Median Age
38 Years
Largest Age Group
20-29 Years
Approximately 16% of Residents
Under 20
23%
Over 65
19%
Avg Rent
$1,250
Population
35,331
Renter Mix
41% Rent
Tucked into the rolling terrain of Porter County, Valparaiso — affectionately called Valpo by locals — sits just an hour south of Chicago and carries a small-city energy all its own. Downtown buzzes with independent shops and eateries clustered around a lively central square, while Taltree Arboretum and Gardens offers a peaceful retreat for anyone craving fresh air and open space. Valparaiso University anchors a strong academic presence, and the annual Popcorn Festival draws massive crowds each fall to celebrate one of the city's most beloved and long-standing traditions.
Renters will find a welcoming mix of housing options throughout the city, from cozy townhomes and garden-style apartment communities to newer multi-story buildings closer to downtown. The rental market leans more affordable than neighboring metro areas, making it a solid option for those who want proximity to Chicago without the price tag. Whether you're drawn to the Memorial Opera House for live performances, the trails near Indiana Dunes National Park, or simply the ease of a walkable downtown, Valpo rewards those who take the time to settle in and explore.
Valparaiso University is centrally located in Valparaiso and is just a short walk from downtown.
Walkable streets make Valparaiso a great place for shopping and eating out.
Forest Park Golf Course is a beautiful 18 hole public golf course in Valparaiso.
Young families can be found walking throughout downtown Valparaiso.
Many restaurants and shops can be found in downtown Valparaiso.
Residents love walking their dogs in Valparaiso.
Median Household Income
$63,238
Average: $88,140
Education
11,704
Residents Have a Degree
Job Market
17,174
Workers Employed
Median Age
38 Years
Largest Age Group
20-29 Years
Approximately 16% of Residents
Under 20
23%
Over 65
19%
Housing Distribution
Valparaiso has more homeowners than renters.
Education Distribution
Review this city's overall education levels.
As of April 2026, the average apartment rent in Valparaiso, IN is $940 for a studio, $1,250 for one bedroom, $1,406 for two bedrooms, and $1,869 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Valparaiso has decreased by -1.4% in the past year.
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Valparaiso, IN is for everyday living.
Fairly Walkable
Walkability
Minimal Public Transit
Transit
Exceptionally Drivable
Drivability
Somewhat Bikeable
Bikeability
Public
Grades K-5
315 Students
Public
Grades K-5
477 Students
Union Center Elementary School
Public
Grades K-5
413 Students
Public
Grades K-5
505 Students
Cooks Corners Elementary School
Public
Grades K-5
470 Students
Washington Twp Middle/High School
Public
Grades 6-12
439 Students
Benjamin Franklin Middle School
Public
Grades 6-8
821 Students
Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Public
Grades 6-8
640 Students
Morgan Township Middle/High School
Public
Grades 6-12
435 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
324 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
2,098 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
434 Students
Washington Twp Middle/High School
Public
Grades 6-12
439 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
486 Students
Morgan Township Middle/High School
Public
Grades 6-12
435 Students
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by
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† 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 February 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.