countyscore
61.2
County Score
Safety 97.5Property Tax 82.6Soil Quality 79.3

County Report Card

About Wabash County, Indiana

Wabash County Exceeds National Standards

With a composite score of 61.2, Wabash County ranks higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high degree of stability and resident satisfaction.

Outpacing the Indiana Average

Wabash County’s score of 61.2 is several points higher than the Indiana state average of 55.9. It stands out as a reliable choice within the state’s mid-tier counties.

Superior Safety and Low Taxes

The county features an elite safety score of 97.5 and a very low effective tax rate of 0.533%. Residents enjoy a tax score of 82.6, making it one of the most tax-friendly areas in Indiana.

Educational and Water Infrastructure

Schools are the primary weakness with a score of 11.4, indicating a need for more investment. Water quality also scores low at 20.7, trailing significantly behind neighboring counties.

A Haven for Tax-Savvy Residents

Wabash County is perfect for those who want low taxes and high safety above all else. It is especially attractive to retirees or remote workers who do not rely on local schools.

2040608010082.660.697.551.211.462.659.120.756Tax82.6Cost60.6Safety97.5Health51.2Schools11.4Income62.6Risk59.1Water20.7Weather5661.2/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Wabash County DNA

Doverall

How Wabash County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Wabash County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Schools (11.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
82.6+30.599999999999994
Cost
60.6+12.600000000000001
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
51.2
Schools
11.4-42.6
Income
62.6+11.600000000000001
Risk
59.1+12.100000000000001
Water
20.7-37.3
Weather
56
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Compare mortgage rates in Wabash County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$143,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$752/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$143,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,414/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.1

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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Counties with similar scores

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Henry County
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Jay County
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Owen County
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Louisa County
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Nearby counties

Miami County
Indiana
62.9
Huntington County
Indiana
53.8
Whitley County
Indiana
63.4
Kosciusko County
Indiana
50.1
Fulton County
Indiana
64.4
Grant County
Indiana
47.6
Wells County
Indiana
64.9
Cass County
Indiana
51.3

Deep Dives

Wabash County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wabash County

via TaxByCounty

Wabash County offers Indiana's lowest tax rate

At 0.533% effective rate, Wabash County residents enjoy one of Indiana's lowest property tax burdens and far below the national median of $2,690. On a median home value of $143,600, this translates to just $765 annually.

Lowest rate in Indiana among counties profiled

Wabash County's 0.533% rate stands 20% below Indiana's state average of 0.671%, the lowest among all eight counties examined. At $765 median tax, Wabash delivers the second-lowest total bill despite above-average home values.

Tax advantage throughout northeast Indiana

Wabash County's 0.533% rate substantially beats Miami, Peru, and surrounding northeast Indiana counties. This competitive advantage attracts property buyers seeking both affordable housing and low tax rates.

Median homeowner pays just $765 annually

With a 0.533% rate applied to the median home value of $143,600, Wabash County property owners pay $765 per year. Mortgage holders average $822 while outright owners pay just $651.

Even low-rate counties have appeal opportunities

Low tax rates don't eliminate overassessment—review your assessment if your home's value has dropped or comparable properties nearby are assessed lower. Indiana's appeal process is straightforward and could provide additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wabash County

via CostByCounty

Wabash County delivers strong housing affordability

Renters spend just 13.2% of their income on housing, comfortably within the sustainable 12-15% range and well below Indiana's state average of 15.6%. With median rent at $752 and household income of $68,414, the county offers a solid value proposition for budget-conscious residents.

Well above average on affordability

Wabash County's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks notably better than Indiana's 15.6% state average, placing it among the more affordable counties statewide. The combination of low rents and reasonable incomes creates genuine housing accessibility.

Competitive with top performers

Wabash County's $752 rent is the lowest in its peer group and $131 cheaper than Vanderburgh County, with a rent-to-income ratio of 13.2% that trails only Union County and Warren County. Homes median at $143,600, offering entry-level ownership opportunities.

Reasonable costs across the board

Median monthly rent is $752 while homeowner costs run $859 against median household income of $68,414. Just 13.2% of income goes to rent, leaving families with breathing room for other priorities.

Wabash County merits serious consideration

If you're relocating to Indiana, Wabash County offers some of the state's cheapest rents paired with reasonable local wages and low home values. It's an attractive option for renters and first-time homebuyers seeking genuine affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wabash County

via IncomeByCounty

Wabash County meets national income levels

Wabash County's median household income of $68,414 sits just below the U.S. median of $74,755, a difference of $6,341. The county's income level tracks closely with national averages.

Right at Indiana's state average

Wabash County earns virtually in line with Indiana's state average of $68,681, sitting just $267 below statewide norms. This mid-tier positioning reflects a stable, representative Indiana economy.

