County Crime & Safety
Adams County, IN, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. According to recent statistics, the county reports about 8.4 crimes per 1,000 residents annually, with property crimes making up the majority. Violent crime remains rare, at approximately 0.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. Local law enforcement emphasizes prompt reporting, contributing to a high clearance rate for cases. Residents generally rate the community as safe, with most crime incidents being minor theft or vandalism. Public safety initiatives and community policing continue to ensure a secure environment throughout Adams County.
Elections
Adams County, IN, had 21,432 registered voters as of 2023. The county hosts primary, general, and special elections, managed by the Adams County Election Board. In the 2022 general election, Republican candidates won nearly 75% of local votes. Major polling locations include the Decatur Public Library and North Adams High School, accommodating over 10 precincts. Issues commonly focus on education funding and local infrastructure. The administration ensures compliance with state election laws, while the dominant parties are Republican and Democrat, though Libertarians occasionally field candidates. Voter turnout in 2022 was 58%.
Education, Employment and Housing
Adams County, IN has approximately 13 public schools, including 3 high schools, serving around 5,000 students. About 86% of adults hold a high school diploma, while roughly 14% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school rankings place Adams County in the top 35% statewide, with student proficiency scores around 60% in reading and 56% in math. The county emphasizes school safety, reporting fewer incidents per 1,000 students compared to the state average. Educational programs include career and technical education, special education, and dual-credit courses. Adult education opportunities are available through local learning centers.
As of 2023, Adams County, IN, has an employment rate of about 62.5%. Major industries include manufacturing (37%), health care and social assistance (10%), and retail trade (9%). Most workers are employed in production (27%) and transportation/material moving occupations (14%). The average commute time is roughly 19.5 minutes, with about 26% of workers commuting outside the county, mainly to Allen County (Fort Wayne area). Over 82% of workers commute alone by car, highlighting a strong reliance on personal vehicles for employment travel.
Adams County, IN, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with a median home value around $164,000 as of 2023. The median gross rent is roughly $800 monthly. The county’s housing stock mainly consists of single-family homes, with some duplexes and small apartment buildings, especially in Decatur and Berne neighborhoods. Property values have seen moderate increases, with prices rising around 7% year-over-year. The average effective property tax rate is approximately 0.75%. Neighborhoods are largely residential, with affordable options appealing to families and first-time buyers.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Adams County, IN, had a population of 35,809. The median age is 36.4 years. The population is 51% male and 49% female. Racially, the county is 94.5% White, 4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.6% identifying with two or more races.
Popular names
- John Schwartz
- Daniel Schwartz
- Amos Schwartz
- Enos Schwartz
- Jacob Schwartz
- Joseph Schwartz
- William Schwartz
- Joe Schwartz
- Emma Schwartz
- Noah Schwartz
- David Wickey
- David Schwartz
- Emanuel Schwartz
- Samuel Schwartz
- Jake Schwartz
- Sam Schwartz
- Andy Schwartz
- Levi Schwartz
- Menno Schwartz
- Raymond Schwartz
- Elmer Schwartz
- Marcus Schwartz
- Nathan Schwartz
- Rebecca Schwartz
- Henry Clark
- James Schwartz
- Mary Schwartz
- Paul Schwartz
- Andrew Schwartz
- Edna Schwartz
- Michael Miller
- Barbara Schwartz
- Elizabeth Schwartz
- Elmer Hilty
- Ervin Schwartz
- Henry Collins
- John Graber
- Marvin Schwartz
- Mervin Schwartz
- Michael Schwartz
- Pete Schwartz
- Walter Schwartz
- Anna Schwartz
- David Girod
- Henry Diaz
- Henry Schwartz
- Jerry Schwartz
- John Eicher
- Martin Schwartz
- Reuben Schwartz
- Susan Schwartz
- Dan Schwartz
- Daniel Girod
- David Hilty
- Jacob Wickey
- Joe Wickey
- John Hilty
- Jonas Graber
- Maryann Schwartz
- Melvin Schwartz
Other Counties in Indiana
- Allen
- Bartholomew
- Benton
- Blackford
- Boone
- Brown
- Carroll
- Cass
- Clark
- Clay
- Clinton
- Crawford
- Daviess
- De Kalb
- Dearborn
- Decatur
- Delaware
- Dubois
- Elkhart
- Fayette
- Floyd
- Fountain
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Gibson
- Grant
- Greene
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Harrison
- Hendricks
- Henry
- Howard
- Huntington
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jay
- Jefferson
- Jennings
- Johnson
- Knox
- Kosciusko
- La Porte
- Lagrange
- Lake
- Lawrence
- Madison
- Marion
- Marshall
- Martin