Median Income
$101,875
36% higher than US avg
Home Value
$247,400
12% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
14/100K
96% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
37.7%
12% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,275
10% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.4%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
69% lower than US avg
How Santa Claus Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,822
Median Age43.1 yrs
Density435/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans11.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$101,875
Per Capita$47,559
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$1,002M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$247,400
Rent$1,275
Ownership93.8%
Zillow$289,901
Housing Units1,111
Rent Burden20.8%
Crime
F
Violent14/100K
Property1,918/100K
Health
Obesity38.4%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking14.4%
Depression27.5%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain49.6 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation490 ft (149 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+37.7%
High School+98.9%
Graduate+15.9%
School Score6.50
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute31 min
Broadband95.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Santa Claus a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Santa Claus receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Santa Claus offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Santa Claus is $101,875, which is significantly higher than the national average / 36% above $75,149. This places Santa Claus among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Santa Claus is $247,400, 12% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,275 per month. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Santa Claus is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 14 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,918 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Santa Claus enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 49.6 inches, including 8.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Santa Claus has a population of 2,822 with a density of 435 people per square mile, spread across 6.9 square miles. The median age is 43.1 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (96.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 11.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.1yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Santa Claus 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
Santa Claus vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Santa Claus is $101,875, which is 36% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,559 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $984, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 379 business establishments, including 44 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 8.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Santa Claus vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $101,875 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,559 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $984 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,795 |
| Gini Index | 0.405 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 379 |
| County GDP | $1,002M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 44 |
| Healthcare | 45 |
| Retail | 61 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,982 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.2% |
The median home value in Santa Claus is $247,400, 12% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,901, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,275 (10% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,111 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1994. The average annual property tax is $2,982. 20.8% 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 | $247,400 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $289,901 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,275 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,111 |
| Median Year Built | 1994 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,982 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.21% |
In Santa Claus, 38.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 33.2% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 18.5% report binge drinking. 20.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,146. The dentist ratio is 1:3,197. 90.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Santa Claus vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.2% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.2% |
| Depression | 27.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 35.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,146 |
| Dentists | 1:3,197 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,372 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,979/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 45 |
Santa Claus has a violent crime rate of 14 per 100,000 residents, 96% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,918 per 100,000, 2% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Santa Claus receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Santa Claus vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 13.7/100K |
| 96% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,918.3/100K |
| 2% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.2 / 5.0 |
Santa Claus enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 77°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 49.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 8.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 490 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 57.0°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 490 ft (149 m) |
| Area | 6.9 sq mi (17.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 435/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.1161°N, 86.9272°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Perry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owensboro/Daviess County Regional (OWB)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.6"
31% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
57 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
92 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
91 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
74 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
91 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
64 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
38 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
111 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
92 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
44 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
91 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
93 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
134 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
88 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
131 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
90 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Jul 18, 2008 |
6 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
92 km |
| Sep 9, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
93 km |
| May 30, 2023 |
6 km W of Calhoun, Kentucky |
M3.0 |
73 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
509 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 94 fatalities, 1,097 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
16 km |
6 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
55 km |
31 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
73 km |
11 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
62 km |
6 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1989 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2009 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
81 km |
24 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| May 11, 2003 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2000 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jan 3, 2000 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEAD DEER (1,557 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
DEAD DEER |
1,557 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,336 |
33 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
35 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,039 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
959 |
34 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
910 |
39 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
892 |
39 km |
| 2024 |
LONG RUN RX |
774 |
30 km |
| 2010 |
RICEVILLE RX |
671 |
32 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
584 |
30 km |
| 2010 |
ROCKHOUSE HOLLOW RX |
581 |
32 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Santa Claus has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 34°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Santa Claus. 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 Santa Claus
What is the population of Santa Claus?
Santa Claus has a population of 2,822 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 435 people per square mile, spread across 6.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Santa Claus expensive to live in?
Santa Claus 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 $101,875, 36% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $247,400 (12% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,275 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Santa Claus safe?
Santa Claus is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 14 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,918 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Santa Claus receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Santa Claus?
Santa Claus enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 49.6 inches, with 8.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Santa Claus?
The job market in Santa Claus is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $984. There are 379 business establishments in the area, including 44 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 8.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Santa Claus?
The median home value in Santa Claus is $247,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,901. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,275. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 93.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,982.
How are the schools in Santa Claus?
Schools in Santa Claus score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 37.7% of adults in Santa Claus hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.9% have completed high school. 15.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Santa Claus?
The obesity rate in Santa Claus is 38.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 20.2% are physically inactive. 27.5% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,146.
What is transportation like in Santa Claus?
The average commute in Santa Claus is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Santa Claus?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Claus is 96.8% White. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 11.2% of the population are military veterans. 10.0% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
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