New Castle, IN
Population 17,356 · Indiana
About New Castle, IN
New Castle is a mid-sized city located in Indiana with a population of 17,356 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,977 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in New Castle features a median home value of $95,100, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes New Castle one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $797, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,560 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (4,524 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (2,671 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in New Castle shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in New Castle have an average one-way commute time of 19.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.9% of New Castle 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 2.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How New Castle Ranks in Indiana
Cost of Living in New Castle, IN
Compared to national averages, New Castle has a median household income of $48,977 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $95,100, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $797 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, New Castle's income is 29% below the state average of $69,330, and home values are 42% below the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in New Castle, IN?
New Castle offers affordable housing with a median home value of $95,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $797/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,977) that falls below the national average. However, New Castle’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
New Castle has a population of 17,356 with a median age of 41.1 years. Compare New Castle with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near New Castle
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lebanon | 17,575 | $63,773 | $179,200 | Compare |
| Huntington | 17,026 | $51,220 | $104,300 | Compare |
| Logansport | 17,766 | $46,363 | $84,600 | Compare |
| Vincennes | 16,676 | $50,238 | $98,700 | Compare |
| Warsaw | 16,592 | $57,170 | $175,300 | Compare |
| Jasper | 16,421 | $65,283 | $203,300 | Compare |
| Crawfordsville | 16,408 | $49,327 | $134,100 | Compare |
| Dyer | 16,400 | $101,183 | $288,700 | 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 New Castle With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about New Castle
What is the population of New Castle, IN?
The population of New Castle, IN is 17,356 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 New Castle?
The median household income in New Castle, IN is $48,977 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in New Castle?
The median home value in New Castle, IN is $95,100, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in New Castle?
The median monthly rent in New Castle, IN is $797, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in New Castle?
The unemployment rate in New Castle, IN is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is New Castle, IN a good place to live?
New Castle offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,356 and a median age of 41.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is New Castle, IN?
13.9% of residents in New Castle 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 New Castle?
Key cost-of-living indicators for New Castle, IN: median home value is $95,100 (61% below national), median rent is $797/month, and median household income is $48,977. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in New Castle?
The poverty rate in New Castle, IN is 18.5%, 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 New Castle, IN?
New Castle's population is 2.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 3.7% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.