Parke County, Indiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 78th-largest in Indiana
The population of Parke County, Indiana is 16,346 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 78th-largest county in Indiana. The median household income is $66,776, the median home value is $139,300, and the median age is 42.5.
The population of Parke County has declined 4.5% since 2010 (17,279 → 16,508), a -0.33% annualized rate.
16,346
Population
-0.33%
Annual growth
37
People / sq mi
$66,776
Median Income
$139,300
Median Home Value
Parke County covers 445 sq mi of land at 36.8 people per square mile.
About Parke County, IN
Homeownership is the standout figure in Parke County: 81.6% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Parke County is a county in Indiana with a population of 16,346.
Median household income is $66,776, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 15.9%, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $139,300, with typical rent around $731.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 14.2%, below the national 35.0%. A solid 12.7% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Parke County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Parke County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Parke County had a population of 17,279 in 2010 and 16,508 in 2024, a -4.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,279 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.32%.
16,508
Population (2024)
17,279
Population (2010)
17,279
Peak (2010)
-0.32%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,279 |
| 2011 | 17,082 |
| 2012 | 17,118 |
| 2013 | 17,235 |
| 2014 | 17,239 |
| 2015 | 16,974 |
| 2016 | 16,938 |
| 2017 | 16,902 |
| 2018 | 16,955 |
| 2019 | 16,893 |
| 2020 | 16,167 |
| 2021 | 16,506 |
| 2022 | 16,365 |
| 2023 | 16,483 |
| 2024 | 16,508 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.0% |
| Black or African American | 2.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.5
Median Age
51.9%
Female
48.1%
Male
20.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.9% · Seniors (65+): 20.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $66,776$-3,275 vs state |
| Mean household income | $81,663 |
| Per-capita income | $31,264 |
| Poverty rate | 15.9%+7.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Parke County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
2.9%
Carpool
71.0%
Public transit
12.7%
Work from home
30.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$139,300$-62,300 vs state
Median home value
$731
Median rent
81.6%
Homeownership rate
7,625
Total housing units
78.5%
Occupied
21.5%
Vacant
18.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
84.3%
With health insurance
84.2%
With broadband internet
21.0%
Foreign-born
8.8%
Veterans (18+)
15.4%
With a disability
92.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.1%
High School+
14.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Indiana
Other counties in Indiana
Part of Indiana
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Parke County, Indiana has a population of 16,346 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 78th-largest county in Indiana. Population density is 37 people per square mile.
The population of Parke County has declined 4.5% since 2010 (17,279 → 16,508), a -0.33% annualized rate.
The median household income in Parke County, Indiana is $66,776, with mean (average) household income of $81,663 and per-capita income of $31,264. 15.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Parke County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.0%), Black or African American (2.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Parke County, Indiana is 42.5 years. Residents are 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
The median home value in Parke County is $139,300 and median monthly rent is $731. 81.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,625 total housing units, 21.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Parke County, Indiana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Indianapolis is among the largest cities associated with Parke County, Indiana, with a population of 882,043.
Parke County, IN Climate
Parke County, IN has an average annual temperature of 11.1°C (52°F) and receives about 1078 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.1°C
Avg Temp
1078
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 26° | 56 mm |
| February | -1° / 30° | 56 mm |
| March | 5° / 41° | 87 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 103 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 114 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 106 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 117 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 104 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 85 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 74 mm |
| November | 6° / 43° | 98 mm |
| December | 0° / 31° | 78 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 Parke County, IN
The most comfortable months to visit Parke County, IN are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Parke County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.