LaPorte County, Indiana
Encyclopedia
LaPorte County is a county
located in the U.S. state
of Indiana
. As of 2010, the population was 111,467. The county seat
is the city of La Porte. This county is part of the Chicago metropolitan area, Northwest Indiana
and Michiana
. The largest city is Michigan City
. It is included in the Michigan City-La Porte, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area.
. French travelers or explorers so named the area after discovering a natural opening in the dense forests that used to exist in this region, providing a gateway to lands further west.
Before white settlement, all of the land that forms modern-day LaPorte County, and adjacent Starke County
to the south belonged to the Potawatomi Indian nation. These Indians were forcibly removed to Kansas by the United States government in 1838, and many died on what survivors called the Trail of Death
.
When the county was initially proposed and organized, its boundaries did not extend as far south or east as they do today. A section of land north of the Kankakee River
originally belonged to Starke County. However, residents living in that area had difficulty crossing the river in order to reach the rest of the county. It was necessary to travel some distance east to Lemon's bridge, before making the journey south. Effectively isolated from the rest of Starke County, these residents asked that their land be annexed to LaPorte County, which was completed on January 28, 1842. Thereafter, the Kankakee River formed the southern boundary of the county. Finally, on January 10, 1850, some twenty sections of land were annexed from St. Joseph County
to the east, giving LaPorte County the boundaries that essentially exist to this day.
, and by the Indiana Code
.
County Council: The county council is the legislative branch of the county government and controls all the spending and revenue collection in the county. Representatives are elected from county districts. The council members serve four year terms. They are responsible for setting salaries, the annual budget, and special spending. The council also has limited authority to impose local taxes, in the form of an income and property tax that is subject to state level approval, excise taxes, and service taxes.
Board of Commissioners: The executive body of the county is made of a board of commissioners. The commissioners are elected county-wide, in staggered terms, and each serves a four-year term. One of the commissioners, typically the most senior, serves as president. The commissioners are charged with executing the acts legislated by the council, collecting revenue, and managing the day-to-day functions of the county government.
Court: The county has five elected trial court judges. They include the LaPorte Circuit Court and Superior Courts No. 1-4. The judges are elected to six-year terms on partisan ballots. Superior Courts 3 and 4 maintain small claims dockets. Decisions from any trial court may be appealed to the Indiana Court of Appeals]].
County Officials: The county has several other elected offices, including sheriff
, coroner
, auditor, treasurer
, recorder
, surveyor
, and circuit court clerk
. Each of these elected officers serves a term of four years and oversees a different part of county government. Members elected to county government positions are required to declare party
affiliations and to be residents of the county.
Laporte County is part of Indiana's 2nd congressional district
and in 2008 was represented by Joe Donnelly
in the United States Congress
. It is also part of Indiana Senate
districts 5 and 8 and Indiana House of Representatives
districts 9, 17 and 20.
was 184 people per square mile (71/km²). There were 45,621 housing units at an average density of 29 persons/km² (76 persons/sq mi). The racial makeup of the county was 86.26% White
, 10.13% African American
, 0.31% Native American
, 0.45% Asian
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
, 1.31% from other races
, and 1.52% from two or more races. Hispanic
or Latino
of any race were 3.09% of the population. 25.9% were of German
, 12.2% Poles
, 10.2% American
, 9.0% Irish
and 5.5% English
ancestry according to the 2000 United States Census.
There were 41,050 households out of which 31.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.80% were married couples
living together, 11.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.30% were non-families. 25.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.02.
In the county the population was spread out with 24.50% under the age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 29.70% from 25 to 44, 23.60% from 45 to 64, and 13.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 105.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $41,430, and the median income for a family was $49,872. Males had a median income of $36,686 versus $23,955 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $18,913. About 6.30% of families and 8.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.50% of those under the age of 18 and 9.00% ages 65 or older.
County (United States)
In the United States, a county is a geographic subdivision of a state , usually assigned some governmental authority. The term "county" is used in 48 of the 50 states; Louisiana is divided into parishes and Alaska into boroughs. Parishes and boroughs are called "county-equivalents" by the U.S...
located in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
. As of 2010, the population was 111,467. The county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is the city of La Porte. This county is part of the Chicago metropolitan area, Northwest Indiana
Northwest Indiana
Northwest Indiana, also known as the South Shore and The Calumet Region or simply The Region, comprises Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton and Jasper counties in Indiana. This region neighbors Lake Michigan and is part of the Chicago metropolitan area...
and Michiana
Michiana
Michiana is a region in northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan centered on the city of South Bend, Indiana. The Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County, Indiana defines Michiana as "counties that contribute at least 500 inbound commuting workers to St. Joseph County daily." Those counties...
