County Crime & Safety
Rush County, IN, experiences relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. In 2023, the county reported approximately 105 total crimes, with a rate of 8.7 crimes per 1,000 residents. Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, accounted for about 75% of cases, while violent crimes remained rare, at fewer than 15 annually. Rush County Sheriff’s Office actively encourages community reporting and transparency, maintaining a clearance rate above 65%. Overall, residents consider Rush County safe, attributing its security to close-knit neighborhoods and proactive law enforcement.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Rush County, Indiana, had a population of 16,752. The median age is 41.4 years. About 50.7% are female and 49.3% male. The racial composition is predominantly White (94.9%), with small percentages of Black or African American (1.1%), Asian (0.3%), and people of two or more races (2.7%). Hispanic or Latino residents make up 2.0% of the population.
Elections
Rush County, Indiana had 13,297 registered voters in 2022. The county holds primary, general, and special elections, with major offices contested including local officials and state representatives. In the 2020 presidential election, 78% voted Republican, 19% Democrat. Polling locations include the Rush County Courthouse and designated community centers. Key issues include agricultural policy and local infrastructure. Elections are overseen by the Rush County Clerk's office. The Republican Party dominates, with some Democratic participation. Voter turnout averaged 62% in the 2020 general election.
Education, Employment and Housing
Rush County, Indiana, serves over 2,500 K-12 students in four public schools, including Rushville Consolidated High School. The high school graduation rate is approximately 89%, while 15% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools score an average 5/10 on state rankings. Educational programs include advanced placement and career technical education. Adult education options are limited locally but available in nearby counties. School safety initiatives include resource officers and security cameras.
As of 2023, Rush County, IN has an employment rate of approximately 61%. The largest employment sectors are Manufacturing (27%), Health Care & Social Assistance (16%), and Retail Trade (11%). Major occupation types include Production (22%), Office & Administrative Support (15%), and Sales (10%). Around 65% of employed residents commute outside of Rush County for work, mainly to neighboring counties like Shelby and Marion. The median travel time to work is about 27 minutes.
Rush County, Indiana, has a homeownership rate around 75%, with median home values at approximately $150,000 in 2023. The median gross rent is about $800 per month. Housing consists primarily of single-family homes, with some apartments and duplexes, particularly in Rushville, the county seat. Property value trends show modest increases year-over-year, reflecting stable demand. Neighborhoods are generally quiet and family-friendly. The property tax rate averages 0.75% of assessed value, lower than the national average, making the area attractive for affordable living.
Popular names
- James Jones
- Mary Miller
- Craig Kuhn
- David Miller
- Garrett Hittle
- James Smith
- Robert Brown
- Robert Moore
- William Wickey
- Angela Smith
- Brittany Brown
- Crystal Roberts
- David Baker
- David Smith
- Donna Wilson
- Eric Wagner
- Gary Alexander
- Guy Herrell
- Henry Campbell
- James Hunt
- James Linville
- James Romans
- James Wilson
- Jennifer Smith
- Jessica Best
- John Painter
- Joseph Harrell
- Joyce Miller
- Justin Sullivan
- Kimberly Stevens
- Kylee Hickmott
- Larry Green
- Leanna Rumple
- Lisa Gray
- Mark Herbert
- Mary Thorp
- Matthew Connolly
- Michael Wicker
- Morgan Miller
- Richard Nevins
- Robert Jones
- Ronnie Puckett
- Steven Johnson
- Summer Smith
- Thomas Miller
- Tracy Smith
- William Smith
- William Wilson
- Aaron Eaves
- Aaron Marshall
- Adam Meyer
- Alfred Gonzales
- Alicia Cain
- Amanda Horn
- Amanda Vaughn
- Amber Harper
- Amber Nester
- Amos Kemp
- Amy Hunter
- Amy Johnson
Other Counties in Indiana
- Adams
- 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