Median Income
$59,862
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$143,800
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
538/100K
42% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.0%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$889
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.9%
4% lower than US avg
How La Porte Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population22,125
Median Age34.4 yrs
Density1,749/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$59,862
Per Capita$29,946
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty11.9%
County GDP$5,780M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$143,800
Rent$889
Ownership62.9%
Zillow$265,895
Housing Units10,178
Rent Burden26.0%
Crime
F
Violent538/100K
Property2,152/100K
Murder4.6/100K
Assault450/100K
Burglary366/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Uninsured11.0%
Smoking18.6%
Depression26.6%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain42.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation804 ft (245 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.0%
High School+88.7%
Graduate+4.2%
School Score5.99
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 42%
Commute23 min
Broadband88.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries12
Is La Porte a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, La Porte receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. La Porte offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in La Porte is $59,862, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. 11.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in La Porte is $143,800, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $889 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 538 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,152 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
20.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
La Porte 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.
La Porte has a population of 22,125 with a density of 1,749 people per square mile, spread across 12.7 square miles. The median age is 34.4 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (78.9%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.2% of residents, while 9.8% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 90.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.4yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.2%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.8%
27% below US avg
The median household income in La Porte is $59,862, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,946 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,019, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. 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 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,862 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,946 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,019 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,719 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.9% |
| 4% 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 | 3.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
The median home value in La Porte is $143,800, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $265,895, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $889 (24% 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. 62.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 10,178 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $4,493 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $143,800 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $265,895 |
| Median List Price | $158,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $158,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $128 |
| Homes Sold | 24 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.2% |
| Price Drops | 22.2% |
| Inventory | 45 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $889 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,183 |
| Rent Burden | 26.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.1% |
| Housing Units | 10,178 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,493 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.12% |
In La Porte, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 36.2% have high blood pressure. 18.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.6% report binge drinking. 27.8% are physically inactive. 26.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 11.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 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: La Porte vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.2% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.8% |
| Depression | 26.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.5% |
| Uninsured | 11.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,676 |
| Dentists | 1:1,801 |
| Mental Health | 1:804 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.2% |
| Dental Visits | 55.8% |
| Premature Death | 11,091/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 246 |
La Porte has a violent crime rate of 538 per 100,000 residents, 42% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 450.0 per 100,000, robbery at 46.4, rape at 37.1. The murder rate is 4.6 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,152 per 100,000, 10% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,591, burglary at 366, vehicle theft at 195 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, La Porte receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: La Porte vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 538.1/100K |
| 42% above US avg |
| Murder | 4.6/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rape | 37.1/100K |
| Robbery | 46.4/100K |
| Assault | 450.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,152.4/100K |
| 10% above US avg |
| Burglary | 366.5/100K |
| Theft | 1,591.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 194.8/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Traffic Accidents | 212 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
La Porte 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 804 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 | 804 ft (245 m) |
| Area | 12.7 sq mi (32.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,749/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6061°N, 86.7137°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | LaPorte County County |
| Nearest Airport | Porter County Regional (VPZ) 18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.6"
12% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
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
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M4.2 on May 2, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
127 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
95 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
102 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
444 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 119 fatalities, 1,604 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
93 km |
33 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
84 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
54 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
43 km |
36 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
24 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 1965 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
31 km |
10 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1961 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF3 |
69 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 |
18 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 |
99 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
42 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
41 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
33 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) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
3.0 in |
|
La Porte has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in La Porte. 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 La Porte
What is the population of La Porte?
La Porte has a population of 22,125 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,749 people per square mile, spread across 12.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is La Porte expensive to live in?
La Porte 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 $59,862, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $143,800 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $889 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is La Porte safe?
The violent crime rate in La Porte is 538 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,152 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, La Porte receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in La Porte?
La Porte 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 La Porte?
The job market in La Porte is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. 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 23 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in La Porte?
The median home value in La Porte is $143,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $265,895. For renters, the median monthly rent is $889. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,493.
How are the schools in La Porte?
Schools in La Porte score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.0% of adults in La Porte hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. 4.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is La Porte?
The obesity rate in La Porte is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.6% of adults are smokers. 27.8% are physically inactive. 26.6% of residents report depression. 11.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 61.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,676.
What is transportation like in La Porte?
The average commute in La Porte is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of La Porte?
The racial and ethnic makeup of La Porte is 78.9% White, 3% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 90.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.8% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 90.5% have health insurance coverage.