Parke
Indiana

What stands out

Against every county in America, Parke County is unusual in three ways: the school test score is in the top 7% of American counties (3.43 where 3.0 is grade level), homeownership is in the top 11% of American counties (82%), and the property tax rate is in the bottom 12% of American counties (0.50%). Within Indiana it ranks 27th of 92 counties for the school test score.

Where you are

You live in Parke County, Indiana. 16,327 people live here with you. The population grew 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +101).

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 $63,393 a year, higher than 58% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $42,489. Unemployment runs 3.0%, lower than 64% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home.

Indiana takes 3.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,870 a year.

Home

The median home costs $222K, cheaper than 55% of American counties, about 1.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $823 a month. Property tax is 0.50% of home value, roughly $606 a year on that median home, lower than 88% of American counties. 82% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.4 per 1,000 residents, higher than 78% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 15 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 78.2 years, longer than 77% of American counties. There are 9 active physicians in the county, about 5.5 per 10,000 people. 13.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.28 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 93% of American counties. 85% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 56 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 54% 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 53°F, highs near 64 and lows near 42, colder than 63% of American counties. About 34 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 34 out of 100, safer than 66% of American counties; the county has had 19 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 158 Mbps down, slower than 68% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.