Median Income
$46,250
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$65,000
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
17/100K
96% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.9%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$807
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.8%
40% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.9%
4% higher than US avg
How Dunkirk Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,760
Median Age47.6 yrs
Density1,492/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$46,250
Per Capita$25,250
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty12.9%
County GDP$428M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$65,000
Rent$807
Ownership76.7%
Zillow$130,342
Housing Units965
Rent Burden35.0%
Crime
F
Violent17/100K
Property3,370/100K
Health
Obesity44.8%
Uninsured10.3%
Smoking22.1%
Depression28.4%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain41.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation951 ft (290 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.9%
High School+89.2%
Graduate+1.7%
School Score6.03
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Commute28 min
Broadband77.6%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Dunkirk a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dunkirk receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Dunkirk has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dunkirk is $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. 12.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dunkirk is $65,000, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $807 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Dunkirk is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 17 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,370 per 100,000, 72% above the national average.
Education
6.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Dunkirk experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°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 41.7 inches, including 32.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Dunkirk has a population of 1,760 with a density of 1,492 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 47.6 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.4% female and 42.6% male. The city is predominantly White (95.3%), with 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 22.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.6yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
The median household income in Dunkirk is $46,250, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,250 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $897, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 245 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,250 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,250 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $897 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,691 |
| Gini Index | 0.484 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.9% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 245 |
| County GDP | $428M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 34 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,313 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Dunkirk is $65,000, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,342, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $807 (31% 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. 76.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 965 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $2,313 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 35.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $65,000 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $130,342 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $807 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.3% |
| Housing Units | 965 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,313 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.56% |
In Dunkirk, 44.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 37.7% have high blood pressure. 22.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 30.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.5% experience frequent mental distress. 10.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,511. The dentist ratio is 1:5,960. 42.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dunkirk vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.8% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.7% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 10.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.1% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.1% |
| Depression | 28.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
| Short Sleep | 39.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.3% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,511 |
| Dentists | 1:5,960 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,379 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 54.1% |
| Premature Death | 13,647/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 42.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Dunkirk has a violent crime rate of 17 per 100,000 residents, 96% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,370 per 100,000, 72% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dunkirk receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dunkirk vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 16.5/100K |
| 96% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,370.2/100K |
| 72% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dunkirk experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°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 41.7 inches. The area receives 32.2 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 951 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.3°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 951 ft (290 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,492/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3743°N, 85.2082°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Blackford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Delaware County Regional (MIE) 13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.7"
10% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.1 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 12, 2015.
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
94 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
32 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
69 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
104 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
75 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
58 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
567 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 62 fatalities, 1,754 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
58 km |
4 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF4 |
87 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
36 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
25 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
70 km |
3 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
24 km |
4 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
13 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
38 km |
1 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
23 km |
1 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
90 km |
3 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Dunkirk has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 26°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Dunkirk. 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 Dunkirk
What is the population of Dunkirk?
Dunkirk has a population of 1,760 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,492 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.4% female and 42.6% male.
Is Dunkirk expensive to live in?
Dunkirk 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 $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $65,000 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $807 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dunkirk safe?
Dunkirk is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 17 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,370 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dunkirk receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dunkirk?
Dunkirk has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°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 41.7 inches, with 32.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Dunkirk?
The job market in Dunkirk is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $897. There are 245 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dunkirk?
The median home value in Dunkirk is $65,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,342. For renters, the median monthly rent is $807. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,313.
How are the schools in Dunkirk?
Schools in Dunkirk score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.9% of adults in Dunkirk hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. 1.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dunkirk?
The obesity rate in Dunkirk is 44.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.1% of adults are smokers. 30.1% are physically inactive. 28.4% of residents report depression. 10.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 42.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,511.
What is transportation like in Dunkirk?
The average commute in Dunkirk is 28 minutes. 87.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dunkirk?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dunkirk is 95.3% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 22.0% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.