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New Castle, IN Area Guide

Avg Rent

$803

Population

19,679

Renter Mix

41% Rent

Savor outdoor recreation and local history in Central Indiana

Rural Suburban Active

New Castle, Indiana, carries a quiet pride that runs deep through its streets, its history, and the people who call it home. As the seat of Henry County, this small city punches well above its weight with a surprisingly rich cultural scene and an identity rooted in Hoosier heritage. Basketball is practically a religion here, and the Fieldhouse Museum, housed inside the largest high school gymnasium in the world, draws visitors from across the country to celebrate the sport that shaped this community.

Day-to-day life in New Castle moves at a comfortable pace, with a down-to-earth atmosphere that makes settling in feel straightforward. The downtown area anchors the city with local character, while surrounding neighborhoods offer a mix of tree-lined residential streets and newer developments on the outskirts. Indiana University East, just a short drive away in Richmond, adds an educational presence that connects the region to broader academic and economic networks.

The rental market reflects the city's approachable scale, with a solid mix of traditional single-family rentals, duplex-style units, and modest apartment communities spread throughout established neighborhoods. Whether you're drawn to a historic home near the city center or a more contemporary apartment community on the edge of town, New Castle offers options that fit a range of lifestyles and budgets.

Demographics

Median Household Income

$48,517

Average: $58,413

Education

2,869

Residents Have a Degree

Job Market

8,735

Workers Employed

Age Distribution
Get a sense of this area's population profile.

Median Age

42 Years

Largest Age Group

55-64 Years

Approximately 13% of Residents

Under 20

23%

Over 65

21%

Housing Distribution

New Castle has more homeowners than renters.

Renters
41%
Non-Renters
59%

Education Distribution

Review this city's overall education levels.

Bachelor's or Higher
11%
Other Education
89%

Rent Trends

As of July 2026, the average apartment rent in New Castle, IN is $608 for a studio, $854 for one bedroom, $980 for two bedrooms, and $914 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in New Castle has increased by 1.4% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$854/month
564 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in New Castle, IN

Learn More About New Castle

Getting Around

Somewhat Walkable

Walkability

30 / 100

Exceptionally Drivable

Drivability

100 / 100

Fairly Bikeable

Bikeability

40 / 100

Schools

Wilbur Wright Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

305 Students

Blue River Valley Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

331 Students

Westwood Elementary School

Public

Grades K-5

256 Students

James Whitcomb Riley Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

235 Students

Eastwood Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

257 Students

New Castle Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

666 Students

Blue River Valley Jr-Sr High School

Public

Grades 6-12

289 Students

New Castle High School

Public

Grades 9-12

828 Students

Blue River Valley Jr-Sr High School

Public

Grades 6-12

289 Students

Points of Interest

Top Apartments in New Castle

Houses for Rent in New Castle

Living in New Castle

History

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New Castle's downtown showcases early 20th-century commercial architecture, with brick storefronts and limestone details reflecting the city's industrial prosperity. The city earned recognition as the home of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, housed in a museum that celebrates the state's deep connection to the sport. Historic buildings throughout the area tell stories of manufacturing heritage, with several structures finding new life as restaurants, shops, and community spaces.

The Henry County Historical Society preserves local history through exhibits and archives, offering glimpses into the region's development. Tree-lined residential streets feature Victorian and Craftsman-style homes that capture the architectural character of different eras. The downtown square remains a focal point for community gatherings and events, maintaining its role as the heart of the city while honoring the layers of history visible in its buildings and streetscapes.

Transportation

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New Castle residents rely primarily on personal vehicles for getting around. State Road 3 and State Road 38 are the main corridors through the city, connecting commuters to nearby Muncie, Richmond, and Indianapolis. Indiana State Road 103 also serves the area. Public transit options are limited, though the Henry County Council on Aging offers some transportation assistance for eligible residents. The city has basic sidewalk infrastructure in established neighborhoods. For air travel, residents typically use Indianapolis International Airport, about 50 miles west. Commuting patterns skew toward nearby regional employment centers, with many workers heading to Muncie or the Indianapolis metro area.

Parks

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New Castle residents enjoy easy access to a variety of outdoor spaces. Henry County's Wilbur Wright Fish & Wildlife Area offers fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching across hundreds of acres of natural habitat. Westwood Park is a popular local gathering spot with open green space, sports courts, and picnic areas. Memorial Park provides a peaceful setting for walks and relaxation, while the nearby Summit Lake State Park, just a short drive away, draws outdoor enthusiasts with swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and trails surrounding its scenic 800-acre reservoir.

Highlights

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New Castle, Indiana, is home to the world's largest high school gymnasium, a point of pride that reflects the city's deep love of basketball. Situated in Henry County, this small Midwest city offers a relaxed pace with local parks, the historic Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, and a close-knit downtown that keeps everyday essentials within easy reach.

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in June 2026.

Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.