countyscore
63.4
County Score
Safety 86.6Income & Jobs 78.3Health 76

County Report Card

About Whitley County, Indiana

Elite National Standing

With a composite score of 63.4, Whitley County ranks far above the national median of 50.0. It is among the more successful counties in the United States by this measure.

A Regional Economic Powerhouse

Whitley County easily clears the Indiana state average of 55.9. It distinguishes itself through a combination of high incomes and a very healthy population.

Prosperous, Healthy, and Safe

The county shines with an income score of 78.3 and a health score of 76.0. Household incomes are strong at $75,790, supported by high safety and low climate risk.

Higher Costs for Quality Living

A cost score of 39.5 reflects median home values of $205,200, which are higher than many surrounding areas. School performance, with a score of 45.5, also remains an area with potential for growth.

The Choice for Affluent Families

Whitley County is best for upwardly mobile families and professionals who value high-income potential and wellness. It offers a premium quality of life for those willing to invest in a slightly higher-cost housing market.

Score breakdown

Tax63.5Cost39.5Safety86.6Health76Schools45.5Income78.3Risk75.4Water59.1Weather57.7
🏛63.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠39.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡86.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡75.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧59.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.1
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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Compare Whitley County with Humboldt County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Kosciusko County
Indiana
50.1
Noble County
Indiana
55.4
Wabash County
Indiana
61.2
Huntington County
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53.8
Allen County
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Wells County
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Miami County
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Elkhart County
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Deep Dives

Whitley County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Whitley County

via TaxByCounty

Whitley County below national tax median

Whitley County's effective tax rate of 0.698% remains well below the national median property tax burden of $2,690, meaning residents enjoy a lighter load than most Americans. However, at nearly twice the rate of some Indiana neighbors, Whitley is more taxed relative to state peers.

Slightly above Indiana's average rate

Whitley County's 0.698% effective rate exceeds Indiana's 0.671% average by a small margin, placing it in the middle-upper range of state counties. The county's median property tax of $1,432 is the highest among the four-county peer group and well above the state median of $1,199.

Highest-taxed county in the region

Whitley County's residents face the steepest effective tax rate (0.698%) among peers, and the largest median property tax bill at $1,432. Only Wayne County's 0.873% approaches Whitley's burden; Wells and White counties tax significantly less.

Median annual tax: $1,432

On a median home valued at $205,200—the highest in this four-county peer group—Whitley County homeowners pay approximately $1,432 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,455; without one, it drops to $1,372.

Consider appealing your assessment

Whitley County homeowners with higher tax bills should verify their assessments are accurate—overvaluation is common statewide. Submitting a reassessment challenge is free and could result in meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Whitley County

via CostByCounty

Whitley County leads Indiana affordability rankings

Whitley County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio beats both the state average (15.6%) and national baseline, offering some of Indiana's most favorable housing economics. With median household income at $75,790—just above the national median—residents here enjoy breathing room.

Indiana's most affordable for renters

Whitley County ranks among Indiana's top counties for rental affordability, with a 13.7% ratio significantly below the 15.6% state average. Only a handful of Hoosier counties match this favorable cost structure.

Highest income, lowest housing burden

Whitley County combines the highest median household income ($75,790) among these four counties with the lowest rent-to-income ratio (13.7%), despite the highest median rent of $867. This income-cost advantage makes Whitley the affordability leader in northeast Indiana.

Comfortable housing economics in Whitley

Renters allocate $867 monthly and homeowners $993, representing just 13.7% and 15.7% of income respectively—well below the 30% affordability threshold. Whitley County's strong median income absorbs higher absolute costs while maintaining healthy financial margins.

Whitley County: affordability meets opportunity

If you're relocating to northeast Indiana, Whitley County offers the strongest income-to-housing-cost equation, with homes valued at $205,200 reflecting a thriving market. Strong wages and manageable housing burdens create genuine financial flexibility here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Whitley County

via IncomeByCounty

Whitley County meets national income benchmark

Whitley County's median household income of $75,790 marginally exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $1,035, placing it at the national average. This strong performance indicates Whitley County residents earn as much as typical American households, a rare achievement for a rural Indiana county. The county's economy demonstrates competitiveness with national prosperity standards.

Whitley County tops Indiana's income rankings

Whitley County's median household income of $75,790 significantly exceeds Indiana's state average of $68,681, surpassing it by $7,109 annually per household. Its per capita income of $37,540 also leads the state average of $34,773 by $2,767, indicating higher-earning opportunities and better-paying jobs. Whitley County ranks among Indiana's highest-income counties.

Whitley leads surrounding county earnings

Whitley County's $75,790 median household income leads all its neighbors: Wells County by $6,049, White County by $9,647, and Wayne County by $19,138. Among this four-county cluster, Whitley's economic strength stands unchallenged, suggesting superior job markets and wage levels. This leadership position reflects a robust local economy driving higher household prosperity.

