County Crime & Safety

Decatur County, IN, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to state averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 120 total crimes, including 13 violent crimes and 107 property crimes, yielding a crime rate of about 10.5 per 1,000 residents. The sheriff’s office actively encourages community involvement and timely crime reporting through tip lines and neighborhood watch. Overall, Decatur County remains safer than 68% of U.S. counties, though property crime remains a focus for local law enforcement agencies.

Education, Employment and Housing

Decatur County, Indiana, hosts 9 public schools, including 2 high schools. About 87.2% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 15.7% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average student-teacher ratio is 16:1, and schools report a safety rating of 7.2/10. Advanced educational programs such as AP and dual-credit courses are available, and adult education, including GED preparation, is offered through local institutions. Overall, Decatur County schools received a district score of 6/10 according to state education rankings.

As of 2023, Decatur County, IN has an employment rate of 62.5%. Manufacturing dominates, employing around 35% of workers, followed by healthcare (12%), retail (11%), and education (8%). Major occupations include production (29%), office/administrative (17%), and management (11%). About 82% of residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 22 minutes; 46% work within the county, while others commute primarily to Bartholomew and Marion counties for work.

Decatur County, IN, has a homeownership rate of approximately 74%, with the median home value around $174,000 (2023). Rental properties comprise about 26% of housing, with median gross rents near $825/month. The market has seen home values rise 6% year-over-year. Housing types include mainly single-family homes, some apartments, and townhouses, concentrated in neighborhoods like Greensburg and Westport. The property tax rate averages 0.71% of assessed value, lower than the national average, contributing to affordability for residents.

Demographics

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Decatur County, IN had a population of 26,472. The median age was approximately 40.6 years, with 49.6% male and 50.4% female residents. Racially, the county was predominantly White (96.1%), while other groups included Hispanic or Latino (2.0%), two or more races (1.5%), Asian (0.5%), Black or African American (0.3%), and others (less than 0.5%).

Elections

Decatur County, IN, has approximately 18,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county administers primary, general, and special elections, with recent turnout around 55% in 2020. Major parties include Republican and Democrat, with Republicans typically securing 70% of votes in general elections. Key issues often involve local taxation and school funding. There are 12 polling locations, managed by the County Clerk’s office. Voter registration can be completed online or at government offices. Election results and administration are overseen by the bipartisan election board, ensuring compliance with Indiana state law.