Median Income
$59,191
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$130,300
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.3%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$735
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.4%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.6%
28% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.4%
8% lower than US avg
How South Whitley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,412
Median Age43.2 yrs
Density1,661/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$59,191
Per Capita$32,284
Unemployment4.6%
Poverty11.4%
County GDP$2,226M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$130,300
Rent$735
Ownership76.6%
Zillow$232,153
Housing Units640
Rent Burden22.9%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,255/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary171/100K
Health
Obesity41.4%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking19.3%
Depression27.2%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain40.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation797 ft (243 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.3%
High School+88.7%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score6.07
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Commute25 min
Broadband80.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is South Whitley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Whitley receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. South Whitley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Whitley is $59,191, 21% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Whitley is $130,300, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $735 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
South Whitley is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,255 per 100,000, 36% below the national average.
Education
11.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
South Whitley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
South Whitley has a population of 1,412 with a density of 1,661 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 43.2 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.3% female and 51.7% male. The city is predominantly White (95.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 23.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.2yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Whitley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Whitley vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Whitley is $59,191, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,284 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,123, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 764 business establishments, including 61 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 1.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Whitley vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,191 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,284 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,123 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,142 |
| Gini Index | 0.400 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.4% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 764 |
| County GDP | $2,226M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 61 |
| Healthcare | 64 |
| Retail | 99 |
| Manufacturing | 71 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,596 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.3% |
The median home value in South Whitley is $130,300, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,153, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 104.3% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $735 (37% 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. 76.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 640 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $3,596. 22.9% 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 | $130,300 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $232,153 |
| Median List Price | $177,400 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $177,400 |
| $/Sq Ft | $124 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 104.3% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $735 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.4% |
| Housing Units | 640 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,596 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.76% |
In South Whitley, 41.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 34.6% have high blood pressure. 19.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.8% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 27.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,721. The dentist ratio is 1:2,164. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Whitley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.4% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.6% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 27.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,721 |
| Dentists | 1:2,164 |
| Mental Health | 1:827 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Dental Visits | 60.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,298/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 64 |
South Whitley has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,255 per 100,000, 36% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,027, burglary at 171, vehicle theft at 57 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Whitley receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: South Whitley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,255.0/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
| Burglary | 171.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,026.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 57.1/100K |
| Arson | 57.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
South Whitley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°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 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 797 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.1°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 797 ft (243 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,661/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0840°N, 85.6245°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Whitley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.5"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
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: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
129 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
128 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
56 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
95 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
128 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
135 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
74 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
94 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
521 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 172 fatalities, 2,718 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
79 km |
4 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
61 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
60 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
81 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
73 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
25 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
63 km |
4 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
57 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
75 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 |
125 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.9 in |
|
South Whitley has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in South Whitley. 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 Whitley
What is the population of South Whitley?
South Whitley has a population of 1,412 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,661 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.3% female and 51.7% male.
Is South Whitley expensive to live in?
South Whitley 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 $59,191, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $130,300 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $735 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is South Whitley safe?
South Whitley is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,255 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, South Whitley receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Whitley?
South Whitley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in South Whitley?
South Whitley has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,123. There are 764 business establishments in the area, including 61 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 1.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Whitley?
The median home value in South Whitley is $130,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,153. For renters, the median monthly rent is $735. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,596.
How are the schools in South Whitley?
Schools in South Whitley score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.3% of adults in South Whitley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Whitley?
The obesity rate in South Whitley is 41.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.3% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 27.2% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,721.
What is transportation like in South Whitley?
The average commute in South Whitley is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Whitley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Whitley is 95.5% White, 0.7% Black or African American. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 23.3% of residents have a disability. 88.7% have health insurance coverage.
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