. The largest city is Michigan City
Michigan City, Indiana
Michigan City's origins date to 1830, when the land for the city was first purchased by Isaac C. Elston. Elston Middle School, formerly Elston High School, located at 317 Detroit St., is named after the founder....
. It is included in the Michigan City-La Porte, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
LaPorte County was formed in 1832. La porte means "the door" in FrenchFrench language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
. French travelers or explorers so named the area after discovering a natural opening in the dense forests that used to exist in this region, providing a gateway to lands further west.
Before white settlement, all of the land that forms modern-day LaPorte County, and adjacent Starke County
Starke County, Indiana
Starke County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of 2010, the population was 23,363. The county seat is Knox.-History:Starke County was created in 1835 and organized in 1850. It was named for Gen...
to the south belonged to the Potawatomi Indian nation. These Indians were forcibly removed to Kansas by the United States government in 1838, and many died on what survivors called the Trail of Death
Potawatomi Trail of Death
The Potawatomi Trail of Death was the forced removal by United States forces from September 4 to November 4, 1838, of 859 members of the Potawatomi nation from Twin Lakes near Plymouth, Indiana, to the location of present-day Osawatomie, Kansas, a distance of . Typhoid fever and the stress of the...
.
When the county was initially proposed and organized, its boundaries did not extend as far south or east as they do today. A section of land north of the Kankakee River
Kankakee River
The Kankakee River is a tributary of the Illinois River, approximately long, in northwestern Indiana and northeastern Illinois in the United States. At one time the river drained one of the largest wetlands in North America and furnished a significant portage between the Great Lakes and the...
originally belonged to Starke County. However, residents living in that area had difficulty crossing the river in order to reach the rest of the county. It was necessary to travel some distance east to Lemon's bridge, before making the journey south. Effectively isolated from the rest of Starke County, these residents asked that their land be annexed to LaPorte County, which was completed on January 28, 1842. Thereafter, the Kankakee River formed the southern boundary of the county. Finally, on January 10, 1850, some twenty sections of land were annexed from St. Joseph County
St. Joseph County, Indiana
As of the census of 2000, there were 265,559 people, 100,743 households, and 66,792 families residing in the county. The population density was 581 people per square mile . There were 107,013 housing units at an average density of 234 per square mile...
to the east, giving LaPorte County the boundaries that essentially exist to this day.
Geography
According to the 2010 census, the county has a total area of 613.26 square miles (1,588.3 km²), of which 598.3 square miles (1,549.6 km²) (or 97.56%) is land and 14.96 square miles (38.7 km²) (or 2.44%) is water.Adjacent counties
- Berrien CountyBerrien County, MichiganBerrien County is a county located in the extreme southwest of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is included in the Niles-Benton Harbor, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 census, the population was 156,813. The county seat is St. Joseph....
, MichiganMichiganMichigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
(north) - St. Joseph CountySt. Joseph County, IndianaAs of the census of 2000, there were 265,559 people, 100,743 households, and 66,792 families residing in the county. The population density was 581 people per square mile . There were 107,013 housing units at an average density of 234 per square mile...
(east) - Starke CountyStarke County, IndianaStarke County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of 2010, the population was 23,363. The county seat is Knox.-History:Starke County was created in 1835 and organized in 1850. It was named for Gen...
(south) - Jasper CountyJasper County, IndianaAs of the census of 2000, there were 30,043 people, 10,686 households, and 8,217 families residing in the county. The population density was 54 people per square mile . There were 11,236 housing units at an average density of 20 per square mile...
(southwest) - Porter CountyPorter County, IndianaPorter County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of 2010, the population was 164,343. Much of the population growth has to do with the expansion of the Chicago Metropolitan Area eastward into Indiana. The county seat is Valparaiso...
(west)
Railroads
- AmtrakAmtrakThe National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak , is a government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971, to provide intercity passenger train service in the United States. "Amtrak" is a portmanteau of the words "America" and "track". It is headquartered at Union...
- Canadian National RailwayCanadian National RailwayThe Canadian National Railway Company is a Canadian Class I railway headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. CN's slogan is "North America's Railroad"....
