47-423: The West Lake Corridor project, to be called the Monon Corridor upon opening, is an under-construction commuter rail line in Lake County , Indiana . New South Shore Line services are planned to connect the towns of Munster and Dyer in Indiana with Hammond, Indiana and Chicago , Illinois . In mid-2000s, the population and commercial growth in Lake and Porter counties in Northwest Indiana
94-454: A majority of the county's population lived outside of the four traditional industrial cities. Lake County still continues to struggle with urban decline and poverty, suburban sprawl and traffic jams, and a stagnating population. According to the 2010 census, the county has a total area of 626.56 square miles (1,622.8 km ), of which 498.96 square miles (1,292.3 km ) (or 79.63%) is land and 127.60 square miles (330.5 km ) (or 20.37%)
141-596: A majority of the population. The second wave of the Ku Klux Klan gained a large following here in the 1920s, as it did for a time in the rest of Indiana. The KKK organized against the numerous European immigrants, who were mostly Catholic. While the steel industry reigned supreme, other industries also found the county to be an ideal location for cheap land and well-developed transportation networks, such as automobiles, oil, chemicals, consumer goods, food processing, and construction supply companies. The Great Depression
188-512: A record high of 104 °F (40 °C) was recorded in June 1988. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 1.75 inches (44 mm) in February to 4.69 inches (119 mm) in June. Temperatures at or below 0 °F (−18 °C) occur on average 11 days annually and exceed 90 °F (32 °C) degrees on 14 days. In winter, lake-effect snow increases snowfall totals compared to the areas to
235-602: A record turnout delayed the tallies, and polls closed an hour later than much of the state because Lake County is in the Central Time Zone . Early returns showed Senator Barack Obama leading by a potentially lead-changing margin, leaving the race between Senator Hillary Clinton and Obama "too close to call" until final tallies were reported. Crime The NWI Times reported that over 800 registered sex offenders live in Lake and Porter Counties of Indiana in 2021. As of
282-696: Is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana . In 2020, its population was 498,700, making it Indiana's second-most populous county . The county seat is Crown Point . The county is part of Northwest Indiana and the Chicago metropolitan area , and contains a mix of urban, suburban and rural areas. It is bordered on the north by Lake Michigan and contains a portion of the Indiana Dunes . It includes Marktown , Clayton Mark 's planned worker community in East Chicago. Originally inhabited by
329-607: Is an urban planned worker community in East Chicago , Indiana , United States , built during the Progressive Era in 1917 from marshland to provide a complete community for workers at The Mark Manufacturing Company . The Marktown Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The community of Marktown was founded by Clayton Mark , a pioneer maker of steel in
376-566: Is part of the historic Lincoln Highway . US 12 from Gary eastward is part of Dunes Highway . Cline Avenue (Indiana 912) from US 12 north and westward is known as the Highway Construction Workers Memorial Highway. The municipalities in Lake County, and their populations as of the 2020 Census, are: The 11 townships of Lake County, with their populations as of the 2020 Census, are: Despite
423-490: Is regarded as an important cultural resource of architectural and historical significance. In the words of the Marktown Revitalization Plan commissioned by the city of East Chicago in 2008, "Marktown is significant as it is a major work by a significant American architect, Howard Van Doren Shaw, for its association with the driving economic force of industry that served as an identity of the region, and
470-506: Is representative of the planned industrial community movement of the late 19th and early 20th century." As late as 2011, all of the originally constructed homes in Marktown still stood. However, since then some properties have been bought by BP and demolished. The homes are being evacuated due to air pollution and concerns regarding safety in the vicinity of the expanding crude tar sands processing facility. In 2022, East Chicago began
517-1017: Is the Frank Borman Expressway from the Illinois state line east to the Indiana Toll Road interchange in the eastern portion of the county. Interstate 94 has been referred to as the Chicago-Detroit Industrial Freeway. US 6 is part of the Grand Army of the Republic Highway . Broadway (Indiana 53) is also the Carolyn Mosby Memorial Highway. Indiana 51 is known for its entire length as the Adam Benjamin Memorial Highway. US 30
