RANK #127 / 996 · POP 112,156 · IN
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.6%
Delaware County, Indiana, is perhaps best known as home to Ball State University in Muncie, which contributes a youthful energy to the region. Situated in east central Indiana, the county is approximately an hour's drive northeast of Indianapolis. The community offers a blend of urban and rural settings, characterized by rolling plains and the meandering White River. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Cardinal Greenway, Indiana's longest rail-trail, or enjoy kayaking and fishing on the White River and at Prairie Creek Reservoir. Towns like Yorktown also provide a close-knit atmosphere. Life in Delaware County offers a balance of affordability and access to amenities. The county has been recognized for its affordable housing market. Public transportation, including bus services within Muncie, is available, though options for travel outside the county are limited. The public school systems in Delaware County are highly rated, with institutions like the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities and Burris Laboratory School recognized among the state's best. The local economy is seeing investment in infrastructure and manufacturing, alongside efforts to support existing businesses and attract new ones.
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 3.2x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Delaware County Capital Investment and Maintenance (Roads, Bridges, Buildings, Vehicles, Equipment)
Delaware County Government
|
$1,750M | Planned |
|
CANPACK Aluminum Beverage Can Manufacturing Plant
CANPACK (Giorgi Global Holdings, Inc.)
|
$380M | Operating |
|
Royerton Solar Project with Battery Storage
Royerton Solar, LLC (National Grid Renewables affiliate)
|
$190M | Planned |
|
Hawthorn Solar Project
Narenco
|
$75M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Delaware County has a Boom Town Index score of 87/100, ranking #127 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.0% and a median household income of $53,377, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Delaware County is $120,500 with median rent at $841/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.443, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.3% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.0%. Home values changed +3.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 7.44% of Delaware County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.