Moving to Monterey, Indiana

Monterey, Indiana is a small town located in Monterey Township in Pulaski County. It has a population of just over 1,000 people and covers an area of approximately 0.5 square miles. The town is located on the banks of the Tippecanoe River and is surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. The climate in Monterey is typical for Indiana with hot summers and cold winters.

The history of Monterey dates back to 1832 when it was first settled by pioneers from Kentucky. In 1837, the town was incorporated as the first city in Pulaski County and it continues to be a thriving rural community to this day. The economy of Monterey is mainly driven by agriculture, with many local farms producing corn, soybeans, wheat and hay.

Monterey also has a strong educational system with two elementary schools – Monterey Elementary School and Star City Elementary School – as well as two high schools – North Central High School and Winamac High School. There are also several private schools in the area that offer religious instruction or specialized curriculum such as music or art classes.

There are several landmarks within Monterey that draw visitors from all over Indiana such as the historic Pulaski County Courthouse which dates back to 1837; the Clock Tower which was built in 1888; the Tippecanoe River which offers recreational activities such as fishing; and Kankakee Valley Park which offers camping, hiking trails, swimming pools, fishing ponds and more! All of these landmarks make Monterey an attractive destination for tourists looking for an authentic rural experience.

Population: 231. Estimated population in July 2024: 226 (-2.2% change)
Males: 118 (51.1%), Females: 113 (48.9%)

Pulaski County

Zip code: 46960

Demographics

Median resident age: 36.5 years
Median household income: $24,779
Median house value: $55,000

Population by Race

Races in Monterey:

  • White Non-Hispanic (94.8%)
  • Black (3.0%)
  • Two or more races (1.3%)
  • Chinese (0.9%)
  • American Indian (0.9%)

Ancestries: German (36.4%), Irish (13.0%), United States (10.8%), Polish (7.4%), Dutch (2.2%), Lithuanian (1.3%).

Elevation: 725 feet

Land area: 0.2 square miles

Map of Monterey, IN

Population by Education

Monterey, Indiana is a small town of roughly 400 people located in the eastern part of the state. The population is mostly made up of families who have lived in the area for generations, though there is an influx of younger people who are drawn to the area for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. The median household income is around $40,000 and the cost of living is relatively low compared to other places in Indiana. Property taxes are generally low as well, making it an attractive option for those looking to purchase a home. Housing costs are also low; one-bedroom apartments start at around $500 per month and three-bedroom homes can be found for around $1,000 per month. There are also some more affordable options if you’re looking to rent as well; mobile home parks offer reasonable rates starting at just over $300 per month. Utilities tend to be reasonable as well, with basic services running about $100 per month on average. With its rural setting and relatively low cost of living, Monterey has become an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful and affordable place to call home.

For population 25 years and over in Monterey

  • High school or higher: 78.1%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 5.2%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 2.6%
  • Unemployed: 2.7%
  • Mean travel time to work: 24.7 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Monterey town

  • Never married: 19.3%
  • Now married: 60.2%
  • Separated: 1.1%
  • Widowed: 6.6%
  • Divorced: 12.7%

0.0% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +1 (+0.4%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Monterey:

  • STARKE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 13 miles; KNOX, IN)
  • PULASKI MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 14 miles; WINAMAC, IN)
  • BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE OF NORTHERN IN (about 18 miles; PLYMOUTH, IN)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Monterey:

  • SOUTH BEND REGIONAL (about 40 miles; SOUTH BEND, IN; Abbreviation: SBN)
  • PORTER COUNTY MUNI (about 42 miles; VALPARAISO, IN; Abbreviation: VPZ)
  • GRISSOM ARB (about 43 miles; PERU, IN; Abbreviation: GUS)

Other public-use airports nearest to Monterey:

  • ARENS FIELD (about 10 miles; WINAMAC, IN; Abbreviation: RWN)
  • STARKE COUNTY (about 16 miles; KNOX, IN; Abbreviation: OXI)
  • PLYMOUTH MUNI (about 19 miles; PLYMOUTH, IN; Abbreviation: C65)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Monterey:

  • INDIANA UNIVERSITY-SOUTH BEND (about 33 miles; SOUTH BEND, IN; Full-time enrollment: 4,725)
  • PURDUE UNIVERSITY-NORTH CENTRAL CAMPUS (about 41 miles; WESTVILLE, IN; Full-time enrollment: 2,500)
  • UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME (about 41 miles; NOTRE DAME, IN; Full-time enrollment: 10,633)
  • VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY (about 44 miles; VALPARAISO, IN; Full-time enrollment: 3,376)
  • PURDUE UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS (about 59 miles; WEST LAFAYETTE, IN; Full-time enrollment: 36,407)
  • ANDREWS UNIVERSITY (about 61 miles; BERRIEN SPRINGS, MI; Full-time enrollment: 2,342)
  • IVY TECH STATE COLLEGE-NORTHWEST (about 65 miles; GARY, IN; Full-time enrollment: 2,432)

Public primary/middle school in Monterey:

  • MONTEREY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 163; Location: 5973 E 700 N; Grades: KG – 06)

Private primary/middle school in Monterey:

  • ST ANNE (Students: 41; Location: 6893 NORTH WALNUT; Grades: KG – 6)

Libraries

Library in Monterey:

  • MONTEREY-TIPPECANOE TWP PL (Operating income: $83,587; Location: 6260 E MAIN ST; 12,271 books; 1,028 video materials; 47 serial subscriptions)