Tipton County
countyTipton County is located in central Indiana, north of Indianapolis. As of 2020, the population was 15,359. The county is characterized by its rich agricultural heritage and small-town atmosphere. Tipton County offers a blend of rural charm and accessibility to larger urban centers. Agriculture has historically been the backbone of Tipton County's economy, with corn, soybeans, and hogs being primary products. Manufacturing, healthcare, and education are also significant employment sectors. Key institutions include First Farmers Bank & Trust and the Tipton County school system. Tipton County is distinctive for its strong agricultural traditions, which are celebrated annually at the Tipton County Pork Festival. The county also has historical ties to former President Barack Obama through the Dunham House in Kempton.
Tipton County, Indiana
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 18159
- Country
- United States
- County
- Tipton County
- Region
- Central Indiana
- Elevation
- 850 ft
- Total Area
- 260.57 sq mi
- Land Area
- 260.54 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.03 sq mi
- Latitude
- 40.31
- Longitude
- -86.05
- Climate
- Humid continental climate with cold winters and hot summers
- Notable Features
- Level till plain · Dense forests (historically)
- Neighboring Areas
- Howard County · Hamilton County · Madison County · Grant County · Clinton County
- Population (2020)
- 15,359
- Est. Population (2026)
- 15,382
- Median Age
- 44.5
- Median Income
- $78,309
- Poverty Rate
- 8.4%
- Owner-Occupied
- 81.8%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- 93.3% White (Non-Hispanic), 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Two or More Races
- Government Type
- County government
- Governing Body
- County Commissioners
- Unemployment Rate
- 2.7%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Manufacturing
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Educational Services
- Students
- 10,100
- Teachers
- 780
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13:1
- School Districts
- Tipton Community School Corporation · Northern Community Schools of Tipton County
- Transportation
- U.S. Route 31 · Indiana State Roads 28, 19, 213 · Two railroad lines
- Major Facilities
- Tipton County Courthouse
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Tipton City Park · Tipton County Fairgrounds
- Parks & Trails
- Tipton City Park · Walking trails
- Founded
- 1844
- Named After
- John Tipton, soldier of the Battle of Tippecanoe
- Historical Significance
- One of the last Indiana counties to be settled, with a strong agricultural heritage
- Key Events
- County formed from Cass, Hamilton, and Miami Counties · Early settlement by Miami and Delaware tribes