Rensselaer, IN
Population 5,369 · Indiana
About Rensselaer, IN
Rensselaer is a small town located in Indiana with a population of 5,369 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,648 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rensselaer features a median home value of $149,100, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rensselaer in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $868, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,556 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (1,505 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (753 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rensselaer shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rensselaer have an average one-way commute time of 17.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.7% of Rensselaer 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 6.1% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rensselaer, IN
Compared to national averages, Rensselaer has a median household income of $61,648 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $149,100, which is 39% below the national median. Monthly rent at $868 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, Rensselaer's income is 11% below the state average of $69,330, and home values are 9% below the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in Rensselaer, IN?
Rensselaer offers affordable housing with a median home value of $149,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $868/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,648) that falls below the national average. However, Rensselaer’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rensselaer has a population of 5,369 with a median age of 36.4 years. Compare Rensselaer with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near Rensselaer
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cicero | 5,441 | $75,278 | $251,000 | Compare |
| Westville | 5,291 | $59,732 | $152,000 | Compare |
| Tipton | 5,255 | $64,709 | $148,800 | Compare |
| Monticello | 5,504 | $50,138 | $122,200 | Compare |
| Porter | 5,208 | $74,155 | $259,700 | Compare |
| Highland | 5,188 | $95,696 | $216,800 | Compare |
| Lawrenceburg | 5,155 | $52,778 | $191,400 | Compare |
| Linton | 5,153 | $41,968 | $86,800 | 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 Rensselaer With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rensselaer
What is the population of Rensselaer, IN?
The population of Rensselaer, IN is 5,369 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Indiana.
What is the median household income in Rensselaer?
The median household income in Rensselaer, IN is $61,648 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rensselaer?
The median home value in Rensselaer, IN is $149,100, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rensselaer?
The median monthly rent in Rensselaer, IN is $868, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rensselaer?
The unemployment rate in Rensselaer, IN is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rensselaer, IN a good place to live?
Rensselaer offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,369 and a median age of 36.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rensselaer, IN?
17.7% of residents in Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rensselaer, IN: median home value is $149,100 (39% below national), median rent is $868/month, and median household income is $61,648. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rensselaer?
The poverty rate in Rensselaer, IN is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rensselaer, IN?
Rensselaer's population is 6.1% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.