Median Income
$48,977
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$95,100
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
285/100K
25% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.9%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$797
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.4%
41% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.8%
19% higher than US avg
How New Castle Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population17,356
Median Age41.1 yrs
Density2,371/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$48,977
Per Capita$28,016
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty14.8%
County GDP$2,018M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$95,100
Rent$797
Ownership62.9%
Zillow$162,096
Housing Units8,549
Rent Burden25.8%
Crime
F
Violent285/100K
Property1,425/100K
Health
Obesity45.4%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking21.1%
Depression29.9%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain44.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation1,067 ft (325 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.9%
High School+88.1%
Graduate+4.2%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute20 min
Broadband85.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is New Castle a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, New Castle receives an overall livability score of 2.9 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, high obesity rates. New Castle has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in New Castle is $48,977, 35% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in New Castle is $95,100, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $797 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in New Castle is below the national average at 285 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,425 per 100,000, 27% below the national average.
Education
13.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
New Castle experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.4 inches, including 24.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
New Castle has a population of 17,356 with a density of 2,371 people per square mile, spread across 7.3 square miles. The median age is 41.1 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.1% female and 50.9% male. The city is predominantly White (89.1%), with 3.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.1yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
New Castle vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
Social Characteristics
New Castle vs U.S. Average
The median household income in New Castle is $48,977, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,016 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $926, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 893 business establishments, including 80 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: New Castle vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,977 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,016 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $926 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,262 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.8% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 893 |
| County GDP | $2,018M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 80 |
| Healthcare | 95 |
| Retail | 138 |
| Manufacturing | 51 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,909 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 7.4% |
The median home value in New Castle is $95,100, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,096, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 92.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $797 (31% 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 8,549 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $2,909 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $95,100 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $162,096 |
| Median List Price | $141,200 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $141,200 |
| $/Sq Ft | $71 |
| Homes Sold | 16 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.8% |
| Price Drops | 29.6% |
| Inventory | 44 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $797 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $878 |
| Rent Burden | 25.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.1% |
| Housing Units | 8,549 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,909 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.06% |
In New Castle, 45.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 37.2% have high blood pressure. 21.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.0% report binge drinking. 30.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,447. The dentist ratio is 1:2,717. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: New Castle vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.4% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.2% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 9.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.1% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.8% |
| Depression | 29.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 15.8% |
| Short Sleep | 43.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,447 |
| Dentists | 1:2,717 |
| Mental Health | 1:941 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 54.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,369/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 95 |
New Castle has a violent crime rate of 285 per 100,000 residents, 25% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,425 per 100,000, 27% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, New Castle receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: New Castle vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 285.1/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,425.3/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 70 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
New Castle experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 72°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 44.4 inches. The area receives 24.8 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 1,067 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,067 ft (325 m) |
| Area | 7.3 sq mi (19.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,371/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.9198°N, 85.3701°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Henry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Delaware County Regional (MIE) 22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.4"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| 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 Jun 12, 2015.
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
43 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
114 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
119 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
144 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
75 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
98 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
142 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
126 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
103 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
590 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 981 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF4 |
35 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
17 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
93 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1972 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
70 km |
4 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| Apr 25, 1961 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
36 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
95 km |
3 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,102 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,102 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
New Castle has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 26°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in New Castle. 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 New Castle
What is the population of New Castle?
New Castle has a population of 17,356 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 2,371 people per square mile, spread across 7.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
Is New Castle expensive to live in?
New Castle 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 $48,977, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $95,100 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $797 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is New Castle safe?
New Castle is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 285 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,425 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, New Castle receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in New Castle?
New Castle has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.4 inches, with 24.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in New Castle?
New Castle has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $926. There are 893 business establishments in the area, including 80 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 7.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in New Castle?
The median home value in New Castle is $95,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,096. For renters, the median monthly rent is $797. 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 $2,909.
How are the schools in New Castle?
Schools in New Castle score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.9% of adults in New Castle hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. 4.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is New Castle?
The obesity rate in New Castle is 45.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.1% of adults are smokers. 30.8% are physically inactive. 29.9% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,447.
What is transportation like in New Castle?
The average commute in New Castle is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of New Castle?
The racial and ethnic makeup of New Castle is 89.1% White, 3.8% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 24.2% of residents have a disability. 91.4% have health insurance coverage.