East Chicago, IN
Population 26,158 · Indiana
About East Chicago, IN
East Chicago is a mid-sized city located in Indiana with a population of 26,158 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,071 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in East Chicago features a median home value of $92,400, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. This makes East Chicago one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $820, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,429 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (4,403 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (5,584 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in East Chicago shows an unemployment rate of 7.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in East Chicago have an average one-way commute time of 21.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.9% of East Chicago residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 44.7% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 6.4% Black or African American, and 5.3% Asian residents, with 16.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How East Chicago Ranks in Indiana
Cost of Living in East Chicago, IN
Compared to national averages, East Chicago has a median household income of $41,071 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $92,400, which is 62% below the national median. Monthly rent at $820 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, East Chicago's income is 41% below the state average of $69,330, and home values are 43% below the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in East Chicago, IN?
East Chicago offers affordable housing with a median home value of $92,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $820/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,071) that falls below the national average. However, East Chicago’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
East Chicago has a population of 26,158 with a median age of 36.5 years. Compare East Chicago with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near East Chicago
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin | 25,999 | $77,305 | $212,500 | Compare |
| Greenfield | 24,308 | $74,949 | $205,800 | Compare |
| Munster | 23,733 | $105,764 | $312,000 | Compare |
| Schererville | 29,627 | $86,020 | $294,600 | Compare |
| Avon | 22,683 | $97,589 | $300,600 | Compare |
| Hobart | 29,646 | $71,680 | $203,400 | Compare |
| La Porte | 22,125 | $59,862 | $143,800 | Compare |
| Clarksville | 22,121 | $58,518 | $172,700 | 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 East Chicago With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about East Chicago
What is the population of East Chicago, IN?
The population of East Chicago, IN is 26,158 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 East Chicago?
The median household income in East Chicago, IN is $41,071 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in East Chicago?
The median home value in East Chicago, IN is $92,400, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in East Chicago?
The median monthly rent in East Chicago, IN is $820, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in East Chicago?
The unemployment rate in East Chicago, IN is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is East Chicago, IN a good place to live?
East Chicago offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 26,158 and a median age of 36.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is East Chicago, IN?
9.9% of residents in East Chicago aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in East Chicago?
Key cost-of-living indicators for East Chicago, IN: median home value is $92,400 (62% below national), median rent is $820/month, and median household income is $41,071. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in East Chicago?
The poverty rate in East Chicago, IN is 27.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is East Chicago, IN?
East Chicago's population is 44.7% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 6.4% Black or African American, 5.3% Asian, and 36.4% two or more races. 16.2% of residents are foreign-born.