Is Terre Haute Safe, Pros and cons of living in Terre Haute

Terre Haute, Indiana, offers a unique blend of Midwestern charm and evolving opportunities, making it a point of interest for those seeking a new place to call home. This city, located in the Wabash River Valley, presents a distinct lifestyle shaped by its industrial past and a forward-looking approach to development and community living.

As you consider a move to Terre Haute, understanding the various facets of life here is essential. From safety and cost of living to employment and education, this guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview to help you make an informed decision about whether Terre Haute is the right fit for you.

Is it Safe to Live in Terre Haute?

Crime Rates and Statistics

Terre Haute’s crime rate is higher than the national average, with a general crime rate of 33.43 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeRate.com). This figure places Terre Haute in the 27th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 27% of U.S. cities (according to CrimeRate.com). The city’s crime rate is 88% higher than the national average, with daily incidents averaging 6.38, including 0.88 violent crimes and 5.5 property crimes (according to NeighborhoodScout). Violent crimes in Terre Haute are 53% higher than the national average (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Your chance of being a victim of crime in Terre Haute varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 18 in the west to 1 in 60 in the southeast (according to CrimeRate.com). In general, residents consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest (according to CrimeRate.com). The cost of crime per resident in Terre Haute is $582 per year, which is $118 more than the national average (according to CrimeRate.com).

Neighborhood Safety Perceptions

While overall crime statistics indicate a higher-than-average rate, perceptions of safety can vary significantly by neighborhood. Some sources suggest that most neighborhoods in Terre Haute have an “A” grade for safety, indicating minimal crime levels (according to DoorProfit). However, specific areas like First Street and Ohio Street have slightly higher crime scores, graded as B- and B respectively (according to DoorProfit).

The southeast part of the city is generally considered the safest by residents (according to CrimeRate.com). Conversely, the southwest parts of Terre Haute see the most crime incidents annually, with approximately 527 crimes per year, compared to about 158 crimes annually in the southeast (according to CrimeRate.com).

Cost of Living in Terre Haute

Housing Market Overview

The housing market in Terre Haute presents a more affordable option compared to national averages. The average home value in Terre Haute is approximately $155,802, showing a slight increase of 0.1% over the past year (according to Zillow). The median sale price for a home was $164,326 as of February 2026 (according to Zillow), and the median list price was $207,300 in March 2026 (according to Zillow). Another report indicates a median home value of $120,689 (according to Livability.com).

Terre Haute’s median home price is significantly lower than the national average, with one report stating it is 62% lower than the national average (according to Redfin). The median listing price for a home is $389,086, which is 27.2% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com).

Rental Market and Affordability

Renting in Terre Haute is also considerably more affordable than the national average. The average rent in Terre Haute is $942, which is 42.6% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com). Other sources indicate an average rent of $875 per month (according to Zillow and Rentometer). The median monthly rent is $660 (according to Livability.com), while another estimate places the median rental price at $880 per month (according to Redfin).

Apartment rents vary by the number of bedrooms, with studio apartments averaging around $717 per month, one-bedroom apartments averaging $700 to $1,275 per month, and two-bedroom apartments averaging $850 to $1,496 per month (according to Zillow and RentCafe). For a more comprehensive view, studio apartments range from $687 to $970, one-bedroom apartments from $700 to $1,275, and two-bedroom apartments from $850 to $1,496 (according to Rentometer and RentCafe).

Overall Cost of Living Index

Terre Haute’s overall cost of living is generally lower than the national average. The cost of living in Terre Haute is approximately 4.9% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com). Another source states it is 4% lower than the national average (according to Livingcost.org).

Housing costs are notably cheaper, being 23.1% less expensive than the national average (according to Apartments.com). Utilities, however, tend to be slightly pricier, around 7% higher than the U.S. average (according to Apartments.com and Livingcost.org). Groceries are also more affordable, with costs being 1.7% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers and Industries

Terre Haute’s economy is supported by a diverse range of major employers across various sectors. Key employers include Union Hospital, Terre Haute Regional Hospital, and Union Medical Group, highlighting the prominence of the healthcare sector (according to Hoosiers by the Numbers and Terre Haute Economic Development Corporation). Manufacturing is also a significant industry, with companies like Amcor, GE Aviation, and Steel Dynamics having a strong presence (according to Hoosiers by the Numbers, Terre Haute Economic Development Corporation, and Zippia).

Other substantial employers include the City of Terre Haute and the Vigo County School Corporation, indicating the importance of public administration and education (according to Terre Haute Economic Development Corporation and STATS Indiana). Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Air National Guard Recruiter also contribute to the employment landscape (according to Hoosiers by the Numbers).

Average Salaries and Wages

The average annual salary in Terre Haute is approximately $52,349, which equates to about $25.17 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a mean hourly wage of $24.99 in May 2024 for the Terre Haute Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is lower than the nationwide average of $32.66 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). PayScale indicates an average hourly rate of $19.65 in Terre Haute (according to PayScale).

Salaries can vary widely based on occupation and experience. Higher-paying sectors include legal and management, with average hourly wages of $54.36 and $52.84, respectively (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). Lower-paying occupations are typically in food preparation and serving related fields, with an average hourly wage of $13.88 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Unemployment Trends

The unemployment rate in the Terre Haute, IN Metro Area has shown a downward trend. From 2017 to 2023, the unemployment rate decreased from 6.9% to 5.6% (according to Census). Recent data from February 2026 indicates an unemployment rate of 4.2% for Vigo County (according to STATS Indiana). The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an unemployment rate of 4.1% for the Terre Haute, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area in late 2025 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).

