countyscore
64.9
County Score
Property Tax 84.7Safety 79.8Soil Quality 77.6

County Report Card

About Wells County, Indiana

Outperforming the National Landscape

Wells County boasts a strong composite score of 64.9, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high quality of life across multiple data dimensions.

Top-Tier Choice in Indiana

Exceeding the state average of 55.9 by nearly ten points, Wells County ranks among Indiana's more desirable locations. It combines economic stability with high personal safety.

Low Taxes and Strong Safety

The county excels with a tax score of 84.7, driven by a low effective property tax rate of 0.511%. Residents also benefit from high levels of safety and climate resilience, scoring 79.8 and 77.2 respectively.

Room for Institutional Growth

While housing is fairly affordable at $180,000, the cost score of 46.7 shows it is slightly higher than some neighbors. School and water scores, at 48.3 and 51.4, represent the primary areas for local improvement.

Ideal for Established Families

Wells County is a premier destination for families seeking low taxes and a median household income of $69,741. It offers a balanced, high-performing environment for long-term residency.

Score breakdown

Tax84.7Cost46.7Safety79.8Health67.1Schools48.3Income65.7Risk77.2Water51.4Weather56
🏛84.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠46.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼65.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡79.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡77.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧51.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨77.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.2
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

Blackford County
Indiana
61.4
Huntington County
Indiana
53.8
Adams County
Indiana
58.3
Jay County
Indiana
61.3
Grant County
Indiana
47.6
Delaware County
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39.9
Wabash County
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61.2
Allen County
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41.3

Deep Dives

Wells County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wells County

via TaxByCounty

Wells County ranks among lowest-tax counties

Wells County's effective tax rate of 0.511% is less than one-fifth the national median property tax burden, placing it in the lowest tier nationally. Residents here enjoy some of the lightest property tax loads in America.

Well below Indiana's average tax rate

Wells County's 0.511% rate is the lowest among the four-county region and significantly undercuts Indiana's 0.671% average. The county's median property tax of $920 ranks below the state median of $1,199, reflecting deliberately conservative assessment practices.

Lightest tax burden in the region

Wells County offers the lowest effective tax rate (0.511%) among its peers, beating Wayne County (0.873%), Whitley County (0.698%), and White County (0.531%). Despite having a higher median home value of $180,000, Wells residents still pay the least in taxes.

Median tax bill: just $920 annually

On a median home valued at $180,000, Wells County homeowners pay approximately $920 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,002; without one, it drops to $814.

Still worth reviewing your assessment

Even in a low-tax county, homeowners sometimes discover they're paying more than they should through a reassessment appeal. Request a review if you believe your home's assessed value exceeds its fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wells County

via CostByCounty

Wells County beats national affordability standard

Wells County residents spend just 14.4% of income on rent, bettering the national average and earning it a "more affordable" designation. At $69,741 median household income, Wells County is nearly $5,000 above the national median, making housing costs manageable.

Indiana's most affordable rental market

Wells County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Indiana's most affordable counties, well below the state average of 15.6%. Few Indiana counties offer renters better value relative to local wages.

Sweet spot between cost and income

Wells County's $837 median rent aligns with state averages, but higher median incomes create lower housing burden than Wayne ($813 rent, 17.2% burden) and competitive ratios with White and Whitley. This combination—reasonable rent and solid wages—makes Wells an affordability standout.

Balanced housing costs in Wells County

Renters allocate $837 monthly while homeowners spend $911, representing a healthy 14.4% and 15.7% of income respectively. Wells County's $69,741 median income distributes housing burdens evenly across renters and owners.

Wells County delivers solid value

If affordability matters alongside quality of life, Wells County merits serious consideration with its above-average incomes and manageable housing costs. Home values at $180,000 reflect a growing market worth exploring before prices rise further.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wells County

via IncomeByCounty

Wells County nearly matches national income

Wells County's median household income of $69,741 comes within $5,014 of the national median of $74,755, placing it solidly in the middle tier of American counties. This performance reflects a stable, working-class economy comparable to the national average. Wells County residents earn more than most Indiana counties, suggesting stronger local job markets.

Above Indiana's median household income

Wells County ranks above Indiana's state average median household income of $68,681, earning $1,060 more per household annually. The county's per capita income of $35,280 also exceeds the state average of $34,773, indicating a slightly more prosperous local economy. This positions Wells among Indiana's stronger-performing counties.

Wells leads nearby counties in earnings

Wells County's $69,741 median household income outpaces Wayne County by $13,089 and White County by $3,598, making it the strongest performer among its immediate neighbors. Only Whitley County to the north surpasses Wells with $75,790, a difference of just $6,049. These earnings patterns suggest Wells has maintained a more resilient employment base than adjacent regions.

