CountyScore

Whitley County

Indiana · IN

#17 in Indiana
74.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Whitley County, Indiana

Whitley County ranks among America's livable communities

Whitley County's composite score of 74.5 outpaces the national median of 50.0 by 49 percent, placing it in the upper quartile of American counties. This strong performance reflects a well-balanced quality of life across multiple dimensions.

Fourth-best among Indiana's 92 counties

Whitley County's 74.5 composite score ranks it above Indiana's 71.2 state average and represents one of the state's most livable counties. The county demonstrates consistent strength across tax, cost, health, and economic risk measures.

Highest incomes and strong health outcomes

Whitley County leads this group with a median household income of $75,790 and the highest health score at 75.6, reflecting robust healthcare access and outcomes. The tax score of 82.6 and cost score of 77.7 ensure affordability, with median home values of $205,200 and rents at $867 per month.

School and safety data unavailable for full picture

Missing metrics on school quality and safety limit visibility into two key livability factors, though available scores suggest a generally stable community. The income score of 32.9, while highest in this cohort, remains modest compared to national high performers.

Perfect for families balancing income and livability

Whitley County offers the best combination of earnings potential, health outcomes, and affordability in this Indiana quartet—appealing to established families and professionals. It's the clear choice for those seeking upward mobility without sacrificing the quality-of-life benefits of smaller-town living.

Score breakdown

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

Tax82.6Cost77.7SafetyComing SoonHealth75.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.9Risk75.4WaterComing Soon
🏛82.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡75.4
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 Whitley County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cleburne County
Alabama
74.5
Median income: $53,319
Gilpin County
Colorado
74.5
Median income: $88,654
Custer County
Idaho
74.5
Median income: $56,957
Lewis County
Idaho
74.5
Median income: $49,643
Franklin County
Indiana
74.5
Median income: $79,702

Deep Dives

Whitley County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.