Home Value
$232,700
17% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
273/100K
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.1%
97% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
30.0%
142% higher than US avg
How Cree Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population241
Median Age60.1 yrs
Density377/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans13.7%
Economy
Per Capita$31,532
Unemployment7.1%
Poverty30.0%
County GDP$2,553M
Commute20 min
Housing
Home Value$232,700
Ownership76.5%
Zillow$214,737
Housing Units128
Rent Burden20.3%
Crime
F
Violent273/100K
Property2,736/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Smoking18.2%
Depression26.6%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain38.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation946 ft (288 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+78.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.56
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute20 min
Broadband98.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Cree Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cree Lake receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Cree Lake has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The unemployment rate of 7.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 30.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cree Lake is $232,700, 17% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cree Lake is below the national average at 273 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,736 per 100,000, 40% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Cree Lake 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 38.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Cree Lake has a population of 241 with a density of 377 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 60.1 years, 54% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.3% female and 52.7% male. The city is predominantly White (88.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 13.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 84.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.1yrs
Median Age
54% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cree Lake 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
Cree Lake vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $31,532 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $971, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 30.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 983 business establishments, including 73 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). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cree Lake vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $31,532 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $971 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,905 |
| Gini Index | 0.383 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.1% |
| 97% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 30.0% |
| 142% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 983 |
| County GDP | $2,553M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 73 |
| Healthcare | 82 |
| Retail | 133 |
| Manufacturing | 127 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,487 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.50% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Cree Lake is $232,700, 17% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,737. Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 128 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $3,487. 20.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $232,700 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $214,737 |
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 | 76.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.5% |
| Housing Units | 128 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,487 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.50% |
In Cree Lake, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 33.5% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.1% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 26.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,952. The dentist ratio is 1:3,947. 60.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cree Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.5% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 26.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.1% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,952 |
| Dentists | 1:3,947 |
| Mental Health | 1:988 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.2% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,647/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 82 |
Cree Lake has a violent crime rate of 273 per 100,000 residents, 28% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,736 per 100,000, 40% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cree Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cree Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 272.6/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,736.3/100K |
| 40% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cree Lake 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 38.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 946 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 946 ft (288 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 377/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5048°N, 85.2750°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Noble County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.5"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very 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
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on May 20, 2023.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
82 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
74 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
20 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
122 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
143 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
131 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
75 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
107 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
468 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 138 fatalities, 1,699 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
91 km |
4 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
77 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
27 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
38 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
66 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
40 km |
21 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
17 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
96 km |
5 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
19 km |
5 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1968 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
100 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 |
135 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Cree Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Cree Lake. 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 Cree Lake
What is the population of Cree Lake?
Cree Lake has a population of 241 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 377 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.3% female and 52.7% male.
Is Cree Lake expensive to live in?
Cree Lake is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $232,700 (17% below the U.S. median).
Is Cree Lake safe?
Cree Lake is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 273 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,736 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Cree Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cree Lake?
Cree Lake 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 38.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Cree Lake?
The unemployment rate in Cree Lake is 7.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $971. There are 983 business establishments in the area, including 73 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cree Lake?
The median home value in Cree Lake is $232,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,737. The homeownership rate is 76.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,487.
How are the schools in Cree Lake?
Schools in Cree Lake score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Cree Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cree Lake?
The obesity rate in Cree Lake is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 26.6% of residents report depression. 60.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,952.
What is transportation like in Cree Lake?
The average commute in Cree Lake is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cree Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cree Lake is 88.4% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 13.7% of the population are military veterans. 7.5% of residents have a disability. 84.1% have health insurance coverage.
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