Demographics
As of 2022, DeKalb County, Indiana, has a population of approximately 43,464. The median age is 40.9 years, with 49.7% male and 50.3% female residents. Racially, the county is 93.3% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% Native American, and 3.5% Hispanic or Latino. Other races and those identifying with two or more races comprise about 1.4% of the population.
County Crime & Safety
De Kalb County, IN, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 180 total crimes, with around 30 violent crimes (such as assault and robbery) and 150 property crimes (burglary and theft). The crime rate is about 10.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, lower than the Indiana average of 23.5. The De Kalb County Sheriff’s Office regularly publishes crime reports, emphasizing proactive community policing and public safety initiatives. Overall, De Kalb County is considered safer than 68% of U.S. counties.
Elections
DeKalb County, Indiana, had 31,091 registered voters for the November 2022 election. The county holds primary, general, and special elections, with polling locations at 21 sites, including schools and community centers. In 2022, voter turnout reached 44%. Republicans dominate, winning over 70% of local votes; Democrats received about 25%. Election administration is handled by the DeKalb County Clerk. Key issues include school funding and infrastructure. Two major parties—Republican and Democrat—compete in most races. Early and absentee voting are available. Election results and polling locations are detailed at the County Clerk’s official website.
Education, Employment and Housing
DeKalb County, IN serves over 8,000 students across approximately 15 public schools, including 2 high schools. About 89% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 17% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools like DeKalb High School score 6/10 on GreatSchools, reflecting average performance. Education programs include AP courses and vocational training. School safety measures are robust, with security officers present in most schools. Adult education options are available through local community colleges and continuing education centers.
DeKalb County, IN, has an employment rate of approximately 61.2% (2022, ACS). Manufacturing is the leading industry, employing around 31% of workers, followed by educational, health, and social services (15%), and retail trade (11%). Most workers are in production, transportation, and material moving occupations (27%), with management, business, science, and arts occupations making up 22%. About 86% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 23.5 minutes. Over 60% work within the county, while a significant portion commutes to neighboring Allen and Steuben counties.
DeKalb County, Indiana, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values around $180,000 in 2023, reflecting a 7% annual increase. Median monthly rent is approximately $850. The county's housing stock consists mainly of single-family homes, with some apartments and duplexes, especially in Auburn, its largest city. Popular neighborhoods include Auburn, Garrett, and Waterloo. Property tax rates average 0.82% of assessed home value. The real estate market remains competitive but affordable compared to state and national averages, making DeKalb County attractive for families and first-time buyers.
Popular names
- Robert Miller
- Jennifer Smith
- John Jones
- Ken Stine
- Kenneth Brown
- Amanda Miller
- Ashley Smith
- Deborah Smith
- James Phillips
- Marilyn Smith
- Richard Boyd
- Ryan Smith
- Samantha Baker
- Timothy Baker
- Timothy Smith
- Allan Huisman
- Amanda Smith
- Andrew Brown
- Cameron Cook
- Charles Miller
- Christopher Smith
- Courtney Cox
- Daniel Brown
- David Brown
- David Myers
- David Williams
- Dawn Miller
- Gregory Hall
- James Clifford
- James Miller
- Jason Dale
- John Jackson
- Kimberly Myers
- Larry Smith
- Laura Miller
- Logan Decker
- Matthew Smith
- Matthew Taylor
- Megan Davis
- Michael Davis
- Michael Hamman
- Michael Miller
- Michael Rowe
- Michael Smith
- Michael Wilson
- Nicole Baker
- Shanan Miller
- Steve Baker
- Timothy Johnson
- Timothy Miller
- Wayde Anderson
- William Clifford
- William Jones
- Zachary Smith
- Aaron Sponhower
- Adam Hicks
- Adam Smith
- Amber Miller
- Amy Knapp
- Andrew Burson
Other Counties in Indiana
- Adams
- Allen
- Bartholomew
- Benton
- Blackford
- Boone
- Brown
- Carroll
- Cass
- Clark
- Clay
- Clinton
- Crawford
- Daviess
- Dearborn
- Decatur
- Delaware
- Dubois
- Elkhart
- Fayette
- Floyd
- Fountain
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Gibson
- Grant
- Greene
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Harrison
- Hendricks
- Henry
- Howard
- Huntington
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jay
- Jefferson
- Jennings
- Johnson
- Knox
- Kosciusko
- La Porte
- Lagrange
- Lake
- Lawrence
- Madison
- Marion
- Marshall
- Martin