Wells County Public RecordsIndiana

Wells County, Indiana had approximately 20,125 registered voters as of 2022. The county administers primary, general, and special elections, overseen by the Wells County Election Board. In the 2020 general election, turnout was about 72%. Voting occurs at 8 designated polling locations, including Bluffton City Hall. Typical issues involve local taxation and school referendums. The county tends to support Republican candidates, who received around 74% of the 2020 presidential vote. Two main parties, Republican and Democrat, are active. Voter registration and election logistics are managed through the County Clerk’s office, located in Bluffton.

Wells County, IN, has 16 public schools, including 3 high schools. About 88% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 16% have a bachelor’s degree or higher (U.S. Census, 2020). Average public school test scores rank around 43% proficiency in math and 50% in reading. The county offers adult education via local libraries and community programs. School safety ratings are above state average, with low incident reports. Educational programs include STEM, vocational training, and AP courses, supporting diverse student interests and career readiness.

As of 2022, Wells County, IN, had an employment rate of approximately 62.7%. The largest industries are Manufacturing (29.7%), Health Care & Social Assistance (13.2%), and Retail Trade (10.4%). Major occupation types include Production (19.6%), Office & Administrative Support (11.3%), and Management (10.5%). About 77.7% of residents commute to work alone by car, with a mean commute time of 21.4 minutes. Over 40% of workers are employed outside Wells County, mainly commuting to Adams, Allen, or Huntington counties.

Wells County, IN, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with a median home value around $175,000 in 2023, up from $145,000 in 2020, reflecting a steady market increase. Median rent is approximately $800 per month. Housing stock includes primarily single-family homes, with some apartments in Bluffton and Ossian neighborhoods. Notable neighborhoods include Northwood and Norwell Estates. Property tax rates average 0.77%, equating to around $1,347 annually for a median-value home. Rental vacancy rates are low, highlighting strong demand. The market offers affordable options and a stable investment climate.

Wells County, IN, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. According to recent statistics, the violent crime rate is approximately 1.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate stands at about 7.2 per 1,000. The county reported under 15 violent crimes and fewer than 90 property crimes annually. Local law enforcement emphasizes community-oriented policing, contributing to steady safety levels. Crime data can be accessed through the Indiana State Police’s annual Uniform Crime Reports, ensuring transparency and accurate public reporting.

As of the 2020 Census, Wells County, IN had a population of 27,687. The median age was 41.3 years. About 49.5% of residents were male and 50.5% female. Racially, the county was predominantly White (95.1%), with smaller proportions of Hispanic or Latino (3.3%), two or more races (1.6%), Asian (0.6%), and Black or African American (0.5%).