Excellent housing affordability ratio

Whitley County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.7% is exceptional, well below the 30% affordability standard and the best among its peer counties. The median home value of $205,200 is the highest in the region, yet remains achievable for households earning the county median of $75,790. Whitley County residents enjoy substantial financial flexibility in housing decisions.

Whitley County positioned for wealth acceleration

With a median household income of $75,790, Whitley County residents have meaningful capacity to invest aggressively in retirement accounts, brokerage investments, and real estate. Consider diversified portfolios including stocks, bonds, and index funds to build long-term wealth and financial independence. Whitley County's strong economy creates an ideal environment for accelerated wealth creation and generational financial planning.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Whitley County

via CrimeByCounty

Whitley County Boasts Elite Safety Rating

Whitley County earns a safety score of 99.5, placing it well above the majority of U.S. counties. Its total crime rate of 300.6 per 100,000 residents is nearly eight times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Strong Performer in Indiana

The county's total crime rate of 300.6 is less than half of the Indiana state average of 693.8. This high performance maintains a safety score that exceeds the state average of 98.9.

Consistency Across Local Law Enforcement

Three reporting agencies contribute to Whitley County's impressive safety data, ensuring a reliable picture of local peace. The county maintains a significantly lower crime profile than many surrounding Indiana regions.

Property Crime Remains Very Rare

Violent crime in Whitley County is remarkably low at 52.5 per 100,000, while property crime stands at 248.1. These figures are drastically lower than national rates, where property crime alone exceeds 2,015 per 100,000.

Proactive Security for Whitley Residents

Even in such a safe environment, residents can benefit from modern home security tools like smart locks and cameras. Keeping property secure helps Whitley County maintain its status as one of Indiana's safest places to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Whitley County

via HealthByCounty

Whitley County Among the Healthiest

At 77.8 years, Whitley County residents live more than 1.4 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing the county in the nation's top tier for longevity. Just 16.3% report poor or fair health—nearly two points better than the national average—reflecting sustained community wellness.

Top Health Outcomes in Indiana

Whitley County's 77.8-year life expectancy ranks it in the top 10% of Indiana's 92 counties, exceeding the state average of 75.1 years by 2.7 years. The county's 16.3% poor/fair health rate is among Indiana's best, demonstrating strong preventive care and health management practices.

Leader of the Four-County Region

Whitley County's 77.8-year life expectancy outpaces Wayne County by 5.5 years, Wells County by 1.1 years, and White County by 2.5 years—the clear health leader in the region. At 6.6% uninsured and 58 primary care providers per 100K, Whitley County combines strong coverage and accessible primary care.

Access and Coverage Working Together

Whitley County's 6.6% uninsured rate ranks among Indiana's lowest, and with 58 primary care doctors per 100,000, most residents can connect quickly with routine care. The county's robust mental health provider network (121 per 100K) is notably robust and supports comprehensive behavioral health access.

Maintain Whitley's Health Leadership

With the state's best health outcomes, Whitley County's advantage depends on keeping coverage strong—confirm your insurance is current and encourage uninsured neighbors to enroll. Visit Indiana's health marketplace or call 211 Indiana to make sure no one in your community falls through coverage gaps.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Whitley County

via SchoolsByCounty

Concentrated Excellence Across Eleven Schools

Whitley County operates 11 public schools, including six elementary and four high schools, within just two school districts. This focused structure supports 5,579 students across the county's primary learning centers.

High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

Whitley County achieves a standout 95.2% graduation rate, well above the national 87.0% benchmark and the state's 92.6%. The county maintains a school score of 51.9 while spending an efficient $4,978 per pupil.

Whitley County Consolidated Schools Leads

Whitley County Consolidated Schools is the largest district, educating 3,617 students across six schools. The remaining students are served by Smith-Green Community Schools, with no charter options currently in the county.

A Predominantly Rural Learning Experience

Ten of the county's 11 schools are located in rural settings, offering a peaceful environment for students. Columbia City High School is the largest at 1,147 students, though the average school size across the county remains moderate at 558.

Secure Your Future in Whitley County

High graduation rates and a consolidated district approach make Whitley County a top-tier choice for families. Finding a home here means joining a community that values efficient, high-quality public education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Whitley County

via RiskByCounty

Whitley County enjoys low natural hazard exposure

Whitley County's composite risk score of 24.59 ranks as very low—less than half Indiana's state average of 45.52. Residents benefit from modest vulnerability across virtually all major disaster categories.

Among Indiana's lowest-risk counties

Whitley County ranks among the safest counties statewide for natural disaster exposure, with composite risk well below the state mean. Its tornado (60.94) and earthquake risks (45.32) both sit comfortably below Indiana averages, providing residents genuine peace of mind.

