County Crime & Safety

Switzerland County, IN, reports relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. According to recent FBI data, the county experienced a violent crime rate of approximately 2.5 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 10.7 per 1,000 in 2022. Law enforcement maintains community safety through regular patrols and prompt incident reporting. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity, contributing to efficient crime resolution. Overall, Switzerland County's crime and safety statistics indicate a generally safe environment, with proactive measures supporting low crime levels.

Education, Employment and Housing

Switzerland County, IN, has 6 public schools, including Switzerland County High School. The high school graduation rate is about 92%, while only 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the national average. Schools score around 4–6/10 on GreatSchools ratings, indicating average performance. The county offers vocational/dual-credit programs but limited advanced placement options. Adult education is available through partnerships with Ivy Tech Community College. School safety measures include resource officers and secured entry systems, with rare incidents reported.

As of 2022, Switzerland County, IN had an employment rate of about 55% for residents aged 16 and over. Major industries include manufacturing (22%), health care and social assistance (13%), and retail trade (12%). The most common occupations are production (21%) and office/administrative support (12%). Around 77% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 31 minutes; roughly 40% work outside the county. Switzerland County’s labor force participation and employment by industry reflect its rural character and proximity to nearby employment centers such as Jefferson and Dearborn counties.

Switzerland County, IN, has a homeownership rate of approximately 78%, with median home values around $142,000 in 2023, reflecting steady appreciation over the past five years. Median gross rent is about $850 monthly. Housing stock is primarily single-family homes, with some mobile homes and few multi-family units. Neighborhoods like Vevay offer historic homes, while rural areas dominate. Property taxes remain low, averaging 0.8% of assessed home value, equating to around $1,136 per year for a median-priced home. The area’s affordable housing and low taxes attract buyers seeking a quiet, small-town environment.

Elections

Switzerland County, IN, had 6,877 registered voters for the 2022 general election. Elections include primary, general, and local referendums, with recent turnout at approximately 44%. In 2022, Republicans won all county-level offices; for example, 72% voted for the GOP candidate for Commissioner. Polling locations include the Switzerland County YMCA and East Enterprise Firehouse. Key issues have included school funding and local infrastructure. The Switzerland County Clerk administers elections, and both Democratic and Republican parties have local offices, though Republicans dominate registration and results.

Demographics

Switzerland County, Indiana, had a 2020 population of approximately 9,737. The median age was about 42.5 years. Gender distribution was nearly balanced, with 50.3% male and 49.7% female. The racial makeup was predominantly White (96.0%), followed by small percentages of two or more races (2.5%), African American (0.6%), and other races. Hispanic or Latino residents comprised 1.3% of the population.