Everything You Should Know Before Moving to East Chicago, IN
Considering a move to East Chicago, IN? This diverse city of 26,370 residents offers affordable housing with a median home price around $91,500 and average rents of $860. While the cost of living is well below the national average, crime rates are higher than average. Commute times are short at just over 24 minutes, and local schools and healthcare facilities serve a vibrant, multicultural community. East Chicago's proximity to Lake Michigan and strong public transportation links make it a unique option for budget-minded movers.
Demographics - East Chicago, IN
Demographics - East Chicago, IN
East Chicago is home to about 26,370 residents, with a median age of 33.8 and a population density of 3,300 per square mile. The city is notably diverse, with significant Black (41.3%) and Hispanic (48.2%) communities, and over a third of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This multicultural environment makes East Chicago a vibrant place to live for families and individuals alike.
Population:
26,370
Density:
3,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.8
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
38.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
17.7%
Black:
41.3%
Others:
10.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in East Chicago, IN?
East Chicago offers a cost of living index of 83.4, well below the national average, making it an affordable choice for residents. The median home value is $91,500 and average rent is $860, keeping housing costs accessible. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, allowing for a budget-friendly lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$91,500
Gross Rent:
$860
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,190
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,060
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$445
State Taxes:
Low:
3.23%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.4
Grocery:
91.2
Housing:
55.2
Utilities:
103.5
Transportation:
97.1
Health Care:
94.8
Miscellaneous:
88.3
Crime
Is East Chicago, IN a safe place to live?
Crime rates in East Chicago are higher than average, with residents facing a 1 in 198 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 43 chance for property crime. The overall crime index reflects a need for awareness and proactive safety measures. Despite this, many residents find the city’s affordability and community connections to be strong positives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
504
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,310
Crime Index:
2,814
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 198
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in East Chicago, IN year-round?
East Chicago experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 18°F and warm summers peaking at 83°F. The area receives about 38.6 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year. Residents can expect a classic Midwest climate with both snowy winters and pleasant, sunny days.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The local median household income stands at $38,400, with a relatively high poverty rate of 26.7%. About 77.8% of adults have at least a high school diploma, and unemployment is at 8.3%. Neighbors in East Chicago enjoy short commute times of just over 24 minutes and a close-knit, culturally rich community.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$38,400
Family Income:
$45,100
Per Capita Income:
$19,600
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$31,700
Poverty Rate:
26.7%
Non English Speakers:
38.5%
Rent:
$860
Unemployment Rate:
8.3%
Public Transport Usage:
1.6%
Commute Time:
24.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
77.8%
Bachelors or More:
11.4%
Education
How are the schools in East Chicago, IN?
East Chicago offers a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like East Chicago Central High and Joseph L. Block Middle School, with reasonable student-teacher ratios. The city is also close to higher education institutions such as Purdue University Northwest and Ivy Tech Community College. Both public and private school options cater to the diverse and growing community.
Public Schools
Name:
East Chicago Central High School
Street:
1100 W Columbus Dr
Phone:
219-391-4000
Students:
1,235
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Joseph L. Block Middle School
Street:
2701 Hammon Ave
Phone:
219-391-4030
Students:
690
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Stanislaus School
Street:
4930 Indianapolis Blvd
Phone:
219-398-1316
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
Purdue University Northwest
City:
Hammond
State:
IN
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
8,800
Name:
Ivy Tech Community College - East Chicago
City:
East Chicago
State:
IN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in East Chicago is served by facilities like St. Catherine Hospital and nearby Community Hospital, both offering emergency services. With 92.1% health insurance coverage and 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents, the city provides accessible primary and emergency care. The local healthcare index of 69.2 suggests satisfactory medical services for most needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Catherine Hospital
Address:
4321 Fir St, East Chicago, IN 46312
Phone:
(219) 392-1700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Community Hospital
Address:
901 MacArthur Blvd, Munster, IN 46321
Phone:
(219) 836-1600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in East Chicago, IN?
The housing market in East Chicago is highly affordable, with a median home price of $91,500 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $860. Nearly half of the homes are owner-occupied, while the rental vacancy rate is 12.3%. Home values have appreciated by 7.5% over the past year, making it an appealing market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$91,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$860
Owner Occupied Rate:
48.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles located in nearby Gary. The office provides all standard vehicle registration and licensing services, and additional information is available on the Indiana BMV website. This ensures easy access for local drivers and new residents.
State:
Indiana
Department:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
661 Broadway, Gary, IN 46402
Phone:
1-888-692-6841
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.