Outearns struggling southern counties

Wabash County's $68,414 substantially exceeds Vigo County ($52,525) and Vermillion County ($59,363), but trails the stronger-earning Union County ($79,500). The county sits squarely in Indiana's economic middle.

Housing costs remain manageable

A 13.2% rent-to-income ratio means typical renters spend roughly $753 monthly—comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. Housing security is achievable for most Wabash County households.

Steady progress through consistent saving

With near-average incomes, Wabash County households can build wealth through automated savings accounts and retirement contributions. Starting with 10% of gross income toward retirement provides strong long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wabash County

via CrimeByCounty

Incomplete Data Results in Perfect Score

Wabash County's reported total crime rate is 0.0 per 100,000, leading to a safety score of 100.0. This is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5, though it likely indicates a gap in data reporting for 2022. Residents should view this perfect score as an administrative result rather than a total absence of local crime.

Wabash Reports Far Below State Average

The county's zero-crime report places it well below the Indiana state average rate of 693.8 per 100,000. Consequently, its safety score of 100.0 exceeds the state average of 98.9. This statistical anomaly is shared with several other rural Indiana counties that had reporting challenges this year.

Contrasting Safety Data Among Neighbors

While Wabash County reports no crimes, nearby counties with fuller datasets show typical Indiana activity levels. This disparity suggests that local safety is likely closer to the regional norm than the reported zero rate suggests. The three reporting agencies in the county provided no incident data for the current cycle.

No Crime Data Recorded for 2022

Both violent and property crime rates are currently listed at 0.0 per 100,000 for Wabash County. This stands in contrast to national averages of 369.8 for violent crime and 2,015.7 for property crime. These figures reflect a lack of reported incidents during the data collection window.

Practical Safety Measures Still Recommended

Regardless of what the official reports say, maintaining home security is always a smart move. Ensure all entry points are well-lit and that your neighbors know to keep an eye on your property. Basic prevention remains the most effective way to keep your home and family safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Wabash County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Multi-District Educational Patchwork

Wabash County features 15 public schools serving 5,225 students across four distinct school districts. The infrastructure is diverse, offering six elementary schools, two middle schools, and six high schools.

Opportunities for Academic Growth

The graduation rate stands at 83.5%, while the county maintains a per-pupil expenditure of $5,417. These figures sit below the state graduation average of 92.6% and the national spending average of $13,000.

Choosing Between Four Local Districts

MSD Wabash County Schools is the largest district with 2,266 students, followed by Wabash City and Manchester Community schools. No charter schools operate in the county, leaving education entirely to the four traditional districts.

Rural Locales and Mid-Sized Schools

Ten of the county's 15 schools are in rural areas, while the remaining five are in town settings. Manchester Jr-Sr High is the largest school with 672 students, contributing to an overall average school size of 402.

Discover Your Home in Wabash County

With four districts to choose from, families can find a school community that perfectly matches their needs. Look for homes in our town and rural settings to experience a classic Indiana education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wabash County

via RiskByCounty

Wabash County faces moderate national disaster risk

Wabash County's composite risk score of 40.97 sits slightly below the national average, positioning it in the lower-risk category nationally. This very low rating suggests residents face fewer catastrophic hazard exposures than many U.S. counties.

About average risk for Indiana

At 40.97, Wabash County's composite risk score is nearly identical to Indiana's state average of 45.52, placing it in the middle of the state's hazard distribution. The county is safer than southern Indiana but faces similar pressures to other north-central regions.

Comparable to surrounding counties

Wabash County's score of 40.97 closely mirrors Washington County (40.94) to the south and Vermillion County (23.44) to the west. The northeast Indiana location provides moderate protection relative to the state's highest-risk southern counties.

Tornado risk significantly exceeds other hazards

Tornado risk (71.66) is Wabash County's dominant concern, marking it as a meaningful threat in the county's hazard profile. Earthquake risk (53.28) and flood risk (47.33) follow, but all remain manageable relative to the state's most hazard-prone areas.

Prioritize tornado protection in your policy

Standard homeowners insurance must include comprehensive tornado and wind coverage, given Wabash's 71.66 tornado risk score. Flood insurance warrants consideration if your property is within any mapped flood zone, and verify earthquake coverage isn't needed for your specific risk profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Wabash County

via WaterByCounty

Frequent Violations Result in Grade F

Wabash County struggles with drinking water compliance, earning a Grade F due to 26 health violations in five years. The violation rate of 123.9 per 100K is nearly triple the Indiana average of 42.3. This high frequency of violations signals significant challenges for local water utilities.

Wabash Watersheds Face Nutrient and E. Coli Stress

The 2022 ATTAINS cycle shows that 26.8% of 190 assessed water bodies are impaired. This is better than the state average of 40.9%, but E. coli, PCBs, and nutrients remain persistent problems. These impairments suggest that runoff from agricultural and urban sources is impacting local stream health.

