Center is a town in Marion Township, Lake County, Indiana, United States. The population was 2,428 at the 2010 census. Center is located in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Population
According to the Wikipedia page for Center, Indiana, the town had a population of 2,428 at the 2010 census. Some key facts about Center’s population:
- Between 1990 and 2000, Center’s population grew by over 40%.
- The racial makeup of Center is about 75% White, 15% African American, and 7% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
- Over 25% of the population is under age 18 and over 10% is age 65 or older.
To learn more population details and demographics of Center, check out the U.S. Census data and population estimates for the town.
Economy and Major Employers
Some of the key industries and major employers in Center include:
- Manufacturing – Major manufacturing companies with operations in Center include Premium Concrete Products, Tower Automotive, and Anemostat Products.
- Health care – Community Healthcare System and Franciscan Health are major regional employers that provide jobs for Center residents.
- Education – Schools in the area including Crown Point Community School Corporation are large employers.
- Retail – With the Southlake Mall area, retail provides many jobs in Center.
For more on Center’s economy and business environment, check out the Center Economic Development website. Key industries driving the local economy include manufacturing, health care, retail, and education.
Attractions
Some of the top attractions and things to do in Center include:
- Southlake Mall – Regional shopping mall with over 140 stores, restaurants, and amenities.
- Indiana Dunes National Park – Iconic landscapes and beaches along Lake Michigan, just a short drive from Center.
- Deep River Waterpark – Large water park with waterslides, lazy river, and kiddie areas.
- Monon Trail – Popular rail trail for walking, running, and biking through Center.
On the Town of Center Facebook page, you can find info on upcoming community events and happenings.
Sports
Residents of Center are huge fans of the Chicago professional sports teams. The town is right in the Chicago metro area. Popular pro teams include:
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
- Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
For high school sports, Center is home to the Crown Point Bulldogs who compete in the Duneland Athletic Conference.
Government
Center is led by a town council and a council president. The town government website is www.centerin.org. On the website, residents can access information on town services, meetings, departments, events, and more.
Center is located in Lake County, Indiana. The county government website is www.lakecountyin.org.
History
Center was originally called Wheeler’s Station, after local settler Jacob Wheeler. The town was platted in 1856. In 1867, the name was changed to Center because it was near the geographic center of Marion Township.
Like other towns in Northwest Indiana, Center grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th century as an industrial and railroad community. Industries like brickmaking, canning, and tool manufacturing drove growth.
To learn more about Center history, visit the Center Township Historical Society website.