At a Glance
Median Income
$41,071
$23,164 per capita
Home Value
$92,400
Zillow: $132,058
Median Rent
$820/mo
28.0% of income on rent
Violent Crime
826/100K
1,621/100K property
Bachelor's Degree+
9.9%
73.7% high school+
Unemployment
7.9%
23.9% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
47.4%
21.5% smoking rate
How East Chicago Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows East Chicago's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is East Chicago a Good Place to Live?
C
2.4 / 5.0 - Fair
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
East Chicago residents earn a median household income of $41,071 , which is 45% below the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $23,164. The unemployment rate stands at 7.9% (119% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 23.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 11,872 business establishments, including 1,110 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in East Chicago is $92,400 , 67% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $132,058. Median rent is $820/month, with 28.0% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 93.3 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1943.
Safety & Crime
East Chicago reports 826 violent crimes per 100,000 residents
, which is 117% above the national average of 380/100K.
Property crime is 1,621/100K. The murder rate is 11.7/100K.
Education
9.9% of adults in East Chicago hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(71% below the national average).
73.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.5/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
East Chicago has an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C).
Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.3 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 52.
Data Overview
People
Population26,158
Median Age36.5 yrs
Density1,854/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Foreign Born16.2%
Veterans3.2%
Economy
C
Median Income$41,071
Per Capita$23,164
Unemployment7.9%
Poverty23.9%
County GDP$31,242M
Avg Weekly Wage$1,177
Housing
A+
Home Value$92,400
Rent$820
Ownership44.1%
Zillow$132,058
Housing Units12,759
Rent Burden28.0%
Crime
F
Violent826/100K
Property1,621/100K
Murder11.7/100K
Assault659/100K
Burglary144/100K
Health
Obesity47.4%
Diabetes19.3%
Smoking21.5%
Heart Disease7.2%
Premature Death10,981/100K
Climate
Avg Temp52°F
Rain40.3 in/yr
AQI52 (Moderate)
Elevation587 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.9%
High School+73.7%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score5.5/10
Community
2024 VoteR 46% / D 52%
Commute22 min
Broadband74.3%
Internet Speed110 Mbps
EV Stations1
Libraries26
Did You Know?
East Chicago was founded in 1893.
The median home in East Chicago was built in 1943.
The nearest airport is Gary/Chicago International (3 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.453 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Relatively High" by FEMA.
17.0% of the population has a disability.
16.2% of residents are foreign-born.
Average internet download speed is 110 Mbps.
There are 1,110 restaurants in the area.
The county recorded 53 fatal vehicle crashes.