Median Income
$43,659
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
140/100K
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.0%
61% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
78.6%
534% higher than US avg
How Hartz Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population291
Median Age37.5 yrs
Density693/mi²
Male / Female74% / 26%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans19.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$43,659
Per Capita$16,354
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty78.6%
County GDP$690M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$157,834
Housing Units160
Rent Burden26.6%
Crime
F
Violent140/100K
Property2,132/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Smoking17.5%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain40.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation720 ft (219 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.0%
High School+69.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.33
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Broadband89.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Hartz Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hartz Lake receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Hartz Lake faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hartz Lake is $43,659, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 78.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
Hartz Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 140 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,132 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
13.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Hartz 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 40.3 inches, including 54.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Hartz Lake has a population of 291 with a density of 693 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 37.5 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 26.1% female and 73.9% male. The city is predominantly White (97.9%), with 2.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 19.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 5.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.5yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Hartz 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
Hartz Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Hartz Lake is $43,659, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,354 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $849, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 78.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 337 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Hartz Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,659 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,354 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $849 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,879 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 78.6% |
| 534% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 337 |
| County GDP | $690M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 23 |
| Retail | 65 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,765 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 43.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,834. 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 160 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $2,765 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 160 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,765 |
| 21% below US avg |
In Hartz Lake, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 33.3% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 25.6% are physically inactive. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,791. The dentist ratio is 1:4,652. 67.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hartz Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.3% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.6% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:7,791 |
| Dentists | 1:4,652 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,901 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 59.9% |
| Premature Death | 12,710/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
Hartz Lake has a violent crime rate of 140 per 100,000 residents, 63% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,132 per 100,000, 9% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hartz Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hartz Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 139.5/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,132.3/100K |
| 9% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hartz 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 40.3 inches. The area receives 54.9 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 720 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 | 720 ft (219 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 693/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1779°N, 86.4980°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Starke County County |
| Nearest Airport | Porter County Regional (VPZ)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.3"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 12, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
147 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
132 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
95 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
567 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 138 fatalities, 2,339 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
86 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
92 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
51 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
87 km |
25 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
52 km |
31 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
70 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 |
66 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,602 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
92 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
76 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Hartz Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Hartz 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 Hartz Lake
What is the population of Hartz Lake?
Hartz Lake has a population of 291 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 693 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.5 years. The population is 26.1% female and 73.9% male.
Is Hartz Lake expensive to live in?
Hartz 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 $43,659, 42% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Hartz Lake safe?
Hartz Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 140 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,132 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hartz Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hartz Lake?
Hartz 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 40.3 inches, with 54.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Hartz Lake?
The job market in Hartz Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $849. There are 337 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Hartz Lake?
Schools in Hartz Lake score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.0% of adults in Hartz Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hartz Lake?
The obesity rate in Hartz Lake is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 25.6% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 67.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,791.
What are the demographics of Hartz Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hartz Lake is 97.9% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 19.5% of the population are military veterans. 5.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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