IndianaPop. 58,427Smaller cities
Is Terre Haute a Good Place to Live? Terre Haute, Indiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Terre Haute ranks #1116 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #462 of 524 smaller cities and #18 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($115,700, #10 of 524) and low rents ($922/mo, #17 of 524), and trails on low household income ($43,126, #520 of 524) and high poverty (24.7%, #496 of 524).
Terre Haute by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Terre Haute's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Terre Haute?
Terre Haute's cost of living index is 87.8, 12% below the US level of 100 and #132 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $922/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $162,375, 38% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
| Measure | Terre Haute | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 87.8#132 of 1,308 | 93.3 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $162,375#60 of 1,187 | $260,095 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $996/mo#21 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $115,700#24 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $922/mo#120 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.7x#91 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 25.7%#1065 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Terre Haute housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Terre Haute is in the Terre Haute, IN metro.
Indiana housing market →Is Terre Haute safe?
Terre Haute recorded 494 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 50% above the US rate of 328 and 94% above Indiana's 254. That ranks #835 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #369 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Terre Haute Police Department. Property crime runs 3,193 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Terre Haute | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 494#835 of 1,085 | 254 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 3,193#978 of 1,085 | 1,052 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Terre Haute?
The median household in Terre Haute earns $43,126, 48% below the US figure of $83,163 and 40% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 24.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Terre Haute | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $43,126#1293 of 1,312 | $71,959 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 24.7%#1231 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Terre Haute?
The median resident of Terre Haute is 32.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 24.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #987 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Terre Haute | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 32.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 24.6%#987 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 52.2% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Terre Haute's schools and health?
Terre Haute's 15 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 14.4 students per teacher and $10,792 spent per pupil. 43% of adults are obese and 14.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Terre Haute | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 85%#705 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.4#362 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $10,792#1081 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 43%#1246 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.1%#1093 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 21.5%#1271 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.4%#706 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,110 students are enrolled in Terre Haute's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Terre Haute?
The average commute in Terre Haute is 18.5 minutes (Indiana 24.6); 1.2% of workers take transit and 5.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Terre Haute scores 13.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #209 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.9°F and winters 31.7°F, with 40.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Terre Haute | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 18.5 min#222 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.2%#602 of 1,312 | 6.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 73.8% | 76.8% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.2% | 0.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4.8% | 2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 5.7% | 9.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.7#209 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36.7 | 20.7 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 41.6 | 24.1 | 2 |
| Mar | 52.8 | 32.8 | 2.9 |
| Apr | 64.9 | 42.9 | 4.7 |
| May | 74.6 | 53.4 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 83.3 | 62.2 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 85.9 | 64.8 | 4.3 |
| Aug | 84.6 | 62.5 | 3 |
| Sep | 79 | 54.2 | 2.9 |
| Oct | 66.7 | 43 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 52.6 | 33.7 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 41.1 | 25.9 | 2.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Terre Haute Hulman Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Terre Haute | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 53.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 73.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 31.7°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 40.8 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Terre Haute Hulman Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Terre Haute?
Vigo County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 60% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Vigo County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hail, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 53% of US counties.
| Measure | Terre Haute | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 45#664 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.15%#645 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Vigo County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Vigo County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.019% | 85% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0049% | 70% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.094% | 64% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.011% | 56% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0012% | 36% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Terre Haute compare with similar-size cities?
Terre Haute is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #462 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 58,427.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terre Haute, INPop. 58,427 | #1116 | 47.6 | $43,126 | $922/mo | 494 | 18.5 min |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #100 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 | 23.6 min |
| Weymouth Town, MAPop. 58,505 | #291 | 62.2 | $102,714 | $1,941/mo | 237 | 34.7 min |
| Severn, MDPop. 58,402 | #154 | 66.0 | $134,423 | $2,175/mo | no data | 27.8 min |
| Carson City, NVPop. 58,384 | #686 | 55.3 | $72,355 | $1,248/mo | 358 | 20.5 min |
| Lenexa, KSPop. 58,384 | #101 | 68.3 | $103,239 | $1,454/mo | 180 | 19.4 min |
| Lake Havasu City, AZPop. 58,359 | #819 | 53.0 | $70,148 | $1,320/mo | 299 | 15.9 min |
| Coconut Creek, FLPop. 58,330 | #951 | 50.9 | $75,014 | $2,102/mo | part year | 29.6 min |
| Midwest City, OKPop. 58,297 | #942 | 51.1 | $57,520 | $1,091/mo | 345 | 22.8 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Terre Haute compare with the rest of Indiana?
