Valparaiso, IN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
34,733
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$69,872/yr
3.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
15,558
2.1% year-over-year change

Valparaiso population

How many people live in Valparaiso

Valparaiso is home to 34,733 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.4% of Valparaiso locals are male, and 52.6% are female.

Total population
34,733
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.4%
16,467
Female
52.6%
18,266
Value Percent YoY change
Male 16,467 47.4% 1.2%
Female 18,266 52.6% 0.9%
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 Valparaiso is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.5% are children under 15, then 17.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.2% of the population, while another 22.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.5%
15 to 24
17.8%
25 to 44
27.2%
45 to 64
22.5%
Over 65
16.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,396 15.5% 0.9%
15 to 24 6,197 17.8% -2.5%
25 to 44 9,459 27.2% 5.9%
45 to 64 7,808 22.5% -1.9%
Over 65 5,873 16.9% 1.6%
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 Valparaiso, 93.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84.7% of locals are Caucasian, 3.3% are African American and 2.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.4%
Non-citizens
2.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 32,629 93.9% 1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,164 3.4% 17.2%
Non-citizens 940 2.7% -13.4%
Racial breakdown
White
84.7%
Black or African American
3.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.4%
Other
1.9%
Value Percent
White 29,425 84.7%
Black or African American 1,148 3.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 37 0.1%
Asian 903 2.6%
Two or more races 2,563 7.4%
Other 657 1.9%

Households in Valparaiso

A peek inside Valparaiso households

Valparaiso has 14,611 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55% are families, while the remaining 45% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
14,611
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
6,579
Family households
8,032
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,579 45% 0.6%
Family households 8,032 55% 2.8%
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 Valparaiso

The housing landscape of Valparaiso

Valparaiso's housing consists of 15,558 units, with 55% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8% 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 1.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
15,558
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,560 55%
1 unit, attached 1,244 8%
2 units 503 3.2%
3 or 4 units 954 6.1%
5 to 9 units 1,512 9.7%
10 to 19 units 1,584 10.2%
20 to 49 units 700 4.5%
50 or more units 334 2.2%
Mobile home 167 1.1%
Homes built since 2020
368
107.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Valparaiso

In Valparaiso, the median construction year is 1980. About 14% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,174 14% -2.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 411 2.6% -2.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,198 7.7% 1.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,637 10.5% -4.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,303 14.8% 2.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,675 10.8% 8.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,815 18.1% 0.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,531 9.8% 6.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,446 9.3% -1.9%
Built in 2020 or later 368 2.4% 107.9%
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.

Valparaiso occupancy rates

Out of the 14,611 occupied housing units in Valparaiso, 58% are owner-occupied, while 42% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
14,611
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,135
Owner occupied
8,476
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,135 42% 3.2%
Owner occupied 8,476 58% 0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
6.1%
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.

Valparaiso housing costs

Housing costs in Valparaiso come to a median of $1,217 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,224.

Median housing costs per month
$1,217/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 Valparaiso
$1,224/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 Valparaiso

Valparaiso education at a glance

About 30.6% of the population in Valparaiso went to high school, while 22.7% pursued college studies. Another 9.2% earned an associate degree and 22.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 467 1.7% -16.2%
High school diploma 8,589 30.6% -2.5%
College diploma 6,391 22.7% 7.2%
Associate degree 2,580 9.2% 3.5%
Bachelor's degree 6,378 22.7% 0.8%
Graduate degree 3,695 13.2% 1.9%
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 Valparaiso

How much people earn in Valparaiso

The average annual household income in Valparaiso was $90,280 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $69,872, reflecting a +3.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Valparaiso
$90,280/year
-1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Valparaiso
$69,872/year
3.3% year-over-year change

Valparaiso income by age

In Valparaiso, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $74,143. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $90,284 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $39,336, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $52,536 in earnings. Overall, 85.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $39,336 34.2%
25 - 44 $74,143 3.2%
45 - 64 $90,284 8.3%
Over 65 $52,536 -1.1%
Above poverty level
27,202
Below poverty level
4,779
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 27,202 85.1% 0.7%
Below poverty level 4,779 14.9% 8.8%

Average renter income in Valparaiso

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Valparaiso, their median household income was $37,617 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$37,617
Rent-to-income ratio
39%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Valparaiso

Workforce and job types in Valparaiso

The job market in Valparaiso is powered by 17,492 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.2% run their own businesses, 69.4% are employed by private companies, and 14% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
17,492
3.9% year-over-year change
White collar
13,974
Blue collar
3,518
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 13,974 79.9% 1.7%
Blue collar 3,518 20.1% 13.8%
Employer type
Self employees
8.2%
Private companies
69.4%
Governmental workers
14%
Not for profit companies
8.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,436 8.2% 2.9%
Private companies 12,142 69.4% 6.8%
Governmental workers 2,456 14% -2.1%
Not for profit companies 1,458 8.3% -6.4%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
11.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Valparaiso stands at 3.6%, 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 Valparaiso

How people get around in Valparaiso

Commuting methods vary: 84.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.5% 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 14,537 84.4% 2.8%
Bus or trolleybus 28 0.2% -56.9%
Subway or elevated 25 0.2% N/A
Railroad 27 0.2% 237.5%
Bicycle 143 0.8% 37.5%
Walk 600 3.5% 8.1%
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 Valparaiso by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
46383 42,183 17,141 $76,224 $98,820
46385 40,856 15,269 $98,957 $131,505

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Valparaiso demographics 

What is the total population of Valparaiso?

Valparaiso has a total population of 34,733 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 +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Valparaiso?

The gender ratio in Valparaiso is as follows:
  • 47.4% males (16,467 residents)
  • 52.6% females (18,266 residents)

What is the median age in Valparaiso?

The median age in Valparaiso is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in Valparaiso?

The age distribution in Valparaiso is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.5% (5,396 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.8% (6,197 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.2% (9,459 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.5% (7,808 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.9% (5,873 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Valparaiso?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Valparaiso is as follows:
  • White: 84.7% (29,425 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.3% (1,148 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (37 residents)
  • Asian: 2.6% (903 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.4% (2,563 residents)
  • Other: 1.9% (657 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.9% of the population in Valparaiso.

How many housing units are there in Valparaiso?

There are 15,558 housing units in Valparaiso, reflecting a +2.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Valparaiso has a total of 14,611 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Valparaiso?

Valparaiso has a median household income of $69,872, representing a +3.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Valparaiso?

The employment rate is 96.4% in Valparaiso, with a workforce of 17,492 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.9% (13,974 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.1% (3,518 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.2% (1,436 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.4% (12,142 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14% (2,456 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.3% (1,458 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