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#1732802606906564-673: Is the local PBS station in the Chicago television market. These eight broadcast radio stations serve Lake County and are part of the Chicago market: In recent years, average temperatures in Lowell have ranged from a low of 14.4 °F (−9.8 °C) in January to a high of 83.8 °F (28.8 °C) in July, although a record low of −29 °F (−34 °C) was recorded in December 1989 and
611-614: Is to be done coinciding with the construction of the West Lake Corridor, full construction on the station is not planned to begin until 2025, making the station an infill station to be built after the initial opening of the West Lake Corridor. The new line will directly serve Millennium Station at peak hours with shuttle service between Munster/Dyer Main Street and Hammond Gateway for connections to main line services at other times. Lake County, Indiana Lake County
658-551: Is water. It is the second-largest county in total area in Indiana, but has the largest water area of all 92 counties. The northern and southern portions of the county (north of U.S. 30 and south of Lowell) are mainly low and flat, except for a few sand ridges and dunes and were both once very marshy and had to be drained. The lowest point, at 585 feet (178 m), is along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The central part of
705-532: The 2010 United States Census , there were 496,005 people, 188,157 households, and 127,647 families residing in the county. The population density was 994.1 inhabitants per square mile (383.8/km ). There were 208,750 housing units at an average density of 418.4 per square mile (161.5/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 64.4% white, 25.9% black or African American, 1.2% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 5.8% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 16.7% of
752-700: The Canadian National Railway line to Valparaiso. By 2008 a new study indicated that the Valparaiso to Munster branch would not generate sufficient ridership and was dropped from the plan. In 2017, the NICTD began demolition of houses between Hanover and Brunswick streets to begin building a new station , where trains would interchange with the main line. In March 2019, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) gave
799-578: The Constitution of Indiana , 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
846-663: The Diocese of Gary : Other parochial and private schools: The county is served by seven different public library systems: The Times , based in Munster, is the largest daily newspaper in Lake County and Northwest Indiana and the second largest in the state. Lake County is also served by the Post-Tribune , a daily newspaper based in Merrillville. Lakeshore Public Television operates WYIN-TV Gary on channel 56 and
893-523: The Indiana House of Representatives , Lake is part of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th and 19th districts, which are held by four Democrats and four Republicans. In the 2008 Democratic presidential primary on May 6, 2008, Lake County was one of the last counties to report results. Lake County had reported no results at 11 p.m. ET , and at midnight ET, only 28% of Lake County's vote had been reported. A large number of absentee ballots and
940-728: The Kankakee Outwash Plain until the Kankakee River is reached. The geographic center of Lake County is approximately 200 feet (60 m) northwest of Burr Street and West 113th Avenue in Center Township 41°24′53.8″N 87°24′14.3″W / 41.414944°N 87.403972°W / 41.414944; -87.403972 . Interstate 65 in Lake County is called the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway. Interstate 80/94/US 6
987-482: The Potawatomi and generations of indigenous ancestors, Lake County was established by European Americans on February 16, 1837. From 1832 to 1836 the area that was to become Lake County was part of La Porte County . From 1836 to 1837 it was part of Porter County . It was named for its location on Lake Michigan . The original county seat was Liverpool , but in 1840 Lake Court House, later renamed as Crown Point,
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#17328026069061034-430: The 1980s cast a long shadow over Lake County: the county did not regain the level of employment it had in 1980 until 1996, after which the employment level roughly flatlined. The county's economic output peaked in 1978, and has not since recovered, remaining 15-20% below the peak after adjusting for inflation. As prosperity declined, so did the immigration that powered the county's explosive population growth before 1950: per
1081-698: The 2000 census, only 5.3% of Lake County's residents were foreign-born, compared to over 11% for the United States as a whole. The population recovered somewhat during the 1990s and 2000s, as the local economy adjusted. Suburban growth has also been driven by commuter populations of workers who are employed in Chicago and commute via expressways or the South Shore Line . In 2007, it was estimated that 44,000 workers commuted from Lake County, Indiana, to Chicago for work. The decline of industrial cities and growth of suburbs has been so sharp, that by 1990
