Parke County, IN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
16,406
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$68,485/yr
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,657
0.4% year-over-year change

Parke County population

How many people live in Parke County

Parke County is home to 16,406 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.5% of Parke County locals are male, and 51.5% are female.

Total population
16,406
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.5%
7,961
Female
51.5%
8,445
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,961 48.5% 1.3%
Female 8,445 51.5% -0.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Parke County is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.1% are children under 15, then 11.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.2% of the population, while another 25.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.1%
15 to 24
11.4%
25 to 44
24.2%
45 to 64
25.8%
Over 65
20.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,963 18.1% 1.3%
15 to 24 1,869 11.4% -0.7%
25 to 44 3,964 24.2% 3.3%
45 to 64 4,240 25.8% -3.5%
Over 65 3,370 20.5% 1.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

At the same time, 0.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,343 99.6% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 9 0% -88.3%
Non-citizens 54 0.3% 12.5%
Racial breakdown
White
94.5%
Black or African American
1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.6%
Other
0.3%
Value Percent
White 15,503 94.5%
Black or African American 261 1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0%
Two or more races 585 3.6%
Other 51 0.3%

Households in Parke County

A peek inside Parke County households

Parke County has 6,147 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67.7% are families, while the remaining 32.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,147
2.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,988
Family households
4,159
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,988 32.3% 12.8%
Family households 4,159 67.7% -1.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Parke County

The housing landscape of Parke County

Parke County's housing consists of 7,657 units, with 78.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 13.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,657
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,036 78.8%
1 unit, attached 233 3%
2 units 31 0.4%
3 or 4 units 79 1%
5 to 9 units 77 1%
10 to 19 units 32 0.4%
20 to 49 units 14 0.2%
50 or more units 130 1.7%
Mobile home 1,002 13.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 23 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
108
0.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Parke County

In Parke County, the median construction year is 1972. About 26.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,018 26.4% 14.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 277 3.6% -22.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 534 7% 11.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 807 10.5% -1.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,055 13.8% -11.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 484 6.3% 30.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 885 11.6% 4.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 969 12.7% -9.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 520 6.8% -16.4%
Built in 2020 or later 108 1.4% 0.9%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Parke County occupancy rates

Out of the 6,147 occupied housing units in Parke County, 82.4% are owner-occupied, while 17.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,147
2.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,080
Owner occupied
5,067
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,080 17.6% -1.8%
Owner occupied 5,067 82.4% 3.7%
Unoccupied housing units
19.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Parke County housing costs

Housing costs in Parke County come to a median of $752 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $704.

Median housing costs per month
$752/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Parke County
$704/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Parke County

Parke County education at a glance

About 50.9% of the population in Parke County went to high school, while 19% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 8.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,038 8.1% -13.0%
High school diploma 6,498 50.9% 7.2%
College diploma 2,420 19% -1.5%
Associate degree 992 7.8% -25.0%
Bachelor's degree 1,076 8.4% 13.4%
Graduate degree 731 5.7% -0.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Parke County

How much people earn in Parke County

The average annual household income in Parke County was $81,742 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $68,485, reflecting a +2.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Parke County
$81,742/year
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Parke County
$68,485/year
2.6% year-over-year change

Parke County income by age

In Parke County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $83,729. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $85,707 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $39,028, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $46,497 in earnings. Overall, 83.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $39,028 0.6%
25 - 44 $83,729 1.9%
45 - 64 $85,707 5.4%
Over 65 $46,497 6.5%
Above poverty level
12,784
Below poverty level
2,448
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 12,784 83.9% 2.1%
Below poverty level 2,448 16.1% -4.4%

Employment in Parke County

Workforce and job types in Parke County

The job market in Parke County is powered by 6,539 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 59.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 40.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.1% run their own businesses, 66.1% are employed by private companies, and 13.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,539
0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
3,898
Blue collar
2,641
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,898 59.6% -2.7%
Blue collar 2,641 40.4% 6.7%
Employer type
Self employees
15.1%
Private companies
66.1%
Governmental workers
13.9%
Not for profit companies
4.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 989 15.1% -3.1%
Private companies 4,325 66.1% 7.3%
Governmental workers 906 13.9% -12.6%
Not for profit companies 319 4.9% -19.2%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
-16.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Parke County stands at 4.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Parke County

How people get around in Parke County

In Parke County, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 83.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
30 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,430 83.7% 2.8%
Taxicab 14 0.2% N/A
Bicycle 18 0.3% N/A
Walk 204 3.2% 11.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Parke County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
47832 1,013 455 $78,125 $109,051
47834 18,625 7,732 $68,578 $100,492
47836 61 11 $0 $0
47837 997 324 $77,500 $110,507
47859 934 331 $74,583 $89,864
47860 540 184 $39,706 $54,408
47862 1,438 624 $65,625 $76,704
47872 8,557 2,974 $70,781 $82,792
47874 3,226 1,327 $50,168 $65,730
47952 2,538 1,158 $53,409 $63,811

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FAQs about Parke County demographics 

What is the total population of Parke County?

Parke County has a total population of 16,406 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Parke County?

The gender ratio in Parke County is as follows:
  • 48.5% males (7,961 residents)
  • 51.5% females (8,445 residents)

What is the median age in Parke County?

The median age in Parke County is 41.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Parke County?

The age distribution in Parke County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.1% (2,963 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.4% (1,869 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.2% (3,964 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.8% (4,240 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.5% (3,370 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Parke County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Parke County is as follows:
  • White: 94.5% (15,503 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.6% (261 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.6% (585 residents)
  • Other: 0.3% (51 residents)

What percentage of the population in Parke County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.6% of the population in Parke County.

How many housing units are there in Parke County?

There are 7,657 housing units in Parke County, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Parke County and what is the average household size?

Parke County has a total of 6,147 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Parke County?

Parke County has a median household income of $68,485, representing a +2.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Parke County?

The employment rate is 95.6% in Parke County, with a workforce of 6,539 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 59.6% (3,898 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 40.4% (2,641 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.1% (989 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.1% (4,325 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.9% (906 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.9% (319 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025