LaGrange County | |
|---|---|
 LaGrange County courthouse inLaGrange, Indiana. Built in the 1870s, it is now on theNational Register of Historic Places. | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofIndiana | |
 Indiana's location within theU.S. | |
| Coordinates:41°38′30″N85°25′00″W / 41.6417°N 85.4167°W /41.6417; -85.4167 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Indiana |
| Founded | 1832 |
| Named after | Château de la Grange-Bléneau |
| Seat | LaGrange |
| Largest city | LaGrange |
| Area | |
• Total | 386.70 sq mi (1,001.5 km2) |
| • Land | 379.62 sq mi (983.2 km2) |
| • Water | 7.08 sq mi (18.3 km2) 1.83% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 40,446 |
• Estimate (2024)[1] | 41,122 |
| • Density | 108.3/sq mi (41.8/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 3rd |
| Website | www |
| Indiana county number 44 | |
LaGrange County is acounty located in theU.S. state ofIndiana. As of 2020, the population was 40,446.[2] Thecounty seat isLaGrange, Indiana.[3] The county is located in the Northern Indiana region known asMichiana and is about 55 miles (89 km) east ofSouth Bend, 105 miles (169 km) west ofToledo, Ohio, and 175 miles (282 km) northeast ofIndianapolis. The area is well known for its largeAmish population.[4] For that reason, the county teams up with neighboringElkhart County to promote tourism by referring to the area as Northern Indiana Amish Country.[5] About half of LaGrange County isAmish,[2] and it is home to the third-largest Amish community in the United States, which belongs to theElkhart-LaGrange Amish affiliation.
The first settlement of LaGrange County was founded about a half mile west ofLima in 1828.[citation needed] Over the next four years, settlers flocked to parts of Lima, Springfield, and Van Buren Townships. Finally in 1832, LaGrange County was carved out of neighboringElkhart County and established with Lima as the county seat.[6] The town ofLaGrange was platted in 1836 and settled in 1842 as the new county seat, closer to the center of the county.[7] Lima's name was changed toHowe in 1909.[6] LaGrange was laid out andplatted in 1836.[8]
LaGrange County's initial settlers wereYankee immigrants, that is to say, they were fromNew England. They were descended from theEnglishPuritans who settled that region in the colonial era. They were part of a wave ofNew England settlers moving west into what was then theNorthwest Territory after the completion of theErie Canal. The original settlers in LaGrange County specifically hailed from theMassachusetts counties ofWorcester County,Suffolk County andBerkshire County; theConnecticut counties ofHartford County andWindham County as well as theConnecticut towns of Sherman, Lebanon and Fairfield; and from theVermont towns ofBurlington,Brookfield,Huntington andGrand Isle. They were mainly members of theCongregational Church, but as a result of theSecond Great Awakening, many becameBaptists and many also converted toPentecostalism andMethodism. When they arrived in LaGrange County, there was nothing but a virgin forest and wild prairie. TheNew England settlers cleared roads, built farms, constructed churches, erected government buildings, and established post routes. As a result of this migration, LaGrange County was culturally continuous with earlyNew England culture for many years.[9]
In 1837, the government removed Chief Shipshewana and the Potawatomi Tribe from the county's northwest corner. Several years later, the Chief was allowed to return and died in Newbury Township in 1841.[6] A town named Georgetown had been platted in 1837 but was abandoned because of lack of development. In 1844, the first Amish came from Pennsylvania to settle around the old town. The village continued to grow, and the town ofShipshewana was platted nearby in 1899 and incorporated in 1916 in Newbury Township.[6]
LaGrange County was named after theChâteau de la Grange-Bléneau, home ofRevolutionary War hero, theMarquis de la Fayette, outside ofParis, France.[10]
According to the 2010 census, the county has a total area of 386.70 square miles (1,001.5 km2), of which 379.62 square miles (983.2 km2) (or 98.17%) is land and 7.08 square miles (18.3 km2) (or 1.83%) is water.[11]
The county is mostly made up of rural farmland but also some rolling hills and several lakes.
