Porter County, Indiana
Encyclopedia
Porter County is a county
located in the U.S. state
of Indiana
. As of 2010, the population was 164,343. Much of the population growth has to do with the expansion of the Chicago Metropolitan Area eastward into Indiana. The county seat
is Valparaiso
. This county is part of Northwest Indiana
.
, 4–8,000 years ago. The Huber-Berrien people were a subsistence society. The native people of this area were next recorded during the Iroquois Wars
(1641–1701) as being Potawatomi
and Miami
. The trading post system used by the French and then the English encouraged native people to live in central villages along major waterways. Therefore, there are no recorded villages within the current boundaries of Porter County. It was not until 1830 when Chiqua's town and Tassinong appear on maps and in records. Chiqua's town is located a mile east of Valparaiso on State Route 2,the old Sauk Trail. Tassinong is south of Valparaiso about 5 miles (8 km) on State Route 49 at Baum's Bridge Road, the main route across the Great Kankakee Marsh.
Porter County was formed in 1836. From 1832 to 1836, the area that was to become Porter County was part of La Porte County. It was named for Capt. David Porter
, naval officer during the Barbary Wars
and the War of 1812
.
.
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, and by the Indiana Code
.
County Council: The county council is the legislative branch of the county government and controls all the spending and revenue collection in the county. Representatives are elected from county districts. The council members serve four year terms. They are responsible for setting salaries, the annual budget and special spending. The council also has limited authority to impose local taxes, in the form of an income and property tax that is subject to state level approval, excise taxes and service taxes.
Board of Commissioners: The executive body of the county is made of a board of commissioners. The commissioners are elected county-wide, in staggered terms, and each serves a four-year term. One of the commissioners, typically the most senior, serves as president. The commissioners are charged with executing the acts legislated by the council, the collection of revenue and managing the day-to-day functions of the county government.
Court: The county maintains a small claims court
that can handle some civil cases. The judge on the court is elected to a term of four years and must be a member of the Indiana Bar Association. The judge is assisted by a constable who is also elected to a four-year term. In some cases, court decisions can be appealed to the state level circuit court
.
County Officials: The county has several other elected offices, including sheriff
, coroner
, auditor, treasurer
, recorder
, surveyor
, and circuit court clerk
Each of these elected officers serves a term of four years and oversees a different part of county government. Members elected to county government positions are required to declare party
affiliations and to be residents of the county.
Porter County is part of Indiana's 1st congressional district
and in 2008 was represented by Pete Visclosky
in the United States Congress
.
of 2000, there were 146,798 people, 54,649 households, and 39,729 families residing in the county. The population density
was 351 people per square mile (136/km²). There were 57,616 housing units at an average density of 138 per square mile (53/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 95.33% White
, 0.92% Black
or African American
, 0.22% Native American
, 0.91% Asian
, 0.03% Pacific Islander
, 1.26% from other races
, and 1.32% from two or more races. 4.82% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 23.7% were of German
, 12.3% Irish
, 8.3% Polish, 8.0% English
and 7.9% American
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 54,649 households out of which 35.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.80% were married couples
living together, 9.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.30% were non-families. 22.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.08.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.80% under the age of 18, 9.80% from 18 to 24, 28.90% from 25 to 44, 24.60% from 45 to 64, and 10.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 96.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $53,100, and the median income for a family was $61,880. Males had a median income of $50,167 versus $26,347 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $23,957. About 3.90% of families and 5.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.80% of those under age 18 and 5.60% of those age 65 or over.
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Valparaiso University is a Lutheran 4-year degree granting institution.
Public schools in Porter County are administered by several districts, most of which cover areas that roughly follow the county's township boundaries.
High Schools and Middle Schools
Elementary Schools
, two synagogues. and the Islamic Center of Michigan City
, north of Valparaiso.
County (United States)
In the United States, a county is a geographic subdivision of a state , usually assigned some governmental authority. The term "county" is used in 48 of the 50 states; Louisiana is divided into parishes and Alaska into boroughs. Parishes and boroughs are called "county-equivalents" by the U.S...
located in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
. As of 2010, the population was 164,343. Much of the population growth has to do with the expansion of the Chicago Metropolitan Area eastward into Indiana. The county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Valparaiso
Valparaiso, Indiana
Valparaiso is a city in and the county seat of Porter County, Indiana, United States. The population was 31,730 at the 2010 census, making it the 2nd largest city in Porter County.-History:...
