Starke County, Indiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 66th-largest in Indiana
The population of Starke County, Indiana is 23,300 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 66th-largest county in Indiana. The median household income is $62,933, the median home value is $148,400, and the median age is 41.9.
The population of Starke County has grown 0.5% since 2010 (23,348 → 23,463), a +0.04% annualized rate.
23,300
Population
+0.04%
Annual growth
75
People / sq mi
$62,933
Median Income
$148,400
Median Home Value
Starke County covers 309 sq mi of land at 75.4 people per square mile.
About Starke County, IN
Homeownership is the standout figure in Starke County: 83.7% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Starke County is a county in Indiana with a population of 23,300.
The typical household here earns about $62,933, below the US median of $78,538. About 11.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $148,400, with typical rent around $690.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 12.6%, below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 3.3%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 31 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Starke County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Starke County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Starke County had a population of 23,348 in 2010 and 23,463 in 2024, a 0.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 23,463 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.04%.
23,463
Population (2024)
23,348
Population (2010)
23,463
Peak (2024)
0.04%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 23,348 |
| 2011 | 23,174 |
| 2012 | 23,165 |
| 2013 | 23,146 |
| 2014 | 22,960 |
| 2015 | 22,864 |
| 2016 | 23,023 |
| 2017 | 22,946 |
| 2018 | 22,953 |
| 2019 | 23,011 |
| 2020 | 23,399 |
| 2021 | 23,380 |
| 2022 | 23,251 |
| 2023 | 23,334 |
| 2024 | 23,463 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.9
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
19.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.7% · Seniors (65+): 19.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,933$-7,118 vs state |
| Mean household income | $73,831 |
| Per-capita income | $28,895 |
| Poverty rate | 11.3%+2.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Starke County is manufacturing, accounting for 24.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
81.5%
Public transit
3.3%
Work from home
31.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$148,400$-53,200 vs state
Median home value
$690
Median rent
83.7%
Homeownership rate
11,214
Total housing units
78.1%
Occupied
21.9%
Vacant
16.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.5%
With health insurance
89.3%
With broadband internet
21.8%
Foreign-born
6.9%
Veterans (18+)
19.3%
With a disability
96.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.8%
High School+
12.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Indiana
Other counties in Indiana
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Starke County, Indiana has a population of 23,300 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 66th-largest county in Indiana. Population density is 75 people per square mile.
The population of Starke County has grown 0.5% since 2010 (23,348 → 23,463), a +0.04% annualized rate.
The median household income in Starke County, Indiana is $62,933, with mean (average) household income of $73,831 and per-capita income of $28,895. 11.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Starke County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Starke County, Indiana is 41.9 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Starke County is $148,400 and median monthly rent is $690. 83.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 11,214 total housing units, 21.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Starke County, Indiana is manufacturing, employing 24.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.8%.
Indianapolis is among the largest cities associated with Starke County, Indiana, with a population of 882,043.
Starke County, IN Climate
Starke County, IN has an average annual temperature of 9.9°C (50°F) and receives about 976 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.9°C
Avg Temp
976
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 50 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 43 mm |
| March | 3° / 38° | 72 mm |
| April | 10° / 49° | 94 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 95 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 109 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 99 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 94 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 93 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 76 mm |
| November | 5° / 40° | 81 mm |
| December | -2° / 29° | 70 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 Starke County, IN
The most comfortable months to visit Starke 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 Starke County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.