Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake Station, IN
Considering Lake Station, IN for your next move? This close-knit city of 12,157 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $126,500 and average rents near $1,050. Commute times average 25.6 minutes, and the area boasts easy access to major healthcare providers. While property crime rates are higher than average, the community enjoys a moderate climate with 54% sunny days and strong owner-occupancy. Local schools are well-rated for a small city, and proximity to regional colleges adds educational value.
Demographics - Lake Station, IN
Demographics - Lake Station, IN
Lake Station, Indiana is a city of 12,157 residents with a balanced age distribution and a median age of 39.1. The community is predominantly White, with about 10% of residents speaking languages other than English at home, reflecting some cultural diversity. Its moderate population density and near-equal gender ratio make it a welcoming environment for families and individuals alike.
Population:
12,157
Density:
1,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.1
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10%

Ethnic Composition
White:
70.8%
Black:
6.6%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
21.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lake Station, IN?
Lake Station offers a cost of living well below the national average, with a median home value of $126,500 and average rents around $1,050. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced, while the housing index is particularly low, making homeownership accessible for many. State taxes are flat at 3.23%, further supporting affordability.
Median House Value:
$126,500
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,190
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
3.23%
|
High:
3.23%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.5
Grocery:
96.0
Housing:
52.0
Utilities:
102.0
Transportation:
91.0
Health Care:
93.0
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Lake Station, IN a safe place to live?
The city experiences a property crime rate higher than the national average, with a 1 in 41 chance, while violent crime remains comparatively low, at 320 incidents per 100,000 residents. While residents should be mindful of property security, many find the area to have a relatively safe community atmosphere overall.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,450
Crime Index:
2,770
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 312
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in Lake Station, IN year-round?
Lake Station enjoys all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 83°F and winters dipping to around 18°F. The area receives about 38 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sun on 54% of days, making for a pleasant Midwestern climate. Seasonal changes offer a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in Lake Station have a median income of $53,900, with about 17.6% of residents living below the poverty line. Commute times average just over 25 minutes, and the majority of adults have at least a high school education. The area is primarily car-dependent, with limited public transportation use.
Median Income:
$24,700
Household Income:
$53,900
Family Income:
$60,300
Per Capita Income:
$22,600
Income Male:
$37,800
Income Female:
$30,600
Poverty Rate:
17.6%
Non English Speakers:
10%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
6.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
25.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
83.2%
Bachelors or More:
9.7%
Education
How are the schools in Lake Station, IN?
Lake Station is home to well-rated public schools, including Edison Junior-Senior High and Bailey Elementary, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education is within reach, with Indiana University Northwest and Purdue University Northwest located less than 15 miles away. The city’s schools and proximity to colleges provide strong educational opportunities for families.

Public Schools
Name:
Lake Station Edison Junior-Senior High School
Street:
3304 Parkside Ave
Phone:
219-962-8531
Students:
585
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Name:
Virgil I. Bailey Elementary School
Street:
2100 Monnier St
Phone:
219-962-1302
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1

Colleges
Name:
Indiana University Northwest
City:
Gary
State:
IN
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
3,900
Name:
Purdue University Northwest
City:
Hammond
State:
IN
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
9,300
Healthcare
Residents have access to major hospitals like St. Mary Medical Center and Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus, both offering emergency services nearby. Health insurance coverage is high at 91.3%, and with 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, healthcare options are readily available for families and individuals. The healthcare index reflects generally accessible and reliable medical care in the region.

Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Mary Medical Center
Address:
1500 S Lake Park Ave, Hobart, IN 46342
Phone:
(219) 942-0551
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus
Address:
600 Grant St, Gary, IN 46402
Phone:
(219) 886-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
76.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lake Station, IN?
The housing market in Lake Station is affordable, with a median home price of $126,500 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 70.2%. Home values have seen steady appreciation at 5.1% annually, and rental vacancies remain moderate, offering a range of options for buyers and renters alike. The area’s stable market is ideal for those seeking long-term residence or investment.
Median Home Price:
$126,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Lake Station residents are served by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Gary. Services such as driver's licensing and vehicle registration are easily accessible both in person and online through the state DMV website. The local office ensures convenient access for all transportation and licensing needs.
State:
Indiana
Department:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
661 Broadway, Gary, IN 46402
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.