. This county is part of Northwest Indiana
Northwest Indiana
Northwest Indiana, also known as the South Shore and The Calumet Region or simply The Region, comprises Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton and Jasper counties in Indiana. This region neighbors Lake Michigan and is part of the Chicago metropolitan area...
.
History
The area of Indiana, which became Porter County was occupied by an Algonquian people named by the archeologist as the Huber-Berrien. This was a subsistence culture that arrived after the glaciers retreated somewhere around 15,000 years ago and the rise of glacial Lake AlgonquianGlacial Lake Algonquin
Lake Algonquin was a proglacial lake that existed in east-central North America at the time of the last ice age. Parts of the former lake are now Lake Huron, Georgian Bay and inland portions of northern Michigan....
, 4–8,000 years ago. The Huber-Berrien people were a subsistence society. The native people of this area were next recorded during the Iroquois Wars
Iroquois Wars
-First Invasion:In January 1666, the French invaded the Iroquois homeland in present-day New York. The first invasion force was led by Daniel de Rémy de Courcelle. His men were greatly outnumbered by the Iroquois and were forced to withdraw before any significant action could take place...
(1641–1701) as being Potawatomi
Potawatomi
The Potawatomi are a Native American people of the upper Mississippi River region. They traditionally speak the Potawatomi language, a member of the Algonquian family. In the Potawatomi language, they generally call themselves Bodéwadmi, a name that means "keepers of the fire" and that was applied...
and Miami
Miami tribe
The Miami are a Native American nation originally found in what is now Indiana, southwest Michigan, and western Ohio. The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma is the only federally recognized tribe of Miami Indians in the United States...
. The trading post system used by the French and then the English encouraged native people to live in central villages along major waterways. Therefore, there are no recorded villages within the current boundaries of Porter County. It was not until 1830 when Chiqua's town and Tassinong appear on maps and in records. Chiqua's town is located a mile east of Valparaiso on State Route 2,the old Sauk Trail. Tassinong is south of Valparaiso about 5 miles (8 km) on State Route 49 at Baum's Bridge Road, the main route across the Great Kankakee Marsh.
Porter County was formed in 1836. From 1832 to 1836, the area that was to become Porter County was part of La Porte County. It was named for Capt. David Porter
David Porter (naval officer)
David Porter was an officer in the United States Navy in a rank of commodore and later the commander-in-chief of the Mexican Navy.-Life:...
, naval officer during the Barbary Wars
Barbary Wars
The Barbary Wars were a series of wars between the United States of America and the Barbary States of North Africa in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. At issue was the Barbary pirates' demand of tribute from American merchant vessels in the Mediterranean Sea. If ships failed to pay, pirates...
and the War of 1812
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant...
.
Geography
According to the 2010 census, the county has a total area of 521.78 square miles (1,351.4 km²), of which 418.15 square miles (1,083 km²) (or 80.14%) is land and 103.63 square miles (268.4 km²) (or 19.86%) is water, most of it in Lake MichiganLake Michigan
Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and the only one located entirely within the United States. It is the second largest of the Great Lakes by volume and the third largest by surface area, after Lake Superior and Lake Huron...
.
Cities
- PortagePortage, IndianaPortage is a city in Portage Township, Porter County, Indiana, United States. The population was 36,828 as of the 2010 census. It is the largest city in Porter County, and third largest in Northwest Indiana.-Geography:...
- ValparaisoValparaiso, IndianaValparaiso is a city in and the county seat of Porter County, Indiana, United States. The population was 31,730 at the 2010 census, making it the 2nd largest city in Porter County.-History:...