- Chesapeake and Indiana RailroadChesapeake and Indiana RailroadThe Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad is a Class III short-line railroad operating of rail line in northwestern Indiana. From the town of La Crosse, lines run northwest to the Porter County town of Malden, southeast to the Starke County towns of English Lake and North Judson, and northeast through...
- Chicago, Fort Wayne and Eastern RailroadChicago, Fort Wayne and Eastern RailroadThe Chicago, Fort Wayne and Eastern Railroad is a short line railroad offering service from Tolleston, Indiana to Crestline, Ohio, United States over the former Fort Wayne Line of the Pennsylvania Railroad. It began operations in 2004 as a division of the Central Railroad of Indianapolis , under...
- Chicago SouthShore and South Bend RailroadChicago SouthShore and South Bend RailroadThe Chicago SouthShore and South Bend Railroad , known to many as the South Shore Line, is a Class III freight railroad operating between Chicago, Illinois, and South Bend, Indiana...
- CSX TransportationCSX TransportationCSX Transportation operates a Class I railroad in the United States known as the CSX Railroad. It is the main subsidiary of the CSX Corporation. The company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and owns approximately 21,000 route miles...
- Norfolk Southern RailwayNorfolk Southern RailwayThe Norfolk Southern Railway is a Class I railroad in the United States, owned by the Norfolk Southern Corporation. With headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, the company operates 21,500 route miles in 22 eastern states, the District of Columbia and the province of Ontario, Canada...
Towns
- KingsburyKingsbury, IndianaKingsbury is a town in Washington Township, LaPorte County, Indiana, just northwest of the intersection of U.S. Route 35 and U.S. Route 6. The town was founded in 1835 and in the 1940s the Kingsbury Munitions plant was built for use during World War II where in one time it was targeted as one of...
- Kingsford HeightsKingsford Heights, IndianaKingsford Heights is a town in Union Township, LaPorte County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,435 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Michigan City, Indiana-La Porte, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
- LaCrosseLaCrosse, IndianaLaCrosse is a town in LaPorte County, Indiana, United States. The population was 627 in 1990, 561 in 2000, and 551 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Michigan City, Indiana-La Porte, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
- Long BeachLong Beach, IndianaLong Beach is a town in Michigan Township, LaPorte County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2010 census, Long Beach population was 1,179. It is included in the Michigan City, Indiana-La Porte, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
- Michiana ShoresMichiana Shores, IndianaMichiana Shores is a town in Springfield and Michigan townships, LaPorte County, Indiana, United States. The population was 313 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Michigan City, Indiana-La Porte, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area...
- Pottawattamie ParkPottawattamie Park, IndianaPottawattamie Park is a town in Michigan Township, LaPorte County, Indiana, United States. The population was 235 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Michigan City, Indiana-La Porte, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
- Trail CreekTrail Creek, IndianaTrail Creek is a town in Coolspring and Michigan townships, LaPorte County, Indiana, United States. The population was 2,052 at the 2010 census...
- WanatahWanatah, IndianaWanatah is a town in LaPorte County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,048 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Wanatah is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, Wanatah has a total area of .-Demographics:...
- WestvilleWestville, IndianaWestville is a town in New Durham Township, LaPorte County, Indiana, United States. The population was 5,853 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Michigan City, Indiana-La Porte, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area...
Townships
- CassCass Township, LaPorte County, IndianaCass Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 1,677.-External links:* *...
- CenterCenter Township, LaPorte County, IndianaCenter Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 24,405.-External links:* *...
- ClintonClinton Township, LaPorte County, IndianaClinton Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 4,454.-External links:* *...
- CoolspringCoolspring Township, LaPorte County, IndianaCoolspring Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 14,910. The unincorporated town of Waterford is located within the township.-External links:* *...
- DeweyDewey Township, LaPorte County, IndianaDewey Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 970.-External links:* *...
- GalenaGalena Township, LaPorte County, IndianaGalena Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 1,710.-External links:* *...
- HannaHanna Township, LaPorte County, IndianaHanna Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 993.-External links:* *...
- HudsonHudson Township, LaPorte County, IndianaHudson Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 1,909.-External links:* *...
- JohnsonJohnson Township, LaPorte County, IndianaJohnson Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 221.-External links:* *...
- KankakeeKankakee Township, LaPorte County, IndianaKankakee Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 4,307.-External links:* *...
