Median Income
$97,813
30% higher than US avg
Home Value
$242,400
14% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
40/100K
89% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
50.8%
51% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,074
8% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.3%
81% lower than US avg
How Winona Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,073
Median Age28.0 yrs
Density1,720/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans2.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$97,813
Per Capita$49,919
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty2.3%
County GDP$7,836M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$242,400
Rent$1,074
Ownership65.6%
Zillow$289,352
Housing Units1,871
Rent Burden26.9%
Crime
F
Violent40/100K
Property1,072/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault40/100K
Burglary222/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking13.7%
Depression26.1%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain40.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation854 ft (260 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+50.8%
High School+93.2%
Graduate+18.7%
School Score6.04
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute14 min
Broadband95.2%
EV Stations6
Libraries6
Is Winona Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Winona Lake receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Winona Lake stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Winona Lake is $97,813, 30% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Winona Lake is $242,400, 14% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,074 per month. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Winona Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 40 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,072 per 100,000, 45% below the national average.
Education
Winona Lake is a highly educated community / 50.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Winona Lake 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.
Winona Lake has a population of 5,073 with a density of 1,720 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age is 28.0 years, 28% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.1% female and 44.9% male. The city is predominantly White (80.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.4% of residents, while 9.6% speak Spanish. 2.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 6.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.0yrs
Median Age
28% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Winona Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.4%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.6%
28% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Winona Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Winona Lake is $97,813, which is 30% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,919 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,133, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,157 business establishments, including 180 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Winona Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $97,813 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $49,919 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,133 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,961 |
| Gini Index | 0.413 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.3% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,157 |
| County GDP | $7,836M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 180 |
| Healthcare | 173 |
| Retail | 284 |
| Manufacturing | 181 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,375 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Winona Lake is $242,400, 14% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,352, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.6% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,074 (8% 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. 65.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,871 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $4,375 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $242,400 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $289,352 |
| Median List Price | $356,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $356,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $204 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.6% |
| Price Drops | 37.5% |
| Inventory | 8 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,074 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,871 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,375 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.80% |
In Winona Lake, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 33.7% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 18.7% report binge drinking. 21.8% are physically inactive. 26.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,289. The dentist ratio is 1:3,109. 59.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Winona Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,289 |
| Dentists | 1:3,109 |
| Mental Health | 1:525 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Dental Visits | 66.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,156/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 173 |
Winona Lake has a violent crime rate of 40 per 100,000 residents, 89% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 40.4 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 1,072 per 100,000, 45% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 849, burglary at 222, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Winona Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Winona Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 40.4/100K |
| 89% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 40.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,071.8/100K |
| 45% below US avg |
| Burglary | 222.5/100K |
| Theft | 849.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 1.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Winona Lake 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 854 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 | 854 ft (260 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,720/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2171°N, 85.8131°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Kosciusko County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA)
36 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 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 79.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 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 |
118 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
121 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
48 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
117 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
150 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
93 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
507 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 143 fatalities, 1,878 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
40 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
4 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
52 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
46 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
78 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
94 km |
21 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF3 |
94 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 |
104 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Winona Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Winona 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 Winona Lake
What is the population of Winona Lake?
Winona Lake has a population of 5,073 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,720 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.1% female and 44.9% male.
Is Winona Lake expensive to live in?
Winona 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 $97,813, 30% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $242,400 (14% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,074 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Winona Lake safe?
Winona Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 40 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,072 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Winona Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Winona Lake?
Winona Lake 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 Winona Lake?
The job market in Winona Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,133. There are 2,157 business establishments in the area, including 180 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 6.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Winona Lake?
The median home value in Winona Lake is $242,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,352. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,074. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,375.
How are the schools in Winona Lake?
Schools in Winona Lake score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 50.8% of adults in Winona Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. 18.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Winona Lake?
The obesity rate in Winona Lake is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 21.8% are physically inactive. 26.1% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 59.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,289.
What is transportation like in Winona Lake?
The average commute in Winona Lake is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Winona Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Winona Lake is 80.5% White, 1% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 90.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.6% speak Spanish. 2.1% of the population are military veterans. 6.6% of residents have a disability. 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
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