Towns
|
Kouts, Indiana Kouts is a town in Pleasant Township, Porter County, Indiana. The population was 2,090 at the 2010 census. Since 2000, Kouts has had a population growth of 23.09 percent. Bernhardt Kautz moved here from Pennsylvania, before the arrival of the railroads and established a farm where the town now... Ogden Dunes, Indiana Ogden Dunes is a town in Portage Township, Porter County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,110 at the 2000 census. It is named for Francis A. Ogden, who owned the land there before his death in 1914.-History:... Porter, Indiana Porter is a town in Westchester Township, Porter County, Indiana, United States. The population was 4,972 at the 2000 census.Porter is noted for its proximity to the Indiana Dunes State Park and for its railroad heritage... Town of Pines, Indiana Town of Pines is a town in Pine Township, Porter County, Indiana, United States. The population was 708 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Town of Pines is located at .... |
Townships
|
Pleasant Township, Porter County, Indiana Pleasant Township is one of twelve townships in Porter County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 3,759.-Education:The township is served by the East Porter County School Corporation. Its high school is Kouts High School located in Kouts.... Portage Township, Porter County, Indiana Portage Township is one of twelve townships in Porter County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 43,956. Portage Township was established in 1835.-Cities and Towns:... Porter Township, Porter County, Indiana Porter Township is one of twelve townships in Porter County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 8,459.-Cities and Towns:The township has no incorporated communiies. Boone Grove , located on the southern boundary of the township continues to be an important community.-Education:The... Union Township, Porter County, Indiana Union Township is one of twelve townships in Porter County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 8,166.-Cities and Towns:The township has no incorporated communiies. Wheeler, located near the center of the township on State Route 130 continues to be an important... Washington Township, Porter County, Indiana Washington Township is one of twelve townships in Porter County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 3,425.-Education:Washington Township is served by the East Porter County School Corporation. Their high school is Washington Township High School, located on State Route 2, east of... Westchester Township, Porter County, Indiana Westchester Township is one of twelve townships in Porter County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 18,133.-Cities and Towns:Westchester Townsip includes the communities of Chesterton, Porter, Dune Acres, and Burns Harbor.-Education:... |
Railroads
- AmtrakAmtrakThe National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak , is a government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971, to provide intercity passenger train service in the United States. "Amtrak" is a portmanteau of the words "America" and "track". It is headquartered at Union...
- Chesapeake and Indiana RailroadChesapeake and Indiana RailroadThe Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad is a Class III short-line railroad operating of rail line in northwestern Indiana. From the town of La Crosse, lines run northwest to the Porter County town of Malden, southeast to the Starke County towns of English Lake and North Judson, and northeast through...
- Chicago Fort Wayne and Eastern Railroad
- Chicago, Southshore and South Bend RailroadChicago SouthShore and South Bend RailroadThe Chicago SouthShore and South Bend Railroad , known to many as the South Shore Line, is a Class III freight railroad operating between Chicago, Illinois, and South Bend, Indiana...
- CSX TransportationCSX TransportationCSX Transportation operates a Class I railroad in the United States known as the CSX Railroad. It is the main subsidiary of the CSX Corporation. The company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and owns approximately 21,000 route miles...
- Norfolk Southern RailwayNorfolk Southern RailwayThe Norfolk Southern Railway is a Class I railroad in the United States, owned by the Norfolk Southern Corporation. With headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, the company operates 21,500 route miles in 22 eastern states, the District of Columbia and the province of Ontario, Canada...
- Canadian National(Formerly Grand Trunk WesternGrand Trunk Western RailroadThe Grand Trunk Western Railroad is an important subsidiary of the Canadian National Railway , constituting the majority of CN's Chicago Division ....
)
Adjacent counties
- LaPorte CountyLaPorte County, IndianaLaPorte County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of 2010, the population was 111,467. The county seat is the city of La Porte. This county is part of the Chicago metropolitan area, Northwest Indiana and Michiana. The largest city is Michigan City...
(east) - Starke CountyStarke County, IndianaStarke County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of 2010, the population was 23,363. The county seat is Knox.-History:Starke County was created in 1835 and organized in 1850. It was named for Gen...
(southeast) - Jasper CountyJasper County, IndianaAs of the census of 2000, there were 30,043 people, 10,686 households, and 8,217 families residing in the county. The population density was 54 people per square mile . There were 11,236 housing units at an average density of 20 per square mile...
(south) - Lake CountyLake County, IndianaLake County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. In 2010, its population was 496,005, making it Indiana's second-most populous county. The county seat is Crown Point. This county is part of Northwest Indiana and the Chicago metropolitan area. The county contains a mix of urban,...
(west) - Cook CountyCook County, IllinoisCook County is a county in the U.S. state of Illinois, with its county seat in Chicago. It is the second most populous county in the United States after Los Angeles County. The county has 5,194,675 residents, which is 40.5 percent of all Illinois residents. Cook County's population is larger than...
, IllinoisIllinoisIllinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
(northwest, boundary in Lake Michigan) - Berrien CountyBerrien County, MichiganBerrien County is a county located in the extreme southwest of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is included in the Niles-Benton Harbor, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 census, the population was 156,813. The county seat is St. Joseph....
, MichiganMichiganMichigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
(northeast, boundary in Lake Michigan)
Climate and weather
In recent years, average temperatures in Valparaiso have ranged from a low of 15 °F (-9.4 °C) in January to a high of 83 °F (28.3 °C) in July, although a record low of -25 °F was recorded in January 1985 and a record high of 105 °F (40.6 °C) was recorded in July 1934. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 1.82 inches (4.6 cm) in February to 4.66 inches (11.8 cm) in June.Government
The county government is a constitutional body, and is granted specific powers by the Constitution of IndianaConstitution of Indiana
There have been two Constitutions of the State of Indiana. The first constitution was created when the Territory of Indiana sent forty-three delegates to a constitutional convention on June 10, 1816 to establish a constitution for the proposed State of Indiana after the United States Congress had...
, and by the Indiana Code
Indiana Code
The Indiana Code is the code of laws for the US State of Indiana. The contents are the codification of the all the laws currently in effect within Indiana...
.
County Council: The county council is the legislative branch of the county government and controls all the spending and revenue collection in the county. Representatives are elected from county districts. The council members serve four year terms. They are responsible for setting salaries, the annual budget and special spending. The council also has limited authority to impose local taxes, in the form of an income and property tax that is subject to state level approval, excise taxes and service taxes.
Board of Commissioners: The executive body of the county is made of a board of commissioners. The commissioners are elected county-wide, in staggered terms, and each serves a four-year term. One of the commissioners, typically the most senior, serves as president. The commissioners are charged with executing the acts legislated by the council, the collection of revenue and managing the day-to-day functions of the county government.
Court: The county maintains a small claims court
Small claims court
Small-claims courts have limited jurisdiction to hear civil cases between private litigants. Courts authorized to try small claims may also have other judicial functions, and the name by which such a court is known varies by jurisdiction; it may be known as a county or magistrate's court...
that can handle some civil cases. The judge on the court is elected to a term of four years and must be a member of the Indiana Bar Association. The judge is assisted by a constable who is also elected to a four-year term. In some cases, court decisions can be appealed to the state level circuit court
Circuit court
Circuit court is the name of court systems in several common law jurisdictions.-History:King Henry II instituted the custom of having judges ride around the countryside each year to hear appeals, rather than forcing everyone to bring their appeals to London...
.
County Officials: The county has several other elected offices, including sheriff
Sheriff
A sheriff is in principle a legal official with responsibility for a county. In practice, the specific combination of legal, political, and ceremonial duties of a sheriff varies greatly from country to country....
, coroner
Coroner
A coroner is a government official who* Investigates human deaths* Determines cause of death* Issues death certificates* Maintains death records* Responds to deaths in mass disasters* Identifies unknown dead* Other functions depending on local laws...
, auditor, treasurer
Treasurer
A treasurer is the person responsible for running the treasury of an organization. The adjective for a treasurer is normally "tresorial". The adjective "treasurial" normally means pertaining to a treasury, rather than the treasurer.-Government:...
, recorder
Recorder of deeds
Recorder of deeds is a government office tasked with maintaining public records and documents, especially records relating to real estate ownership that provide persons other than the owner of a property with real rights over that property.-Background:...
, surveyor
Surveying
See Also: Public Land Survey SystemSurveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, and science of accurately determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them...
, and circuit court clerk
Court clerk
A court clerk is an officer of the court whose responsibilities include maintaining the records of a court. Another duty is to administer oaths to witnesses, jurors, and grand jurors...
Each of these elected officers serves a term of four years and oversees a different part of county government. Members elected to county government positions are required to declare party
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
affiliations and to be residents of the county.
Porter County is part of Indiana's 1st congressional district
Indiana's 1st congressional district
Indiana's 1st congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of Indiana. The district is based in Gary and its surrounding suburbs and exurbs. It consists of all of the counties of Benton, Jasper, Lake, Newton, and part of Porter County in the northwestern part of the state...
and in 2008 was represented by Pete Visclosky
Pete Visclosky
Peter John "Pete" Visclosky is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1985. He is a member of the Democratic Party. The district lies in Northwest Indiana and includes all of Lake, Newton, Jasper and Benton counties as well as a major portion of Porter County...
in the United States Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 146,798 people, 54,649 households, and 39,729 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 351 people per square mile (136/km²). There were 57,616 housing units at an average density of 138 per square mile (53/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 95.33% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.92% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.22% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.91% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.03% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.26% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.32% from two or more races. 4.82% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 23.7% were of German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
, 12.3% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
, 8.3% Polish, 8.0% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
and 7.9% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 54,649 households out of which 35.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.80% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 9.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.30% were non-families. 22.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.08.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.80% under the age of 18, 9.80% from 18 to 24, 28.90% from 25 to 44, 24.60% from 45 to 64, and 10.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 96.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $53,100, and the median income for a family was $61,880. Males had a median income of $50,167 versus $26,347 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $23,957. About 3.90% of families and 5.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.80% of those under age 18 and 5.60% of those age 65 or over.
