Jefferson
Indiana

What stands out

Three things set Jefferson County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is in the top 8% of American counties (36 per 100,000). Within Indiana it ranks 8th of 92 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Jefferson County, Indiana. 33,057 people live here with you. The population grew 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +157).

Indiana has a flat income tax just under 3% and most counties add their own income tax on top, typically 1% to 2.5%. Property taxes are capped by the state constitution at 1% of assessed value for homesteads. Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and the Chicago suburbs in Lake County account for most of the growth; the rest of the state is affordable and slow-changing.

Money

The typical household here brings in $57,801 a year, lower than 59% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,879. Unemployment runs 2.8%, lower than 73% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 21 minutes each way.

Indiana takes 2.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,705 a year.

Home

The median home costs $241K, pricier than 53% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $820 a month. Property tax is 0.66% of home value, roughly $1,108 a year on that median home, lower than 70% of American counties. 70% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 53% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 36 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 75.0 years, shorter than 60% of American counties. There are 47 active physicians in the county, about 14.2 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 9.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.19 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 80% of American counties. 88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 35 points. 58% of eligible voters turned out. Under Indiana law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 55°F, highs near 65 and lows near 45, colder than 53% of American counties. About 48 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 59 out of 100, riskier than 59% of American counties; the county has had 25 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 196 Mbps down, slower than 52% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.