Median Income
$98,333
31% higher than US avg
Home Value
$236,700
16% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
82/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.0%
5% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,413
21% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.5%
40% lower than US avg
How Burns Harbor Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,198
Median Age37.1 yrs
Density341/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$98,333
Per Capita$39,874
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty7.5%
County GDP$9,875M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$236,700
Rent$1,413
Ownership66.0%
Zillow$313,643
Housing Units1,057
Rent Burden20.9%
Crime
F
Violent82/100K
Property1,429/100K
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking15.0%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation631 ft (192 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.0%
High School+91.8%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score6.64
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 44%
Commute24 min
Broadband91.5%
EV Stations3
Libraries7
Is Burns Harbor a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Burns Harbor receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Burns Harbor offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Burns Harbor is $98,333, which is significantly higher than the national average / 31% above $75,149. This places Burns Harbor among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. Only 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Burns Harbor is $236,700, 16% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,413 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Burns Harbor is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 82 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,429 per 100,000, 27% below the national average.
Education
32.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Burns Harbor experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches, including 40.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Burns Harbor has a population of 2,198 with a density of 341 people per square mile, spread across 6.8 square miles. The median age is 37.1 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (88.5%), with 2.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.1% of residents, while 7.9% speak Spanish. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.1yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Burns Harbor vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.1%
17% above US avg
Spanish
7.9%
41% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Burns Harbor vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Burns Harbor is $98,333, which is 31% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,874. The average weekly wage is $1,120, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,215 business establishments, including 369 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Burns Harbor vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $98,333 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,874 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,120 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,304 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.5% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,215 |
| County GDP | $9,875M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 369 |
| Healthcare | 439 |
| Retail | 464 |
| Manufacturing | 151 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,957 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.09% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Burns Harbor is $236,700, 16% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $313,643, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.4% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,413 (21% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,057 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2006. The average annual property tax is $4,957 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $236,700 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $313,643 |
| Median List Price | $299,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $299,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $252 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.4% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,413 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,057 |
| Median Year Built | 2006 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,957 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.09% |
In Burns Harbor, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 34.6% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 17.5% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,778. The dentist ratio is 1:1,665. 79.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Burns Harbor vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.6% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,778 |
| Dentists | 1:1,665 |
| Mental Health | 1:422 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Dental Visits | 61.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,441/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 439 |
Burns Harbor has a violent crime rate of 82 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,429 per 100,000, 27% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 24 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Burns Harbor receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Burns Harbor vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 81.7/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,428.9/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 24 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Burns Harbor experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°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 39.2 inches. The area receives 40.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 631 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.2°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 631 ft (192 m) |
| Area | 6.8 sq mi (17.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 341/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6189°N, 87.1259°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Porter County County |
| Nearest Airport | Porter County Regional (VPZ)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.2"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0465 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 2.55 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 81.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
149 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
120 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
61 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
132 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
121 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
122 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
520 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 123 fatalities, 1,846 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
73 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
59 km |
33 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
77 km |
36 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 1965 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
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 |
22 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
91 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
87 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
79 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
81 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
8 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
81 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
90 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
80 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
7 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
3 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Burns Harbor has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Burns Harbor. 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 Burns Harbor
What is the population of Burns Harbor?
Burns Harbor has a population of 2,198 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 341 people per square mile, spread across 6.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.1 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is Burns Harbor expensive to live in?
Burns Harbor 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 $98,333, 31% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $236,700 (16% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,413 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Burns Harbor safe?
Burns Harbor is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 82 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,429 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Burns Harbor receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Burns Harbor?
Burns Harbor has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.2 inches, with 40.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Burns Harbor?
The job market in Burns Harbor is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,120. There are 4,215 business establishments in the area, including 369 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 4.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Burns Harbor?
The median home value in Burns Harbor is $236,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $313,643. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,413. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,957.
How are the schools in Burns Harbor?
Schools in Burns Harbor score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.0% of adults in Burns Harbor hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Burns Harbor?
The obesity rate in Burns Harbor is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 79.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,778.
What is transportation like in Burns Harbor?
The average commute in Burns Harbor is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Burns Harbor?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Burns Harbor is 88.5% White, 2.3% Black or African American. 92.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.9% speak Spanish. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 8.1% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
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