Median Income
$54,700
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,900
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.0%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,090
6% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.9%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.9%
119% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.8%
5% lower than US avg
How New Chicago Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,348
Median Age30.4 yrs
Density3,504/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 67%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$54,700
Per Capita$26,022
Unemployment7.9%
Poverty11.8%
County GDP$31,242M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,900
Rent$1,090
Ownership68.2%
Zillow$167,367
Housing Units857
Rent Burden23.8%
Health
Obesity41.9%
Uninsured14.1%
Smoking23.8%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI52 (Moderate)
Rain40.9 in/yr
Elevation634 ft (193 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.0%
High School+82.7%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 46% / D 52%
Commute24 min
Broadband88.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries26
Is New Chicago a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, New Chicago receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. New Chicago offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in New Chicago is $54,700, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 11.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in New Chicago is $118,900, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,090 per month. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
17.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
New Chicago experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.9 inches, including 26.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 52.
New Chicago has a population of 2,348 with a density of 3,504 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 30.4 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (66.5%), with 40.5% Hispanic, 2% Black, 1.1% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 70.4% of residents, while 28.6% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 85.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,348
Total Population
2023 Census
30.4yrs
Median Age
22% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
New Chicago vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
70.4%
10% below US avg
Spanish
28.6%
113% above US avg
Social Characteristics
New Chicago vs U.S. Average
The median household income in New Chicago is $54,700, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,022 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,177, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 11,872 business establishments, including 1,110 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: New Chicago vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,700 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,022 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,177 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,524 |
| Gini Index | 0.453 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.9% |
| 119% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.8% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 11,872 |
| County GDP | $31,242M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,110 |
| Healthcare | 1,376 |
| Retail | 1,546 |
| Manufacturing | 366 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,190 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.52% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in New Chicago is $118,900, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,367, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $216,000 with homes selling in an average of 11 days. Homes sell for 96.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,090 (6% 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. 68.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 857 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $4,190 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,900 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $167,367 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $216,000 |
| Median List Price | $147,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $216,000 |
| Median List Price | $147,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $189 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 11 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.4% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,090 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.8% |
| Housing Units | 857 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,190 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.52% |
In New Chicago, 41.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 36.3% have high blood pressure. 23.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.2% report binge drinking. 33.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.9% experience frequent mental distress. 14.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,971. The dentist ratio is 1:1,576. 92.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: New Chicago vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.9% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.3% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 10.5% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.8% |
| 70% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.5% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.9% |
| Physical Distress | 17.8% |
| Short Sleep | 44.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.9% |
| Uninsured | 14.1% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,971 |
| Dentists | 1:1,576 |
| Mental Health | 1:434 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 46.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,981/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,376 |
New Chicago 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. Annual precipitation totals 40.9 inches. The area receives 26.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 52. 44% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 634 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) |
Geography
| Elevation | 634 ft (193 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,504/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5587°N, 87.2717°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Lake County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gary/Chicago International (GYY) 8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.9"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
5.22"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 52.0 |
| Rating | Moderate |
| Good Days % | 44.3% |
| Unhealthy Days | 5 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0452 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 13.8 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.37 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 95.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very 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 |
136 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
112 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
53 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
120 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
115 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
113 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
548 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 122 fatalities, 1,923 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
91 km |
29 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
62 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
48 km |
33 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
36 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
33 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 |
36 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 |
77 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
73 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
68 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
67 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
67 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
7 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
68 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
76 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
8 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
77 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
17 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
New Chicago has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 26°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (5.2") and February the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in New Chicago. 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 Chicago
What is the population of New Chicago?
New Chicago has a population of 2,348 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 3,504 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is New Chicago expensive to live in?
New Chicago 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 $54,700, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,900 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,090 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in New Chicago?
New Chicago 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. Annual rainfall totals 40.9 inches, with 26.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 52.
How is the job market in New Chicago?
The unemployment rate in New Chicago is 7.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,177. There are 11,872 business establishments in the area, including 1,110 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in New Chicago?
The median home value in New Chicago is $118,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,367. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $216,000, with homes typically selling within 11 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,090. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,190.
How are the schools in New Chicago?
Schools in New Chicago score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.0% of adults in New Chicago hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.7% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is New Chicago?
The obesity rate in New Chicago is 41.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.8% of adults are smokers. 33.5% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 14.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 92.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,971.
What is transportation like in New Chicago?
The average commute in New Chicago is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of New Chicago?
The racial and ethnic makeup of New Chicago is 66.5% White, 2% Black or African American, 40.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Asian. 70.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 28.6% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 85.9% have health insurance coverage.