1128-488: The CSX right-of-way . Due to financial constraints, the initial segment will not extend to St. John or Lowell , but provisions will be made for future extension. NICTD is not constructing a station serving Hammond's downtown area. However, as part of its plans to revitalize its downtown, the city of Hammond plans to construct a downtown station itself at Russell Street, along a section of elevated track. While preparatory work
1175-599: The FTA and NICTD. Traveling southbound, the new branch leaves the existing main line immediately before Hammond Gateway station . From Hammond south, the line follows the route of Monon Trail until it reaches Maynard Junction. The Monon Trail will be retained, but follow a new alignment. At Maynard Junction, the Corridor will have a flyover over the EJ&;E / CSX tracks, and then will follow new tracks built immediately west of
1222-410: The United States as a whole, with average income being approximately 12.9% lower. The national average surpassed Lake County sometime around 1986. Businesses with the largest number of employees in the county are: The administration of public schools in Lake County is divided among 16 corporations and governing bodies, more than any other Indiana county. Elementary and secondary schools operated by
1269-526: The United States. The renowned architect hired to design the community, Howard Van Doren Shaw , created a unique design in which the streets serve as walkways and the cars are parked on the sidewalks, as noted in Ripley's Believe It or Not! . Shaw previously designed Mark's estate in Lake Forest, Illinois . Only 10% of the original design was built, as the building of the community was terminated due to
1316-525: The acts legislated by the council, collecting 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
1363-479: The aftereffects of World War I and the sale of the Mark Manufacturing Company. The industries in East Chicago expanded to the borders of Marktown, surrounding the historic residential island with one of the densest industrial complexes in the world. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, and was listed as one of the seven wonders of Northwest Indiana. Marktown
1410-554: The aging industrial cities. Lake County's population peaked at 546,000 in 1970. Severe industrial decline took place during the 1973-1991 period, brought on by foreign competition, new management philosophies that called for major workforce reductions, and productivity gains from technology. The decline was particularly intense in the steel industry: steel employment exceeded 60,000 in the 1960s, and declined progressively to just 18,000 by 2015. Lake County's population declined 13% to bottom out at 475,000 in 1990. The industrial decline of
1457-513: The coast and shipping on the Great Lakes. The 1900 Census gives a population of 37,892 residents. Inland Steel Company established a plant in East Chicago in 1903 and U.S. Steel founded one in Gary in 1906; with industrial jobs the demand for labor associated with industrial jobs, the county's population exploded. Immigrants poured into the area from all over Central and Eastern Europe (there
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1504-592: The county is higher and hillier. As you travel south from the low and relatively flat lake plain in the northern part of the county, the land gradually rises in elevation until the peak of the Valparaiso Moraine . The highest point, at 801 feet (244 m), is in northeastern Winfield Township near 109th Street and North Lakeshore Drive in Lakes of the Four Seasons. From here the land descends south into
1551-453: The county. Board of Commissioners : County Council : Elected Officials : † President While the state of Indiana is strongly Republican, having voted Republican in every election since 1964 (except in 2008), Lake County has long been a Democratic stronghold due to being part of the Chicago metropolitan area . It has given pluralities or majorities to Democrats in every presidential election since 1932 with
1598-403: The decline of heavy industry, manufacturing was still the largest employment sector in Lake County in 2010 with over 45,000 workers employed, followed closely by healthcare and social assistance at 44,000 workers, public administration at 40,000 workers, retail trade at 37,000 workers, accommodation and food services at 25,000 workers, and construction at 15,000 workers. Lake County's GDP in 2010
1645-584: The exceptions of 1956 and 1972 . Like the rest of the Rust Belt, however, Lake County has recently trended Republican, with Donald Trump scoring the highest percentage of the vote since 1972 in the 2024 presidential election . Lake is part of Indiana's 1st congressional district , which is held by Democrat Frank J. Mrvan . In the State Senate , Lake is part of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th districts, which are held by three Democrats and one Republican. In