Education
Higher Education Campuses include:- Valparaiso UniversityValparaiso UniversityValparaiso University, known colloquially as Valpo, is a regionally accredited private university located in the city of Valparaiso in the U.S. state of Indiana. Founded in 1859, it consists of five undergraduate colleges, a graduate school, a nursing school and a law school...
http://www.valpo.edu/
Valparaiso University is a Lutheran 4-year degree granting institution.
- Ivy Tech Community CollegeIvy Tech Community College of IndianaIvy Tech Community College of Indiana is Indiana's community college system, encompassing 24 campuses in 14 regions. The community college system now has more than 165,000 students...
http://www.ivytech.edu/
Public schools in Porter County are administered by several districts, most of which cover areas that roughly follow the county's township boundaries.
- Duneland School CorporationDuneland School CorporationThe Duneland School Corporation is the school system that serves Jackson Township, Liberty Township, part of Pine Township, and Westchester Township, Porter County, Indiana, USA...
http://www.duneland.k12.in.us/ - JacksonJackson Township, Porter County, IndianaJackson Township is one of twelve townships in Porter County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 4,592.-Education:Jackson Township is served by the Duneland School Corporation. Their high school is Chesteron High School, located in Chesterton to the northwest.-External links:* *...
, LibertyLiberty Township, Porter County, IndianaLiberty Township is one of twelve townships in Porter County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 6,727.-Cities and Towns:The town of Chesterton has grown south from Westchester Township and has incorporated parts of Liberty Township along State Route 49 near the Indiana Toll Road...
, & Westchester TownshipsWestchester Township, Porter County, IndianaWestchester Township is one of twelve townships in Porter County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 18,133.-Cities and Towns:Westchester Townsip includes the communities of Chesterton, Porter, Dune Acres, and Burns Harbor.-Education:... - East Porter County School CorporationEast Porter County School CorporationThe East Porter School Corporation is the school system that serves Pleasant Township, Morgan Township, Washington Township. These three township have only one town, that being Kouts.-Schools:* Kouts Middle/High School * Kouts Elementary School*...
http://www.epcsc.k12.in.us/ - MorganMorgan Township, Porter County, IndianaMorgan Township is one of twelve townships in Porter County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 2,658.-Cities and Towns:The unincorporated community of Malden is the only town within the township.-Education:...
, PleasantPleasant Township, Porter County, IndianaPleasant Township is one of twelve townships in Porter County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 3,759.-Education:The township is served by the East Porter County School Corporation. Its high school is Kouts High School located in Kouts....
, & Washington TownshipsWashington Township, Porter County, IndianaWashington Township is one of twelve townships in Porter County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 3,425.-Education:Washington Township is served by the East Porter County School Corporation. Their high school is Washington Township High School, located on State Route 2, east of... - Metropolitan School District of Boone TownshipMetropolitan School District of Boone TownshipThe Metropolitan School District of Boone Township is the school system that serves Boone Township, Porter County, Indiana, USA. Boone Township's largest and only town is Hebron, Indiana. George Letz is the superintendent.-Schools:* Hebron High School...
http://www.hebronschools.k12.in.us/ - Boone TownshipBoone Township, Porter County, IndianaBoone Township is one of twelve townships in Porter County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 5,884.-Education:Boone Township is served by the Metropolitan School District of Boone Township. Their high school is Hebron High School.... - Portage Township Schools http://www.portage.k12.in.us/ - Portage TownshipPortage Township, Porter County, IndianaPortage Township is one of twelve townships in Porter County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 43,956. Portage Township was established in 1835.-Cities and Towns:...