- LincolnLincoln Township, LaPorte County, IndianaLincoln Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 1,835.-External links:* *...
- MichiganMichigan Township, LaPorte County, IndianaMichigan Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 29,326.-External links:* *...
- New DurhamNew Durham Township, LaPorte County, IndianaNew Durham Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 4,095.-External links:* *...
- NobleNoble Township, LaPorte County, IndianaNoble Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 1,563.-External links:* *...
- PleasantPleasant Township, LaPorte County, IndianaPleasant Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 3,125.-External links:* *...
- PrairiePrairie Township, LaPorte County, IndianaPrairie Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 181.-External links:* *...
- ScipioScipio Township, LaPorte County, IndianaScipio Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 4,269.-External links:* *...
- SpringfieldSpringfield Township, LaPorte County, IndianaSpringfield Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 4,742. Communities in the township include the incorporated town of Michiana Shores and the unincorporated community of Springville...
- UnionUnion Township, LaPorte County, IndianaUnion Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 2,484.-External links:* *...
- WashingtonWashington Township, LaPorte County, IndianaWashington Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 1,103.-External links:* *...
- WillsWills Township, LaPorte County, IndianaWills Township is one of twenty-one townships in LaPorte County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 1,827.-External links:* *...
Unincorporated communities
- AlidaAlida, IndianaAlida is an unincorporated community in Clinton Township, LaPorte County, Indiana, USA....
- BirchimBirchim, IndianaBirchim is an unincorporated community in Galena Township, LaPorte County, Indiana....
- ByronByron, IndianaByron is an unincorporated community in Kankakee Township, LaPorte County, Indiana....
- Door VillageDoor Village, IndianaDoor Village is an unincorporated town in Scipio Township, LaPorte County, Indiana.-Geography:Door Village is located along the ancient Sauk Trail at ....
- Duneland BeachDuneland Beach, IndianaDuneland Beach is an unincorporated community in Michigan Township, LaPorte County, Indiana.-External links:*...
- Fish LakeFish Lake, IndianaFish Lake is an unincorporated town in Lincoln Township, LaPorte County, Indiana, located where Indiana Route 4 passes between Upper Fish Lake and Lower Fish Lake. These lakes feed the Wabash River....
- HannaHanna, IndianaHanna is an unincorporated town in Hanna Township, LaPorte County, Indiana. It had a population of 463 at the 2010 census....
- HesstonHesston, IndianaHesston is an unincorporated community in Galena Township, LaPorte County, Indiana.The is located just west of Hesston....
- HolmesvilleHolmesville, IndianaHolmesville is an unincorporated community in New Durham Township, LaPorte County, Indiana....
- Hudson LakeHudson Lake, IndianaHudson Lake is an unincorporated town in Hudson Township, LaPorte County, Indiana. The town sits on the dividing line between Central and Eastern time zones. It is the site of the Hudson Lake station stop of the South Shore Line....
- Lake ParkLake Park, IndianaLake Park is an unincorporated town in Hudson Township, LaPorte County, Indiana....
- Mill CreekMill Creek, IndianaMill Creek is an unincorporated community in northern Lincoln Township, LaPorte County, Indiana, United States. It lies along CR875E east of the city of La Porte, the county seat of LaPorte County. Although Mill Creek is unincorporated, it has a post office, with the ZIP code of 46365...
- OtisOtis, IndianaOtis is an unincorporated town in New Durham Township, LaPorte County, Indiana.-History:Settled in 1851, the town was christened Salem Crossing by the Michigan Southern Railroad along whose tracks the community grew...
- PinhookPinhook, LaPorte County, IndianaPinhook is an unincorporated town in New Durham Township, LaPorte County, Indiana....
- PinolaPinola, IndianaPinola is an unincorporated town in Scipio Township, LaPorte County, Indiana....
- PlainfieldPlainfield, LaPorte County, IndianaPlainfield is an unincorporated community in Olive Township, LaPorte County, Indiana.-Geography:Plainfield is located in St. Joseph, Indiana .Olive Township is located in St. Joseph,Indiana...
- RiversideRiverside, LaPorte County, IndianaRiverside is an unincorporated community in Dewey Township, LaPorte County, Indiana....
- Rolling PrairieRolling Prairie, IndianaRolling Prairie is an unincorporated town in Kankakee Township, LaPorte County, Indiana.-History:The first cabin was built here in 1831 by Ezekiel Provolt. More settlers arrived, built cabins and named the settlement Nauvoo. On November 26, 1853, the village was platted by W.J. Walker and named...
