Chesterton, IN
Population 14,326 · Indiana
About Chesterton, IN
Chesterton is a mid-sized city located in Indiana with a population of 14,326 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $88,536 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chesterton features a median home value of $280,400, which is 14% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Chesterton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,145, 2% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,025 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (4,139 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (1,626 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chesterton shows an unemployment rate of 7.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chesterton have an average one-way commute time of 26.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
40.2% of Chesterton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 5.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Chesterton, IN
Compared to national averages, Chesterton has a median household income of $88,536 (18% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $280,400, which is 14% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,145 is 2% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, Chesterton's income is 28% above the state average of $69,330, and home values are 72% above the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in Chesterton, IN?
Chesterton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $88,536, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,145/month, and a well-educated community where 40.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.8%, better than the national average.
Chesterton has a population of 14,326 with a median age of 37.6 years. Compare Chesterton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near Chesterton
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Lake | 14,686 | $79,177 | $259,900 | Compare |
| Bedford | 13,824 | $50,253 | $136,900 | Compare |
| Speedway | 13,622 | $57,158 | $209,400 | Compare |
| Beech Grove | 15,082 | $49,452 | $169,500 | Compare |
| Auburn | 13,464 | $62,339 | $172,800 | Compare |
| New Haven | 15,339 | $67,121 | $151,200 | Compare |
| Connersville | 13,241 | $45,679 | $96,300 | Compare |
| Frankfort | 15,536 | $53,522 | $122,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Indiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Chesterton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chesterton
What is the population of Chesterton, IN?
The population of Chesterton, IN is 14,326 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Indiana.
What is the median household income in Chesterton?
The median household income in Chesterton, IN is $88,536 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chesterton?
The median home value in Chesterton, IN is $280,400, which is 14% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chesterton?
The median monthly rent in Chesterton, IN is $1,145, which is 2% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chesterton?
The unemployment rate in Chesterton, IN is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chesterton, IN a good place to live?
Chesterton offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 14,326 and a median age of 37.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chesterton, IN?
40.2% of residents in Chesterton aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Chesterton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chesterton, IN: median home value is $280,400 (14% above national), median rent is $1,145/month, and median household income is $88,536. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chesterton?
The poverty rate in Chesterton, IN is 10.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Chesterton, IN?
Chesterton's population is 5.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.