- Porter Township School CorporationPorter Township School CorporationThe Porter Township School Corporation is the school system that serves Porter Township, Porter County, Indiana, USA. Union Township is predominately a rural area.-Schools:* Boone Grove High School, 260 S 500 W...
http://www.ptsc.k12.in.us/ - Porter TownshipPorter Township, Porter County, IndianaPorter Township is one of twelve townships in Porter County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 8,459.-Cities and Towns:The township has no incorporated communiies. Boone Grove , located on the southern boundary of the township continues to be an important community.-Education:The... - Union Township School CorporationUnion Township School CorporationThe Union Township School Corporation is the school system that serves Union Township, Porter County, Indiana, USA. Union Township is predominately a rural area.-Schools:* Wheeler High School, 587 W 300 N* Union Township Middle School, 599 W 300 N...
http://www.union.k12.in.us/ - Union TownshipUnion Township, Porter County, IndianaUnion Township is one of twelve townships in Porter County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 8,166.-Cities and Towns:The township has no incorporated communiies. Wheeler, located near the center of the township on State Route 130 continues to be an important... - Valparaiso Community SchoolsValparaiso Community SchoolsThe Valparaiso Community Schools is the school system that serves Center Township, Porter County, Indiana, USA. Center Township is predominately the city of Valparaiso.-Schools:* Valparaiso High School* Benjamin Franklin Middle School...
http://www.valpo.k12.in.us/ - Center TownshipCenter Township, Porter County, IndianaCenter Township is one of twelve townships in Porter County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 38,186.-Education:Center Township is served by the Valparaiso Community Schools. Their high school is Valparaiso High School....
High Schools and Middle Schools
- Benjamin Franklin Middle School http://www.valpo.k12.in.us/bfms/
- Boone Grove High SchoolBoone Grove High SchoolBoone Grove High School is a four-star school located in Valparaiso, Indiana, United States.-Overview:Boone Grove High School includes grades 9-12. In 1913, the first 4-year commissioned high school was built in Boone Grove. The current Boone Grove High School opened in 1995 and is located at 260...
http://www.ptsc.k12.in.us/bghs/ - Boone Grove Middle School http://www.ptsc.k12.in.us/bgms/
- Chesterton High School http://www.duneland.k12.in.us/chs/
- Chesterton Middle School http://www.duneland.k12.in.us/cms/
- Hebron High School (Indiana)Hebron High School (Indiana)Hebron High School is a four-star high school located in Hebron, Indiana, U.S.A. The school is operated by the MSD of Boone Township, also known as Hebron Schools....
http://www.hebronschools.k12.in.us/schools/high_school.html - Hebron Middle School http://www.hebronschools.k12.in.us/schools/middle_school.html
- Kouts Middle/High School http://www.epcsc.k12.in.us/khs/
- Morgan Township Middle/High School http://www.epcsc.k12.in.us/mhs/
- Portage High SchoolPortage High SchoolPortage High School is a public high school in Indiana that serves grades 9 thru 12. The school has been in the area since the 1960s but can be dated back to the 1940s. The school serves the Portage, Indiana area as well as the South Haven area of Valparaiso, Indiana and Ogden Dunes, Indiana...
http://www.portage.k12.in.us/Schools/PHSweb/ - Thomas Jefferson Middle School http://www.valpo.k12.in.us/tjms/
- Union Township Middle School http://www.union.k12.in.us/utms/new%20web%20page/
- Valparaiso High SchoolValparaiso High SchoolValparaiso High School is a public high school in Valparaiso, Indiana. This high school is currently a four star and accredited high school, cited by US News and World Report as a "Best High School 2008". The current principal is Mr...
http://www.valpo.k12.in.us/vhs/ - Washington Township Middle/High School http://www.epcsc.k12.in.us/whs/
- Wheeler High SchoolWheeler High SchoolWheeler High School is a four-star secondary school located in Valparaiso, Indiana. The school is attached to Union Township Middle School and was formerly located in Wheeler, Indiana.-Test Scores:...