- Salem HeightsSalem Heights, IndianaSalem Heights is an unincorporated town in Pleasant Township, LaPorte County, Indiana....
- SmithSmith, IndianaSmith is an unincorporated community in Galena Township, LaPorte County, Indiana....
- South CenterSouth Center, IndianaSouth Center is an unincorporated town in Union Township, LaPorte County, Indiana.-Geography:South Center is located at ....
- South WanatahSouth Wanatah, IndianaSouth Wanatah is an unincorporated town in Cass Township, LaPorte County, Indiana.-Geography:South Wanatah is located at ....
- SpringfieldSpringfield, IndianaSpringfield is an unincorporated community in Springfield Township, LaPorte County, Indiana.-Geography:Springfield is located at ....
- SpringvilleSpringville, LaPorte County, IndianaSpringville is an unincorporated town in Springfield Township in northern LaPorte County, Indiana, at the intersection of U.S. Route 20 and Indiana Route 39, less than one mile north of the LaPorte exit on the Indiana Toll Road. It took its name from a large spring that formerly flowed near the...
- StillwellStillwell, IndianaStillwell is an unincorporated town in Pleasant Township, LaPorte County, Indiana.-Geography:Stillwell is located at ....
- ThomastonThomaston, IndianaThomaston is an unincorporated town in Hanna Township, LaPorte County, Indiana....
- TracyTracy, IndianaTracy is an unincorporated town in Union Township, LaPorte County, Indiana....
- Union MillsUnion Mills, IndianaUnion Mills is an unincorporated town in Noble Township, LaPorte County, Indiana.-Geography:Union Mills is located at .It is a very small town surrounded by cornfields. There are no stores just bars....
- WaterfordWaterford, IndianaWaterford is an unincorporated town in Coolspring Township, LaPorte County, Indiana.-Notable residents and natives:*U.S. Representative John Rarick of Louisiana was born in Waterford....
- WellsboroWellsboro, IndianaWellsboro is an unincorporated town in Noble Township, LaPorte County, Indiana....
- WildersWilders, IndianaWilders is an unincorporated town in Dewey Township, LaPorte County, Indiana....
Climate and weather
In recent years, average temperatures in LaPorte have ranged from a low of 12 °F (-11.1 °C) in January to a high of 84 °F (28.9 °C) in July, although a record low of -28 °F was recorded in January 1977 and a record high of 104 °F (40 °C) was recorded in June 1988. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 1.68 inches (4.3 cm) in February to 4.79 inches (12.2 cm) in June.Education
Public schools in LaPorte County are administered by eight different districts:- LaPorte Community School Corporation http://www.lpcsc.k12.in.us/
- Metropolitan School District of New Durham Township http://www.westvilleschool.com/
- Michigan City Area SchoolsMichigan City Area SchoolsMichigan City Area Schools is a school district based in Michigan City, Indiana in LaPorte County. It serves students in Michigan City and several adjacent towns and villages. It operates one high school, three middle schools, and nine elementary schools....
http://www.mcas.k12.in.us/ - New Prairie United School CorporationNew Prairie United School CorporationNew Prairie United School Corporation is a school district based in New Carlisle, Indiana, USA, serving students from Rolling Prairie, New Carlisle, and other small towns in the area.-Board of education:...
http://www.npusc.k12.in.us/ - South Central Community School Corporation http://www.scentral.k12.in.us/
- Tri-Township Consolidated School Corporation
Government
The county government is a constitutional body, and is granted specific powers by the Constitution of IndianaConstitution of Indiana
There have been two Constitutions of the State of Indiana. The first constitution was created when the Territory of Indiana sent forty-three delegates to a constitutional convention on June 10, 1816 to establish a constitution for the proposed State of Indiana after the United States Congress had...
, and by the Indiana Code
Indiana Code
The Indiana Code is the code of laws for the US State of Indiana. The contents are the codification of the all the laws currently in effect within Indiana...
.
County Council: The county council is the legislative branch of the county government and controls all the spending and revenue collection in the county. Representatives are elected from county districts. The council members serve four year terms. They are responsible for setting salaries, the annual budget, and special spending. The council also has limited authority to impose local taxes, in the form of an income and property tax that is subject to state level approval, excise taxes, and service taxes.
