Median Income
$85,286
13% higher than US avg
Home Value
$168,000
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
292/100K
23% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.3%
87% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.3%
33% lower than US avg
How Lake Eliza Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population725
Median Age33.4 yrs
Density1,510/mi²
Male / Female55% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$85,286
Per Capita$46,630
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty8.3%
County GDP$9,875M
Commute49 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$168,000
Ownership96.1%
Zillow$319,247
Housing Units290
Rent Burden29.0%
Crime
F
Violent292/100K
Property6,129/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Smoking12.5%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain33.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation764 ft (233 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.3%
High School+91.2%
Graduate+1.7%
School Score6.64
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 44%
Commute49 min
Broadband83.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Lake Eliza a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Eliza receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Lake Eliza offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Eliza is $85,286, 13% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 8.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 49 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Eliza is $168,000, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lake Eliza is below the national average at 292 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,129 per 100,000, 213% above the national average.
Education
4.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lake Eliza experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Lake Eliza has a population of 725 with a density of 1,510 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 33.4 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.5% female and 54.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93.7%), with 3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.3% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 4.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.4yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Eliza vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.3%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.7%
65% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Eliza vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Eliza is $85,286, which is 13% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,630 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,120, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,215 business establishments, including 369 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 49 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake Eliza vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $85,286 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,630 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,120 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,304 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.3% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,215 |
| County GDP | $9,875M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 369 |
| Healthcare | 439 |
| Retail | 464 |
| Manufacturing | 151 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,957 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.95% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 49.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Lake Eliza is $168,000, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,247, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 290 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2005. The average annual property tax is $4,957 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $168,000 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $319,247 |
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 | 96.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.9% |
| Housing Units | 290 |
| Median Year Built | 2005 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,957 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.95% |
In Lake Eliza, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 32.6% have high blood pressure. 12.5% are current smokers. 18.2% report binge drinking. 20.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,778. The dentist ratio is 1:1,665. 79.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Eliza vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.5% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.6% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 37.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.8% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,778 |
| Dentists | 1:1,665 |
| Mental Health | 1:422 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Dental Visits | 68.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,441/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 439 |
Lake Eliza has a violent crime rate of 292 per 100,000 residents, 23% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,129 per 100,000, 213% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 24 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lake Eliza receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake Eliza vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 292.4/100K |
| 23% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,129.1/100K |
| 213% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 24 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake Eliza experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°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 33.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 764 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.8°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 764 ft (233 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,510/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4291°N, 87.1817°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Porter County County |
| Nearest Airport | Porter County Regional (VPZ) 9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.4"
12% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0465 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 2.55 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 81.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| 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
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
143 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
125 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
68 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
129 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
127 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
570 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 124 fatalities, 1,808 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
73 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
60 km |
33 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
93 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
84 km |
36 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
14 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 |
39 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
83 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
78 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
59 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
71 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
72 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
20 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
73 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
81 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
72 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
20 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
82 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
25 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Lake Eliza has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 26°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Lake Eliza. 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 Eliza
What is the population of Lake Eliza?
Lake Eliza has a population of 725 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,510 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.5% female and 54.5% male.
Is Lake Eliza expensive to live in?
Lake Eliza 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 $85,286, 13% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $168,000 (40% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake Eliza safe?
Lake Eliza is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 292 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,129 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lake Eliza receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake Eliza?
Lake Eliza has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Lake Eliza?
The job market in Lake Eliza is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,120. There are 4,215 business establishments in the area, including 369 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 49 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Eliza?
The median home value in Lake Eliza is $168,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,247. The homeownership rate is 96.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,957.
How are the schools in Lake Eliza?
Schools in Lake Eliza score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.3% of adults in Lake Eliza hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. 1.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Eliza?
The obesity rate in Lake Eliza is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.5% of adults are smokers. 20.6% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 79.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,778.
What is transportation like in Lake Eliza?
The average commute in Lake Eliza is 49 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Eliza?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Eliza is 93.7% White, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 95.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.7% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 4.2% of residents have a disability. 98.8% have health insurance coverage.