Median Income
$135,804
81% higher than US avg
Home Value
$226,500
20% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
263/100K
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.5%
2% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Lake Santee Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,051
Median Age41.9 yrs
Density427/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$135,804
Per Capita$79,879
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,895M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$226,500
Ownership89.1%
Zillow$181,745
Housing Units516
Rent Burden20.8%
Crime
F
Violent263/100K
Property644/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking16.5%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain47.0 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation1,019 ft (311 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.5%
High School+98.4%
Graduate+10.1%
School Score6.34
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 20%
Commute33 min
Broadband96.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Lake Santee a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Santee receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Lake Santee offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Santee is $135,804, which is significantly higher than the national average / 81% above $75,149. This places Lake Santee among higher-income communities. 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 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Santee is $226,500, 20% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lake Santee is below the national average at 263 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 644 per 100,000, 67% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lake Santee experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.0 inches, including 13.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Lake Santee has a population of 1,051 with a density of 427 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 41.9 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.1% female and 53.9% male. The city is predominantly White (88.5%), with 3.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 28.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.9yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Santee 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
Lake Santee vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Santee is $135,804, which is 81% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $79,879 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,117, 22% 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 707 business establishments, including 57 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 9.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake Santee vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $135,804 |
| 81% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $79,879 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,117 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,563 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 707 |
| County GDP | $1,895M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 57 |
| Healthcare | 69 |
| Retail | 113 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,903 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.28% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.1% |
The median home value in Lake Santee is $226,500, 20% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,745, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 516 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $2,903 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 20.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $226,500 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $181,745 |
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 | 89.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.9% |
| Housing Units | 516 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,903 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.28% |
In Lake Santee, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 33.9% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 19.0% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,645. The dentist ratio is 1:2,642. 55.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Santee vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.9% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 36.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,645 |
| Dentists | 1:2,642 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,200 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 62.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,091/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 69 |
Lake Santee has a violent crime rate of 263 per 100,000 residents, 31% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 644 per 100,000, 67% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lake Santee receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake Santee vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 262.7/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 644.1/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake Santee experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 293 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 47.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 13.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,019 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.6°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,019 ft (311 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 427/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.4103°N, 85.3077°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Decatur County County |
| Nearest Airport | Butler County Regional/Hogan Field (HAO)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.0"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.84"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 78.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 23, 2013.
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
37 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
115 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
130 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
123 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
135 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Mar 21, 1990 |
1 km W of Spring Mill, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
144 km |
| Jan 29, 1990 |
11 km S of Paoli, Indiana |
M2.6 |
146 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
554 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 39 fatalities, 1,509 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
61 km |
3 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
90 km |
4 |
| Apr 9, 1999 |
EF4 |
83 km |
4 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF4 |
28 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
47 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
76 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1972 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Apr 25, 1961 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
39 km |
3 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JPG 09 1 (6,113 ac, 1998).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1998 |
JPG 09 1 |
6,113 |
60 km |
| 2005 |
RX BURNPLAN AREA 2-06 |
5,054 |
61 km |
| 2007 |
UNITS 8-9 2008 |
4,316 |
62 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 19 06 WUI |
3,412 |
63 km |
| 2003 |
WUI 3 03 |
3,372 |
50 km |
| 2010 |
WUI UNIT 28K |
3,230 |
47 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,122 |
50 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 8 |
2,753 |
62 km |
| 2005 |
UNIT 3 05 |
2,511 |
51 km |
| 2001 |
01 UNIT 16 |
2,361 |
61 km |
| 2011 |
WUI UNITS 0 AND 1 2011 |
2,215 |
62 km |
| 2004 |
UNIT 19 |
2,004 |
63 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 8 03 |
1,971 |
60 km |
| 2008 |
FY 09 UNIT 42 RX FALL 2008 |
1,942 |
56 km |
| 2000 |
JPG 14 |
1,908 |
62 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 16 03 |
1,809 |
61 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,547 |
88 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 9 |
1,485 |
62 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,462 |
56 km |
| 2010 |
TRACER |
1,408 |
47 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Lake Santee has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 29°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Lake Santee. 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 Santee
What is the population of Lake Santee?
Lake Santee has a population of 1,051 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 427 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.1% female and 53.9% male.
Is Lake Santee expensive to live in?
Lake Santee 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 $135,804, 81% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $226,500 (20% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake Santee safe?
Lake Santee is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 263 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 644 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lake Santee receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake Santee?
Lake Santee has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.0 inches, with 13.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Lake Santee?
The job market in Lake Santee is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,117. There are 707 business establishments in the area, including 57 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 9.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Santee?
The median home value in Lake Santee is $226,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,745. The homeownership rate is 89.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,903.
How are the schools in Lake Santee?
Schools in Lake Santee score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.5% of adults in Lake Santee hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.4% have completed high school. 10.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Santee?
The obesity rate in Lake Santee is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 55.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,645.
What is transportation like in Lake Santee?
The average commute in Lake Santee is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Santee?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Santee is 88.5% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 28.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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