Median Income
$29,643
61% lower than US avg
Home Value
$179,600
36% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
140/100K
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.0%
76% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.9%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
31.2%
767% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.1%
38% higher than US avg
How Lake Bruce Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population196
Median Age58.1 yrs
Density332/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
D
Median Income$29,643
Per Capita$43,461
Unemployment31.2%
Poverty17.1%
County GDP$905M
Housing
B
Home Value$179,600
Ownership89.0%
Zillow$178,066
Housing Units256
Rent Burden26.4%
Crime
F
Violent140/100K
Property2,132/100K
Health
Obesity41.9%
Smoking19.8%
Depression27.6%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain40.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation725 ft (221 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Broadband75.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Lake Bruce a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Bruce receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Lake Bruce faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Bruce is $29,643, 61% below the national average of $75,149. At 31.2%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 17.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Bruce is $179,600, 36% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. The price-to-income ratio of 6.1x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lake Bruce 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
8.0% 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
Lake Bruce experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°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 40.8 inches, including 30.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Lake Bruce has a population of 196 with a density of 332 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 58.1 years, 49% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.9% female and 54.1% male. The city is predominantly White (81.1%), with 13.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 29.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.1yrs
Median Age
49% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Bruce vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Bruce vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Bruce is $29,643, which is 61% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,461 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $933, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 31.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 476 business establishments, including 47 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: Lake Bruce vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $29,643 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,461 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $933 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,511 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 31.2% |
| 767% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.1% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 476 |
| County GDP | $905M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 47 |
| Healthcare | 45 |
| Retail | 94 |
| Manufacturing | 35 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,817 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.57% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 72.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Lake Bruce is $179,600, 36% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,066. Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 256 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $2,817 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.1x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $179,600 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $178,066 |
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 | 89.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.0% |
| Housing Units | 256 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,817 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.57% |
In Lake Bruce, 41.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 35.4% have high blood pressure. 19.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.9% report binge drinking. 26.8% are physically inactive. 27.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,039. The dentist ratio is 1:2,259. 39.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Bruce vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.9% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.4% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.8% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.8% |
| Depression | 27.6% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.2% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,039 |
| Dentists | 1:2,259 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,131 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 59.4% |
| Premature Death | 11,508/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 39.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 45 |
Lake Bruce 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, Lake Bruce receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake Bruce 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 |
Lake Bruce experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°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 40.8 inches. The area receives 30.1 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 725 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.2°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 725 ft (221 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 332/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0735°N, 86.4652°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Fulton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Porter County Regional (VPZ)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.8"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 20.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.8 / 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 Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 12, 2015.
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
139 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
122 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
99 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
576 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 140 fatalities, 2,345 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
78 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
85 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
75 km |
25 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
60 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
88 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
61 km |
36 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF3 |
71 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 |
78 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 |
93 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
86 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°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 (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Lake Bruce has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Lake Bruce. 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 Lake Bruce
What is the population of Lake Bruce?
Lake Bruce has a population of 196 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 332 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.9% female and 54.1% male.
Is Lake Bruce expensive to live in?
Lake Bruce 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 $29,643, 61% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $179,600 (36% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Lake Bruce safe?
Lake Bruce 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, Lake Bruce receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake Bruce?
Lake Bruce has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°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 40.8 inches, with 30.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Lake Bruce?
The job market in Lake Bruce faces challenges, with unemployment at 31.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $933. There are 476 business establishments in the area, including 47 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Lake Bruce?
The median home value in Lake Bruce is $179,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,066. The homeownership rate is 89.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,817.
How are the schools in Lake Bruce?
Schools in Lake Bruce score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.0% of adults in Lake Bruce 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 Lake Bruce?
The obesity rate in Lake Bruce is 41.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.8% of adults are smokers. 26.8% are physically inactive. 27.6% of residents report depression. 39.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,039.
What are the demographics of Lake Bruce?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Bruce is 81.1% White, 13.8% Black or African American. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 29.5% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
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