Terre Haute ranks #18 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 47.6 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 40% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 94% above the statewide rate. Homes are 38% below the typical Indiana home.
| City | Rank in IN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel, INPop. 101,651 | #1 | 73.1 | $141,505 | $1,712/mo | 51 |
| Westfield, INPop. 54,677 | #2 | 72.7 | $122,789 | $1,667/mo | 66 |
| Fishers, INPop. 102,337 | #3 | 70.7 | $130,203 | $1,611/mo | 78 |
| Noblesville, INPop. 73,362 | #4 | 66.6 | $104,047 | $1,389/mo | 71 |
| Greenwood, INPop. 66,029 | #5 | 60.4 | $83,608 | $1,312/mo | 142 |
| Columbus, INPop. 51,824 | #6 | 59.6 | $77,456 | $1,157/mo | 88 |
| Bloomington, INPop. 80,049 | #7 | 57.9 | $50,465 | $1,200/mo | 293 |
| Lafayette, INPop. 71,159 | #8 | 57.7 | $53,716 | $1,079/mo | 396 |
| Jeffersonville, INPop. 51,043 | #9 | 57.2 | $70,930 | $1,148/mo | 330 |
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #10 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 |
| Mishawaka, INPop. 51,021 | #11 | 53.7 | $54,291 | $1,070/mo | 306 |
| Elkhart, INPop. 53,733 | #12 | 52.8 | $51,028 | $998/mo | 220 |
| South Bend, INPop. 103,085 | #13 | 52.2 | $55,786 | $1,033/mo | 453 |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #14 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 |
| Anderson, INPop. 55,367 | #15 | 50.4 | $46,909 | $925/mo | 410 |
| Muncie, INPop. 64,751 | #16 | 49.8 | $44,471 | $904/mo | 485 |
| Kokomo, INPop. 59,122 | #17 | 48.8 | $55,360 | $939/mo | 477 |
| Terre Haute, INPop. 58,427 | #18 | 47.6 | $43,126 | $922/mo | 494 |
| Evansville, INPop. 116,116 | #19 | 45.1 | $53,387 | $975/mo | 1,087 |
| Hammond, INPop. 76,768 | #20 | 44.6 | $55,504 | $1,134/mo | 589 |
| Gary, INPop. 68,113 | #21 | 31.1 | $38,731 | $1,012/mo | 1,393 |
All 21 Indiana cities we track, by overall score. Indiana statewide: median income $71,959, violent crime 254.4 per 100,000.
How is Terre Haute's score calculated?
Terre Haute scores 47.6 out of 100, #1116 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Indiana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Terre Haute. Similar-size median 55.5.
37.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Terre Haute's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
52.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Terre Haute. Similar-size median 58.9.
28.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Terre Haute's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
51.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Terre Haute's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
88.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Terre Haute. Similar-size median 56.1.
13.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Terre Haute. Similar-size median 42.4.
44.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Terre Haute. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Terre Haute's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
66.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
51.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Terre Haute's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Terre Haute has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Terre Haute
Is Terre Haute, IN a good place to live?
Terre Haute ranks #1116 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #462 of 524 smaller cities and #18 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($115,700, #10 of 524) and low rents ($922/mo, #17 of 524), and trails on low household income ($43,126, #520 of 524) and high poverty (24.7%, #496 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Terre Haute?
Terre Haute's cost of living index is 87.8, 12% below the US level of 100 and #132 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $922/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $162,375, 38% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
What is the crime rate in Terre Haute?
Terre Haute recorded 494 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 50% above the US rate of 328 and 94% above Indiana's 254. That ranks #835 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #369 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Terre Haute Police Department. Property crime runs 3,193 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Terre Haute?
The median household in Terre Haute earns $43,126, 48% below the US figure of $83,163 and 40% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 24.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Terre Haute?
Median rent in Terre Haute is $922/mo (Census), #120 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $996/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Terre Haute?
The typical home value in Terre Haute is $162,375, up 1% in a year, against $260,095 for Indiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $115,700.
How are the public schools in Terre Haute?
Terre Haute's 15 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 14.4 students per teacher and $10,792 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Terre Haute?
The average commute is 18.5 minutes, #222 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Indiana. 5.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Terre Haute?
Terre Haute averages 53.5°F over the year, 73.9°F in summer and 31.7°F in winter, with 40.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Terre Haute walkable?
Terre Haute scores 13.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #209 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Terre Haute at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Vigo County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hail, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 53% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Terre Haute?
Vigo County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 60% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Terre Haute?
Terre Haute has 58,427 residents. The median resident of Terre Haute is 32.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 24.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #987 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Terre Haute compare with the rest of Indiana?
Terre Haute ranks #18 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 47.6 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 40% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 94% above the statewide rate. Homes are 38% below the typical Indiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Terre Haute?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Terre Haute's population of 58,427 are Cupertino, CA (#100 overall), Weymouth Town, MA (#291 overall), Severn, MD (#154 overall), Carson City, NV (#686 overall), and Lenexa, KS (#101 overall). Terre Haute is #1116.