Median Income
$60,833
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$166,400
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
336/100K
12% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.0%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Foster Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population128
Median Age62.0 yrs
Density99/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans9.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,833
Per Capita$33,153
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$638M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$166,400
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$220,313
Housing Units56
Rent Burden22.4%
Crime
F
Violent336/100K
Property2,122/100K
Health
Obesity42.0%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking17.5%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain40.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation629 ft (192 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.83
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute19 min
Broadband58.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Foster a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Foster receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Foster offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Foster is $60,833, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Foster is $166,400, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Foster is below the national average at 336 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,122 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Foster experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°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 40.1 inches, including 23.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Foster has a population of 128 with a density of 99 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 62.0 years, 59% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.3% female and 54.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.9% of residents, while 19.1% speak Spanish. 9.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
62.0yrs
Median Age
59% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.9%
3% above US avg
Spanish
19.1%
43% above US avg
The median household income in Foster is $60,833, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,153 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $891, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 370 business establishments, including 31 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,833 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,153 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $891 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,277 |
| Gini Index | 0.413 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 370 |
| County GDP | $638M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 31 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 62 |
| Manufacturing | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,500 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.50% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Foster is $166,400, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $220,313, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 56 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,500 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 22.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $166,400 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $220,313 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 56 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,500 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.50% |
In Foster, 42.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 34.2% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.7% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,107. The dentist ratio is 1:2,762. 51.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Foster vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.0% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.2% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,107 |
| Dentists | 1:2,762 |
| Mental Health | 1:930 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,687/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Foster has a violent crime rate of 336 per 100,000 residents, 12% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,122 per 100,000, 8% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Foster receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Foster vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 336.2/100K |
| 12% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,122.3/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Foster experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°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 40.1 inches. The area receives 23.3 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 629 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 629 ft (192 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 99/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.1416°N, 87.4687°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Fountain County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.1"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 46.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
38 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
139 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
94 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
75 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
114 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
37 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
72 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
146 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
1 km NNW of Emison, Indiana |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
605 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 85 fatalities, 1,674 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
58 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
49 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
25 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
53 km |
28 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
35 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,602 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Foster has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Foster. 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 Foster
What is the population of Foster?
Foster has a population of 128 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 99 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.3% female and 54.7% male.
Is Foster expensive to live in?
Foster 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 $60,833, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $166,400 (41% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Foster safe?
Foster is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 336 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,122 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Foster receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Foster?
Foster has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°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 40.1 inches, with 23.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Foster?
The job market in Foster is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $891. There are 370 business establishments in the area, including 31 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Foster?
The median home value in Foster is $166,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $220,313. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,500.
How are the schools in Foster?
Schools in Foster score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Foster hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Foster?
The obesity rate in Foster is 42.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 51.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,107.
What is transportation like in Foster?
The average commute in Foster is 19 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 Foster?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Foster is 100% White. 80.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.1% speak Spanish. 9.4% of the population are military veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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