Porter County, IN

County

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2024 Population

174,818

US Senator

Todd Young

Republican Party

US Senator

Jim Banks

Republican Party

2024 Median Age

40.8

0.493% 1-year increase

2024 Poverty Rate

9.58%

3.83% 1-year increase

2024 Median Household Income

$87,972

2.5% 1-year growth

2024 Median Property Value

$281,500

7.48% 1-year growth

2024 Employed Population

85,164

1.14% 1-year growth

About

None of the households in Porter County, IN reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

98.4% of the residents in Porter County, IN are U.S. citizens.

The largest universities in Porter County, IN are Valparaiso University (980 degrees awarded in 2024) and College of Court Reporting Inc (24 degrees).

In 2024, the median property value in Porter County, IN was $281,500, and the homeownership rate was 77.7%.

Most people in Porter County, IN drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 28.4 minutes. The average car ownership in Porter County, IN was 2 cars per household.

Porter County, IN borders Cook County, IL, Jasper County, IN, Lake County, IN, LaPorte County, IN, Starke County, IN, and Berrien County, MI.

United States Indiana Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI

Population & Diversity

Porter County, IN is home to a population of 175k people, from which 98.4% are citizens. As of 2024, 4% of Porter County, IN residents were born outside of the country (7k people).

In 2024, there were 17.2 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (138k people) in Porter County, IN than any other race or ethnicity. There were 8.02k White (Hispanic) and 7.5k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Population & Diversity

Citizenship

98.4%

2024 Citizenship

98.6%

2023 Citizenship

As of 2024, 98.4% of Porter County, IN residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in Porter County, IN was 98.6%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Porter County, IN compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Diversity

Race and Ethnicity

The 3 largest ethnic groups in Porter County, IN

White (Non-Hispanic)
138k ± 807
White (Hispanic)
8.02k ± 950
Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)
7.5k ± 432

11.7%

Hispanic Population

20.4k people

11.7% of the people in Porter County, IN are hispanic (20.4k people).

The following chart shows the 8 races represented in Porter County, IN as a share of the total population.

Global Diversity

The PUMS dataset is not available at the County level, so we are showing data for Indiana.

Most Common Origin

Mexico
111,417 ± 8,128 people
India
37,388 ± 4,734 people
Nigeria
18,164 ± 3,304 people

In 2024, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Indiana was Mexico, the natal country of 111,417 Indiana residents, followed by India with 37,388 and Nigeria with 18,164.

Foreign-Born Population

2024 Foreign-Born Population

7k people

3.6%

2023 Foreign-Born Population

6.26k people

As of 2024, 4% of Porter County, IN residents (7k people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Porter County, IN was 3.6%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Porter County, IN compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Military

Veterans

Most Common Service Period

Vietnam
2,721 ± 345
Gulf War (2001-)
1,508 ± 331
Gulf War (1990s)
1,427 ± 324

Porter County, IN has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 1.8 times greater than any other conflict.

The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in Porter County, IN.

Health

95% of the population of Porter County, IN has health coverage, with 56.6% on employee plans, 12.4% on Medicaid, 15.2% on Medicare, 10% on non-group plans, and 0.796% on military or VA plans.

Primary care physicians in Porter County, IN see 1,778 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,778 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1665 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 422 patients per year.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49.6% were men and 50.4% were women.

Coverage

Patient to Clinician Ratios

1,778 to 1

Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in Porter County, IN

Primary care physicians in Porter County, IN see an average of 1,778 patients per year. This represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,778 patients).

The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in Porter County, IN in comparison to its neighboring geographies.

Health Care Diversity

In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 22.9% under 18 years, 19.5% between 18 and 34 years, 39.8% between 35 and 64 years, and 17.9% over 64 years.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49.6% were men and 50.4% were women.

The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

Uninsured People

4.96%

Uninsured

56.6%

Employer Coverage

12.4%

Medicaid

15.2%

Medicare

10%

Non-Group

0.796%

Military or VA

Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in Porter County, IN grew by 3.8% from 4.78% to 4.96%.

The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Porter County, IN changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

Health Indicators

Health Outcomes

Indicator

In 2025, the average number of mentally unhealthy days reported in past 30 days (age-adjusted) was 5.29 in Porter County, IN.

The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Porter County, IN.

Health Behaviors

Indicator

In 2025, the percentage of the adult population (age 18 and older) that reports a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (age-adjusted) was 37% in Porter County, IN.

The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Porter County, IN.

Clinical Care

Indicator

In 2025, the percentage of population under age 65 without health insurance was 6.91% in Porter County, IN.

The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Porter County, IN.

