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

Total population
23,365
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,960/yr
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
11,273
0.5% year-over-year change

Starke County population

How many people live in Starke County

Starke County is home to 23,365 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.4% of Starke County locals are male, and 49.6% are female.

Total population
23,365
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.4%
11,766
Female
49.6%
11,599
Value Percent YoY change
Male 11,766 50.4% 0.2%
Female 11,599 49.6% 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 Starke County is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.5% are children under 15, then 11.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23% of the population, while another 26.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.5%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 44
23%
45 to 64
26.6%
Over 65
20.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,323 18.5% -0.8%
15 to 24 2,613 11.2% -1.1%
25 to 44 5,386 23% -0.4%
45 to 64 6,217 26.6% -0.7%
Over 65 4,826 20.6% 4.2%
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 Starke County, 97.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 92.3% of locals are Caucasian, 0.5% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
1.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 22,758 97.4% 0.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 303 1.3% -1.9%
Non-citizens 304 1.3% 26.1%
Racial breakdown
White
92.3%
Black or African American
0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.6%
Other
1.9%
Value Percent
White 21,565 92.3%
Black or African American 126 0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 81 0.4%
Asian 77 0.3%
Two or more races 1,063 4.6%
Other 453 1.9%

Households in Starke County

A peek inside Starke County households

Starke County has 8,983 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 66.6% are families, while the remaining 33.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,983
2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,002
Family households
5,981
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,002 33.4% -2.9%
Family households 5,981 66.6% 5.5%
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 Starke County

The housing landscape of Starke County

Starke County's housing consists of 11,273 units, with 84.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% 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 9.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
11,273
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,508 84.3%
1 unit, attached 82 0.7%
2 units 205 1.8%
3 or 4 units 93 0.8%
5 to 9 units 190 1.7%
10 to 19 units 55 0.5%
20 to 49 units 74 0.7%
50 or more units 8 0.1%
Mobile home 1,058 9.4%
Homes built since 2020
124
87.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Starke County

In Starke County, the median construction year is 1974. About 16.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.6% 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, 4.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,860 16.5% -0.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 861 7.6% 10.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,179 10.5% -8.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 973 8.6% 4.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,006 17.8% -9.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 995 8.8% -3.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,354 12% 3.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,428 12.7% 10.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 493 4.4% 11.5%
Built in 2020 or later 124 1.1% 87.9%
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.

Starke County occupancy rates

Out of the 8,983 occupied housing units in Starke County, 83% are owner-occupied, while 17% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,983
2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,530
Owner occupied
7,453
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,530 17% 7.4%
Owner occupied 7,453 83% 1.6%
Unoccupied housing units
20.3%
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.

Starke County housing costs

Housing costs in Starke County come to a median of $824 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $712.

Median housing costs per month
$824/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 Starke County
$712/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 Starke County

Starke County education at a glance

About 53.9% of the population in Starke County went to high school, while 23.1% pursued college studies. Another 7.3% earned an associate degree and 8.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 715 4% -18.4%
High school diploma 9,756 53.9% 2.5%
College diploma 4,176 23.1% 4.0%
Associate degree 1,320 7.3% -8.9%
Bachelor's degree 1,502 8.3% 0.1%
Graduate degree 629 3.5% 0.3%
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 Starke County

How much people earn in Starke County

The average annual household income in Starke County was $74,205 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,960, reflecting a +1.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Starke County
$74,205/year
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Starke County
$63,960/year
1.6% year-over-year change

Starke County income by age

In Starke County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $82,696. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $71,078 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $67,396, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $45,455 in earnings. Overall, 86.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $67,396 3.1%
25 - 44 $82,696 5.3%
45 - 64 $71,078 -2.0%
Over 65 $45,455 5.0%
Above poverty level
19,928
Below poverty level
3,096
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 19,928 86.6% 2.3%
Below poverty level 3,096 13.4% -9.5%

Employment in Starke County

Workforce and job types in Starke County

The job market in Starke County is powered by 9,952 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 61.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 38.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.2% run their own businesses, 74.7% are employed by private companies, and 9.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
9,952
2.3% year-over-year change
White collar
6,102
Blue collar
3,850
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,102 61.3% 3.7%
Blue collar 3,850 38.7% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
7.2%
Private companies
74.7%
Governmental workers
9.4%
Not for profit companies
8.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 713 7.2% -3.0%
Private companies 7,438 74.7% 6.9%
Governmental workers 938 9.4% -16.2%
Not for profit companies 863 8.7% -6.1%
Unemployment rate
3.4%
2.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Starke County stands at 3.4%, 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 Starke County

How people get around in Starke County

Commuting methods vary: 91.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 8,861 91.9% 0.1%
Bus or trolleybus 18 0.2% 500.0%
Walk 148 1.5% 13.8%
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 Starke County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
46366 5,601 2,096 $60,182 $72,563
46374 1,290 438 $91,250 $95,673
46511 3,755 1,586 $58,293 $88,526
46531 1,825 596 $57,786 $75,892
46532 1,921 539 $84,866 $82,717
46534 10,811 4,314 $63,138 $71,583
46574 7,426 3,214 $76,181 $85,798
46960 1,018 428 $45,625 $59,875
46968 96 53 $0 $85,821

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FAQs about Starke County demographics 

What is the total population of Starke County?

Starke County has a total population of 23,365 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Starke County?

The gender ratio in Starke County is as follows:
  • 50.4% males (11,766 residents)
  • 49.6% females (11,599 residents)

What is the median age in Starke County?

The median age in Starke County is 42.1.

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

The age distribution in Starke County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.5% (4,323 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.2% (2,613 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23% (5,386 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.6% (6,217 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.6% (4,826 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Starke County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Starke County is as follows:
  • White: 92.3% (21,565 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.5% (126 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (81 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (77 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.6% (1,063 residents)
  • Other: 1.9% (453 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.4% of the population in Starke County.

How many housing units are there in Starke County?

There are 11,273 housing units in Starke County, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Starke County has a total of 8,983 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Starke County?

Starke County has a median household income of $63,960, representing a +1.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.6% in Starke County, with a workforce of 9,952 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61.3% (6,102 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 38.7% (3,850 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.2% (713 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.7% (7,438 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.4% (938 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.7% (863 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