http://www.union.k12.in.us/Whs/ - William Fegely Middle School
- Willowcreek Middle School http://www.portage.k12.in.us/schools/wcweb/
Elementary Schools
- Aylesworth Elementary School http://www.portage.k12.in.us/Schools/ayweb/
- Bailly Elementary School http://www.duneland.k12.in.us/ba/
- Boone Grove Elementary School http://www.ptsc.k12.in.us/bge/
- Brummitt Elementary School http://www.duneland.k12.in.us/br/
- Central Elementary School (Portage) http://www.portage.k12.in.us/schools/ceweb/
- Central Elementary School (Valparaiso) http://www.valpo.k12.in.us/cnel/
- Cooks Corners Elementary School http://www.valpo.k12.in.us/ccel/
- Crisman Elementary School http://www.portage.k12.in.us/schools/crweb/
- Flint Lake Elementary School http://www.valpo.k12.in.us/flel/
- Hebron Elementary School http://www.hebronschools.k12.in.us/schools/elementary.html
- Hayes Leonard Elementary School http://www.valpo.k12.in.us/hlel/
- Jackson Elementary School http://www.duneland.k12.in.us/ja/
- John Simatovich Elementary School http://www.union.k12.in.us/JSE/
- Jones Elementary School http://www.portage.k12.in.us/Schools/joweb/
- Kouts Elementary School http://www.epcsc.k12.in.us/kes/
- Kyle Elementary School http://www.portage.k12.in.us/schools/kyweb/
- Liberty Elementary School http://www.duneland.k12.in.us/le/
- Liberty Intermediate School http://www.duneland.k12.in.us/lis/lis.html
- Memorial Elementary School http://www.valpo.k12.in.us/mmel/
- Morgan Elementary School http://www.epcsc.k12.in.us/mes/
- Myers Elementary School http://www.portage.k12.in.us/Schools/myweb/
- Northview Elementary School http://www.valpo.k12.in.us/nvel/
- Parkview Elementary School http://www.valpo.k12.in.us/pvel/
- Paul Saylor Elementary School http://www.portage.k12.in.us/Schools/saweb/
- Porter Lakes Elementary School http://www.ptsc.k12.in.us/ple/index.htm
- South Haven Elementary School http://www.portage.k12.in.us/schools/shweb/
- Thomas Jefferson Elementary School http://www.valpo.k12.in.us/tjel/
- Union Center Elementary School http://www.union.k12.in.us/UCE/NEW%20WEB%20PAGE%20uce/indexuce1.htm.html
- Washington Township Elementary School http://www.epcsc.k12.in.us/wes/
- Westchester Intermediate School http://www.duneland.k12.in.us/wis/
- Yost Elementary School http://www.duneland.k12.in.us/yo/
Places of worship
Porter County has many options for people of faith. There are over 100 houses of worship. They include 35 denominations of the Christian faithChristianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
, two synagogues. and the Islamic Center of Michigan City
Michigan City, Indiana
Michigan City's origins date to 1830, when the land for the city was first purchased by Isaac C. Elston. Elston Middle School, formerly Elston High School, located at 317 Detroit St., is named after the founder....
| Jewish Houses of worship | Name | Location | Township | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temple of Israel of Porter County | Evans Ave, Valparaiso | Center | ||
| Messianic | Hope of Israel Congregation | Lincolnway, Valparaiso | Center | |
| Muslim House of worship | Name | Location | Township | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Center of Michigan City | County Road 500 East | Pines |
| Christian Denomination | Name | Location | Township | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assembly of God | Heartland Christian Center | 170 South State Road 49, Valparaiso | Morgan | |
| Baptist | Old Pathway Baptist Church | 219 Francis, Porter | Westchester | |
| Baptist | Kouts Family Baptist Church, Inc | 403 E. Indiana St, Kouts | Pleasant | |
| Baptist | Emmanuel Baptist Church | 769 West 800 South, Hebron | Boone | |
| Baptist | Calvary Church | Harrison Rd, Valparaiso | Center | |
| Christian | Central Christian Church | Glendale and Campbell Aves, Valparaiso | Center | |
| Christian | First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) | 1507 Glendale Ave, Valparaiso | Center | |
| Christ Presbyterian | First Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso | 3401 Valparaiso St, Valparaiso | Center | |
| Evangelical Free | Washington Evangelical Free Church | 3805 LaPorte Ave, Valparaiso | Washington | |
| Lutheran | St. Paul's Lutheran Church | Kouts | Pleasant | |
| Lutheran | St. Michael Lutheran Church | 805 S. County Line Rd, Hebron | Boone | |
| Lutheran | Trinity Lutheran Church | 201 Washington St. Valparaiso | Center | |
| Methodist | First United Methodist Church (Valpo Methodist) | 103 N. Franklin St, Valparaiso | Center | |
| Methodist | First United Methodist Church (New Song Fellowship) | 212 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso | Center | |
| Mennonite | Valparaiso Mennonite, Valparaiso | Silhavy Road, Valparaiso | Center | |
