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
Starke County is a county in Indiana with a population of 23,300. It ranks #66 among counties in Indiana by population. The median age is 41.9, older than the national median. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
The median household income in Starke County is $62,933, below the US median of $74,580. 11.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $148,400, with monthly rent averaging $690. The homeownership rate of 83.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Starke County reflects 12.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 31.1 minutes each way.
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+
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Other counties in Indiana
Part of 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.
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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.