Parke County Public RecordsIndiana

Parke County, IN, has 8 public schools, including 1 high school: Riverton Parke Jr-Sr High, with a graduation rate of 92%. About 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the national average. The average school safety score is 7.6/10. Educational programs include vocational training and dual-credit courses. The student-teacher ratio is 15:1. Adult education options are limited but present, offering GED preparation. Overall, Parke County schools emphasize community and safety while seeking to improve academic attainment and college-readiness.

As of 2023, Parke County, IN, has an employment rate of approximately 56%. Key industries include manufacturing (20%), health care & social assistance (16%), and retail trade (12%). The most common occupations are production (18%), office & administrative support (12%), and sales-related roles (10%). About 82% of workers commute outside their home city, with the average one-way commute being 27 minutes. Notably, a significant portion of residents are employed in neighboring counties such as Vigo and Vermillion, reflecting the county’s regional workforce integration.

Parke County, IN, features a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values around $138,000 and typical rents near $850 per month. Housing largely consists of single-family homes, with a mix of historic properties and newer builds. Population centers like Rockville offer walkable neighborhoods, while rural areas provide more acreage. In 2023, property values rose modestly, with a 2–3% annual increase. Property tax rates average 0.8%, lower than the national average, making Parke County attractive for buyers seeking affordability and small-town living. Rental options remain limited compared to ownership opportunities.

Parke County, IN, reports relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, the county recorded a violent crime rate of 27 per 100,000 residents, significantly below the U.S. average of 367. Property crime was reported at 412 per 100,000, also under the national average of 1,958. The Parke County Sheriff’s Department manages crime reporting, community policing, and public safety initiatives, contributing to these low rates. Residents generally report feeling safe, though caution is advised, and petty thefts or minor offenses occasionally occur. Regular updates are provided through local law enforcement channels.

Parke County, Indiana, had 12,350 registered voters for the 2022 general election, with turnout around 54%. It conducts primaries (May) and general elections (November), plus special and municipal elections. In 2022, Republican candidates won county offices with over 70% of the vote. There are 12 polling locations across 13 townships, managed by the Parke County Clerk’s Office. Key election issues include local taxes and infrastructure. The county leans heavily Republican, with the GOP holding most seats, while Democrats comprise about 25% of active voters. Voting is administered in accordance with Indiana state law.

As of 2022, Parke County, Indiana, has a population of approximately 16,500. The median age is about 43 years. Females make up 51%, and males 49% of the population. The county is predominantly White (over 95%), with less than 1% each identifying as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, or two or more races. Less than 2% of residents are from other racial or ethnic backgrounds.