| Nazarene | Nazarene Church of Valparaiso | Silhavy and Glendale Blvd, Valparaiso | Center | |
| Non-Denominational | New Hope Missionary Church | 402 S. SR 49, Valparaiso | Morgan | |
| Non-Denominational | Faith Evangelical Bible Church | 305 E. 400 N, Valparaiso | Washington | |
| Non-Denominational | Church of Christ | 219 S 15th St, Chesterton | Westchester | |
| Non-Denominational | Vale Church of Christ | Silhavy Road, Valparaiso | Center | |
| Non-Denominational | New Hope Church of God | 712 N. 450 W, South Haven | Portage | |
| Non-Denominational | Full Gospel, The Faith Mission Church | CR 500 N, so of US 6 | Jackson | |
| Non-Denominational | Healing Place | 2001 W Morgan Ave, Chesterton | Westchester | |
| Non-Denominational | House of Prayer Church | 2738 Blake Rd, Portage | Portage | |
| Roman Catholic | St. Mary's Church | S.R. 8, Kouts | Pleasant | |
| Roman Catholic | Nativity of Our Savior | Willowcreek Road, Portage | Portage | |
| United Church of Christ | Union Community Church | 602 Monroe St, Valparaiso | Center | |
Porter County Cemeteries
The earliest Cemetery in Porter County is the Bailly Cemetery, 1827. After the original burial in 1827, numerous other burials occurred. Additional cemeteries were created as the population grew. Early cemeteries were often family owned or church related. As communities grew, community cemeteries developed. The newest cemetery in the county is Angel Crest Cemetery, just off Indiana State Road 49Indiana State Road 49
State Road 49 in the U.S. State of Indiana is a state highway in northwest Indiana. It runs from just north of Chesterton at the intersection with U.S. Route 12 south to a rural interchange 10 miles northeast of Rensselaer with State Road 14...
, north of Valparaiso.
Porter County Parks
Porter County has grown from a single park, Sunset Hill Farm, to four, including: Calumet Trail, Dunn's Bridge, and the newest, Brinkca-Cross Gardens- Sunset Hill Farm County Park. Located at 775 Meridian Rd, just south of U.S. 6 the Park consist of 238 acres (96.3 ha). There are several habitats accessible by trail, including; prairie lands, ponds and woods. Built around the Col. Murray farm, the open meadows are used for festivals and events. Colonel Robert Heffron Murray, a Chicago businessman. He and his first wife, Sue Horton Murray purchased 80 acres (323,748.8 m²) in 1934. With additional purchases, the farm grew to its present size. After the Colonel's death, his second wife Elizabeth Murray and ownership was placed in the county.
- Calumet Trail. The trail is mile km long, parallel to U.S. 12, at the north end of the county. The trail is a mixed use trail, designed for walking, running, biking and cross-country skiing. Its eastern end is just north of where U.S. 12 crosses the tracks in The Town of the PinesTown of Pines, IndianaTown of Pines is a town in Pine Township, Porter County, Indiana, United States. The population was 708 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Town of Pines is located at ....
. The trail follows the power line west, ending at Mineral Springs Road, where it crosses the railroad track. A restroom can be found at the western end. Water is not available. - Dunn's Bridge. Located on the southern boundary of the county on County Road 500 East, Dunn's Bridge spans the Kankakee RiverKankakee RiverThe Kankakee River is a tributary of the Illinois River, approximately long, in northwestern Indiana and northeastern Illinois in the United States. At one time the river drained one of the largest wetlands in North America and furnished a significant portage between the Great Lakes and the...
to Jasper county. It is one of the oldest landmarks in the region. Built over a century ago across the Kankakee River by a resident farmer named Dunn, legend suggests that its origins may be traced to the famous George Ferris, creator of the first 'Ferris Wheel'. The park provides small boat access to the Kankakee River and a parking lot. - Brinkca-Cross Gardens Located at 27 E. Furness Rd. in Pine Township the garden offers 4 acres (1.6 ha) of trees and shrubs. Slopes and hills create vistas that of flower gardens and numerous hidden plantings, imported by the team of William Brincka and Basil Cross. The Hosta Garden contains many species propagated by Mr. Brincka.
External links
- Official Porter County website
- Porter County GenWeb - county history and genealogy website
- Porter County Municipal Airport (VPZ)
- Porter County Public Library System
- Center Township Trustee Website (Information about Township Assistance for those experiencing financial difficulties.)
- Center Township Trustee Facebook Page (Information about Center Township)