Median Income
$71,714
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$233,900
17% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
397/100K
5% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.3%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$945
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.6%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.0%
122% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Bass Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,067
Median Age61.8 yrs
Density123/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$71,714
Per Capita$46,961
Unemployment8.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$690M
Commute44 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$233,900
Rent$945
Ownership90.4%
Zillow$216,420
Housing Units990
Rent Burden17.7%
Crime
F
Violent397/100K
Property3,121/100K
Health
Obesity41.6%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking19.8%
Depression28.4%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain42.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation717 ft (219 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.3%
High School+89.4%
Graduate+11.0%
School Score5.33
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute44 min
Broadband98.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Bass Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bass Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, long commute times, high obesity rates. Bass Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bass Lake is $71,714, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 8.0%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 44 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bass Lake is $233,900, 17% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $945 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 397 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,121 per 100,000, 59% above the national average.
Education
24.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Bass Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.2 inches, including 28.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Bass Lake has a population of 1,067 with a density of 123 people per square mile, spread across 11.3 square miles. The median age is 61.8 years, 59% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45% female and 55% male. The city is predominantly White (97.9%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 90.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
61.8yrs
Median Age
59% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bass Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.8%
79% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bass Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bass Lake is $71,714, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,961 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $849, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 337 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 44 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 9.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bass Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,714 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,961 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $849 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,879 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.0% |
| 122% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 337 |
| County GDP | $690M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 23 |
| Retail | 65 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,765 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.18% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 43.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.1% |
The median home value in Bass Lake is $233,900, 17% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $216,420. Monthly rent averages $945 (19% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 990 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $2,765 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 17.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $233,900 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $216,420 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $945 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.6% |
| Housing Units | 990 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,765 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.18% |
In Bass Lake, 41.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 34.2% have high blood pressure. 19.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.4% report binge drinking. 27.1% are physically inactive. 28.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,791. The dentist ratio is 1:4,652. 67.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bass Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.6% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.2% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.8% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.1% |
| Depression | 28.4% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 41.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,791 |
| Dentists | 1:4,652 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,901 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.4% |
| Dental Visits | 55.2% |
| Premature Death | 12,710/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
Bass Lake has a violent crime rate of 397 per 100,000 residents, 5% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,121 per 100,000, 59% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bass Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bass Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 397.3/100K |
| 5% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,121.5/100K |
| 59% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bass Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 42.2 inches. The area receives 28.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 717 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 717 ft (219 m) |
| Area | 11.3 sq mi (29.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 123/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2230°N, 86.5959°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Starke County County |
| Nearest Airport | Porter County Regional (VPZ) 27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.2"
11% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M4.2 on May 2, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
149 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
121 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
134 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
567 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 139 fatalities, 2,278 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
88 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
92 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
52 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
87 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
55 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
93 km |
25 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
58 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,602 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
86 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
67 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
63 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Bass Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 24°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Bass Lake. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Bass Lake
What is the population of Bass Lake?
Bass Lake has a population of 1,067 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 123 people per square mile, spread across 11.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45% female and 55% male.
Is Bass Lake expensive to live in?
Bass Lake is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $71,714, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $233,900 (17% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $945 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bass Lake safe?
The violent crime rate in Bass Lake is 397 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,121 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bass Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bass Lake?
Bass Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.2 inches, with 28.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Bass Lake?
The job market in Bass Lake faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $849. There are 337 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 44 minutes, and 9.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bass Lake?
The median home value in Bass Lake is $233,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $216,420. For renters, the median monthly rent is $945. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,765.
How are the schools in Bass Lake?
Schools in Bass Lake score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.3% of adults in Bass Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. 11.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bass Lake?
The obesity rate in Bass Lake is 41.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.8% of adults are smokers. 27.1% are physically inactive. 28.4% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 67.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,791.
What is transportation like in Bass Lake?
The average commute in Bass Lake is 44 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bass Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bass Lake is 97.9% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 90.5% have health insurance coverage.