Median Income
$65,929
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$177,600
37% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
317/100K
16% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.0%
38% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,005
14% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.2%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.9%
44% lower than US avg
How Trail Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,983
Median Age42.4 yrs
Density1,625/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans8.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$65,929
Per Capita$33,549
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty6.9%
County GDP$9,718M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$177,600
Rent$1,005
Ownership88.7%
Zillow$237,978
Housing Units969
Rent Burden29.6%
Crime
F
Violent317/100K
Property4,386/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking18.7%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain42.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation630 ft (192 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.0%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+6.8%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 45%
Commute19 min
Broadband94.2%
EV Stations10
Libraries14
Is Trail Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Trail Creek receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Trail Creek offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Trail Creek is $65,929, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Trail Creek is $177,600, 37% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,005 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Trail Creek is below the national average at 317 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,386 per 100,000, 124% above the national average.
Education
21.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Trail Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 24°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 42.6 inches, including 65.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Trail Creek has a population of 1,983 with a density of 1,625 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 42.4 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.6% female and 45.4% male. The city is predominantly White (86.8%), with 7.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.9% of residents. 8.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.4yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Trail Creek vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.9%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.1%
69% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Trail Creek vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Trail Creek is $65,929, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,549 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,096, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,096 business establishments, including 391 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Trail Creek vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,929 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,549 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,096 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,573 |
| Gini Index | 0.482 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.9% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,096 |
| County GDP | $9,718M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 391 |
| Healthcare | 432 |
| Retail | 544 |
| Manufacturing | 268 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,061 |
| 102% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
The median home value in Trail Creek is $177,600, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,978, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,005 (14% 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. 88.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 969 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $7,061 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $177,600 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $237,978 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,005 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.3% |
| Housing Units | 969 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,061 |
| 102% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.98% |
In Trail Creek, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 36.5% have high blood pressure. 18.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.9% report binge drinking. 27.0% are physically inactive. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,255. The dentist ratio is 1:1,778. 79.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Trail Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.5% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.7% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.0% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 38.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,255 |
| Dentists | 1:1,778 |
| Mental Health | 1:316 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Dental Visits | 56.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,398/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 432 |
Trail Creek has a violent crime rate of 317 per 100,000 residents, 16% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,386 per 100,000, 124% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Trail Creek receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Trail Creek vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 317.4/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,386.2/100K |
| 124% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Trail Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 24°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 42.6 inches. The area receives 65.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 630 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.0°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 630 ft (192 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,625/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6963°N, 86.8555°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Berrien County County |
| Nearest Airport | Porter County Regional (VPZ)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.6"
12% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 81.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 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 |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
139 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
81 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
114 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
447 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 124 fatalities, 1,714 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
95 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
81 km |
33 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
68 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
96 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
56 km |
36 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
36 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 1965 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
45 km |
10 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1956 |
EF3 |
72 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 |
2 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 |
99 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
32 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
31 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
21 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Trail Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Trail Creek. 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
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $594 |
| Toddler | $594 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $831 |
| Toddler | $674 |
| Preschool | $670 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Trail Creek
What is the population of Trail Creek?
Trail Creek has a population of 1,983 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,625 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.6% female and 45.4% male.
Is Trail Creek expensive to live in?
Trail Creek 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 $65,929, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $177,600 (37% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,005 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Trail Creek safe?
Trail Creek is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 317 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,386 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Trail Creek receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Trail Creek?
Trail Creek 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 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.6 inches, with 65.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Trail Creek?
The unemployment rate in Trail Creek is 5.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,096. There are 4,096 business establishments in the area, including 391 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 6.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Trail Creek?
The median home value in Trail Creek is $177,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,978. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,005. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 88.7%. The average annual property tax is $7,061.
How are the schools in Trail Creek?
Schools in Trail Creek score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.0% of adults in Trail Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Trail Creek?
The obesity rate in Trail Creek is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.7% of adults are smokers. 27.0% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 79.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,255.
What is transportation like in Trail Creek?
The average commute in Trail Creek is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Trail Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Trail Creek is 86.8% White, 7.4% Black or African American. 95.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.1% speak Spanish. 8.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
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