CountyScore

White County

Indiana · IN

#38 in Indiana
72.5
County Score

County Report Card

About White County, Indiana

White County ranks well above the national norm

White County's 72.5 composite score exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 45 percent, placing it in the top third of American counties. The score indicates a community with solid livability fundamentals and consistent quality-of-life indicators.

Slightly above Indiana's county average

With a score of 72.5, White County edges out Indiana's 71.2 state average, ranking it in the upper half of the state's 92 counties. The county holds its own against regional peers with comparable tax and cost advantages.

Competitive tax rates fuel affordability advantage

White County boasts a tax score of 87.3 with an effective tax rate of 0.531%, paired with a cost score of 79.3 and median home values of $163,000. These low tax and housing costs create a financially friendly environment for families and retirees alike.

Income levels and risk profile need attention

The income score of 26.6 reflects a median household income of $66,143, lower than Whitley County's peer performance. A moderate risk score of 61.5 suggests some environmental or economic vulnerabilities that warrant monitoring.

Best for value-seekers with moderate needs

White County suits families and retirees who prioritize tax efficiency and affordable housing over high incomes or extensive public amenities. It's a steady, middle-of-the-road choice for those comfortable with slower-growth rural Indiana living.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax87.3Cost79.3SafetyComing SoonHealth67.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.6Risk61.5WaterComing Soon
🏛87.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤67.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡61.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare White County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Wrangell City and Borough
Alaska
72.5
Median income: $64,545
Prowers County
Colorado
72.5
Median income: $57,601
Benewah County
Idaho
72.5
Median income: $56,553
Kossuth County
Iowa
72.5
Median income: $65,656
Gove County
Kansas
72.5
Median income: $63,203

Deep Dives

White County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in White County

via TaxByCounty

White County taxes among nation's lowest

White County's effective tax rate of 0.531% represents just one-fifth the national median property tax load, placing it firmly in America's lowest-tax tier. Property owners here benefit from one of the country's lightest property tax burdens.

Below average for Indiana overall

White County's 0.531% effective rate falls below Indiana's 0.671% average, though it ranks second-lowest in this four-county region. The county's median property tax of $865 is notably lower than the state median of $1,199.

Second-lowest taxes in the regional group

White County's rate of 0.531% ranks second only to Wells County (0.511%), and well below Wayne County (0.873%) and Whitley County (0.698%). With a median home value of $163,000, White County residents enjoy a favorable tax-to-property-value ratio.

Annual tax on median home: $865

On a median home valued at $163,000, White County homeowners pay approximately $865 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $873; without one, it drops to $851.

Appeal if you think you're overcharged

Indiana law allows homeowners to challenge their assessments if they believe the county has overvalued their property. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could reduce your annual tax burden significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in White County

via CostByCounty

White County matches national housing standards

At 15.5% of income devoted to rent, White County sits virtually at the national affordability baseline, making housing costs predictable and manageable. Median household income of $66,143 puts White County slightly below the national median, yet housing costs remain proportional.

Right in line with Indiana norms

White County's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio mirrors the state average of 15.6%, placing it squarely in Indiana's middle affordability band. This alignment suggests housing costs here reflect typical Hoosier market conditions.

Balanced against peers in northeast Indiana

White County's $853 median rent falls between Wells County ($837) and Whitley County ($867), with a ratio nearly identical to the state average. Though Wayne County offers slightly cheaper rents, White's higher income produces a better affordability profile than Wayne's.

Moderate housing cost distribution

Renters pay $853 monthly and homeowners $904, consuming 15.5% and 16.4% of White County's $66,143 median income respectively. Housing costs remain well within the 30% threshold most experts recommend for financial stability.

White County offers stability and balance

With median home values at $163,000 and predictable cost-to-income ratios, White County appeals to families seeking Indiana stability without dramatic housing expense. Renters and buyers alike find reasonable terms matching state and national benchmarks.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in White County

via IncomeByCounty

White County income falls short of national median

White County's median household income of $66,143 lags the national median of $74,755 by $8,612, placing it below the U.S. average by about 11%. This gap suggests White County residents earn less than the typical American household, though the difference is smaller than many rural Indiana counties. The county economy is moderate but not thriving compared to national benchmarks.

