Valparaiso, IN
Population 34,377 · Indiana
About Valparaiso, IN
Valparaiso is a mid-sized city located in Indiana with a population of 34,377 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,664 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Valparaiso features a median home value of $250,500, which is 2% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Valparaiso in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,142, 2% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 15,238 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (8,405 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (5,945 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Valparaiso 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 14.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Valparaiso have an average one-way commute time of 23.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
40.6% of Valparaiso 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 6.1% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 5.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Valparaiso Ranks in Indiana
Cost of Living in Valparaiso, IN
Compared to national averages, Valparaiso has a median household income of $67,664 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $250,500, which is 2% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,142 is 2% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, Valparaiso's income is 2% below the state average of $69,330, and home values are 53% above the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in Valparaiso, IN?
Valparaiso offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,142/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and a well-educated community where 40.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,664) that falls below the national average. However, Valparaiso’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Valparaiso has a population of 34,377 with a median age of 37 years. Compare Valparaiso with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near Valparaiso
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goshen | 34,374 | $55,436 | $175,200 | Compare |
| Crown Point | 34,042 | $95,757 | $272,800 | Compare |
| Richmond | 35,551 | $46,395 | $107,600 | Compare |
| Plainfield | 35,783 | $85,074 | $263,900 | Compare |
| Merrillville | 36,343 | $64,791 | $194,000 | Compare |
| Michigan City | 31,894 | $52,979 | $129,000 | Compare |
| Zionsville | 31,442 | $159,126 | $543,800 | Compare |
| New Albany | 37,589 | $54,152 | $169,600 | 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 Valparaiso With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Valparaiso
What is the population of Valparaiso, IN?
The population of Valparaiso, IN is 34,377 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 Valparaiso?
The median household income in Valparaiso, IN is $67,664 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Valparaiso?
The median home value in Valparaiso, IN is $250,500, which is 2% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Valparaiso?
The median monthly rent in Valparaiso, IN is $1,142, which is 2% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Valparaiso?
The unemployment rate in Valparaiso, 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 Valparaiso, IN a good place to live?
Valparaiso offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 34,377 and a median age of 37, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Valparaiso, IN?
40.6% of residents in Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Valparaiso, IN: median home value is $250,500 (2% above national), median rent is $1,142/month, and median household income is $67,664. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Valparaiso?
The poverty rate in Valparaiso, IN is 14.0%, 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 Valparaiso, IN?
Valparaiso's population is 6.1% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 3.3% two or more races. 5.7% of residents are foreign-born.