Median Income
$36,866
51% lower than US avg
Home Value
$89,300
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
140/100K
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.2%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$579
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.8%
53% lower than US avg
How Monterey Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population270
Median Age46.5 yrs
Density1,500/mi²
Male / Female66% / 34%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$36,866
Per Capita$28,850
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.8%
County GDP$690M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$89,300
Rent$579
Ownership43.6%
Zillow$157,834
Housing Units155
Rent Burden17.8%
Crime
F
Violent140/100K
Property2,132/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking17.5%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain40.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation725 ft (221 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.2%
High School+96.4%
Graduate+1.8%
School Score5.33
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute23 min
Broadband97.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Monterey a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Monterey receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Monterey has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Monterey is $36,866, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Monterey is $89,300, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $579 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
Monterey 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
8.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Monterey 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.
Monterey has a population of 270 with a density of 1,500 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 46.5 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 34.4% female and 65.6% male. The city is predominantly White (90%), with 3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.3% of residents. 4.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 32.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.5yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.3%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.7%
65% below US avg
The median household income in Monterey is $36,866, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,850 (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). 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,866 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,850 |
| 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 | 5.8% |
| 53% below 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) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 51.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Monterey is $89,300, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,834, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $579 (50% 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. 43.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 155 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $2,765 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 17.8% 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 | $89,300 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $157,834 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $579 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 43.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 43.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 56.4% |
| Housing Units | 155 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,765 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.10% |
In Monterey, 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. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Monterey 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 | 90.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| 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 |
Monterey 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, Monterey receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Monterey 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 |
Monterey 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 725 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 | 725 ft (221 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,500/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1562°N, 86.4821°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Starke County County |
| Nearest Airport | Porter County Regional (VPZ)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.3"
6% 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 | 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 |
149 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
133 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
130 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 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
575 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 139 fatalities, 2,319 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
85 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
91 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
85 km |
25 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
53 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
53 km |
36 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
73 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 |
69 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 |
79 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
79 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
75 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 (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 |
|
Monterey has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°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 Monterey. 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 Monterey
What is the population of Monterey?
Monterey has a population of 270 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,500 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 34.4% female and 65.6% male.
Is Monterey expensive to live in?
Monterey 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 $36,866, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $89,300 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $579 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 Monterey safe?
Monterey 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, Monterey receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Monterey?
Monterey 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 Monterey?
The job market in Monterey 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. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Monterey?
The median home value in Monterey is $89,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,834. For renters, the median monthly rent is $579. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 43.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,765.
How are the schools in Monterey?
Schools in Monterey score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.2% of adults in Monterey hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.4% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Monterey?
The obesity rate in Monterey 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. 9.2% lack health insurance. 67.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,791.
What is transportation like in Monterey?
The average commute in Monterey is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 51.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Monterey?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Monterey is 90% White, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 95.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.7% speak Spanish. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 32.3% of residents have a disability. 90.4% have health insurance coverage.
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