Is Connersville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Connersville
Is it Safe to Live in Connersville?
Connersville, Indiana, presents a mixed picture regarding safety. The city’s overall crime rate is considered average when compared to national statistics. However, specific categories show variations, with violent crimes being slightly higher than the national average, while property crime rates are below average (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data). This suggests that while Connersville is safer than many communities nationwide, certain safety concerns warrant attention.
When examining Connersville’s crime data, it’s important to consider the source and methodology. NeighborhoodScout reports that Connersville’s violent crime rate is approximately 1 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is considered average for communities across America. Property crime, however, is noted as being below average, meaning you are less likely to be a victim of theft or burglary (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data). CrimeGrade.org indicates that Connersville has a “B” grade for violent crime, suggesting it’s slightly lower than the average U.S. city, and ranks in the 64th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 64% of cities (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Costs and Market Trends
The housing market in Connersville offers relatively affordable options compared to national averages. The median listing price for homes is approximately $185,000, with a median sale price around $103,000 (according to Realtor.com® and Redfin). These figures indicate a market with accessible entry points for homebuyers, though recent trends show some fluctuations in sale prices and days on market.
Rental costs in Connersville are also notably lower than the national average. The median rent is reported to be around $763 per month (according to Redfin), with various sources indicating a range from $700 to $850 for different property types and bedroom counts (according to Trulia, Zumper, and RentalSource). This affordability extends to housing expenses, which are significantly lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Home Prices and Appreciation
Home values in Connersville have seen recent appreciation. The average home value is around $157,813, showing a 5.0% increase over the past year (according to Zillow). Year-over-year appreciation in home values stands at 17.50% (according to Realtor.com®), suggesting a growing market that buyers should consider.
However, it’s worth noting that some reports indicate a year-over-year decline in the median sale price of homes. For instance, in March 2026, home prices were down 7.2% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $103,000 (according to Redfin). This highlights a dynamic market with varying indicators of price trends.
Rental Market Dynamics
The rental market in Connersville is described as competitive, with strong renter demand leading to quick leasing times for well-priced units (according to RentalSource). While the median rent is around $763 per month (according to Redfin), other sources suggest an average rent closer to $700 to $850 (according to Trulia and Zumper). Year-over-year rent price changes have shown a downward trend, with a decrease of -4.40% reported (according to Realtor.com®), which could offer some relief to renters.
The rent-to-income ratio provides further insight into rental affordability. In Connersville, this ratio is approximately 36.7% for renters, indicating the portion of earnings allocated to housing expenses (according to Point2Homes). The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around $685, while a 2-bedroom apartment averages $750 (according to Zumper).
Cost of Living and Affordability
Connersville offers a cost of living that is significantly lower than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living index is 83, meaning it is 17% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This affordability is driven by various factors, including housing, transportation, and utilities.
Housing expenses are a major contributor to Connersville’s affordability, being 49.5% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Other essential costs, such as food, transportation, and healthcare, are also generally lower than the national average, making Connersville an economically attractive option for residents (as reported by Salary.com).
Key Cost Drivers
Housing costs are a primary driver of Connersville’s low cost of living. The median home price is substantially below the national average, and monthly rent prices are also considerably lower (as reported by AreaVibes). This makes homeownership and renting more accessible for individuals and families looking to manage their expenses.
Transportation and utility costs also contribute to the overall affordability. While specific figures vary, these expenses are generally reported to be lower than the national average, further enhancing Connersville’s appeal as an affordable place to live (as reported by Salary.com).
Income and Economic Outlook
The median household income in Connersville was approximately $61,658 in 2024, with a median income of $48,854 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). While these figures represent the local economic landscape, it’s important to note that the average salary in Connersville is around $60,620 per year (according to ERI SalaryExpert).
The city’s economy is supported by manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade sectors. However, there has been a noted decline in both employment and population in recent years, which can impact the overall economic outlook (as noted by Wikipedia and Data USA). The poverty rate in Connersville is 23.4%, which is higher than the national average of 12.5% (according to Data USA).
Job Market and Major Employers
Connersville’s economy is primarily driven by manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade industries. These sectors provide the bulk of employment opportunities within the city. Major employers include Stant USA Corp, Walmart Supercenter, Premier Health Care, Kroger, Ivy Tech Community College, and Connersville High School (as listed by Hoosiers by the Numbers).
The job market has experienced some shifts, with employment declining by approximately 0.95% from 2023 to 2024 (according to Data USA). The most common job groups are in production occupations, followed by office and administrative support, and sales-related roles.
Key Industries and Employment Sectors
Manufacturing remains a significant industry in Connersville, employing a substantial number of residents. Health Care & Social Assistance and Retail Trade are also major employment sectors, providing diverse job opportunities within the community (as detailed by Data USA).
Other notable sectors include wholesale trade, professional, scientific, and technical services, and finance and insurance, which offer higher-paying positions. The presence of educational institutions like Ivy Tech Community College also contributes to the local economy and job market.
