Is Scottsburg Safe, Pros and cons of living in Scottsburg
Scottsburg, Indiana, offers a blend of small-town charm and practical amenities, making it a noteworthy place for those considering a move. Its location provides a balance between a slower pace of life and accessibility to larger metropolitan areas. This guide delves into the key aspects of living in Scottsburg, covering safety, cost of living, housing, employment, climate, education, and demographics to provide a comprehensive overview for potential residents.
The community is situated in Scott County, serving as its county seat. With a population hovering around 7,300 residents, Scottsburg maintains a close-knit atmosphere. This size allows for a community feel where neighbors often know each other, contributing to a sense of belonging. The town’s growth rate is modest, suggesting a stable environment for those seeking a place to settle.
Is it Safe to Live in Scottsburg?
Scottsburg demonstrates a favorable safety profile, with crime rates reported as significantly lower than national averages. Overall crime rates are 27% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes are particularly low, standing 20% below the national average, and property crime rates are also lower than the national average by 28% (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests a secure environment for residents.
The chances of becoming a victim of crime in Scottsburg are relatively low, with a 1 in 65 chance of experiencing crime (as reported by AreaVibes). In terms of safety rankings, Scottsburg is considered safer than 36% of cities across the United States (as reported by AreaVibes). Year-over-year crime statistics indicate a decrease of 10% in crime within the city (as reported by AreaVibes), further reinforcing its reputation as a safe community.
Housing Costs in Scottsburg
The housing market in Scottsburg presents a notable affordability, especially when compared to national figures. The median home value in Scottsburg is approximately $146,200 (as reported by Data USA), which is considerably lower than the national average of $332,700 (as reported by Data USA). This affordability extends to rental properties as well, with the average rent for all property types being $1,299 per month (as reported by Zillow).
For those considering homeownership, Scottsburg’s median home price was $216K in March 2026, showing a 7.5% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median listing price is around $224.9K, with a price per square foot of $157 (as reported by realtor.com®). Homeownership in Scottsburg stands at 49.7%, which is below the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).
Cost of Living
Scottsburg offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than the U.S. national average. Overall living costs are 2% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). This affordability is driven by lower expenses in several key areas, including housing, food, transportation, and healthcare.
Housing costs are particularly favorable, being 29.9% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). Food expenses are also below the national average, by 28.3% (as reported by Salary.com). Energy, transportation, and healthcare costs combined are 18.2% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com), contributing to Scottsburg’s appeal as an economically viable place to live.
Job Market and Economy
The economic landscape of Scottsburg is shaped by a variety of employers, contributing to a diverse job market. Major employers in the area include Scott County School District 2 and Scott Memorial Hospital (as reported by Scott County Economic Development Corporation). Other significant entities include Walmart, McDonald’s, and Dollar General (as reported by Indeed).
The average salary in Scottsburg is approximately $45,332 per year (as reported by Data USA). For specific roles, the median wage is around $41,000 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Scottsburg is not consistently reported across all sources, but one source indicates a rate of 7.6% (as reported by Kurby AI), which is higher than the national average.
Climate and Weather
Scottsburg experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is around 65°F, with average highs of 65°F and lows of 43°F (as reported by Livability.com). The city receives a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year.
The average annual rainfall in Scottsburg is approximately 47 inches (as reported by Livability.com). Winter brings an average of 12 inches of snowfall annually (as reported by Livability.com). The climate is characterized by warm summers and cold winters, typical of the Midwestern United States.
Education in Scottsburg
The public school system in Scottsburg is generally considered above average. Scottsburg Senior High School has a Niche grade of C+ with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (as reported by Niche). At the elementary level, Vienna-Finley Elementary School receives a B+ rating, while Scottsburg Elementary School has a B- rating (as reported by Niche).
Scott County School District No. 2 serves the area, encompassing a range of grade levels from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that about 43% of students are proficient in math and 46% in reading within the district (as reported by Niche).
Demographics of Scottsburg
Scottsburg is a city with a population of approximately 7,362 residents (as reported by Data USA). The racial composition is predominantly White, making up about 88.78% of the population (as reported by Data USA). Other racial groups include Two or More races at 7.21% and Other race at 3.1% (as reported by Data USA).
The median age in Scottsburg is 34.9 years (as reported by Data USA), with a slightly higher proportion of females. Citizenship in Scottsburg is high, with 98.7% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). The poverty rate in Scottsburg is 23.41%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).