Is Tell City Safe, Pros and cons of living in Tell City

Tell City, Indiana, offers a blend of small-town charm and practical amenities, making it a compelling option for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Nestled along the Ohio River in Perry County, the city provides a scenic backdrop with a strong sense of community. Its location offers access to natural beauty and a slower pace of life, appealing to families and individuals looking to escape the hustle of larger metropolitan areas.

The cost of living in Tell City is notably lower than the national average, presenting an attractive financial advantage for residents. This affordability extends across various aspects of daily life, from housing to everyday expenses. The city’s economic landscape is shaped by a mix of local businesses and larger employers, contributing to its employment opportunities.

Is it Safe to Live in Tell City?

Tell City’s crime rates present a mixed picture when compared to national averages. While the city experiences a lower-than-average rate for property crime, its violent crime rate is sometimes noted as being higher than the national average in some reports. However, other analyses indicate that Tell City’s overall crime rate is significantly lower than the national average, with violent crimes also being below national figures. Neighborhood Scout data suggests that your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Tell City is about 1 in 626, and for property crime, it’s 1 in 114 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). AreaVibes reports that Tell City’s crime rates are 51% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 55% lower (as reported by AreaVibes).

When considering safety, it’s important to look at specific neighborhoods, as crime can vary within a city. Some residents consider the northeast part of Tell City to be the safest, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime compared to other areas (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Tell City ranks in the 66th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 66% of U.S. cities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Costs and Options

The housing market in Tell City offers relatively affordable options for both buyers and renters. The median home value in Tell City is around $175,750 (as reported by Zillow), with some sources indicating a median listing price of $239,000 (as reported by Zumper). The median property value was $139,000 in 2024, showing an increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Tell City is approximately 65.3% (as reported by Data USA).

For renters, the median rental price in Tell City is around $1,050 per month (as reported by Zumper), with other sources citing an average rent of $875 (as reported by Zillow). Housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, with Tell City’s housing being 43% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This affordability makes Tell City an attractive place for those looking to reduce their living expenses.

Job Market and Major Employers

Tell City’s employment landscape is supported by a variety of industries, with manufacturing being a primary sector (as reported by Data USA). Other significant employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance, as well as accommodation and food services. The city has seen employment growth, with the number of employees increasing over recent periods (as reported by Data USA).

Key employers in the Tell City and Perry County area include WGS Global Services, ATTC Manufacturing Inc., Walmart Supercenter, and Perry County Memorial Hospital (as reported by Hoosiers by the Numbers). Other notable employers include Green Industrial Service and Trilogy Health Services LLC. Waupaca Foundry is also a significant presence in the manufacturing sector (as reported by Hoosiers by the Numbers and Lensa).

Demographics and Population

Tell City is home to a population of approximately 7,515 residents (as reported by Data USA). The city’s population has seen slight growth in recent years, with an annual growth rate of around 0.04% (as reported by Tell City, Indiana Population 2026). The demographic makeup is predominantly White, with 92.76% identifying as such, followed by smaller percentages for other racial groups and those identifying with two or more races (as reported by Tell City, Indiana Population 2026).

The median age in Tell City is around 39.6 years, with variations between males and females (as reported by Tell City, Indiana Population 2026). The population consists of a diverse age range, with a significant portion falling within the 18-64 age bracket, indicating a working-age population. The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a very small percentage born outside the country (as reported by Data USA).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Tell City experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and can be muggy, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 87°F (as reported by Weather and Climate). The hot season typically lasts from late May to late September, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 79°F (as reported by Weather and Climate).

Winters in Tell City are cold and wet, with average low temperatures in January around 27°F (as reported by Weather and Climate). The cold season generally runs from late November to late February, with daily high temperatures falling below 51°F (as reported by Weather and Climate). The city receives a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, with May being the wettest month, averaging about 4.6 inches of rain (as reported by Weather and Climate).

Education and School Ratings

Educational opportunities in Tell City are primarily served by the Perry County School District. While specific school ratings for Tell City are not detailed in the provided search results, the Perry County R-1 School District includes one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school (as reported by Movoto). Information regarding the quality and ratings of these institutions would require further specific research.

Regarding educational attainment, a significant portion of Tell City’s population holds a high school degree or higher, with a notable percentage pursuing college studies (as reported by ZoomProspector and Point2Homes). This indicates a commitment to education within the community.

Cost of Living and Affordability

The cost of living in Tell City is considerably lower than both the national and state averages. Overall, Tell City’s cost of living is 13% lower than the national average and 3% lower than the Indiana average (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing costs are a major contributor to this affordability, being 43% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

The median household income in Tell City is around $52,949 (as reported by Data USA and Tell City, Indiana Population 2026), with an average annual household income of $63,871 (as reported by Point2Homes). These income levels, combined with lower living expenses, contribute to a favorable financial outlook for residents.