Median Income
$61,964
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$114,300
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
123/100K
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.9%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$908
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.7%
70% lower than US avg
How Colfax Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population926
Median Age31.7 yrs
Density2,503/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans10.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,964
Per Capita$28,968
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty3.7%
County GDP$2,022M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$114,300
Rent$908
Ownership74.1%
Zillow$218,454
Housing Units318
Rent Burden41.9%
Crime
F
Violent123/100K
Property5,066/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking16.0%
Depression26.4%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain43.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation845 ft (258 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.9%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+0.8%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute27 min
Broadband74.1%
EV Stations6
Libraries7
Is Colfax a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Colfax receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Colfax has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Colfax is $61,964, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. Only 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Colfax is $114,300, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $908 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Colfax is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 123 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,066 per 100,000, 158% above the national average.
Education
5.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Colfax experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.3 inches, including 24.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Colfax has a population of 926 with a density of 2,503 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 31.7 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.3% female and 51.7% male. The city is predominantly White (97.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 10.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.7yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Colfax is $61,964, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,968 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,019, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 634 business establishments, including 54 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. 10.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,964 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,968 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,019 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,630 |
| Gini Index | 0.382 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.7% |
| 70% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 634 |
| County GDP | $2,022M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 54 |
| Healthcare | 59 |
| Retail | 100 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,403 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.3% |
The median home value in Colfax is $114,300, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,454, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $908 (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. 74.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 318 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $2,403 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 41.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $114,300 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $218,454 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $908 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 41.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.9% |
| Housing Units | 318 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,403 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.10% |
In Colfax, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 33.0% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 18.1% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 26.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,613. The dentist ratio is 1:2,190. 68.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Colfax vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.0% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 26.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 37.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,613 |
| Dentists | 1:2,190 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,925 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.0% |
| Dental Visits | 66.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,709/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 59 |
Colfax has a violent crime rate of 123 per 100,000 residents, 68% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,066 per 100,000, 158% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Colfax receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Colfax vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 123.4/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,066.3/100K |
| 158% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Colfax experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 74°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 43.3 inches. The area receives 24.1 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 845 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.7°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 845 ft (258 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,503/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.1942°N, 86.6669°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Clinton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Indianapolis International (IND) 38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.3"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 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 |
67 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
108 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
67 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
49 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
35 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
99 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
618 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 88 fatalities, 1,789 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
40 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
52 km |
18 |
| May 14, 1972 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
26 km |
28 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
33 km |
25 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
100 km |
2 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Colfax has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 26°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Colfax. 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 Colfax
What is the population of Colfax?
Colfax has a population of 926 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 2,503 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.3% female and 51.7% male.
Is Colfax expensive to live in?
Colfax 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 $61,964, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $114,300 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $908 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Colfax safe?
Colfax is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 123 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,066 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Colfax receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Colfax?
Colfax has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.3 inches, with 24.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Colfax?
The job market in Colfax is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,019. There are 634 business establishments in the area, including 54 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 10.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Colfax?
The median home value in Colfax is $114,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,454. For renters, the median monthly rent is $908. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,403.
How are the schools in Colfax?
Schools in Colfax score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.9% of adults in Colfax hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 0.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Colfax?
The obesity rate in Colfax is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 26.4% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 68.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,613.
What is transportation like in Colfax?
The average commute in Colfax is 27 minutes. 76.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Colfax?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Colfax is 97.7% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 10.4% of the population are military veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.