Indiana · Metropolitan Area
Universal is a small town in Indiana with a population of 273. Residents earn $63,250 per year, which is 16% below the national average.
Based on current data, Universal receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Universal offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Universal is $63,250, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. The poverty rate of 15.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
The median home value in Universal is $70,500, 75% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $575 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
14.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Universal experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.4 inches, including 13.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
| English Only | 100.0% |
| 27% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $63,250 |
| 16% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $24,472 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,022 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,303 |
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 15.7% |
| 27% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 2,526 |
| County GDP | $6,571M |
| Restaurants | 281 |
| Healthcare | 393 |
| Retail | 394 |
| Manufacturing | 105 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,631 |
| 4% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.15% |
| Commute Time | 31.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
| Census Median | $70,500 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Census Median Rent | $575 |
| 51% below US avg | |
| Rent Burden | 32.5% |
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.2% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,631 |
| 4% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 5.15% |
| Obesity | 37.3% |
| 16% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Checkup Rate | 78.6% |
| Premature Death | 10,892/100K |
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 393 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Annual Average | 52.0°F |
| 4% below US avg | |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 47.4 inches |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 13.0 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 582 ft (177 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 758/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6225°N, 87.4553°W |
| County FIPS | 18167 |
Winner: Republican by 18.1 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 14.4% |
| 57% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 89.8% |
| School Test Score | 6.01 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 758/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.4 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 93.8% |
| Public Libraries | 2 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 393 |
| Restaurants | 281 |
| Retail Stores | 394 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Commute | 31.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |