What to know when moving to Chesterton, IN
TL;DR: Chesterton at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 35.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 23.7% rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $88,551, making it a financially appealing place to live.
- The Reality Check:
- 1.4% of residents use public transit, so prepare for car dependence.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,169/month in rent if you're looking to rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Chesterton has a population of 27,402, with a median household income of $88,551. About 35.1% of the residents have a bachelor's degree, suggesting a well-educated community. With only 23.7% of residents renting their homes, it leans toward homeownership. The area experiences 93 rainy days per year, which means you might want to invest in a good umbrella.
Probably not your spot if: you prefer a public transit-friendly environment, as just 1.4% of residents commute this way.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $1,169, while the median owner-occupied home value is $278,300, providing options for both renters and buyers.
- With 9.3% of the population living below the poverty line, economic diversity is evident.
- Only 1.4% of the community relies on public transit, indicating a need for personal transportation.
- The renter vs. owner split shows that 76.3% of residents own their homes, highlighting a stable housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Indiana indicates that property crime rates are lower than the national average, with a state annual rate of 1,121.6 per 100,000 residents compared to the national rate of 1,546.9. Violent crime rates also show a similar trend, with Indiana at 269.3 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 325.3.
- Violent crime: Indiana's annual rate is 269.3 per 100,000, which is 17.2% lower than the national average.
- Property crime: Indiana's annual rate is 1,121.6 per 100,000, which is 27.5% lower than the national average.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has dropped by 48.1% from 2022 to 2025.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Indiana).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to higher education is available in the area, with three postsecondary institutions located nearby.
- Postsecondary institutions: 3
- With College Scorecard data: 3
- Notable institutions include Valparaiso University and Ivy Tech Community College.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Chesterton experiences around 26.3 inches of precipitation annually, spread over approximately 93 rainy days. The area enjoys four distinct seasons, with 4.3 inches of snowfall and 26 snow days each year.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Indiana Dunes National Park - 4.6 stars (12,707 reviews)
- Indiana Dunes State Park - 4.7 stars (7,710 reviews)
- Coffee Creek Preserve - 4.8 stars (1,088 reviews)
- Deep River County Park - 4.7 stars (903 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Porter County shows a low unemployment rate of 2.9% as of December 2025, with a labor force of 88,209 and 85,694 people employed.
- Unemployment rate: 2.9% (December 2025)
- Employed: 85,694
- Labor force: 88,209
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.