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

Total population
174,818
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$87,972/yr
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
72,662
0.8% year-over-year change

Porter County population

How many people live in Porter County

Porter County is home to 174,818 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Porter County locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
174,818
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
86,550
Female
50.5%
88,268
Value Percent YoY change
Male 86,550 49.5% 0.4%
Female 88,268 50.5% 0.4%
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 Porter County is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.3% are children under 15, then 12.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.6% of the population, while another 26.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.3%
15 to 24
12.7%
25 to 44
25.6%
45 to 64
26.1%
Over 65
18.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 30,248 17.3% -0.9%
15 to 24 22,178 12.7% -0.8%
25 to 44 44,837 25.6% 0.8%
45 to 64 45,602 26.1% -0.7%
Over 65 31,953 18.3% 3.5%
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

In Porter County, 95.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 83.7% of locals are Caucasian, 4.5% are African American and 1.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 166,674 95.3% -0.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,338 3% 7.1%
Non-citizens 2,806 1.6% 14.1%
Racial breakdown
White
83.7%
Black or African American
4.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.6%
Other
2.6%
Value Percent
White 146,281 83.7%
Black or African American 7,813 4.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 202 0.1%
Asian 2,597 1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 11 0%
Two or more races 13,350 7.6%
Other 4,564 2.6%

Households in Porter County

A peek inside Porter County households

Porter County has 68,639 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 67.3% are families, while the remaining 32.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
68,639
0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
22,458
Family households
46,181
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 22,458 32.7% -0.3%
Family households 46,181 67.3% 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 Porter County

The housing landscape of Porter County

Porter County's housing consists of 72,662 units, with 74.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.7% 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 4.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
72,662
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 54,302 74.7%
1 unit, attached 3,383 4.7%
2 units 1,483 2%
3 or 4 units 2,110 2.9%
5 to 9 units 3,351 4.6%
10 to 19 units 2,606 3.6%
20 to 49 units 1,255 1.7%
50 or more units 901 1.2%
Mobile home 3,244 4.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 27 0%
Homes built since 2020
1,243
62.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Porter County

In Porter County, the median construction year is 1982. About 8.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 5,928 8.2% -4.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,834 2.5% -5.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,869 8.1% 0.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 7,997 11% -0.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 12,917 17.8% -1.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 7,785 10.7% 3.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 12,459 17.2% -0.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 10,449 14.4% -0.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 6,181 8.5% 8.4%
Built in 2020 or later 1,243 1.7% 62.3%
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.

Porter County occupancy rates

Out of the 68,639 occupied housing units in Porter County, 77.7% are owner-occupied, while 22.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
68,639
0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
15,287
Owner occupied
53,352
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 15,287 22.3% -1.4%
Owner occupied 53,352 77.7% 1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
5.5%
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.

Porter County housing costs

Housing costs in Porter County come to a median of $1,282 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,219.

Median housing costs per month
$1,282/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 Porter County
$1,219/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 Porter County

Porter County education at a glance

About 38.8% of the population in Porter County went to high school, while 21.7% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 18.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,752 2% 6.8%
High school diploma 53,402 38.8% -2.9%
College diploma 29,805 21.7% 1.8%
Associate degree 11,822 8.6% 2.0%
Bachelor's degree 25,371 18.4% 3.8%
Graduate degree 14,345 10.4% 5.5%
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 Porter County

How much people earn in Porter County

The average annual household income in Porter County was $110,512 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $87,972, reflecting a +2.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Porter County
$110,512/year
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Porter County
$87,972/year
2.5% year-over-year change

Porter County income by age

In Porter County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $101,210. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $103,659 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $60,667, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $59,706 in earnings. Overall, 90.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $60,667 0.2%
25 - 44 $101,210 5.4%
45 - 64 $103,659 2.8%
Over 65 $59,706 0.5%
Above poverty level
153,588
Below poverty level
16,286
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 153,588 90.4% 0.1%
Below poverty level 16,286 9.6% 4.5%

Employment in Porter County

Workforce and job types in Porter County

The job market in Porter County is powered by 85,164 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.5% run their own businesses, 72.8% are employed by private companies, and 10.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
85,164
1.1% year-over-year change
White collar
62,065
Blue collar
23,099
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 62,065 72.9% 2.4%
Blue collar 23,099 27.1% -2.0%
Employer type
Self employees
8.5%
Private companies
72.8%
Governmental workers
10.5%
Not for profit companies
8.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7,242 8.5% 0.2%
Private companies 62,045 72.8% 2.3%
Governmental workers 8,958 10.5% -0.5%
Not for profit companies 6,919 8.1% -5.6%
Unemployment rate
4.7%
7.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Porter County stands at 4.7%, 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 Porter County

How people get around in Porter County

In Porter County, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 87.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
0.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 73,226 87.6% -0.2%
Taxicab 29 0% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 51 0.1% -46.9%
Subway or elevated 38 0% N/A
Railroad 446 0.5% 17.4%
Motorcycle 30 0% -31.8%
Bicycle 186 0.2% 15.5%
Walk 988 1.2% 19.0%
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 Porter County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
46301 650 347 $119,948 $168,046
46304 28,307 11,383 $91,326 $113,059
46341 10,048 3,964 $89,559 $123,618
46342 32,224 13,053 $75,521 $88,705
46347 4,951 1,873 $95,348 $105,355
46360 43,817 18,269 $59,266 $81,584
46368 40,301 15,802 $76,368 $93,848
46383 42,183 17,141 $76,224 $98,820
46385 40,856 15,269 $98,957 $131,505
46391 8,986 2,366 $82,692 $106,518

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FAQs about Porter County demographics 

What is the total population of Porter County?

Porter County has a total population of 174,818 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 Porter County?

The gender ratio in Porter County is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (86,550 residents)
  • 50.5% females (88,268 residents)

What is the median age in Porter County?

The median age in Porter County is 40.8.

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

The age distribution in Porter County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.3% (30,248 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.7% (22,178 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.6% (44,837 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.1% (45,602 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.3% (31,953 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Porter County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Porter County is as follows:
  • White: 83.7% (146,281 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.5% (7,813 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (202 residents)
  • Asian: 1.5% (2,597 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (11 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.6% (13,350 residents)
  • Other: 2.6% (4,564 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.3% of the population in Porter County.

How many housing units are there in Porter County?

There are 72,662 housing units in Porter County, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Porter County has a total of 68,639 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Porter County?

Porter County has a median household income of $87,972, representing a +2.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.3% in Porter County, with a workforce of 85,164 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.9% (62,065 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.1% (23,099 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.5% (7,242 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.8% (62,045 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.5% (8,958 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.1% (6,919 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