Median Income
$71,010
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$255,300
9% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
685/100K
80% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.3%
61% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.7%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Chain-O-Lakes Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population427
Median Age52.8 yrs
Density277/mi²
Male / Female68% / 32%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans21.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,010
Per Capita$28,725
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$19,493M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$255,300
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$266,214
Housing Units329
Rent Burden29.5%
Crime
F
Violent685/100K
Property4,704/100K
Health
Obesity32.7%
Smoking13.8%
Depression29.2%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation741 ft (226 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.3%
High School+95.8%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score5.56
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 50%
Commute20 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries15
Is Chain-O-Lakes a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chain-O-Lakes receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Chain-O-Lakes offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chain-O-Lakes is $71,010, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chain-O-Lakes is $255,300, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 685 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,704 per 100,000, 140% above the national average.
Education
13.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Chain-O-Lakes experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°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 39.2 inches, including 64.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Chain-O-Lakes has a population of 427 with a density of 277 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 52.8 years, 36% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 32.1% female and 67.9% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 21.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 88.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.8yrs
Median Age
36% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Chain-O-Lakes vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Chain-O-Lakes vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Chain-O-Lakes is $71,010, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,725 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,140, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 6,539 business establishments, including 630 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Chain-O-Lakes vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,010 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,725 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,140 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,799 |
| Gini Index | 0.472 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 6,539 |
| County GDP | $19,493M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 630 |
| Healthcare | 722 |
| Retail | 895 |
| Manufacturing | 315 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,800 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.88% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.3% |
The median home value in Chain-O-Lakes is $255,300, 9% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $266,214. Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 329 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1998. The average annual property tax is $4,800 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $255,300 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $266,214 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 329 |
| Median Year Built | 1998 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,800 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.88% |
In Chain-O-Lakes, 32.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 19.4% report binge drinking. 21.4% are physically inactive. 29.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,111. The dentist ratio is 1:1,565. 85.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chain-O-Lakes vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.7% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 29.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.9% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,111 |
| Dentists | 1:1,565 |
| Mental Health | 1:369 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Dental Visits | 68.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,846/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 722 |
Chain-O-Lakes has a violent crime rate of 685 per 100,000 residents, 80% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,704 per 100,000, 140% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 23 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Chain-O-Lakes receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chain-O-Lakes vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 685.2/100K |
| 80% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,703.9/100K |
| 140% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 23 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chain-O-Lakes experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°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 39.2 inches. The area receives 64.5 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 741 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 741 ft (226 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (4.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 277/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7071°N, 86.3883°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | St. Joseph County County |
| Nearest Airport | South Bend International (SBN)
4 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.2"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0449 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 7.7 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 85.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| 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: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
99 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
121 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
120 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
76 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
393 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 95 fatalities, 1,185 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
21 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
34 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
58 km |
5 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
10 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
86 km |
5 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
83 km |
5 |
| Oct 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 1965 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
43 km |
10 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
12 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 |
41 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OGDEN DUNS (863 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
70 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
69 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Chain-O-Lakes has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 24°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Chain-O-Lakes. 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 Chain-O-Lakes
What is the population of Chain-O-Lakes?
Chain-O-Lakes has a population of 427 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 277 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 32.1% female and 67.9% male.
Is Chain-O-Lakes expensive to live in?
Chain-O-Lakes 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 $71,010, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $255,300 (9% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Chain-O-Lakes safe?
Public safety is a concern in Chain-O-Lakes, with a violent crime rate of 685 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,704 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Chain-O-Lakes receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chain-O-Lakes?
Chain-O-Lakes has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°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 39.2 inches, with 64.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Chain-O-Lakes?
The job market in Chain-O-Lakes is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,140. There are 6,539 business establishments in the area, including 630 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 10.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chain-O-Lakes?
The median home value in Chain-O-Lakes is $255,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $266,214. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,800.
How are the schools in Chain-O-Lakes?
Schools in Chain-O-Lakes score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.3% of adults in Chain-O-Lakes hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chain-O-Lakes?
The obesity rate in Chain-O-Lakes is 32.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 21.4% are physically inactive. 29.2% of residents report depression. 85.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,111.
What is transportation like in Chain-O-Lakes?
The average commute in Chain-O-Lakes is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chain-O-Lakes?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chain-O-Lakes is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 21.6% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 88.9% have health insurance coverage.
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