Economy

The economy of Porter County, IN employs 85.2k people. In 2024, the largest industries in Porter County, IN were Manufacturing (15,397 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (11,819 people), and Retail Trade (8,245 people), and the highest paying industries were Management of Companies & Enterprises ($113,085), Utilities ($106,332), and Manufacturing ($81,338).

Employment

Occupations

85.2k

2024 Value

± 2,372

1.14%

1 Year growth

± 3.89%

From 2023 to 2024, employment in Porter County, IN grew at a rate of 1.14%, from 84.2k employees to 85.2k employees.

The most common job groups, by number of people living in Porter County, IN, are Management Occupations (9,696 people), Office & Administrative Support Occupations (8,649 people), and Sales & Related Occupations (7,105 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Porter County, IN.

Unemployment Insurance Claims

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Indiana.

This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in Indiana (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

Industries

Employment by Industries

85.2k

2024 Value

± 2,372

1.14%

1 Year growth

± 3.89%

From 2023 to 2024, employment in Porter County, IN grew at a rate of 1.14%, from 84.2k employees to 85.2k employees.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in Porter County, IN, are Manufacturing (15,397 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (11,819 people), and Retail Trade (8,245 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Porter County, IN, though some of these residents may live in Porter County, IN and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

Median Earnings by Industry

$66,423

Median earning men ± $1,889

$40,995

Median earning women ± $1,515

The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Manufacturing ($90,954), Wholesale Trade ($85,870), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($80,781).

The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($55,295), Construction ($55,027), and Public Administration ($54,009).

Employment by Industry Sector

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Indiana.

Y-Axis

2.48%

Year-over-year growth

Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

As of February 2023, there are 3.21M people employed in Indiana. This represents a 2.48% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

Right after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during April 2020, a general dip can be seen across industry sectors, resulting in an overall decline in employment by 15.4%.

The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in Indiana.

Establishments by Size

The industries with the most establishments

265
Construction
264
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
231
Other Services (except Public Administration)

The visualization shows the distribution of establishments by industry and by size according to the number of employees.

The visualization shows the number of establishments and its share across establishment sizes.

Payroll by Industry Sector

The industries with the highest total annual payroll

$917k
Manufacturing
$448k
Health Care and Social Assistance
$256k
Construction

The chart shows the total annual payroll and the average annual payroll by industry.

Civics

In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Indiana went to Donald J. Trump with 58.8% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (39.8%), followed by Robert Kennedy (1%).

Todd Young and Jim Banks are the senators currently representing the state of Indiana. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

Indiana is currently represented by 9 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

Presidential Elections

Presidential Popular Vote Over Time

Voting results are not available for Porter County, IN. Showing the available data for Indiana.

2024 Election Results

Donald J. Trump (58.8%)
Republican Party
Kamala Harris (39.8%)
Democratic Party
Robert Kennedy (1%)
Independent Party

In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Indiana went to Donald J. Trump with 58.8% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (39.8%), followed by Robert Kennedy (1%).

The following chart shows the popular vote results in Indiana for each registered party from 1976 to 2024.

Senator Elections

US Senators from Indiana

Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for Indiana.

Todd Young

Senator from Indiana

Assumed office on January 3, 2017

Jim Banks

Senator from Indiana

Assumed office on January 3, 2025

Todd Young and Jim Banks are the senators currently representing Indiana.

In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

The following chart shows elected senators in Indiana over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

Education

In 2024, universities in Porter County, IN awarded 1,004 degrees. The student population of Porter County, IN in 2024 is skewed towards women, with 1,104 male students and 1,657 female students.

Most students graduating from Universities in Porter County, IN are White (620 and 76.5%), Hispanic or Latino (76 and 9.38%), Black or African American (50 and 6.17%), and Two or More Races (32 and 3.95%).

The largest universities in Porter County, IN by number of degrees awarded are Valparaiso University (980 and 97.6%) and College of Court Reporting Inc (24 and 2.39%).

The most popular majors in Porter County, IN are Information Technology (137 and 13.6%), Registered Nursing (112 and 11.2%), and General Business Administration & Management (52 and 5.18%).

The median tuition cost for private four year colleges is $46,940.

Admissions & Enrollments

Applicants, Admissions & Enrolled

University

Measure

In 2024 in Porter County, IN, the percentage of applicants admitted was 89.4%, while the percentage of admitted who enrolled was 9.63%. The number of students enrolled in 2024 was 2,761 (40% men and 60% women).

The line chart shows the evolution of the percentage of applicants admitted, admitted who enrolled or the number of students enrolled according to the option selected in the upper button.

