Rush County, Indiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 76th-largest in Indiana
The population of Rush County, Indiana is 16,734 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 76th-largest county in Indiana. The median household income is $64,393, the median home value is $155,900, and the median age is 42.7.
The population of Rush County has declined 3.6% since 2010 (17,383 → 16,759), a -0.26% annualized rate.
16,734
Population
-0.26%
Annual growth
41
People / sq mi
$64,393
Median Income
$155,900
Median Home Value
Rush County covers 408 sq mi of land at 41.0 people per square mile.
About Rush County, IN
Rush County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 12.3% of the population. Rush County is a county in Indiana with a population of 16,734.
Median household income is $64,393, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.7%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $155,900, with typical rent around $831.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 16.8%, below the national 35.0%. Just 5.6% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
Rush County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Rush County had a population of 17,383 in 2010 and 16,759 in 2024, a -3.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,383 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.26%.
16,759
Population (2024)
17,383
Population (2010)
17,383
Peak (2010)
-0.26%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,383 |
| 2011 | 17,284 |
| 2012 | 17,106 |
| 2013 | 16,998 |
| 2014 | 16,846 |
| 2015 | 16,709 |
| 2016 | 16,628 |
| 2017 | 16,642 |
| 2018 | 16,635 |
| 2019 | 16,605 |
| 2020 | 16,769 |
| 2021 | 16,689 |
| 2022 | 16,661 |
| 2023 | 16,815 |
| 2024 | 16,759 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.7
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
18.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.7% · Seniors (65+): 18.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,393$-5,658 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,837 |
| Per-capita income | $30,233 |
| Poverty rate | 8.7%+0.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Rush County is manufacturing, accounting for 25.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
82.2%
Public transit
5.6%
Work from home
26.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$155,900$-45,700 vs state
Median home value
$831
Median rent
73.4%
Homeownership rate
7,364
Total housing units
90.3%
Occupied
9.7%
Vacant
26.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.1%
With health insurance
92.0%
With broadband internet
12.3%
Foreign-born
7.5%
Veterans (18+)
16.6%
With a disability
96.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.8%
High School+
16.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Indiana
Other counties in Indiana
Part of Indiana
Metro areas in Indiana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Rush County, Indiana has a population of 16,734 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 76th-largest county in Indiana. Population density is 41 people per square mile.
The population of Rush County has declined 3.6% since 2010 (17,383 → 16,759), a -0.26% annualized rate.
The median household income in Rush County, Indiana is $64,393, with mean (average) household income of $74,837 and per-capita income of $30,233. 8.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Rush County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.0%), Black or African American (0.7%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Rush County, Indiana is 42.7 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Rush County is $155,900 and median monthly rent is $831. 73.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,364 total housing units, 9.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Rush County, Indiana is manufacturing, employing 25.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Indianapolis is among the largest cities associated with Rush County, Indiana, with a population of 882,043.
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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.