Median Income
$69,417
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$181,300
36% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
44/100K
88% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.5%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$892
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.0%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.0%
67% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.8%
37% lower than US avg
How Fish Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population954
Median Age42.6 yrs
Density619/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$69,417
Per Capita$28,712
Unemployment6.0%
Poverty7.8%
County GDP$5,780M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$181,300
Rent$892
Ownership67.5%
Zillow$223,362
Housing Units568
Rent Burden17.2%
Crime
F
Violent44/100K
Property703/100K
Health
Obesity33.0%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking15.8%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain42.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation689 ft (210 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.5%
High School+78.9%
Graduate+1.8%
School Score5.99
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 42%
Commute32 min
Broadband88.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries12
Is Fish Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fish Lake receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Fish Lake has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fish Lake is $69,417, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fish Lake is $181,300, 36% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $892 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Fish Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 44 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 703 per 100,000, 64% below the national average.
Education
12.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Fish Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 24°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 42.6 inches, including 65.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Fish Lake has a population of 954 with a density of 619 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 42.6 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.3% female and 52.7% male. The city is predominantly White (81%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.6% of residents, while 12.4% speak Spanish. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.6yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fish Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.6%
12% above US avg
Spanish
12.4%
7% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fish Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fish Lake is $69,417, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,712 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,019, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,494 business establishments, including 257 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 10.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fish Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,417 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,712 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,019 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,719 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.0% |
| 67% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.8% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,494 |
| County GDP | $5,780M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 257 |
| Healthcare | 246 |
| Retail | 380 |
| Manufacturing | 157 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,493 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.0% |
The median home value in Fish Lake is $181,300, 36% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $223,362, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 91.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $892 (23% 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. 67.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 568 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $4,493 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $181,300 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $223,362 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $115 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 91.9% |
| Price Drops | 75.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $892 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.5% |
| Housing Units | 568 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,493 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.48% |
In Fish Lake, 33.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 19.1% report binge drinking. 22.1% are physically inactive. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,676. The dentist ratio is 1:1,801. 61.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fish Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.0% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.1% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,676 |
| Dentists | 1:1,801 |
| Mental Health | 1:804 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Dental Visits | 60.7% |
| Premature Death | 11,091/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 246 |
Fish Lake has a violent crime rate of 44 per 100,000 residents, 88% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 703 per 100,000, 64% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fish Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fish Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 43.9/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 703.0/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fish Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 24°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 42.6 inches. The area receives 65.2 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 689 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.0°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 689 ft (210 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 619/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5575°N, 86.5455°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | LaPorte County County |
| Nearest Airport | South Bend International (SBN)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.6"
12% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0455 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
119 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
140 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
110 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
88 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
433 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 90 fatalities, 1,049 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
40 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
71 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
29 km |
36 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
12 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
5 |
| Oct 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 1965 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
23 km |
10 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1961 |
EF3 |
77 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 |
32 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OGDEN DUNS (863 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
55 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
47 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Fish Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Fish 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 Fish Lake
What is the population of Fish Lake?
Fish Lake has a population of 954 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 619 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.3% female and 52.7% male.
Is Fish Lake expensive to live in?
Fish Lake 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 $69,417, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $181,300 (36% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $892 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fish Lake safe?
Fish Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 44 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 703 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fish Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fish Lake?
Fish Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°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 42.6 inches, with 65.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Fish Lake?
The unemployment rate in Fish Lake is 6.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,019. There are 2,494 business establishments in the area, including 257 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 10.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fish Lake?
The median home value in Fish Lake is $181,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $223,362. For renters, the median monthly rent is $892. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,493.
How are the schools in Fish Lake?
Schools in Fish Lake score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.5% of adults in Fish Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.9% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fish Lake?
The obesity rate in Fish Lake is 33.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 22.1% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 61.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,676.
What is transportation like in Fish Lake?
The average commute in Fish Lake is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fish Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fish Lake is 81% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 87.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.4% speak Spanish. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 20.2% of residents have a disability. 82.7% have health insurance coverage.
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