Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Northwest, IN
Considering a move to Northwest, IN? Home to about 33,500 people, this area offers affordable living with median home values around $185,000 and average rents at $1,050. Residents enjoy a moderate cost of living, reasonable commute times averaging 27 minutes, and access to solid local schools and healthcare. While crime rates are higher than average, Northwest is known for its community spirit and proximity to Lake Michigan, offering four-season weather and plenty of recreation. Explore more about housing, schools, and amenities below to see if Northwest is right for you.
Demographics - Northwest, IN
Demographics - Northwest, IN
Northwest, IN is home to approximately 33,500 residents, with a balanced mix of ages and a median age of 36.9. The city features a diverse population—over half are White, about 26% are Black, and 12.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home—reflecting a vibrant multicultural community.
Population:
33,500
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.9
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
55.4%
Black:
25.7%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
17.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Northwest, IN?
The cost of living in Northwest is notably affordable, with a median home value of $185,000 and average rents around $1,050 per month. Essential expenses like groceries, healthcare, and utilities are generally below national averages, making the area attractive for budget-conscious households.
Median House Value:
$185,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,330
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
3.23%
|
High:
6.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.2
Grocery:
95.1
Housing:
74.3
Utilities:
102.2
Transportation:
95.6
Health Care:
98.9
Miscellaneous:
93.8
Crime
Is Northwest, IN a safe place to live?
While Northwest offers many amenities, its crime rates are higher than the national average, with about 375 violent crimes and 2,050 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents should be mindful of safety but will find that community efforts are ongoing to improve neighborhood security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
375
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,050
Crime Index:
2,425
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 267
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Northwest, IN year-round?
Northwest experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows near 17°F and warm summers peaking at 84°F. The city receives about 38.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny days roughly 54% of the year, making it suitable for seasonal outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Residents of Northwest have a median household income of $56,200 and a family income around $70,000, with about 16% living below the poverty line. The area features an average commute time of 27 minutes and a community where nearly 85% have at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$32,900
Household Income:
$56,200
Family Income:
$70,000
Per Capita Income:
$24,800
Income Male:
$41,700
Income Female:
$34,100
Poverty Rate:
15.6%
Non English Speakers:
12.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
6.0%
Public Transport Usage:
2.4%
Commute Time:
27.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.8%
Bachelors or More:
21.6%
Education
How are the schools in Northwest, IN?
Northwest provides access to quality education, with several public and private schools and proximity to notable colleges like Indiana University Northwest and Purdue University Northwest. Local schools offer manageable class sizes and support for diverse student populations, making the area family-friendly.
Public Schools
Name:
Northwest Elementary School
Street:
4000 W 61st Ave
Phone:
219-980-6346
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
West Side Leadership Academy
Street:
900 Gerry St
Phone:
219-413-9870
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Private Schools
Name:
Marquette Catholic High School
Street:
306 W 10th St
Phone:
219-873-1325
Students:
260
Colleges
Name:
Indiana University Northwest
City:
Gary
State:
IN
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
3,800
Name:
Purdue University Northwest
City:
Hammond
State:
IN
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
9,300
Healthcare
Northwest offers strong healthcare access, including major hospitals like Northwest Health – Porter and Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus, both providing full emergency services. With 91.5% health insurance coverage and a good ratio of physicians, residents benefit from comprehensive medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Northwest Health – Porter
Address:
85 E US-6 Frontage Rd, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone:
(219) 983-8300
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:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
72.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Northwest, IN?
The local housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $185,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,050. Most residents own their homes, and the area has seen a steady appreciation rate of 4.6% over the past year, making it an appealing choice for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
DMV services for Northwest are managed by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, offering licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle services. The main office is located in Indianapolis, and residents can access resources and make appointments online at the official BMV website.
State:
Indiana
Department:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
100 N Senate Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
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.