Median Income
$88,536
18% higher than US avg
Home Value
$280,400
1% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
65/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.2%
19% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,145
2% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.0%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.4%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.4%
32% lower than US avg
How Chesterton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population14,326
Median Age37.6 yrs
Density1,522/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$88,536
Per Capita$47,807
Unemployment5.4%
Poverty8.4%
County GDP$9,875M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$280,400
Rent$1,145
Ownership71.8%
Zillow$335,268
Housing Units5,917
Rent Burden25.2%
Crime
F
Violent65/100K
Property897/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault29/100K
Burglary108/100K
Health
Obesity39.0%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking14.4%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation645 ft (197 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.2%
High School+96.5%
Graduate+12.0%
School Score6.64
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 44%
Commute27 min
Broadband92.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries7
Is Chesterton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chesterton 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 crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Chesterton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chesterton is $88,536, 18% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 5.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 8.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chesterton is $280,400, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,145 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Chesterton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 65 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 897 per 100,000, 54% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Chesterton 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.
Chesterton has a population of 14,326 with a density of 1,522 people per square mile, spread across 9.4 square miles. The median age is 37.6 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.8% female and 49.2% male. The city is predominantly White (88.9%), with 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.6% of residents, while 8.4% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.6yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Chesterton vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.6%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.4%
37% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Chesterton vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Chesterton is $88,536, which is 18% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,807 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,120, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.4% 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 27 minutes. 20.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Chesterton vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $88,536 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,807 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,120 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,304 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.4% |
| 32% 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 | 1.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.5% |
| Public Transit | 1.8% |
| Work from Home | 20.3% |
The median home value in Chesterton is $280,400, 1% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $335,268, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.1% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,145 (2% 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. 71.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 5,917 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $4,957 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $280,400 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $335,268 |
| Median List Price | $380,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $380,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $147 |
| Homes Sold | 12 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.1% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 36 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,145 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,525 |
| Rent Burden | 25.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.2% |
| Housing Units | 5,917 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,957 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.77% |
In Chesterton, 39.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 33.8% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 17.5% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% 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: Chesterton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.8% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 37.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,778 |
| Dentists | 1:1,665 |
| Mental Health | 1:422 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,441/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 439 |
Chesterton has a violent crime rate of 65 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 28.7 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 35.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 897 per 100,000, 54% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 725, burglary at 108, vehicle theft at 65 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 24 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Chesterton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chesterton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 64.6/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 35.9/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 28.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 897.4/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| Burglary | 107.7/100K |
| Theft | 725.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 64.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 24 |
| Traffic Accidents | 471 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chesterton 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 645 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 | 645 ft (197 m) |
| Area | 9.4 sq mi (24.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,522/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5998°N, 87.0550°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Porter County County |
| Nearest Airport | Porter County Regional (VPZ) 10 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
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
127 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
68 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
130 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
127 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
128 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
525 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 123 fatalities, 1,837 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
79 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
65 km |
33 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
71 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
82 km |
31 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 1965 |
EF3 |
36 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 |
18 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 |
96 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
92 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
81 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
85 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
86 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
14 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
95 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
13 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
7 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 |
|
Chesterton 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 Chesterton. 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 Chesterton
What is the population of Chesterton?
Chesterton has a population of 14,326 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,522 people per square mile, spread across 9.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.6 years. The population is 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
Is Chesterton expensive to live in?
Chesterton 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 $88,536, 18% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $280,400 (1% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,145 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Chesterton safe?
Chesterton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 65 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 897 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Chesterton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chesterton?
Chesterton 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 Chesterton?
The unemployment rate in Chesterton is 5.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 27 minutes, and 20.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chesterton?
The median home value in Chesterton is $280,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $335,268. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,145. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,957.
How are the schools in Chesterton?
Schools in Chesterton score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 40.2% of adults in Chesterton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. 12.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chesterton?
The obesity rate in Chesterton is 39.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 7.6% 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 Chesterton?
The average commute in Chesterton is 27 minutes. 70.5% of workers drive alone to work, 1.8% use public transit, and 20.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chesterton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chesterton is 88.9% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 91.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.4% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.