Median Income
$48,235
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$107,900
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
336/100K
12% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.4%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$904
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.7%
27% higher than US avg
How North Vernon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,214
Median Age37.1 yrs
Density941/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans10.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$48,235
Per Capita$26,971
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty15.7%
County GDP$9,284M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$107,900
Rent$904
Ownership55.7%
Zillow$208,330
Housing Units3,113
Rent Burden35.6%
Crime
F
Violent336/100K
Property4,992/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking19.5%
Depression28.3%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain49.3 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation733 ft (223 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.4%
High School+88.4%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute22 min
Broadband84.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is North Vernon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, North Vernon receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. North Vernon has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in North Vernon is $48,235, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. The poverty rate of 15.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in North Vernon is $107,900, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $904 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in North Vernon is below the national average at 336 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,992 per 100,000, 155% above the national average.
Education
10.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
North Vernon experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 49.3 inches, including 17.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
North Vernon has a population of 7,214 with a density of 941 people per square mile, spread across 6.6 square miles. The median age is 37.1 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47% female and 53% male. The city is predominantly White (90%), with 1.1% Hispanic, 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 10.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.1yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
North Vernon vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.7%
72% below US avg
Social Characteristics
North Vernon vs U.S. Average
The median household income in North Vernon is $48,235, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,971 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,411. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,119 business establishments, including 168 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: North Vernon vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,235 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,971 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,411 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,767 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,119 |
| County GDP | $9,284M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 168 |
| Healthcare | 242 |
| Retail | 293 |
| Manufacturing | 136 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,448 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.4% |
The median home value in North Vernon is $107,900, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,330, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 91.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $904 (22% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 55.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,113 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $4,448 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 35.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $107,900 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $208,330 |
| Median List Price | $175,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $175,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $125 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 91.6% |
| Price Drops | 29.2% |
| Inventory | 24 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $904 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $950 |
| Rent Burden | 35.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.3% |
| Housing Units | 3,113 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,448 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.12% |
In North Vernon, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 36.2% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.4% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 28.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,269. The dentist ratio is 1:1,266. 70.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: North Vernon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.2% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 28.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,269 |
| Dentists | 1:1,266 |
| Mental Health | 1:509 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.1% |
| Dental Visits | 57.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,281/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 242 |
North Vernon has a violent crime rate of 336 per 100,000 residents, 12% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,992 per 100,000, 155% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, North Vernon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: North Vernon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 336.0/100K |
| 12% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,992.1/100K |
| 155% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 44 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
North Vernon experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 49.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 17.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 733 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.8°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 733 ft (223 m) |
| Area | 6.6 sq mi (17.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 941/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.0149°N, 85.6301°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Bartholomew County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.3"
30% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0487 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 70.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 78.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 20, 2015.
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
123 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
116 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
66 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
107 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
127 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SE of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Mar 9, 1990 |
8 km ENE of New Amsterdam, Indiana |
M2.7 |
109 km |
| Mar 21, 1990 |
1 km W of Spring Mill, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
97 km |
| Jan 29, 1990 |
11 km S of Paoli, Indiana |
M2.6 |
96 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
546 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 64 fatalities, 1,863 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
65 km |
3 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
90 km |
4 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
81 km |
11 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1996 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF4 |
69 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
53 km |
11 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
91 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
15 km |
4 |
| May 14, 1972 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1961 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
100 km |
2 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
20 km |
3 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JPG 09 1 (6,113 ac, 1998).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1998 |
JPG 09 1 |
6,113 |
23 km |
| 2005 |
RX BURNPLAN AREA 2-06 |
5,054 |
25 km |
| 2007 |
UNITS 8-9 2008 |
4,316 |
24 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 19 06 WUI |
3,412 |
25 km |
| 2003 |
WUI 3 03 |
3,372 |
17 km |
| 2010 |
WUI UNIT 28K |
3,230 |
18 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,122 |
17 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 8 |
2,753 |
24 km |
| 2005 |
UNIT 3 05 |
2,511 |
17 km |
| 2001 |
01 UNIT 16 |
2,361 |
26 km |
| 2011 |
WUI UNITS 0 AND 1 2011 |
2,215 |
24 km |
| 2004 |
UNIT 19 |
2,004 |
24 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 8 03 |
1,971 |
22 km |
| 2008 |
FY 09 UNIT 42 RX FALL 2008 |
1,942 |
20 km |
| 2000 |
JPG 14 |
1,908 |
25 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 16 03 |
1,809 |
27 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,547 |
56 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 9 |
1,485 |
25 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,462 |
20 km |
| 2010 |
TRACER |
1,408 |
18 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.4 in |
|
North Vernon has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 32°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and February the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in North Vernon. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About North Vernon
What is the population of North Vernon?
North Vernon has a population of 7,214 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 941 people per square mile, spread across 6.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.1 years. The population is 47% female and 53% male.
Is North Vernon expensive to live in?
North Vernon is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $48,235, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $107,900 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $904 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is North Vernon safe?
North Vernon is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 336 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,992 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, North Vernon receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in North Vernon?
North Vernon has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 49.3 inches, with 17.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in North Vernon?
The job market in North Vernon is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,411. There are 2,119 business establishments in the area, including 168 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 6.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in North Vernon?
The median home value in North Vernon is $107,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,330. For renters, the median monthly rent is $904. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,448.
How are the schools in North Vernon?
Schools in North Vernon score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.4% of adults in North Vernon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is North Vernon?
The obesity rate in North Vernon is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 28.3% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 70.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,269.
What is transportation like in North Vernon?
The average commute in North Vernon is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of North Vernon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of North Vernon is 90% White, 1.6% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.7% speak Spanish. 10.3% of the population are military veterans. 22.1% of residents have a disability. 85.0% have health insurance coverage.
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