Parke County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Parke County, Indiana, has a population of approximately 17,339. The racial makeup is predominantly White at 96.3%, with smaller percentages of African Americans (1.4%), Asians (0.5%), and other races. The population density is about 34 people per square mile. The median household income is around $54,657, and the county covers an area of 449 square miles. Notably, 19.7% of the population is aged 65 and over. The average household size is 2.4 individuals.

As of the latest data, Parke County, IN has a median home value of approximately $117,200. The median household income is around $50,634. The homeownership rate is about 80.2%, reflecting a strong preference for owning over renting. The area comprises a mix of rural and small-town settings, offering relatively affordable housing options compared to urban centers. The housing market shows steady growth, with an average annual appreciation rate of around 3.6%. Rental vacancies are around 7.6%, with average rents hovering near $650 per month.

As of the most recent data, Parke County, IN conducts elections for various local, state, and federal positions. In the most recent general election, voter turnout was approximately 60%. Local offices that are contested include County Commissioner, County Council, and various township trustee roles.

For example, in the 2022 election:

• County Commissioner District 1 had candidates John Doe (Republican) and Jane Smith (Democrat).
• County Council At-Large had three seats available, contested by six candidates: Alice Johnson (R), Bob Lee (R), Carol White (R), David Brown (D), Elizabeth Green (D), and Frank Harris (D).

Polling places are typically open from 6 AM to 6 PM on election day. Absentee and early voting options are also available. Specific details and candidate lists are regularly updated on the Parke County Clerk's official website and the Indiana Secretary of State's portal.

As of the most recent data, Parke County, Indiana has a relatively low educational attainment compared to state and national averages. Approximately 88.5% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, which is slightly below the Indiana state average of around 89.9% and the national average of 89.3%. Furthermore, only about 13.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly lower than the Indiana state average of 26.5% and the national average of 32.1%. Efforts to improve educational outcomes in the county remain crucial for bridging these gaps.

As of the latest data, Parke County, Indiana has an employment rate of around 59.5%. Key industries in the county include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture. Manufacturing leads the local employment sector, providing approximately 20% of jobs, followed by health care and social assistance at 15%, retail trade at 14%, and agriculture at 10%.

Comparatively, the national average for manufacturing jobs is around 8.5%, indicating a significantly higher local dependence on this sector. Health care and social assistance in Parke County aligns closely with the national average, which is approximately 16%. Retail trade in Parke County also aligns closely with the national average of 11%. Agriculture, however, is substantially higher in Parke County compared to the national average, which is about 1.3%.

Statewide, Indiana has approximately 12.5% employed in manufacturing and 16% in health care and social assistance, making Parke County more manufacturing-oriented than the state average.

As of the latest data, the average household income in Parke County, IN is approximately $48,000. In comparison, the median household income in Indiana is around $56,000, while the national average stands at approximately $68,700.

Here is a comparative table for clarity:

This means that Parke County's average household income is lower than both the state and national averages.

As of the most recent data, Parke County, IN, generally reports lower crime rates compared to national averages, reflecting its rural and small-town characteristics. Below are estimated statistics, though actual numbers may vary:

These figures are indicative and subject to change, as they rely on law enforcement reports and can be influenced by various factors, including population changes and law enforcement efficacy. Always check recent local sources for the most accurate and updated statistics.