Rent remains affordable; housing costs reasonable

Wells County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% is excellent and well below the 30% affordability threshold, giving renters comfortable financial breathing room. The median home value of $180,000 is accessible for many families earning the county median, though mortgage costs will vary with down payment and credit profile. Overall, housing costs pose minimal financial stress for typical Wells County households.

Invest in long-term wealth at Wells County income

With a median household income of $69,741, Wells County residents are positioned to build wealth through diversified investments and property ownership. Consider maxing out retirement account contributions, exploring index funds, and building home equity as core wealth strategies. Wells County's stable economy makes this an opportune time to invest in financial growth and generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wells County

via CrimeByCounty

Wells County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Wells County achieves an exceptional safety score of 99.2 out of 100, reflecting a very secure environment for residents. Its total crime rate of 475.8 per 100,000 people is roughly 80% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Indiana State Average

The county's total crime rate of 475.8 sits well below the Indiana state average of 693.8. Its safety score of 99.2 also surpasses the state's average safety rating of 98.9, marking it as a regional leader in security.

Quiet Streets Compared to Neighbors

Data from two reporting agencies shows that Wells County maintains significantly lower incident rates than more urbanized neighboring areas. This consistent performance keeps the community among the most peaceful in northeastern Indiana.

Low Rates Across All Crime Categories

Property crime accounts for the majority of local reports at 415.4 per 100,000, while violent crime is nearly nonexistent at just 60.4. In contrast, the national violent crime rate is over six times higher at 369.8.

Keeping Your Wells County Home Secure

While crime rates are very low, residents can maintain this peace of mind through basic home security awareness. Simple steps like installing motion-sensor lighting and smart doorbells help preserve the county's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wells County

via HealthByCounty

Wells County Outpaces the Nation

At 76.7 years, Wells County residents live nearly half a decade longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing the county in the healthiest tier nationally. Just 18.3% report poor or fair health, beating the national average of 18%, a sign of sustained community wellness.

Indiana's Health Leaders

Wells County ranks in the top quarter of Indiana's 92 counties for life expectancy, exceeding the state average of 75.1 years by 1.6 years. The county's below-average poor/fair health rate of 18.3% reflects stronger overall health outcomes than most of the state.

Best-In-Class Among Peers

Wells County's 76.7-year life expectancy bests Wayne County by over four years and matches or exceeds most neighboring counties in northeast Indiana. At 6.5% uninsured—1.9 percentage points below Indiana's 8.4% average—Wells residents have strong insurance coverage and primary care access with 46 providers per 100K.

Strong Coverage, Room for Growth

Wells County's 6.5% uninsured rate is among Indiana's lowest, meaning most residents have healthcare access. However, mental health provider availability at 74 per 100,000 is lower than demand might require in a county with strong overall health metrics, suggesting some residents may wait for specialized care.

Ensure Coverage for Everyone

Even in healthy Wells County, the 6.5% of uninsured residents deserve pathways to care—check Indiana's health marketplace or Medicaid eligibility at medi.IN.gov. Contact Wells County health department or 211 Indiana to confirm your family's coverage is complete.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wells County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Education Across Nine Public Schools

Wells County manages its 5,156 students through nine public schools and three specialized districts. The infrastructure includes four elementary, two middle, and three high schools to cover all K-12 needs.

Elite Graduation Rates and High Scores

The county boasts a 96.7% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 92.6% and the national mark of 87.0%. Despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $5,105, the county earns a school score of 53.0, outperforming the state average of 51.7.

Northern Wells and Bluffton-Harrison Lead

Northern Wells Community Schools is the largest district with 2,464 students across four schools. MSD Bluffton-Harrison also plays a major role, serving 1,803 students, while no charter schools currently operate in the county.

A Balanced Rural and Town Atmosphere

The county's nine schools are split between five rural locales and four town settings, offering diverse environments. Norwell High School is the largest campus with 788 students, contributing to a healthy average school size of 573 students.

Invest in a Community Focused on Success

Wells County's exceptional graduation rates make it a standout destination for families prioritizing education. Look for homes in these high-performing districts to ensure your children have access to some of the best academic outcomes in the state.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wells County

via RiskByCounty

Wells County enjoys exceptional disaster resilience

With a composite risk score of just 22.84, Wells County rates as very low risk—nearly half the state average of 45.52. This favorable standing reflects consistently modest exposure across most major natural hazard categories.

Among Indiana's safest counties overall

Wells County ranks near the bottom tier of Indiana's 92 counties for composite risk exposure. Its tornado risk (59.06) and earthquake risk (49.81) both sit below statewide medians, providing residents with substantially lower vulnerability than many peer counties.

