Median Income
$47,422
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$84,100
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
89/100K
77% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.1%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$817
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.3%
41% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.4%
24% lower than US avg
How Royal Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population747
Median Age41.6 yrs
Density1,311/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$47,422
Per Capita$26,764
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty9.4%
County GDP$1,960M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$84,100
Rent$817
Ownership65.8%
Zillow$190,566
Housing Units427
Rent Burden27.8%
Crime
F
Violent89/100K
Property4,612/100K
Health
Obesity45.3%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking17.5%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation734 ft (224 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.1%
High School+90.0%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score5.39
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 26%
Commute26 min
Broadband63.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Royal Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Royal Center receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Royal Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Royal Center is $47,422, 37% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Royal Center is $84,100, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $817 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Royal Center is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 89 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,612 per 100,000, 135% above the national average.
Education
21.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Royal Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.0 inches, including 17.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Royal Center has a population of 747 with a density of 1,311 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 41.6 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.4% female and 54.6% male. The city is predominantly White (95.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.6yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Royal Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Royal Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Royal Center is $47,422, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,764 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $932, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 738 business establishments, including 74 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 1.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Royal Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,422 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,764 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $932 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,023 |
| Gini Index | 0.399 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.4% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 738 |
| County GDP | $1,960M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 74 |
| Healthcare | 65 |
| Retail | 108 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,606 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.4% |
| Public Transit | 3.7% |
| Work from Home | 1.6% |
The median home value in Royal Center is $84,100, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,566, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $817 (30% 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. 65.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 427 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,606 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $84,100 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $190,566 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $817 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.2% |
| Housing Units | 427 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,606 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.10% |
In Royal Center, 45.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 34.3% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.1% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,210. The dentist ratio is 1:3,128. 79.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Royal Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.3% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.3% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,210 |
| Dentists | 1:3,128 |
| Mental Health | 1:443 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 56.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,871/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 65 |
Royal Center has a violent crime rate of 89 per 100,000 residents, 77% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,612 per 100,000, 135% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Royal Center receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Royal Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 89.0/100K |
| 77% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,612.5/100K |
| 135% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Royal Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 74°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 39.0 inches. The area receives 17.2 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 734 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.2°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 734 ft (224 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,311/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8643°N, 86.5000°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Cass County County |
| Nearest Airport | Porter County Regional (VPZ)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.0"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 68.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.8 on Jun 17, 2021.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
133 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
142 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
125 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
100 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
116 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
146 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
594 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 159 fatalities, 2,367 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
57 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
67 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
53 km |
25 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
81 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
28 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
36 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
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 |
98 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,602 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Royal Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 27°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Royal Center. 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 Royal Center
What is the population of Royal Center?
Royal Center has a population of 747 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,311 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.4% female and 54.6% male.
Is Royal Center expensive to live in?
Royal Center 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 $47,422, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $84,100 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $817 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Royal Center safe?
Royal Center is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 89 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,612 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Royal Center receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Royal Center?
Royal Center has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.0 inches, with 17.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Royal Center?
Royal Center has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $932. There are 738 business establishments in the area, including 74 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 1.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Royal Center?
The median home value in Royal Center is $84,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,566. For renters, the median monthly rent is $817. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,606.
How are the schools in Royal Center?
Schools in Royal Center score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.1% of adults in Royal Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Royal Center?
The obesity rate in Royal Center is 45.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 79.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,210.
What is transportation like in Royal Center?
The average commute in Royal Center is 26 minutes. 80.4% of workers drive alone to work, 3.7% use public transit, and 1.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Royal Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Royal Center is 95.6% White. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
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