1692-428: 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
1739-467: The population. In terms of ancestry, 16.1% were German , 11.1% were Irish , 9.6% were Polish , 5.4% were English , 4.8% were Italian and 3.7% were American . Of the 188,157 households, 34.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.7% were married couples living together, 17.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 32.2% were non-families, and 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size
1786-513: The project a favorable rating meaning the project could qualify for funding from the Capital Investment Grant Program. NICTD anticipated to be awarded funding the following spring with construction beginning later in the year. That October, the FTA approved the project moving it into its engineering phase. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 28, 2020, which included the signing of a full funding grant between
1833-433: 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
1880-646: The war effort. Good economic times continued into the 1970s. During this period, unions helped industrial workers gain middle-class wages. In addition to attracting refugees and immigrants from Europe, black Americans and Mexicans migrated here in the postwar period in even higher numbers than in the 1910-1930 period. As minority populations exploded in such industrial cities as East Chicago and Gary, racial tensions surfaced again. Following construction of state and federal highways, development of cheaper land provided newer housing to middle-class people who could afford it. Both whites and established black families moved out of
1927-413: The west. In spring and early summer, the immediate shoreline areas sometimes experience lake-breeze that can drop temperatures by several degrees compared to areas further inland. In summer, thunderstorms are common, occurring an average 40–50 days every year, and on about 13 days, these thunderstorms produce severe winds. The county government is a constitutional body, and is granted specific powers by
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1974-489: Was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.19. The median age was 37.4 years. The median income for a household in the county was $ 47,697 and the median income for a family was $ 58,931. Males had a median income of $ 50,137 versus $ 33,264 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 23,142. About 12.2% of families and 16.1% of the population were below the poverty line , including 25.3% of those under age 18 and 8.4% of those age 65 or over. Marktown Marktown
2021-564: Was also a smaller Mexican immigrant community). In addition, both black and white migrants came from many regions of the United States, particularly Appalachia and the South. Mostly rural blacks went north in the Great Migration , seeking both industrial jobs and escape from Jim Crow violence and disenfranchisement in the South. By 1930, Lake County's population surpassed 260,000, with first- and second-generation Americans constituting
2068-401: Was chosen. Lake County's population grew slowly before the 1850s. Construction of railroads to link Chicago to the rest of the country stimulated rapid development, and tens of thousands of settlers and immigrants bought land in the region. Small-scale industrialization began, but was primarily relegated to the northern coast of the county, where it could take advantage of the railroads along
2115-716: Was devastating to Lake County, as it was to other areas with economies based on heavy industry . The Depression, combined with industrial strife, changing demographics, and unionization, caused a realignment of politics in Lake County. It became a stronghold of the Democratic Party ; Lake County has supported the Democratic nominee for president in every election since 1932 (exceptions occurred in 1956 and 1972). Indiana's 1st congressional district has elected Democratic candidates in every election since 1930. World War II restored prosperity, as industry revived to support
2162-464: Was measured at nearly $ 25 billion. Manufacturing was also the largest sector of the economy in economic terms, contributing over $ 5.8 billion to the county's GDP in 2010. It was followed by healthcare and social assistance at $ 2.6 billion, public administration at $ 2.5 billion, and retail trade at $ 1.9 billion. While Lake County's average income was approximately 24% higher than the national average in 1978, in 2010 Lake County had fallen significantly behind
2209-473: Was outstripping projections. The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District determined that if the growth continued, it would be necessary to add another branch to the South Shore Line commuter rail. In 2006, planning proceeded for an extension to Valparaiso, Indiana , but the project was deemed unqualified for federal funding, and the NICTD was unable to confidently attain trackage rights on
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