Enrollments by Gender and Races

Universities

In 2024 there were 2,761 students enrolled in Porter County, IN, 40% men and 60% women.

By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 1,728 records, of which 61.1% were women and 38.9% men.

Completions

Concentrations

Most Common

Registered Nursing
112 degrees awarded
General Health Services
37 degrees awarded
General Psychology
35 degrees awarded

In 2024, the most common concentation for Bachelors Degree recipients in Porter County, IN was Registered Nursing with 112 degrees awarded.

This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Bachelors Degree from schools in Porter County, IN according to their major.

Universities

Gender

Race

Largest Universities by degrees awarded

Valparaiso University
980 degrees awarded
College of Court Reporting Inc
24 degrees awarded

In 2024, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Valparaiso University with 980 degrees awarded.

Student Diversity

University

In 2024, 436 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Porter County, IN, which is 0.768 times less than the 568 female students who received degrees in the same year.

In 2024, the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 620 degrees mean that there were 8.16 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Hispanic or Latino, with 76 degrees awarded.

Awarded Degrees over Time

The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

Tuition

Average Net Price by Sector

Universities

Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($46,940) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2024.

Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($1,510) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2024.

Private for-profit, 2-year ($3,435) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

Housing & Living

The median property value in Porter County, IN was $281,500 in 2024, which is 0.846 times smaller than the national average of $332,700. Between 2023 and 2024 the median property value increased from $261,900 to $281,500, a 7.48% increase. The homeownership rate in Porter County, IN is 77.7%, which is higher than the national average of 65.2%.

People in Porter County, IN have an average commute time of 28.4 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Porter County, IN is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

In 2025, 11.6% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Porter County, IN. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 1.85%.

Housing

Property

$281,500

Median Property Value 2024

±$4,859

$53,352

Median Property Taxes

±$1,800

The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Porter County, IN the largest share of households pay taxes in the $3k+ range.

The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Porter County, IN compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

Rent vs Own

77.7%

Homeownership

2024

63.7%

Homeowners with Mortgage

2024

In 2024, 77.7% of the housing units in Porter County, IN were occupied by their owner. This percentage grew from the previous year's rate of 77.2%.

This chart shows the percentage of owner in Porter County, IN compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

Equity

Household Income

Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.

$87,972

Median Household Income

± $3,058

68.6k

Number of Households

± 2,052

In 2024, the median household income of the 68.6k households in Porter County, IN grew to $87,972 from the previous year's value of $85,828.

The following chart displays the households in Porter County, IN distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $75k - $100k range.

Wage Distribution

The closest comparable wage GINI for Porter County, IN is from Indiana.

0.442

2024 Wage GINI in Indiana

0.445

2023 Wage GINI in Indiana

In 2024, the income inequality in Indiana was 0.442 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.807% decline from 2023 to 2024, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for Indiana was lower than than the national average of 0.474. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Indiana in comparison to the national average.

This chart shows the number of workers in Indiana across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

Transportation

Commuter Transportation

Most Common Commute in 2024

Drove Alone (81%)
Worked At Home (9.53%)
Carpooled (6.63%)

In 2024, 81% of workers in Porter County, IN drove alone to work, followed by those who worked at home (9.53%) and those who carpooled to work (6.63%).

The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

Commute Time

28.4 minutes

Average Travel Time

Using averages, employees in Porter County, IN have a longer commute time (28.4 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 3.69% of the workforce in Porter County, IN have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

The chart below shows how the median household income in Porter County, IN compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Car Ownership

2 cars

Average Number

The following chart displays the households in Porter County, IN distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Porter County, IN have 2 cars.

Poverty

Severe Housing Problems

In 2025, 11.6% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Porter County, IN. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 1.85%.

The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the population living with severe housing problems.

Poverty & Diversity

9.58% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Porter County, IN (16.4k out of 171k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is lower than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 25 - 34, followed by Females 18 - 24 and then Females 55 - 64.

The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Porter County, IN is White, followed by Hispanic and Two Or More.

The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

Children in Poverty

In 2025, 10.6% of the children was living in poverty in Porter County, IN. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 2.6%.

The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the children living in poverty.

Social Needs

Data only available at the state level.

Most prevalent states

California
35,798 individuals
New York
5,087 individuals

In 2017, California had the highest estimated number of chronically homeless individuals in the nation, at 35,798, followed by New York (5,087).

The following map shows the estimated number of chronically homeless individuals by state over multiple years.

Security

Crimes & Accidents

Indicator

In 2022, the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population was 96.9 in Porter County, IN. From 2014 to 2022, the indicator declined 68.5% per 100,000 population.

The graph shows the trend in the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population.