Firstly why Terre-Haute, Indiana?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Terre-Haute
- State: Indiana
- Population: 60,689 people
- Terre-Haute’s quick summary would be recognized for its rich history and vibrant arts scene this city offers a blend of culture entertainment and community events.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 1,500 annually
- While this many move-out: 450 annually
- Net Migration: 1050 more people in (net) annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 840
- Number of Homeless people: 223
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a diverse arts scene and home to Indiana State University attracting students and families
Perk #1: Terre-Haute Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 64%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
- The median income is (and growing) $45,524
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Terre-Haute is $59,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $13476 in positive cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Terre-Haute’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 87 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,200
- Property Tax %: 1.75%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,200
- Rent for an average house: $1,300
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Terre Haute
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Terre-Haute, Vigo County, West Terre Haute, Brazil, and probably could include Staunton
- Avg. Age of Homes in Terre-Haute: 42 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.4%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Terre-Haute’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Terre-Haute are Education, Healthcare, and Retail
- Terre-Haute Job Scene: moderate job market in education and manufacturing
- The General Tech Scene: limited tech activity primarily in education and healthcare sectors , ,
- Terre-Haute Resident’s pay $1,400 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Terre-Haute: 7%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 200 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 6
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Terre-Haute
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $96 on average per person
- Freeway Access: I-70 runs through Terre Haute providing cross-state access
- Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: backups on Wabash Avenue
- Transportation Score: 36 out of 100 described as Some Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Terre-Haute: 39,000
- Cars registered per Person: 0.6
- No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Terre-Haute: in.gov/bmv
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 49 of 100
- Local Airport: Terre Haute International
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Terre-Haute’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornado
- General Weather in Terre-Haute is best described as experiences a humid continental climate defined by hot summers cold winters and moderate spring and fall showcasing seasonal beauty
- Winter Weather in Terre-Haute i’d describe as cold with occasional snow
- Spring Weather in Terre-Haute can be described as cool with rain expected
- Summer’s in Terre-Haute are mostly warm and humid
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Terre-Haute is usually cool with sunshine
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 22 days in summer
- Days in a row in Terre-Haute below Freezing: 39
- Average Annual Rainfall: 42 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality impacted by industrial activities
- Terre-Haute Winter Air generally good air quality with some minor pollution
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Terre-Haute Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Terre-Haute 3
- While the number of trade schools inside Terre-Hautes’s city limits are 2
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Terre Haute Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Terre-Haute Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 12 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Terre-Haute only Doctors is about 90
- Local Hospitals here is 4
- Full-time Terre-Haute only Police Officers is about 110
- Crime Rate Index: 73/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Terre-Haute’s Monthly utility bill average is $160
- Terre-Haute’s Monthly Gym Membership: $32
- Terre-Haute’s Water Quality Score: 70
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Terre-Haute
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: regional center with a mix of education and arts
- You might enjoy concerts at the Indiana Theatre
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Terre-Haute has a vibrant nightlife scene with a mix of bars clubs and cultural activities for entertainment
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Terre-Haute
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes local diners and family-friendly eateries
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 110 scattered around Terre-Haute
- The Popular Sports Team is Local PickleBall Champs
- Top Level Political Climate in Terre-Haute can be described as conservative area with an emphasis on education and local culture
- Terre-Haute’s Longer standing religious establishment is Terre Haute First United Methodist Church
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Terre-Haute Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Terre-Haute has 11 Parks?
- Deming Park is Terre-Haute’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Terre Haute Farmers Market normally open Wednesday 3pm-7pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, picnicking, and cycling
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Terre-Haute Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Terre-Haute can be described as steady urban environment with a blend of education and culture
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Terre-Haute going to local fairs community events exploring parks
- The Cities people commute to from Terre-Haute are Clinton 30 miles away Effingham 56 miles away Sullivan 35 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Terre-Haute or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: backups on Wabash Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Terre-Haute’s Tornado risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Terre Haute is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Terre-Haute are Clinton 30 miles away Effingham 56 miles away Sullivan 35 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 73 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Terre-Haute has 39 days in a row below freezing and 22 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Terre-Haute people have an average (positive or negative) $13476 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
223 homeless people living in Terre-Haute. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general conservative area with an emphasis on education and local culture could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Terre-Haute.
Retiree & Senior Life in Terre-Haute
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can enjoy property tax exemptions based on residency and income
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Cottages of Terre Haute
- Terre Haute Senior Center hosts social gatherings wellness programs and recreational activities
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Terre-Haute, Indiana?
If Terre-Haute, Indiana ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Terre-Haute, Indiana, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!