Wells County leads its region in safety

Among northeastern neighbors, Wells County (22.84) edges out Whitley County (24.59) as the region's safest. Even so, nearby Wayne County's score of 74.11 demonstrates that risk varies sharply across short distances in this part of Indiana.

Tornado season remains the primary hazard

Tornadoes pose the highest relative risk at 59.06, though this still falls comfortably below state and national averages. Flood risk (37.66) ranks second, while wildfire (4.96) and hurricane exposure (26.53) remain minimal concerns for most residents.

Standard coverage meets most Wells County needs

Wells County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance and a tornado safety plan typically provide adequate protection. However, flood insurance remains wise if your property lies near streams or drainage areas, and earthquake coverage costs little to add.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wells County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Continental Shifts in Northern Indiana

Wells County averages 50.1°F annually, placing it among the cooler counties in the national mid-latitude belt. The area experiences sharp shifts between its 24.5°F Januarys and 73.0°F Julys.

Notably Cooler Than the State Average

The annual temperature of 50.1°F is two degrees lower than the Indiana average of 52.2°F. This cooler profile is representative of the state's northern tier, where winter impacts are more pronounced.

Drier and Snowier than Southern Peers

Wells County receives 40.0 inches of precipitation, which is nearly four inches less than the state average. However, much of that arrives as frozen precipitation, contributing to its significant winter totals.

Heavy Snow and Few Heat Waves

Winter is the dominant season here with 23.3 inches of annual snowfall and an average winter temp of 27.3°F. Summer heat is manageable, with only 12 days a year reaching the 90°F threshold.

Prepare for Snowy Winter Commutes

Invest in high-quality snow removal equipment to handle the 23.3 inches of annual snowfall. Since extreme heat is infrequent, home energy audits should prioritize preventing heat loss during the cold winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wells County

via SoilByCounty

Near-perfect pH levels in Wells County

Wells County soil hits the sweet spot with an average pH of 6.54, almost perfectly aligning with the national median of 6.5. These soils belong to the Inceptisols order, which are relatively young soils with significant potential for development. This balanced chemistry allows for maximum nutrient availability for a wide range of crops.

Mastering the silt loam texture

The soil is classified as a silt loam, consisting of 50.9% silt, 24.8% sand, and 24.3% clay. This specific blend provides excellent nutrient retention and a fine texture that is easy to work. It offers a more robust structural integrity than sandier soils found elsewhere in the state.

Average water capacity with room for growth

The county's organic matter stands at 2.84%, which is lower than the state average of 4.90% but still exceeds the 2.0% national benchmark. Available water capacity matches the state average exactly at 0.202 in/in. These metrics indicate a solid foundation for agriculture that benefits from supplemental organic inputs.

Managing very poorly drained landscapes

The landscape is characterized as very poorly drained and belongs to hydrologic group B/D. This means the soil has high runoff potential when wet, requiring careful drainage management for farming or construction. Proper tiling and water diversion are essential to unlocking the productivity of these Inceptisols.

Optimal conditions for zone 6a gardens

The near-neutral pH makes this an ideal location for diverse vegetable gardens and commercial grain production. Residents in zone 6a should focus on plants that can tolerate moist conditions given the drainage profile. Your soil is among the most chemically balanced in the state, so get planting today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wells County

via LawnByCounty

Easier Growing Conditions for Wells County

Wells County scores a 75.2 on the lawn difficulty scale, outperforming both the national median and the Indiana state average. This high score suggests that maintaining a lush green space here is more accessible than in many other parts of the country.

Manageable Heat and Growing Days

With 3,091 growing degree days and 40 inches of rain, the local climate supports steady turf development throughout the spring and fall. Only 12 days a year top 90°F, sparing lawns from the excessive heat stress found in southern Indiana.

Nutrient-Rich but Poorly Draining Soils

A soil pH of 6.54 creates a nutrient-rich environment for Indiana grasses. However, the silt loam soil is categorized as very poorly drained, so homeowners must ensure proper grading to avoid standing water after heavy rains.

Navigating a Difficult Severe Drought

The county currently faces a major challenge with 100% of the area classified in severe drought. After 32 weeks of drought over the past year, deep and infrequent watering is essential to preserve established turf systems.

Planting Resilience in Zone 6a

Tall fescue is a resilient choice for the local zone, especially given the current dry spells. Aim to start your lawn projects after the last spring frost on April 24 to give your seeds a safe start.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wells County's county score?
Wells County, Indiana has a composite county score of 64.9 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 Wells County rank among counties in Indiana?
Wells County ranks #15 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 Wells County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Wells County is $920, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Wells County a tax score of 84.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wells County?
The median household income in Wells County, Indiana is $69,741 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wells County earns an income score of 65.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wells County, Indiana a good place to live?
Wells County scores 64.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Wells 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 Wells 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.