between the spring frost on April 15 and the fall frost on October 19. Using a blend of fescue and bluegrass can provide the best balance of durability and aesthetic appeal.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vigo County's county score?
Vigo County, Indiana has a composite county score of 32.2 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 Vigo County rank among counties in Indiana?
Vigo County ranks #91 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 Vigo County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Vigo County is $1,256, with an effective tax rate of 0.89%. This earns Vigo County a tax score of 45.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Vigo County?
The median household income in Vigo County, Indiana is $52,525 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Vigo County earns an income score of 19.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Vigo County, Indiana a good place to live?
Vigo County scores 32.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #91 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Vigo 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 Vigo County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.