Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chesterton, IN
Considering a move to Chesterton, IN? With a friendly population of 14,307, Chesterton offers affordable living with median home prices around $258,000 and rents near $1,100. The town boasts low crime rates, a quick 25-minute average commute, and highly rated public schools. Enjoy four distinct seasons, easy access to healthcare, and a strong sense of community—making Chesterton a great pick for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Chesterton, IN
Demographics - Chesterton, IN
Chesterton, Indiana, is home to about 14,300 residents, offering a close-knit feel with a population density of 1,160 per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with a median age of 39, and nearly 8% of residents speak a language other than English, reflecting modest diversity.
Population:
14,307
Density:
1,160 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.3
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
90.1%
Black:
1.9%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
7.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chesterton, IN?
Chesterton’s cost of living is notably affordable, with a median home value of $258,000 and average rents around $1,100 per month. The cost of living index is below the national average, making it an attractive option for families and individuals seeking value for their money.
Median House Value:
$258,000
Gross Rent:
$1,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
3.15%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.2
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
81.3
Utilities:
95.2
Transportation:
88.7
Health Care:
93.0
Miscellaneous:
92.5
Crime
Is Chesterton, IN a safe place to live?
Chesterton enjoys a relatively low crime rate, with a 1 in 826 chance of experiencing violent crime, well below national averages. Property crime is also limited, contributing to the town’s reputation as a safe and family-friendly community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
121
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,022
Crime Index:
1,143
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 826
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Chesterton, IN year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with mild summers reaching highs around 81°F and cold winters dipping to 18°F. Chesterton sees about 39 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Chesterton’s households have a median income above $77,000, and the poverty rate is a low 6.7%. The town boasts high educational attainment, with over 95% of adults holding at least a high school diploma and a typical commute time of about 26 minutes.
Median Income:
$37,500
Household Income:
$77,700
Family Income:
$96,100
Per Capita Income:
$38,900
Income Male:
$51,300
Income Female:
$39,800
Poverty Rate:
6.7%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$1,100
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
25.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
95.2%
Bachelors or More:
38.4%
Education
How are the schools in Chesterton, IN?
Chesterton offers excellent educational opportunities, featuring well-regarded public schools like Chesterton High School and Middle School, as well as private options such as St. Patrick School. Higher education is easily accessible, with Ivy Tech Community College and Purdue University Northwest located within a short drive.

Public Schools
Name:
Chesterton High School
Street:
2125 S 11th St
Phone:
219-983-3730
Students:
2,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
19:1
Name:
Chesterton Middle School
Street:
651 W Morgan Ave
Phone:
219-983-3776
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
17:1

Private Schools
Name:
St. Patrick School
Street:
640 N Calumet Rd
Phone:
219-926-1707
Students:
190

Colleges
Name:
Ivy Tech Community College – Valparaiso
City:
Valparaiso
State:
IN
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
4,600
Name:
Purdue University Northwest – Westville
City:
Westville
State:
IN
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
8,800
Healthcare
Chesterton residents have convenient access to major hospitals nearby, such as Northwest Health – Porter and Franciscan Health Michigan City, both providing comprehensive emergency services. With 93% health insurance coverage and an above-average number of physicians per capita, quality healthcare is readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Northwest Health – Porter
Address:
85 E US Highway 6, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone:
(219) 983-8300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Franciscan Health Michigan City
Address:
3500 Franciscan Way, Michigan City, IN 46360
Phone:
(219) 877-1610
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.4%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chesterton, IN?
Homeownership is strong in Chesterton, with 73% of residents owning their homes and a healthy market marked by a 5.1% annual appreciation rate. The rental market is stable, with average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,100 and a low foreclosure rate.
Median Home Price:
$258,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Local residents are served by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch on American Legion Drive, offering convenient access to vehicle and licensing services. The state’s DMV provides essential resources both in person and online for new and existing residents.
State:
Indiana
Department:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
356 American Legion Dr, Chesterton, IN 46304
Phone:
888-692-6841
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.