I-80 / I-90 / Indiana Toll Road| LaGrange, Indiana | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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In recent years, average temperatures in LaGrange have ranged from a low of 14 °F (−10 °C) in January to a high of 82 °F (28 °C) in July, although a record low of −28 °F (−33 °C) was recorded in December 2000 and a record high of 104 °F (40 °C) was recorded in June 1988. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 1.76 inches (45 mm) in February to 4.17 inches (106 mm) in June.[12]
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1840 | 3,664 | — | |
| 1850 | 8,387 | 128.9% | |
| 1860 | 11,366 | 35.5% | |
| 1870 | 14,148 | 24.5% | |
| 1880 | 15,630 | 10.5% | |
| 1890 | 15,615 | −0.1% | |
| 1900 | 15,284 | −2.1% | |
| 1910 | 15,148 | −0.9% | |
| 1920 | 14,009 | −7.5% | |
| 1930 | 13,780 | −1.6% | |
| 1940 | 14,352 | 4.2% | |
| 1950 | 15,347 | 6.9% | |
| 1960 | 17,380 | 13.2% | |
| 1970 | 20,890 | 20.2% | |
| 1980 | 25,550 | 22.3% | |
| 1990 | 29,477 | 15.4% | |
| 2000 | 34,909 | 18.4% | |
| 2010 | 37,128 | 6.4% | |
| 2020 | 40,446 | 8.9% | |
| 2024 (est.) | 41,122 | 1.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[13] 1790–1960[14] 1900–1990[15] 1990–2000[16] 2010–2013[17] 2020[2] 2024[1] | |||
| Race / Ethnicity | Pop. 2010[18] | Pop. 2020[19] | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 35,290 | 37,834 | 95.05% | 93.54% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 109 | 92 | 0.29% | 0.23% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 118 | 74 | 0.32%% | 0.18% |
| Native American orAlaska Native alone (NH) | 65 | 50 | 0.17% | 0.12% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 1 | 1 | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Some Other Race alone (NH) | 8 | 33 | 0.02% | 0.08% |
| Mixed Race/Multi-Racial (NH) | 220 | 629 | 0.59% | 1.55% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1,317 | 1,733 | 3.55% | 4.28% |
| Total | 37,128 | 40,446 | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.
As of the2010 United States Census, there were 37,128 people, 11,598 households, and 9,106 families residing in the county.[20] The population density was 97.8 inhabitants per square mile (37.8/km2). There were 14,094 housing units at an average density of 37.1 per square mile (14.3/km2).[11] The racial makeup of the county was 96.6% white, 0.3% black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 1.7% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 3.5% of the population.[20] In terms of ancestry, 36.1% wereGerman, 13.3% wereAmerican, 6.4% wereIrish, and 6.4% wereEnglish.[21]
Of the 11,598 households, 40.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.6% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 21.5% were non-families, and 18.4% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 3.17, and the average family size was 3.66. The median age was 30.4 years.[20]
The median income for a household in the county was $47,697 and the median income for a family was $53,793. Males had a median income of $40,960 versus $29,193 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,388. About 12.1% of families and 16.0% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 23.5% of those under age 18 and 16.6% of those age 65 or over.[22]
Approximately 43% of the population of LaGrange County isAmish, as the county is home to the third-largest Amish community in the United States and belongs to theElkhart-LaGrange Amish affiliation. This is reflected in the linguistic situation in the county: 28.45% of the population report speakingGerman,Pennsylvania German, orDutch at home.[23] 68.5% of the total population and 61.29% of the children in 5-17 age group used English as their home language, according to 2000 Census. The Amish languages (German, Pennsylfaansch, and Dutch) were used by 28.47% of the total population and 35.77% of them.[24]
As of2020 census, Terry Martin, president of the LaGrange County Commissioners, said that "the Amish-English ratio is about 50-50", also adding that the nearly 9% growth, or 3,318 people [between 2010 and 2020 censuses], was mainly due to the increasing Amish population.[2]
*"Nones" is an unclear category.[25][26] It is a heterogenous group of the not religious and intermittently religious.[27] Researchers argue that most of the "Nones" should be considered "unchurched", rather than objectively nonreligious;[26][28][29][30] especially since most "Nones" do hold some religious-spiritual beliefs and a notable amount participate in behaviors.[26][28][31][32] For example, 72% of American "Nones" believe in God or a Higher Power.[33]
The economy is based mainly on agriculture and small shops, but tourism also plays a big role, especially in Shipshewana.
The county is led by a board of three elected commissioners that serve as the county government's executive branch. The county council comprises 7 elected members – four from each council district and 3 at large. Also, one assessor serves the entire county as opposed to one for every township.
The current county commissioners are:[34]
The current county council members are:[35]
LaGrange County is part ofIndiana's 3rd congressional district;Indiana Senate district 13;[36] andIndiana House of Representatives districts 18 and 52.[37]
LaGrange County has consistently been a Republican Party stronghold in presidential elections. In only three elections since 1888 has a Republican candidate failed to win the county, most recently in 1964.