Unemployment and Labor Force
The unemployment rate in Connersville is an important economic indicator. While specific figures for Connersville are not always broken out separately, the unemployment rate for Fayette County was 4.3% in February 2026 (according to STATS Indiana). This rate is slightly higher than the state unemployment rate of 3.3% in March 2026 (according to IN.gov).
The labor force participation rate in Indiana is 63.3%, indicating the percentage of the population that is either employed or actively seeking employment (as reported by IN.gov). The overall employment in Connersville has seen a slight decline in recent years, which can influence the local job market dynamics.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Connersville experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold, snowy, and windy. The temperature generally ranges from 22°F to 84°F throughout the year, with rare extremes outside of this range (according to AccuWeather).
The warm season lasts from May to September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 74°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 84°F. Conversely, the cold season extends from December to March, with average daily high temperatures below 45°F, and January is the coldest month with average lows in the mid-20s Fahrenheit (as reported by AccuWeather).
Temperature and Precipitation
Average annual precipitation in Connersville is around 45 inches, with snowfall contributing about 22 inches per year (according to myPerfectWeather). The wet season spans from March to August, with June seeing the most wet days. The drier period occurs from August to March, with January having the fewest wet days.
The climate classification for Connersville is humid continental with hot summers and year-round precipitation (according to Plantmaps). The average annual temperature is approximately 62.6°F, with average monthly precipitation of about 3.70 inches (according to Plantmaps).
Seasonal Characteristics
Connersville enjoys a period of comfortable weather from May to October, making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities. The summer months are warm and humid, offering opportunities for recreation. Winter brings cold temperatures, snow, and wind, requiring seasonal adjustments for residents.
The city experiences an average of 100-125 days with frost annually, with the last frost typically occurring between April 11-20 and the first frost around October 11-20 (according to Plantmaps). This indicates a clear delineation between growing seasons and winter conditions.
School Ratings and Education
The educational landscape in Connersville, served by the Fayette County School Corporation, presents a mixed performance. Connersville Senior High School has a 4-year graduation rate of 88.4%, but test scores are mixed, with lower proficiency in math compared to reading (according to Niche and SchoolDigger.com). Connersville Middle School’s test scores are noted as being lower than the high school’s, suggesting a need for improved transitions and support.
Overall, the Fayette County School Corporation receives a C+ rating from Niche, with specific schools showing varied performance. Some elementary schools, like Fayette Central Elementary and Grandview Elementary, perform better than the district and state averages, while others, such as Eastview Elementary, struggle, particularly in mathematics (according to Niche and SchoolDigger.com).
Performance and Graduation Rates
Connersville Senior High School demonstrates a strong graduation rate of 90% (according to Homes.com), and 19% of students are proficient in math, while 48% are proficient in reading (according to Niche). These figures provide insight into academic achievements, though proficiency levels in math are a noted area for improvement.
The Fayette County School Corporation as a whole has 3,140 students in grades PK-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1. State test scores indicate that 31% of students are proficient in math and 37% in reading across the district (according to Niche).
Challenges and Opportunities
A significant challenge within the Connersville school system is the chronic absenteeism rate, which is 17.8% across all schools. This high rate can negatively impact student learning and academic achievement (as noted by SchoolDigger.com). Socioeconomic factors also play a role, with a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating economic hardships that may create barriers to success.
Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for growth and improvement. The smaller student-teacher ratio in some schools can facilitate more individualized attention, and the strong graduation rates at the high school level are a positive indicator. Focused interventions in mathematics and addressing absenteeism could further enhance educational outcomes.
Demographics and Population Trends
Connersville is home to a population of approximately 13,109 residents, with a median age of 41 years (according to Point2Homes). The population is predominantly White, making up 92.65% of residents, with smaller percentages for other racial and ethnic groups (according to Data USA and ZipRecruiter). The gender distribution is fairly balanced, with 47.9% male and 52.1% female residents (according to Point2Homes).
The city’s population has been experiencing a decline. It is currently decreasing at an annual rate of -0.08%, and its population has decreased by -0.5% since the most recent census in 2020 (according to PopulationData.com). This demographic trend indicates a shrinking population base.
Age and Gender Distribution
The median age in Connersville is 41 years, with a notable portion of the population in the 45-64 age bracket (26%) and the 25-44 age bracket (23.3%) (according to Point2Homes). Around 18.7% of residents are children under 15, and 19.6% are 65 or older.
For every 100 females, there are approximately 92 males in Connersville (according to PopulationData.com). This slight imbalance in gender distribution is a demographic characteristic of the city.
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The racial composition of Connersville is overwhelmingly White, with 92.65% of the population identifying as such (according to ZipRecruiter). Other racial groups, including Black or African American, Native American, Asian, and those of two or more races, represent smaller percentages of the population. Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute about 2.18% of the population (according to Data USA).
The majority of residents are US-born citizens, with a high citizenship rate. Foreign-born residents constitute a small percentage of the population, consistent with national averages (according to Data USA).