Board of Commissioners: The executive body of the county is made of a board of commissioners. The commissioners are elected county-wide, in staggered terms, and each serves a four-year term. One of the commissioners, typically the most senior, serves as president. The commissioners are charged with executing the acts legislated by the council, collecting revenue, and managing the day-to-day functions of the county government.
Court: The county has five elected trial court judges. They include the LaPorte Circuit Court and Superior Courts No. 1-4. The judges are elected to six-year terms on partisan ballots. Superior Courts 3 and 4 maintain small claims dockets. Decisions from any trial court may be appealed to the Indiana Court of Appeals]].
County Officials: The county has several other elected offices, including sheriff
Sheriff
A sheriff is in principle a legal official with responsibility for a county. In practice, the specific combination of legal, political, and ceremonial duties of a sheriff varies greatly from country to country....
, coroner
Coroner
A coroner is a government official who* Investigates human deaths* Determines cause of death* Issues death certificates* Maintains death records* Responds to deaths in mass disasters* Identifies unknown dead* Other functions depending on local laws...
, auditor, treasurer
Treasurer
A treasurer is the person responsible for running the treasury of an organization. The adjective for a treasurer is normally "tresorial". The adjective "treasurial" normally means pertaining to a treasury, rather than the treasurer.-Government:...
, recorder
Recorder
The recorder is a woodwind musical instrument of the family known as fipple flutes or internal duct flutes—whistle-like instruments which include the tin whistle. The recorder is end-blown and the mouth of the instrument is constricted by a wooden plug, known as a block or fipple...
, surveyor
Surveying
See Also: Public Land Survey SystemSurveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, and science of accurately determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them...
, and circuit court clerk
Court clerk
A court clerk is an officer of the court whose responsibilities include maintaining the records of a court. Another duty is to administer oaths to witnesses, jurors, and grand jurors...
. Each of these elected officers serves a term of four years and oversees a different part of county government. Members elected to county government positions are required to declare party
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
affiliations and to be residents of the county.
Laporte County is part of Indiana's 2nd congressional district
Indiana's 2nd congressional district
Indiana's 2nd congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of Indiana. Based in South Bend, the district is located in north-central Indiana and takes in the Indiana portion of the Michiana region...
and in 2008 was represented by Joe Donnelly
Joe Donnelly
Joseph Simon "Joe" Donnelly, Sr. is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2007. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Donnelly announced Monday May 9 that he would run for the United States Senate seat that is held by Republican Richard Lugar.-Early life, education and career:Joe Donnelly...
in the United States Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
. It is also part of Indiana Senate
Indiana Senate
The Indiana Senate is the upper house of the Indiana General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Indiana. The Senate is composed of 50 members representing an equal number of constituent districts. Senators serve four-year terms without term limits...
districts 5 and 8 and Indiana House of Representatives
Indiana House of Representatives
The Indiana House of Representatives is the lower house of the Indiana General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Indiana. The House is composed of 100 members representing an equal number of constituent districts. House members serve two-year terms without term limits...
districts 9, 17 and 20.
Demographics
As of 2000, there were 110,106 people, 41,050 households, and 28,611 families residing in the county. The population densityPopulation density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 184 people per square mile (71/km²). There were 45,621 housing units at an average density of 29 persons/km² (76 persons/sq mi). The racial makeup of the county was 86.26% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 10.13% African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.31% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.45% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.31% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.52% from two or more races. Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race were 3.09% of the population. 25.9% were of German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
, 12.2% Poles
Poles
thumb|right|180px|The state flag of [[Poland]] as used by Polish government and diplomatic authoritiesThe Polish people, or Poles , are a nation indigenous to Poland. They are united by the Polish language, which belongs to the historical Lechitic subgroup of West Slavic languages of Central Europe...
, 10.2% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, 9.0% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
and 5.5% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
ancestry according to the 2000 United States Census.
There were 41,050 households out of which 31.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.80% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 11.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.30% were non-families. 25.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.02.
In the county the population was spread out with 24.50% under the age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 29.70% from 25 to 44, 23.60% from 45 to 64, and 13.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 105.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $41,430, and the median income for a family was $49,872. Males had a median income of $36,686 versus $23,955 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $18,913. About 6.30% of families and 8.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.50% of those under the age of 18 and 9.00% ages 65 or older.
External links
- Access LaPorte County official community site
- Greater LaPorte Chamber of Commerce
- Healthy Communities of LaPorte County