East Chicago, Indiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of East Chicago, Indiana is 26,158 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 39th-largest city in Indiana. The median household income is $41,071, the median home value is $92,400, and the median age is 36.5.
The population has declined 13.2% since 2010 (29,694 → 25,768).
26,158
Population
1854
People / sq mi
$41,071
Median Income
$92,400
Median Home Value
East Chicago covers 14.1 sq mi of land at 1854 people per square mile.
About East Chicago, IN
East Chicago is a city in Indiana with a population of 26,158. It ranks #39 among cities in Indiana by population. The median age is 36.5, younger than the national median. The population is 49.8% male and 50.2% female.
The median household income in East Chicago is $41,071, below the US median of $74,580. 23.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $92,400, with monthly rent averaging $820. The homeownership rate of 44.1% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in East Chicago reflects 9.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.9 minutes each way.
East Chicago city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of East Chicago city had a population of 29,694 in 2010 and 25,768 in 2024, a -13.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 29,694 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.00%.
25,768
Population (2024)
29,694
Population (2010)
29,694
Peak (2010)
-1.00%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 29,694 |
| 2011 | 29,524 |
| 2012 | 29,450 |
| 2013 | 29,225 |
| 2014 | 29,017 |
| 2015 | 28,686 |
| 2016 | 28,423 |
| 2017 | 28,158 |
| 2018 | 27,937 |
| 2019 | 27,817 |
| 2020 | 26,344 |
| 2021 | 26,203 |
| 2022 | 25,994 |
| 2023 | 25,832 |
| 2024 | 25,768 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 16.1% |
| Black or African American | 37.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$41,071
Median Household Income
$23,164
Per Capita Income
23.9%
Poverty Rate
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$92,400
Median Home Value
$820
Median Rent
44.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
73.7%
High School+
9.9%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.8%
Drive Alone
75.7%
Public Transit
3.9%
Work From Home
21.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
31.9%
Foreign Born
59.2%
Non-English at Home
3.2%
Veterans
17.0%
With Disability
88.9%
Health Insurance
84.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 20.5% |
| Manufacturing | 18.3% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.2% |
| Retail Trade | 8.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.2% |
| Construction | 7.8% |
| Information | 5.6% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 2.6% |
| Public Administration | 2.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.5% |
Largest cities in Indiana
Largest counties in Indiana
Part of Indiana
Metro areas in Indiana
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
East Chicago, Indiana has a population of 26,158 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 39th-largest city in Indiana.
The median household income in East Chicago, Indiana is $41,071, with 23.9% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in East Chicago, Indiana is $92,400, with median monthly rent at $820 and a homeownership rate of 44.1%.
The median age in East Chicago, Indiana is 36.5 years. The population is 49.8% male and 50.2% female.
The population has declined 13.2% since 2010 (29,694 → 25,768).
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Statewide data for Indiana
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Indiana
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.