Slightly below Indiana average income

White County ranks marginally below Indiana's state average median household income of $68,681, falling short by $2,538 annually per household. Per capita income of $33,178 also trails the state's $34,773, indicating fewer high-earning opportunities relative to the broader state economy. White County sits in the middle range among Indiana's 92 counties.

White County middle ground among peers

White County's $66,143 median household income exceeds Wayne County by $9,491 but lags Wells County by $3,598 and Whitley County by $9,647. Among its four-county cluster, White ranks third, ahead only of Wayne but behind two stronger-performing neighbors. This positioning suggests White County has moderate earning capacity compared to adjacent communities.

Housing costs manageable on local income

White County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% indicates renters enjoy solid affordability, spending comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median home value of $163,000, homeownership is within reach for many households earning the county median income. Overall, White County residents face reasonable housing cost burdens relative to their earnings.

Strategic saving strengthens White County futures

At a median household income of $66,143, White County residents should prioritize automated savings plans and gradual investment to build financial security. Employer retirement benefits, IRAs, and low-cost mutual funds form a solid foundation for wealth accumulation over time. Explore free financial counseling through local community organizations to optimize your personal financial strategy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in White County

via HealthByCounty

White County Holds Its Ground

White County's 75.3-year life expectancy sits just below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, reflecting middle-tier health outcomes nationally. Nearly one in five residents (19.2%) experience poor or fair health, slightly below the national average and suggesting room for targeted improvement.

Middle of Indiana's Pack

White County's 75.3-year life expectancy is essentially aligned with Indiana's state average of 75.1 years, placing the county squarely in the middle of the 92-county ranking. The county's 19.2% poor/fair health rate is close to the state norm, signaling typical Indiana health patterns.

Slight Edge Over Wayne County

White County's 75.3-year life expectancy exceeds Wayne County (72.3 years) by three years but trails Whitley County (77.8 years) by 2.5 years. At 10.0%, White County's uninsured rate tops all neighbors—1.6 points above Indiana's average—despite having fewer primary care providers (37 per 100K) than most peers.

Coverage Gaps and Provider Shortages

White County's 10.0% uninsured rate is the highest among the four-county comparison and rises above the state average, leaving one in ten residents vulnerable to skipped care. With just 37 primary care providers per 100,000—the lowest in the group—and 52 mental health providers per 100,000, residents often face wait times for routine and specialty services.

Close White County's Coverage Gap

One in ten White County residents lack health insurance; if that's you, open enrollment is your gateway to affordable coverage through Indiana's health marketplace. Visit healthcare.gov or call 211 Indiana to explore Medicaid and marketplace plans designed to fit your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in White County

via RiskByCounty

White County sits near the state middle

At 38.52, White County's composite risk score falls slightly below Indiana's 45.52 average, earning a very low risk rating. This moderate positioning reflects balanced exposure to multiple hazards rather than acute vulnerability to any single threat.

Below-average risk ranks White County favorably

White County ranks in the safer half of Indiana's 92 counties for overall disaster risk. Its earthquake risk (60.08) stands above the state mean, while tornado (52.54) and flood risks (48.57) hover near statewide norms.

White County faces moderate regional exposure

White County's 38.52 score places it between the very-safe Wells and Whitley counties (both ~23–25) and the high-risk Wayne County (74.11). This middle positioning reflects typical risk levels for central Indiana communities.

Earthquakes emerge as top concern

Earthquake risk ranks highest at 60.08, making ground shaking a notable consideration for long-term property investment. Floods (48.57) and tornadoes (52.54) pose moderate but real seasonal risks, while wildfire (7.38) remains negligible.

Balanced protection guards White County homes

Homeowners should carry standard coverage plus flood insurance if near water features, and consider earthquake protection given its above-average risk here. A tornado safe room and storm-resistant roof materials offer practical added security without major expense.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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