countyscore
60.6
County Score
Safety 97.5Property Tax 82.8Soil Quality 72.5

County Report Card

About White County, Indiana

Well Above National Averages

White County's composite score of 60.6 comfortably beats the national median of 50.0. It offers a level of livability that surpasses many rural counties across the country.

Leading the State Average

The county's 60.6 score is well above the Indiana state average of 55.9. This performance marks it as a standout choice for those looking for quality of life in the Hoosier state.

Exceptional Safety and Fiscal Health

Safety is nearly unrivaled here with a score of 97.5. Property owners also enjoy a low tax burden, reflected in an 82.8 tax score and a 0.531% effective rate.

Focusing on Schools and Water

The community faces challenges in educational performance and water quality, with scores of 29.9 and 31.4 respectively. These institutional factors are the primary drag on an otherwise elite score profile.

Perfect for Quiet, Secure Living

This county is a top choice for those who prioritize personal security and low taxes above all else. It is ideal for individuals looking for a peaceful lifestyle with a solid $66,143 median income.

Score breakdown

Tax82.8Cost45.5Safety97.5Health48.2Schools29.9Income57.3Risk61.5Water31.4Weather52.8
🏛82.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼57.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤48.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓29.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧31.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨72.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66.1
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

Jasper County
Indiana
65.8
Carroll County
Indiana
61.6
Pulaski County
Indiana
66.6
Tippecanoe County
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42.9
Benton County
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61
Cass County
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Newton County
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Starke County
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59.7

Deep Dives

White County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in White County

via CrimeByCounty

White County Reports Maximum Safety Score

White County currently holds a perfect safety score of 100.0, suggesting an incredibly low crime environment compared to the national average of 2,385.5. Latest data shows 0.0 total crimes per 100,000 residents, a figure far below the national norm.

Leading Indiana in Safety Statistics

The county's reported crime rate is significantly lower than the Indiana state average of 693.8. This perfect safety score also puts it ahead of the state's average safety score of 98.9.

Top-Tier Safety Among Regional Peers

Three reporting agencies in White County currently document zero criminal incidents for the reporting period. This makes the county a standout for public safety when compared to other rural and suburban counties across the state.

Understanding Local Crime Reporting

With 0.0 violent and property crimes reported, the data suggests a period of exceptional calm for local law enforcement. While these numbers are excellent, they may reflect specific reporting cycles or limited data entry for the year.

Maintaining a Secure Community

Residents contribute to these impressive statistics by looking out for one another and securing their property. Even in a county with a perfect safety score, maintaining home security systems helps ensure long-term community protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in White County

via SchoolsByCounty

Twelve Schools Serving the White County Community

White County features 12 public schools, including six elementary and four high schools, managed by four distinct districts. A total of 4,406 students are enrolled across these facilities, which provide a dedicated educational foundation for the region.

Steady Academic Performance and Funding

The county maintains a graduation rate of 90.3%, which beats the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $5,539, slightly above the state average, supporting a consistent school score of 50.5.

Twin Lakes School Corp Anchors the County

Twin Lakes School Corp is the largest provider, serving 2,279 students across five schools. Other significant districts include North White and Tri-County, and currently, there are no charter schools within the county borders.

Small-Scale Learning in Rural Settings

Eight of the 12 schools are located in rural areas, giving the county a quiet, focused educational character. With an average school size of 367 students, campuses like Twin Lakes Senior High (674 students) still maintain a personalized feel.

Relocate Near White County's Dedicated Schools

For families seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing academic quality, White County is an ideal fit. Explore local real estate options to find a home within these close-knit, well-funded school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in White County

via WeatherByCounty

A Brisk Climate Under 50 Degrees

White County features an annual average temperature of 49.9°F, trending cooler than the national median. This reflects a true northern continental climate with substantial winter weather.

One of Indiana's Briskest Counties

At 49.9°F, White County is over two degrees cooler than the state average of 52.2°F. It ranks among the chillier regions of Indiana, particularly during the deep winter months.

Less Rainfall Than Southern Neighbors

The county averages 41.0 inches of precipitation annually, falling below the Indiana state average of 43.9 inches. This drier trend is typical for the northwest Indiana plains compared to the river counties.

Icy Winters and Moderate Summers

Residents navigate 20.3 inches of snow annually and a chilly winter average of 26.8°F. Extreme heat is limited, with only 15 days per year hitting 90°F or above.

Insulate Against the Northern Chill

Prioritize attic insulation and window sealing to combat the 26.8°F winter average. With 20.3 inches of snow, keeping a well-stocked winter emergency kit in your vehicle is a vital local practice.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in White County

via SoilByCounty

Deep, dark Mollisols of the prairie

White County features Mollisols, the world's most productive agricultural soils known for their thick, dark surfaces. The average pH of 6.20 is slightly more acidic than the national median but remains higher than the Indiana average of 6.08. These soils provide a rich chemical environment for intensive crop production.

A unique clay loam balance

With a high sand content of 43.0% and 39.0% silt, these clay loams offer better aeration than typical Indiana soils. The 14.4% clay fraction is relatively low, which helps prevent the heavy compaction often seen in the Midwest. This mix ensures the soil is easy to till while still holding its shape.

Exceptional organic matter levels

White County boasts 5.45% organic matter, surpassing the state average of 4.90% and more than doubling the national average. Despite this richness, available water capacity is slightly lower than the state benchmark at 0.189 in/in. The high organic content acts as a natural sponge and nutrient powerhouse for plants.

Navigating poorly drained prairie soils

Classified as poorly drained with a B/D hydrologic group, these soils require active management to prevent saturation. The high organic content helps, but the natural drainage class means water can linger after heavy rains. This makes drainage tiles a common and necessary feature for local agricultural success.

Productive gardening in zone 6a

The high organic matter in White County makes it a dream for growing heavy feeders like tomatoes, peppers, and corn. Because these Mollisols are so fertile, your garden will require fewer fertilizers than in other regions. Take advantage of this prairie heritage and start your spring planting early.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in White County

via LawnByCounty

Unique Challenges for White County Lawns

White County presents more of a challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 66.1, falling below the Indiana state average of 71.0. While tougher than its neighbors, it remains notably easier to manage than the national average score of 50.0.

High Heat and Active Mowing Schedules

The area experiences 15 extreme heat days annually, slightly more than neighboring counties. Annual precipitation of 41.0 inches provides a solid baseline for growth, though 3,050 growing degree days demand a consistent summer mowing schedule.

Sandy Clay Loam Requirements

A clay loam texture with a high 43.0% sand content helps with aeration, though the soil is generally classified as poorly drained. With a pH of 6.20, the ground is slightly acidic but remains well within the target range for most northern lawn varieties.

Persistent Drought Conditions

Severe drought currently grips 93.8% of the county following 44 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. Prioritize water conservation by mowing at higher heights to shade the soil and retain what little moisture is available.

Optimal Spring Seeding Windows

Perennial ryegrass or fescue blends work best for the variable conditions of this hardiness zone. Schedule your primary seeding or sodding after the last spring frost on April 25 to avoid damaging new growth.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is White County's county score?
White County, Indiana has a composite county score of 60.6 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 White County rank among counties in Indiana?
White County ranks #36 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 White County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in White County is $865, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns White County a tax score of 82.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in White County?
The median household income in White County, Indiana is $66,143 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. White County earns an income score of 57.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is White County, Indiana a good place to live?
White County scores 60.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate White 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 White County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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