Home Value
$245,800
13% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
155/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.8%
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How South Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population101
Median Age59.9 yrs
Density112/mi²
Male / Female64% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans84.0%
Economy
Per Capita$37,799
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$5,780M
Housing
Home Value$245,800
Ownership75.0%
Zillow$159,694
Housing Units62
Rent Burden28.1%
Crime
F
Violent155/100K
Property3,395/100K
Health
Obesity37.6%
Smoking18.9%
Depression27.5%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain42.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation703 ft (214 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.8%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.99
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 42%
Broadband48.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries12
Is South Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Center receives an overall livability score of 1.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. South Center faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
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 South Center is $245,800, 13% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in South Center is below the national average at 155 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,395 per 100,000, 73% above the national average.
Education
20.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
South Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.2 inches, including 28.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
South Center has a population of 101 with a density of 112 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 59.9 years, 54% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 35.6% female and 64.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 84.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 6.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.9yrs
Median Age
54% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Center 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
South Center vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $37,799. The average weekly wage is $1,019, 29% lower than the U.S. average. 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 2,494 business establishments, including 257 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Center vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $37,799 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,019 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,719 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,494 |
| County GDP | $5,780M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 257 |
| Healthcare | 246 |
| Retail | 380 |
| Manufacturing | 157 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,493 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.83% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 87.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in South Center is $245,800, 13% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,694, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 62 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $4,493 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $245,800 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $159,694 |
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 | 75.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.0% |
| Housing Units | 62 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,493 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.83% |
In South Center, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 37.0% have high blood pressure. 18.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.4% report binge drinking. 27.4% are physically inactive. 27.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,676. The dentist ratio is 1:1,801. 61.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.0% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.9% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 27.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 39.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.1% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,676 |
| Dentists | 1:1,801 |
| Mental Health | 1:804 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 55.2% |
| Premature Death | 11,091/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 246 |
South Center has a violent crime rate of 155 per 100,000 residents, 59% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,395 per 100,000, 73% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Center receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 154.5/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,395.2/100K |
| 73% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
South Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°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 42.2 inches. The area receives 28.5 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 703 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 703 ft (214 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 112/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4751°N, 86.6477°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | LaPorte County County |
| Nearest Airport | Porter County Regional (VPZ)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.2"
11% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0455 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M4.2 on May 2, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
132 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
104 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
97 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
470 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 91 fatalities, 1,166 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
81 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
48 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
39 km |
36 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
24 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
5 |
| Oct 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 1965 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
15 km |
10 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
24 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 |
32 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,602 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
94 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
50 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
49 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
42 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.9 in |
|
South Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 24°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in South 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 South Center
What is the population of South Center?
South Center has a population of 101 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 112 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 35.6% female and 64.4% male.
Is South Center expensive to live in?
South Center is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $245,800 (13% below the U.S. median).
Is South Center safe?
South Center is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 155 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,395 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, South Center receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Center?
South Center has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.2 inches, with 28.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in South Center?
The job market in South Center is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,019. There are 2,494 business establishments in the area, including 257 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in South Center?
The median home value in South Center is $245,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,694. The homeownership rate is 75.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,493.
How are the schools in South Center?
Schools in South Center score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.8% of adults in South Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Center?
The obesity rate in South Center is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.9% of adults are smokers. 27.4% are physically inactive. 27.5% of residents report depression. 61.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,676.
What are the demographics of South Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Center is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 84.0% of the population are military veterans. 6.2% of residents have a disability. 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
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