Median Income
$177,632
136% higher than US avg
Home Value
$265,800
6% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
97/100K
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
47.1%
40% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Schaefer Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population245
Median Age63.2 yrs
Density1,114/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$177,632
Per Capita$71,449
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$9,284M
Housing
A+
Home Value$265,800
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$240,372
Housing Units66
Rent Burden24.6%
Crime
F
Violent97/100K
Property4,332/100K
Health
Obesity41.1%
Smoking18.8%
Depression28.6%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain47.3 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation706 ft (215 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+47.1%
High School+90.6%
Graduate+25.8%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Broadband76.0%
EV Stations10
Libraries3
Is Schaefer Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Schaefer Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.9 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. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Schaefer Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Schaefer Lake is $177,632, which is significantly higher than the national average / 136% above $75,149. This places Schaefer Lake among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Schaefer Lake is $265,800, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Schaefer Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,332 per 100,000, 121% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 47.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 90.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Schaefer Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.3 inches, including 16.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Schaefer Lake has a population of 245 with a density of 1,114 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 63.2 years, 62% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly White (98%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 7.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
63.2yrs
Median Age
62% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Schaefer Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Schaefer Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Schaefer Lake is $177,632, which is 136% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $71,449 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,411. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,119 business establishments, including 168 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 17.9% of workers work from home.
Income: Schaefer Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $177,632 |
| 136% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $71,449 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,411 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,767 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,119 |
| County GDP | $9,284M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 168 |
| Healthcare | 242 |
| Retail | 293 |
| Manufacturing | 136 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,448 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 82.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.9% |
The median home value in Schaefer Lake is $265,800, 6% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,372. Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 66 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $4,448 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $265,800 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $240,372 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 66 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,448 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.67% |
In Schaefer Lake, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 34.9% have high blood pressure. 18.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 28.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,269. The dentist ratio is 1:1,266. 70.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Schaefer Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.9% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.8% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 28.6% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,269 |
| Dentists | 1:1,266 |
| Mental Health | 1:509 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Dental Visits | 62.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,281/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 242 |
Schaefer Lake has a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,332 per 100,000, 121% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Schaefer Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Schaefer Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 97.4/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,331.5/100K |
| 121% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Schaefer Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 76°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 47.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 16.3 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 706 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.1°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 706 ft (215 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,114/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2817°N, 85.7498°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Bartholomew County County |
| Nearest Airport | Indianapolis International (IND)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.3"
25% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0487 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 70.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 78.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M3.8 on Jun 17, 2021.
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
142 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
145 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
136 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
37 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
83 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
101 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
141 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Mar 9, 1990 |
8 km ENE of New Amsterdam, Indiana |
M2.7 |
133 km |
| Mar 21, 1990 |
1 km W of Spring Mill, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Jan 29, 1990 |
11 km S of Paoli, Indiana |
M2.6 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
558 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 40 fatalities, 1,296 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
83 km |
3 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF4 |
44 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
17 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
81 km |
11 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1972 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1961 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
84 km |
2 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
38 km |
3 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2008 |
EF3 |
21 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JPG 09 1 (6,113 ac, 1998).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1998 |
JPG 09 1 |
6,113 |
53 km |
| 2005 |
RX BURNPLAN AREA 2-06 |
5,054 |
54 km |
| 2007 |
UNITS 8-9 2008 |
4,316 |
54 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 19 06 WUI |
3,412 |
55 km |
| 2003 |
WUI 3 03 |
3,372 |
44 km |
| 2010 |
WUI UNIT 28K |
3,230 |
43 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,122 |
43 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 8 |
2,753 |
54 km |
| 2005 |
UNIT 3 05 |
2,511 |
44 km |
| 2001 |
01 UNIT 16 |
2,361 |
55 km |
| 2011 |
WUI UNITS 0 AND 1 2011 |
2,215 |
54 km |
| 2004 |
UNIT 19 |
2,004 |
55 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 8 03 |
1,971 |
52 km |
| 2008 |
FY 09 UNIT 42 RX FALL 2008 |
1,942 |
48 km |
| 2000 |
JPG 14 |
1,908 |
55 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 16 03 |
1,809 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,547 |
48 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 9 |
1,485 |
55 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,462 |
49 km |
| 2010 |
TRACER |
1,408 |
42 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Schaefer Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 30°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Schaefer Lake. 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 Schaefer Lake
What is the population of Schaefer Lake?
Schaefer Lake has a population of 245 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,114 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 63.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
Is Schaefer Lake expensive to live in?
Schaefer Lake 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 $177,632, 136% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $265,800 (6% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Schaefer Lake safe?
Schaefer Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,332 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Schaefer Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Schaefer Lake?
Schaefer Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.3 inches, with 16.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Schaefer Lake?
The job market in Schaefer Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,411. There are 2,119 business establishments in the area, including 168 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Schaefer Lake?
The median home value in Schaefer Lake is $265,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,372. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,448.
How are the schools in Schaefer Lake?
Schools in Schaefer Lake score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 47.1% of adults in Schaefer Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 90.6% have completed high school. 25.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Schaefer Lake?
The obesity rate in Schaefer Lake is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.8% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 28.6% of residents report depression. 70.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,269.
What are the demographics of Schaefer Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Schaefer Lake is 98% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.2% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
