Cost of Living in Lake Station, IN
Population 13,109 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Lake Station a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $125,000. At 14.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 30 miles southeast of Chicago, Lake Station falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 60% lower than Chicago's $315,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lake Station
The median home value in Lake Station is $124,800 — 59% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,115/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,306/year is 25% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 14.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Indiana's top state income tax rate is 3.0% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. Overall, Lake Station has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lake Station, IN?
Lake Station has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lake Station, IN?
The median gross rent in Lake Station is $1,115 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lake Station?
The median home value in Lake Station is $124,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lake Station?
The median household income in Lake Station is $56,306 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lake Station, IN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lake Station is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.
Is Lake Station, IN affordable?
Yes, Lake Station is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 58 — about 42% below the US national average of 100.
Lake Station at a Glance
- Population
- 13,109
- Median Income
- $56,306
- Home Value
- $124,800
- Median Rent
- $1,115/mo
- Unemployment
- 14.9%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Indiana Rankings
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