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 8,073 | 77.33% | 2,162 | 20.71% | 204 | 1.95% |
| 2020 | 8,110 | 76.14% | 2,355 | 22.11% | 187 | 1.76% |
| 2016 | 7,025 | 72.68% | 2,080 | 21.52% | 561 | 5.80% |
| 2012 | 6,231 | 66.88% | 2,898 | 31.11% | 187 | 2.01% |
| 2008 | 5,702 | 59.80% | 3,663 | 38.42% | 170 | 1.78% |
| 2004 | 6,430 | 71.42% | 2,523 | 28.02% | 50 | 0.56% |
| 2000 | 5,437 | 65.25% | 2,733 | 32.80% | 163 | 1.96% |
| 1996 | 4,033 | 52.11% | 2,704 | 34.94% | 1,003 | 12.96% |
| 1992 | 3,584 | 48.15% | 2,093 | 28.12% | 1,767 | 23.74% |
| 1988 | 4,495 | 68.67% | 2,029 | 31.00% | 22 | 0.34% |
| 1984 | 4,772 | 71.31% | 1,884 | 28.15% | 36 | 0.54% |
| 1980 | 4,259 | 62.49% | 2,095 | 30.74% | 461 | 6.76% |
| 1976 | 3,876 | 57.24% | 2,835 | 41.86% | 61 | 0.90% |
| 1972 | 4,152 | 71.11% | 1,658 | 28.40% | 29 | 0.50% |
| 1968 | 3,328 | 61.54% | 1,691 | 31.27% | 389 | 7.19% |
| 1964 | 2,785 | 49.38% | 2,818 | 49.96% | 37 | 0.66% |
| 1960 | 4,433 | 69.03% | 1,965 | 30.60% | 24 | 0.37% |
| 1956 | 3,815 | 70.47% | 1,562 | 28.85% | 37 | 0.68% |
| 1952 | 3,822 | 68.80% | 1,604 | 28.87% | 129 | 2.32% |
| 1948 | 3,106 | 63.82% | 1,628 | 33.45% | 133 | 2.73% |
| 1944 | 3,501 | 68.71% | 1,539 | 30.21% | 55 | 1.08% |
| 1940 | 3,731 | 63.43% | 2,124 | 36.11% | 27 | 0.46% |
| 1936 | 3,125 | 51.72% | 2,821 | 46.69% | 96 | 1.59% |
| 1932 | 2,461 | 42.29% | 3,261 | 56.03% | 98 | 1.68% |
| 1928 | 3,171 | 64.40% | 1,720 | 34.93% | 33 | 0.67% |
| 1924 | 3,081 | 63.34% | 1,566 | 32.20% | 217 | 4.46% |
| 1920 | 3,852 | 68.02% | 1,687 | 29.79% | 124 | 2.19% |
| 1916 | 1,958 | 54.09% | 1,512 | 41.77% | 150 | 4.14% |
| 1912 | 758 | 21.58% | 1,233 | 35.11% | 1,521 | 43.31% |
| 1908 | 2,357 | 60.13% | 1,414 | 36.07% | 149 | 3.80% |
| 1904 | 2,461 | 64.61% | 1,100 | 28.88% | 248 | 6.51% |
| 1900 | 2,329 | 59.34% | 1,431 | 36.46% | 165 | 4.20% |
| 1896 | 2,442 | 58.97% | 1,665 | 40.21% | 34 | 0.82% |
| 1892 | 2,033 | 54.59% | 1,438 | 38.61% | 253 | 6.79% |
| 1888 | 2,262 | 57.32% | 1,516 | 38.42% | 168 | 4.26% |
The county has three public school districts.
TheLakeland School Corporation serve the central part of the county. The system includes Lakeland Primary: Grades (k-2), Lakeland Intermediate: grades (3-6), and Lakeland Jr/Sr High: grades (7-12).
ThePrairie Heights School Corporation serves the east side of the county and parts of Steuben County. The mascot of Prairie Heights School is a black panther.
TheWestview School Corporation serves the west portion of the county. This system consists of four elementary schools (Meadowview, Shipshewana-Scott, Topeka, and Westview) and one junior-senior high school named Westview.
Several Amish schools are located across the county.
LaGrange County is served by the LaGrange County Public Library, with branches in LaGrange, Shipshewana, and Topeka.[39]
Places adjacent to LaGrange County, Indiana | ||||||||||||||||
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Municipalities and communities ofLaGrange County, Indiana,United States | ||
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| Towns |  | |
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| Other communities | ||
| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
| International | |
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| National | |
| Other | |
41°38′30″N85°25′00″W / 41.64167°N 85.41667°W /41.64167; -85.41667
