Median Income
$42,500
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$88,900
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.6%
83% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$906
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.5%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.6%
111% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
29.8%
140% higher than US avg
How Carthage Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population754
Median Age36.4 yrs
Density1,323/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans1.5%
Economy
D
Median Income$42,500
Per Capita$19,149
Unemployment7.6%
Poverty29.8%
County GDP$764M
Commute41 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$88,900
Rent$906
Ownership57.6%
Zillow$238,540
Housing Units339
Rent Burden33.9%
Health
Obesity38.5%
Uninsured5.2%
Smoking18.0%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain47.1 in/yr
Elevation879 ft (268 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.6%
High School+84.9%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score6.04
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute41 min
Broadband87.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Carthage a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Carthage receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Carthage has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Carthage is $42,500, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 29.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Carthage is $88,900, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $906 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
5.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Carthage experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.1 inches, including 28.6 inches of snow.
Carthage has a population of 754 with a density of 1,323 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 36.4 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.1% female and 43.9% male. The city is predominantly White (97.6%), with 2.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 1.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
754
Total Population
2023 Census
36.4yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Carthage is $42,500, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,149 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $961, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 29.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 430 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 7.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,500 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,149 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $961 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,700 |
| Gini Index | 0.379 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.6% |
| 111% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.8% |
| 140% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 430 |
| County GDP | $764M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 26 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,075 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.33% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 40.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Carthage is $88,900, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,540, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $906 (22% 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. 57.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 339 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $2,075 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 33.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $88,900 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $238,540 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $906 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.4% |
| Housing Units | 339 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,075 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.33% |
In Carthage, 38.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 34.0% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.9% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 5.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,779. The dentist ratio is 1:2,382. 50.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Carthage vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.5% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.0% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 39.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 5.2% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,779 |
| Dentists | 1:2,382 |
| Mental Health | 1:766 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.0% |
| Dental Visits | 58.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,854/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Carthage experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 28.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 879 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 879 ft (268 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,323/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7368°N, 85.5714°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Rush County County |
| Nearest Airport | Delaware County Regional (MIE)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.1"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.36"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 29.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.8 on Jun 17, 2021.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
147 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
17 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
92 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
101 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
131 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
101 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
124 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
585 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 25 fatalities, 945 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF4 |
15 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
7 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
69 km |
4 |
| May 14, 1972 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
92 km |
4 |
| Apr 25, 1961 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
76 km |
3 |
| Jun 3, 2008 |
EF3 |
32 km |
1 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JPG 09 1 (6,113 ac, 1998).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1998 |
JPG 09 1 |
6,113 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
RX BURNPLAN AREA 2-06 |
5,054 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
UNITS 8-9 2008 |
4,316 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 19 06 WUI |
3,412 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
WUI 3 03 |
3,372 |
86 km |
| 2010 |
WUI UNIT 28K |
3,230 |
83 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,122 |
86 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 8 |
2,753 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
UNIT 3 05 |
2,511 |
86 km |
| 2001 |
01 UNIT 16 |
2,361 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
WUI UNITS 0 AND 1 2011 |
2,215 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
UNIT 19 |
2,004 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 8 03 |
1,971 |
96 km |
| 2008 |
FY 09 UNIT 42 RX FALL 2008 |
1,942 |
92 km |
| 2000 |
JPG 14 |
1,908 |
98 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 16 03 |
1,809 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,547 |
90 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 9 |
1,485 |
98 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,462 |
92 km |
| 2010 |
TRACER |
1,408 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Carthage has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 27°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.4") and February the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Carthage. 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 Carthage
What is the population of Carthage?
Carthage has a population of 754 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,323 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.1% female and 43.9% male.
Is Carthage expensive to live in?
Carthage 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 $42,500, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $88,900 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $906 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Carthage?
Carthage has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 47.1 inches, with 28.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Carthage?
The unemployment rate in Carthage is 7.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $961. There are 430 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 41 minutes, and 7.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Carthage?
The median home value in Carthage is $88,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,540. For renters, the median monthly rent is $906. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,075.
How are the schools in Carthage?
Schools in Carthage score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.6% of adults in Carthage hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Carthage?
The obesity rate in Carthage is 38.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 5.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 50.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,779.
What is transportation like in Carthage?
The average commute in Carthage is 41 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 70% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Carthage?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Carthage is 97.6% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 1.5% of the population are military veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.