Whitley County rivals Wells for regional safety

Whitley County's 24.59 score nearly matches neighboring Wells County (22.84) as the region's safest communities. Both stand in sharp contrast to Wayne County (74.11), demonstrating that northeast Indiana's risk profile spans from exceptional to elevated within a short span.

Tornado season presents the main threat

Tornadoes represent Whitley County's highest risk at 60.94, though this remains below national norms for spring storm activity. Flood exposure (34.29) ranks second and remains manageable for most properties, while wildfire (10.15) and hurricane risks (26.74) are minimal.

Essential coverage keeps Whitley County secure

Standard homeowners insurance and a household tornado plan provide core protection for most Whitley County residents. Adding flood insurance makes sense only for properties in mapped flood zones; earthquake coverage is optional but inexpensive and offers extra security.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Whitley County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool Northern Continental Profile

Whitley County is one of the cooler spots in the region, with an annual average temperature of 49.5°F. This is significantly below the national median, resulting in long winters and mild summers.

Among the Coldest Counties in Indiana

The 49.5°F annual average is nearly three degrees lower than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. This makes Whitley one of the colder jurisdictions in the state's northern quadrant.

Lower Precipitation and High Snowfall

Whitley receives just 39.1 inches of total precipitation, which is nearly five inches less than the state average. Despite being drier overall, it receives a robust 21.4 inches of snow per year.

Short Summers and Snow-Covered Winters

Extreme heat is rare, occurring only 9 days a year, while winter temps average a cold 26.8°F. The 21.4 inches of snowfall ensures that winter sports and snow removal are part of the local lifestyle.

Winterize Your Home and Vehicle

Focus your budget on heating efficiency, as the county only sees 9 days of extreme heat. Snow tires and reliable shovels are essential tools for managing the 21.4 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Whitley County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soils with high character

Whitley County's soil is more acidic than its neighbors, with a pH of 5.80 compared to the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is currently unavailable, the overall soil score of 74.9 remains well above the Indiana average of 71.4. This acidity level is particularly beneficial for acid-loving plants and specific forest species.

Sand and silt drive soil texture

The soil composition is dominated by 43.9% sand and 30.4% silt, creating a relatively light and porous texture. A lower clay content of 14.7% means the soil warms up quickly in the spring and resists compaction. This structural profile allows for excellent root penetration and aeration for deep-rooted plants.

Massive organic matter reserves

Whitley County features an extraordinary 9.50% organic matter, nearly double the Indiana average of 4.90%. The available water capacity is 0.201 in/in, sitting right at the state benchmark. This massive organic reserve provides incredible natural fertility and supports a thriving subterranean ecosystem.

Reliable water capacity for growth

While specific drainage classes are not provided in the current data, the high sand content suggests rapid initial infiltration. The high organic matter helps regulate this, ensuring that the 0.201 in/in water capacity is utilized effectively by crops. This balance prevents the soil from drying out too quickly despite the sandier texture.

Hardiness zone 6a planting potential

The high organic matter and lower pH make Whitley County perfect for blueberries, potatoes, and evergreens. In this 6a zone, you can leverage the quick-warming sandy soil to get a head start on the growing season. With such nutrient-rich earth, your garden has everything it needs to flourish this year.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Whitley County

via LawnByCounty

Whitley County's Accessible Lawn Care

Whitley County maintains a lawn difficulty score of 68.1, placing it just slightly below the Indiana state average. Despite this, local gardeners find it more manageable than the national median score of 50.0 for USDA zone 6a.

Cooler Summers Benefit Turf Growth

Lawns here benefit from one of the mildest summers in the state, with only 9 extreme heat days per year. Annual precipitation of 39.1 inches is slightly lower than the state average, requiring a bit more attention to irrigation during July and August.

Sandy Soil and Acidic pH

The soil pH of 5.80 is slightly below the ideal range, suggesting that a lime application could help balance the acidity for better grass health. The high sand content of 43.9% aids in drainage, though specific drainage classification data is unavailable for this area.

Managing Abnormally Dry Conditions

Currently, 100% of the county is abnormally dry, though only 8.0% reaches the severe drought threshold. Over the past year, the area has experienced 29 weeks of drought, making moisture management a top priority for maintaining green turf.

Best Grasses for Whitley County

Fine fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass are excellent choices for the local climate and sandy soil base. Plan your planting for late April or early May once the risk of the last frost on April 27 has passed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Whitley County's county score?
Whitley County, Indiana has a composite county score of 63.4 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 Whitley County rank among counties in Indiana?
Whitley County ranks #20 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 Whitley County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Whitley County is $1,432, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Whitley County a tax score of 63.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Whitley County?
The median household income in Whitley County, Indiana is $75,790 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Whitley County earns an income score of 78.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Whitley County, Indiana a good place to live?
Whitley County scores 63.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Whitley 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 Whitley 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.