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
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East Chicago covers 14.1 sq mi of land at 1854 people per square mile.
About East Chicago, IN
In East Chicago, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $92,400. With 26,158 residents, East Chicago is a city in Indiana. It ranks #39 among cities in Indiana by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $41,071, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US cities: 23.9%, above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $92,400, with typical rent around $820.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 9.9%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (3.9%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 22 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).
East Chicago city, IN Climate
East Chicago city, IN has an average annual temperature of 10.1°C (50°F) and receives about 962 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.1°C
Avg Temp
962
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 45 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 38 mm |
| March | 3° / 38° | 68 mm |
| April | 10° / 49° | 98 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 97 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 107 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 96 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 96 mm |
| September | 19° / 65° | 93 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 74 mm |
| November | 5° / 41° | 84 mm |
| December | -2° / 29° | 66 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit East Chicago city, IN
The most comfortable months to visit East Chicago city, IN are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near East Chicago
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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.