Valparaiso city, Indiana Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Valparaiso city, Indiana has a total population of 34,377, the 29th largest city in Indiana, with a median household income of $67,664, which is 3% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 14.0%.
Key Takeaways
- 40.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in Indiana.
Valparaiso city Quick Facts
How Valparaiso city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 40 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Valparaiso city Rankings in Indiana
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Cities Similar to Valparaiso city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merrillville town | 36,343 | $64,791 | $194,000 | 25.2% | 13.7% |
| Goshen city | 34,374 | $55,436 | $175,200 | 23.2% | 18.1% |
| Portage city | 37,951 | $72,833 | $210,800 | 16.0% | 11.2% |
| Plainfield town | 35,783 | $85,074 | $263,900 | 33.7% | 6.4% |
| Hobart city | 29,646 | $71,680 | $203,400 | 22.6% | 13.4% |
Population Overview
Valparaiso city is a mid-sized community located in Indiana. The total population is 34,377. It ranks as the 29th most populous out of 967 cities and towns in Indiana.
Age Demographics
The median age in Valparaiso city is 37.0 years. This is 3% lower than the state median of 38.0 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Valparaiso city is $67,664. This is 3% lower than the state median of $70,051. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 14% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.0%. This is 15% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.2%. The unemployment rate is 3.4%. This is 22% lower than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $250,500. Housing costs are 24% higher than the state median of $201,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x. 58.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 17% lower than the state average of 70.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Valparaiso city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 80.4% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 9.0%. The Black or African American population (3.3%) is well below the state average of 9.1%.
Education
40.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Valparaiso city in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 41% higher than the state rate of 28.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.8%. Notably, 15.5% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Valparaiso city, Indiana is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Indiana state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 967 Census-designated places in Indiana. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Valparaiso city, Indiana?
Valparaiso city, Indiana has a population of 34,377 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Valparaiso city, IN?
The median household income in Valparaiso city is $67,664, which is 14% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Valparaiso city, IN?
The poverty rate in Valparaiso city is 14.0%. This means approximately 4,441 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Valparaiso city, Indiana?
Valparaiso city's population is 80.4% White, 3.3% Black, 9.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Valparaiso city, IN?
The median home value in Valparaiso city is $250,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
How educated is Valparaiso city, Indiana?
40.6% of adults (25+) in Valparaiso city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 15.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.