This decreasing trend in unemployment suggests a strengthening local job market. The civilian labor force in Terre Haute was reported at 78.6 thousand in September 2025, with an employment figure of 75.7 thousand (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Climate and Weather in Terre Haute

Temperature and Seasonal Variations

Terre Haute experiences distinct seasons with noticeable temperature variations throughout the year. Summers are long, warm, humid, and wet, with temperatures typically ranging from 67°F to 86°F in July, the hottest month (according to Weather Spark and myPerfectWeather). Winters are short, very cold, snowy, and windy, with January seeing average lows of 23°F and highs of 37°F (according to Weather Spark).

The overall temperature typically varies from 22°F to 86°F, rarely dropping below 3°F or exceeding 93°F (according to Weather Spark). The period from May 22 to September 22 is considered the hot season, with average daily high temperatures above 76°F (according to Weather Spark).

Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns

Terre Haute receives a significant amount of precipitation annually, averaging around 44 inches (according to Livability.com and myPerfectWeather). The wettest month is typically June, with an average rainfall of about 4.2 to 5 inches (according to Weather Spark and myPerfectWeather). The month with the least rainfall is February, with approximately 1.8 inches (according to Weather Spark).

Wet days, defined as days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, are more common from late March to early August. June sees the highest number of wet days, averaging around 12.2 days (according to Weather Spark). Conversely, January has the fewest wet days, averaging about 6.3 days (according to Weather Spark).

Snowfall and Winter Conditions

Winter in Terre Haute is characterized by cold temperatures and snowfall. The snowy period generally lasts for about four months, from December through March (according to myPerfectWeather). January typically experiences the most snowfall, with an average of 6.7 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). Annually, Terre Haute receives around 17 inches of snowfall (according to myPerfectWeather).

There is typically no snowfall in Terre Haute for eight months of the year, from April to November (according to myPerfectWeather). The average annual precipitation, including rain and the liquid equivalent of snow, is around 44.74 inches (according to Plantmaps).

Education in Terre Haute

Public School Performance

Public schools in Terre Haute have an average math proficiency score of 34% and a reading proficiency score of 35% (according to Niche). These scores are below the Indiana public school averages of 39% for math and 41% for reading. Overall, Terre Haute’s public schools have an average ranking of 3 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Indiana public schools (according to Niche).

The Vigo County School Corporation serves Terre Haute and includes numerous elementary, middle, and high schools. Some of the top-ranked public schools in Terre Haute include Lost Creek Elementary School, Dixie Bee Elementary School, and Adelaide De Vaney Elementary School (according to Niche).

Student Demographics and Enrollment

Terre Haute’s public schools serve approximately 11,483 students across 22 schools (according to Niche). Minority enrollment constitutes about 23% of the student body, primarily composed of Black and Hispanic students, which is lower than the Indiana public school average of 37% (according to Niche). A significant percentage of students in the Vigo County School Corp district are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 40% to over 90% across different schools (according to SchoolDigger.com).

The district also grapples with a high rate of chronic absenteeism, which may contribute to academic challenges for many students (according to SchoolDigger.com). While some schools demonstrate strong academic results, others face significant challenges with low proficiency rates across core subjects (according to SchoolDigger.com).

High School Options

Terre Haute offers several public high school options within the Vigo County School Corporation. Terre Haute South Vigo High School is ranked among the best public high schools in Indiana, with a rating of 3.57 out of 5 based on over 300 reviews (according to Niche). Terre Haute North Vigo High School also serves the community, holding a rating of 3.38 out of 5 based on over 300 reviews (according to Niche).

West Vigo High School is another option, boasting a higher rating of 4.03 out of 5 from 70 reviews (according to Niche). These high schools are part of a district that educates a large student population, with factors like state test scores, college readiness, and graduation rates contributing to their rankings (according to Niche).

Demographics of Terre Haute

Population and Age Distribution

Terre Haute has an estimated population of 58,531 as of 2024 (according to STATS Indiana). The city’s population is 58,667 according to Livability.com. The median age in Terre Haute is not explicitly stated in the provided search results, but the general temperature ranges suggest a climate that influences lifestyle and activities throughout the year.

The population density of Vigo County, in which Terre Haute is located, is 264.10 people per square mile (according to STATS Indiana). This indicates a moderately populated area within the county.

Racial and Ethnic Composition

Specific demographic data regarding the racial and ethnic composition of Terre Haute is not detailed in the provided search results. However, it is mentioned that minority enrollment in Terre Haute public schools is 23% of the student body, predominantly Black and Hispanic students (according to Niche).

This information about school demographics may offer a partial insight into the broader city’s ethnic makeup, though a comprehensive breakdown for the entire population is not available from the search results.

Income and Economic Indicators

The median household income in Terre Haute is $42,722 (according to Livability.com). The median income is reported as $42,722 (according to Livability.com), while another source states the median income is $3259 per month after taxes, which is enough to cover living expenses for 2.1 months (according to Livingcost.org). The average annual salary is around $52,349 (according to ZipRecruiter).

The 25th percentile for salaries in Terre Haute is $34,250, and the 75th percentile is $68,648 annually (according to ZipRecruiter). For H1B visas in fiscal year 2021, the median salary in Terre Haute was $92,483 (according to H1B Salaries).