Intensive Monitoring Tracks Physical and Metal Trends

With 23 sites and 8,480 measurements, Wabash County maintains a high volume of water quality data. Frequent testing focuses on physical characteristics, metals, and nutrients. These records are vital for identifying the sources of the county's persistent health violations.

Wabash River Flow Significantly Below Typical

The Wabash River at Wabash is currently flowing at 846 cfs, which is only 51% of its long-term mean. This low flow can lead to higher concentrations of pollutants and reduced water availability for local ecosystems. The river is currently under significant hydrological stress compared to typical years.

Urgent Need for Filtration and Flow Awareness

Given the Grade F compliance status, residents are encouraged to use certified water filters for tap water. Low streamflow levels may concentrate contaminants like E. coli and nutrients, making watershed protection even more critical. Stay updated on local utility reports to manage risks from frequent health violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wabash County

via WeatherByCounty

Chilly Winters and Cool Averages

Wabash County is quite cool compared to the national median, averaging just 50.6°F annually. This makes it one of the chillier entries in the regional climate record.

One of the State's Cooler Counties

At 50.6°F, the county is notably cooler than the state average of 52.2°F. It also receives slightly less moisture than the state norm, with 40.7 inches of annual precipitation.

Much Snowier than Southern Indiana

It experiences much more winter weather than southern counties, recording 24.9 inches of snow compared to just 12.4 in Vanderburgh. The summer heat is also milder than its western neighbors.

Heavy Snow and Mild Summers

Winters are harsh with a January average of 25.3°F and nearly 25 inches of snow. Summers stay pleasant, featuring only 14 days of extreme heat and a July average of 73.4°F.

Prepare for Snow and Cold

Heavy winter coats and snow tires are helpful for the 24.9 inches of annual snowfall. HVAC systems should be optimized for heating, as extreme heat days are relatively rare.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wabash County

via SoilByCounty

Wabash County’s Rich Alfisol Heritage

Wabash County features a high soil score of 79.3, anchored by versatile Alfisols and a silt loam texture. Its average pH of 6.19 sits comfortably above the Indiana state average of 6.08.

A Gritty and Productive Mix

The soil contains 35.2% sand, providing excellent aeration and structure for root development. This is balanced by 41.0% silt and 17.9% clay, creating a soil that drains well while retaining essential nutrients.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

At 6.26%, the organic matter in Wabash is far above the state average of 4.90% and triples the national average. The available water capacity of 0.202 in/in matches the state average exactly, ensuring consistent moisture availability.

Natural Drainage for Robust Fields

The county's soils are primarily well drained and belong to hydrologic group C. This allows for efficient water movement through the soil profile, reducing the likelihood of root diseases during wet Indiana springs.

Fertile Potential in Zone 6a

Wabash is a powerhouse for agriculture, particularly for crops that demand high organic content like corn and squash. The gritty, well-drained soil is also perfect for establishing fruit orchards and berry patches.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wabash County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions in Northern Indiana

Wabash County holds a lawn difficulty score of 69.2, which is very close to the Indiana state average. Located in Hardiness Zone 6a, the area benefits from cooler summers that are easier on traditional turfgrass. This makes it a relatively forgiving environment for both new and experienced homeowners.

Cooler Summers Benefit Cool-Season Turf

The county enjoys a July average of 73.4°F and only 14 days of extreme heat, which is lower than the state average. While annual precipitation of 40.7 inches is slightly below the state mean, the lower temperatures reduce the stress of evaporation. This climate is ideal for maintaining green grass well into the summer months.

Ideal Drainage for Healthy Growth

The silt loam soil in Wabash County is well drained and features a healthy 35.2% sand content. With a pH of 6.19, the ground is naturally primed for most common lawn fertilizers to work effectively. This sandy-silt mix allows roots to breathe while still retaining enough moisture to survive dry spells.

Combating Significant Recent Drought

Despite the favorable soil, 63.6% of Wabash County is currently experiencing Severe+ drought conditions. Lawns have been tested by 38 weeks of drought over the past year, making water conservation a top priority. Applying mulch or leaving grass clippings on the lawn can help retain the moisture provided by the 40.7 inches of annual rain.

Seeding for Success in Wabash

Fine Fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in these cooler northern conditions. Your best window for seeding opens after the last spring frost on April 26 and closes before the first fall frost on October 21. Early autumn is the most reliable time to start new grass, as the soil remains warm while the air temperature drops.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wabash County's county score?
Wabash County, Indiana has a composite county score of 61.2 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 Wabash County rank among counties in Indiana?
Wabash County ranks #33 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 Wabash County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Wabash County is $765, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Wabash County a tax score of 82.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wabash County?
The median household income in Wabash County, Indiana is $68,414 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wabash County earns an income score of 62.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wabash County, Indiana a good place to live?
Wabash County scores 61.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Wabash 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 Wabash 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.