Census estimates show slight population increase for NWI

Chicago Tribune

17-05-2025

More than half of Northwest Indiana's communities saw a population decrease between April 2020 and July 2024, according to recently released data from the U.S. Census Bureau, but overall the region saw a modest population increase during the same time period.
Lake County's 2024 population was 502,955, which was up from 500,591 in 2023, according to census data. In April 2020, the county had an estimated population of 498,695.
Porter County's April 2020 population was 173,224, according to census numbers. It grew to 175,289 in 2023 and 175,860 in 2024.
The agency releases annual estimates between the 10-year census counts, which are based on counting births, deaths, and moves in and out. Census estimates use the number of tax returns and Medicare filings, unlike responses from household surveys once every 10 years.
The Midwest had 'modest population growth,' according to a census news release. In the region, places with less than 5,000 residents saw an average growth of 0.1%, those with between 5,000 and 9,999 saw a 0.6% increase, and areas with between 10,000 and 49,999 grew 0.7%.
'Many population growth rates reversed or saw major changes between 2023 and 2024,' Crystal Deblé, statistician in the U.S. Census Bureau's Population Division, said in a news release. 'Cities in the Northeast that had experienced population declines in 2023 are now experiencing significant population growth, on average. In fact, cities of all sizes, in all regions, showed faster growth and larger gains than in 2023, except for small cities in the South, whose average population growth rate remained the same.'
Population continues to shift to the south and east, away from the traditional northern industrial core of the region.
Seventeen of 30 communities in Northwest Indiana saw a population decrease between April 2020 and July 2024, including Dyer, East Chicago, Gary, Griffith, Hammond, Highland, Hobart, Lake Station, Munster, New Chicago, Schneider, Whiting, Dune Acres, Hebron, Ogden Dunes, Porter and the Town of Pines.
Communities that grew include Cedar Lake, Crown Point, Lowell, Merrillville, Schererville, Winfield, Beverly Shores, Burns Harbor, Chesterton, Kouts, Portage and Valparaiso.
Southern Lake County has seen a boom in development in recent years with newly constructed warehouse facilities, hospitals, subdivisions and schools. Three communities in that area led the way in population increases, with Cedar Lake at 2,297, Winfield at 1,373, and Crown Point at 1,198.
At his January State of the City address, Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas said 'innovation with a proactive approach' was embraced by growth in the city, according to Post-Tribune archives.
Valparaiso is one of Indiana's top 20 communities saving residents thousands of dollars in lower interest rates, Costas said, and the city has allocated nearly $9 million to its roadways repaving project. Residents were also pleased by a $76 million package of capital improvements, including water system improvements.
Portage's population went from 38,496 in July 2023 to 38,576 in July 2024. Since April 2020, Portage has gained 643 new residents, leading to a 1.7% increase in population growth.
Mayor Austin Bonta was unable to immediately comment on census data.
Portage has seen business growth since Bonta took office, he said during his February State of the City address, according to Post-Tribune archives. He believes that economic growth and success will help bring younger generations back to Portage.
After 2023 data was released — when Portage also saw a population increase — Bonta said people were moving to the city from Illinois for its public safety, school system and location, according to Post-Tribune archives.
After 2024's data, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton and Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott were critical of the census estimates, saying data collection could be inaccurate due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Post-Tribune archives.
Gary and Hammond were two cities that saw a population decrease in recently released data.
In July 2023, Gary had an estimated population of 67,692, but its estimate in July 2024 was 67,555, according to census data. Since April 2020, Gary's population has shrunk by 1,527, or 2.2%.
At his State of the City address in April, Melton said Gary grew by 527 residents in 2023, but census data showed that the population decreased by 376 residents between 2022 and 2023.
However, Gary's home prices have 'soared,' Melton said in April, which he believes is positive. He also mentioned that the city issued 4,366 building permits for electrical, plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning work.
'People are comparing us to our neighbor city Hammond, which is the largest city in (Lake County),' Melton said. 'How can we continue to approve services so people don't leave? How do we make it a safer, cleaner city? How can we make it more inviting for individuals that want to invest?'
In a Friday statement, Gary Director of Redevelopment Christopher Harris said census data doesn't tell the story of where the city is and where it's headed.
The city is considering challenging the recent estimate, Harris said.
'We are seeing momentum everywhere,' he said. 'Our department is committed to building on this progress. We are removing barriers to development by streamlining contractor reciprocity, updating our comprehensive plan and zoning to permit new construction on historically platted lots. These efforts will increase population density, strengthen our tax base, and attract new investment.'
U.S. Postal Service data found that Gary had growth in the number of active households and a decrease in vacant addresses, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2022, Harris said. Indiana Department of Transportation data found that vehicle volume on neighborhood arterial roads increased by 5-10%, Harris said.
Harris believes the city stands out for its affordability, room to grow and emerging community.
'There is still much work ahead,' he said. 'We must continue to rebuild Gary, with the goal of retaining our long-time residents, welcoming back those who left, and inviting new families to discover all that Gary has to offer.'
Hammond also saw a population decrease between April 2020 and July 2024, losing a little more than 2% of its residents, or 1,814 people.
Between 2023 and 2024, Hammond's population went from 76,191 residents to 76,030, according to census data.
McDermott doesn't believe that the census data is accurate, he said in a text to the Post-Tribune. He called the data 'an educated guess' of Hammond's population by bureau employees.
'Not one census agent knocked on a single door in Hammond when the estimate was made,' McDermott said. 'It's all estimated based on historical trends. … The only census information I ever believe comes once a decade, when hundreds of census agents are dispatched across Hammond, knocking on doors, counting our residents.'