Lake County, Indiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 2nd-largest in Indiana
The population of Lake County, Indiana is 498,990 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest county in Indiana. The median household income is $68,985, the median home value is $214,700, and the median age is 39.6.
The population of Lake County has grown 1.4% since 2010 (495,972 → 502,955), a +0.10% annualized rate.
498,990
Population
+0.10%
Annual growth
1000
People / sq mi
$68,985
Median Income
$214,700
Median Home Value
Lake County covers 499 sq mi of land at 1000.2 people per square mile.
About Lake County, IN
Lake County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 1,000 people per square mile. Lake County is a county in Indiana with a population of 498,990. It is the #2-largest of all counties in Indiana nationally.
The typical household here earns about $68,985, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 11.2%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $214,700, with typical rent around $1,094.
Roughly 24.9% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 7.2% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Lake County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Lake County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lake County had a population of 495,972 in 2010 and 502,955 in 2024, a 1.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 502,955 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.10%.
502,955
Population (2024)
495,972
Population (2010)
502,955
Peak (2024)
0.10%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 495,972 |
| 2011 | 495,035 |
| 2012 | 493,511 |
| 2013 | 491,909 |
| 2014 | 491,259 |
| 2015 | 488,195 |
| 2016 | 486,381 |
| 2017 | 484,834 |
| 2018 | 484,918 |
| 2019 | 486,244 |
| 2020 | 498,963 |
| 2021 | 499,319 |
| 2022 | 500,065 |
| 2023 | 500,591 |
| 2024 | 502,955 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 57.2% |
| Black or African American | 23.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.6
Median Age
51.3%
Female
48.7%
Male
17.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 17.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,985$-1,066 vs state |
| Mean household income | $90,364 |
| Per-capita income | $35,973 |
| Poverty rate | 11.2%+2.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lake County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.7% of workers.
How residents commute
1.5%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
80.5%
Public transit
7.2%
Work from home
28.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$214,700+$13,100 vs state
Median home value
$1,094
Median rent
70.9%
Homeownership rate
216,330
Total housing units
89.4%
Occupied
10.6%
Vacant
29.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.2%
With health insurance
93.2%
With broadband internet
37.6%
Foreign-born
6.0%
Veterans (18+)
13.4%
With a disability
85.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.2%
High School+
24.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Indiana
Other counties in Indiana
Part of Indiana
Metro areas in Indiana
County rankings
Common questions about Lake County, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Lake County, Indiana has a population of 498,990 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest county in Indiana. Population density is 1000 people per square mile.
The population of Lake County has grown 1.4% since 2010 (495,972 → 502,955), a +0.10% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lake County, Indiana is $68,985, with mean (average) household income of $90,364 and per-capita income of $35,973. 11.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lake County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (57.2%), Black or African American (23.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lake County, Indiana is 39.6 years. Residents are 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
The median home value in Lake County is $214,700 and median monthly rent is $1,094. 70.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 216,330 total housing units, 10.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lake County, Indiana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.9%.
Indianapolis is among the largest cities associated with Lake County, Indiana, with a population of 882,043.
Lake County, IN Climate
Lake County, IN has an average annual temperature of 9.7°C (49°F) and receives about 977 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.7°C
Avg Temp
977
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 22° | 44 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 38 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 69 mm |
| April | 9° / 49° | 101 mm |
| May | 15° / 60° | 101 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 109 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 97 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 95 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 94 mm |
| October | 11° / 53° | 76 mm |
| November | 5° / 40° | 86 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 67 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 Lake County, IN
The most comfortable months to visit Lake County, IN are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lake County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.