What to know when moving to Griffith, IN
Griffith at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with 26.6% renters and a median household income of $75,976.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $1,162, making it relatively affordable for the area.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 1.7% of residents use public transit, so car ownership is essential.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,162/month in rent to comfortably settle here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Griffith is home to a population of about 17,683, with a notable 26.6% of residents renting their homes. The community has a median household income of $75,976 and a bachelor's degree attainment rate of 26%, indicating a moderately educated populace. With only 1.7% of the population commuting via public transit, it is clearly a car-dependent area. The annual precipitation of 33.1 inches, spread over roughly 106 rainy days, hints at the need for residents to be prepared for wet weather.
Probably not your spot if you prefer areas with strong public transit options.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,162, while the median home value is $194,300.
- Approximately 7.5% of the population lives below the poverty line.
- Only 1.7% of residents use public transit, indicating a reliance on personal vehicles.
- 26.6% of residents are renters, reflecting a sizable owner-occupied market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Indiana has a property crime rate of 1,121.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.5% lower than the national average of 1,546.9. The violent crime rate stands at 269.3 per 100,000, also lower than the national rate of 325.3, showing a trend of improvement over recent years.
- Violent crime: 269.3 per 100,000 vs. national average of 325.3, with a decrease of 27.2% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,121.6 per 100,000 vs. national average of 1,546.9, with a decrease of 34.7% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicides down 48.1% since 2022, with a rate of 4.3 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Indiana).
Schools & Higher Ed
Griffith has access to 14 nearby postsecondary institutions, including several in Lake County, which provides a range of educational opportunities.
- Postsecondary institutions: 14
- Notable nearby colleges include: Calumet College of Saint Joseph, Indiana University-Northwest, and Purdue University Northwest.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Lake County sees an annual total of 33.1 inches of precipitation, with an average of 106 rainy days per year. Snowfall is minimal, totaling only 2.6 inches annually over about 25 days. Residents can enjoy various parks and outdoor spaces.
- Ninja Kidz Action Park (4.9 stars, 12,082 reviews)
- Wicker Memorial Park (4.6 stars, 3,043 reviews)
- Lemon Lake County Park (4.5 stars, 880 reviews)
- Centennial Park (4.6 stars, 1,811 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Lake County's economy supports around 230,438 employed individuals, with an unemployment rate of 3.5% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 3.5% as of December 2025.
- Total employed: 230,438.
- Labor force: 238,826.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.