North

by The Linguist

North is a town located in Jackson Township, Starke County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of the 2020 census, the town population was 1,605.

Population

According to the Wikipedia page for North, Indiana, the town had a population of 1,605 as of the 2020 census. This was a decrease from the 2010 census, when the population was 1,643. North is the second largest town in Starke County after Knox.

The racial makeup of North is predominantly white. As of the 2010 census, 98.0% of the population was white, 0.1% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.5% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. 1.4% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

In 2010, there were 693 households and 449 families living in the town. The population density was 656.0 inhabitants per square mile. There were 780 housing units at an average density of 742.2 per square mile.

Economy and Major Employers

Some of the major employers in North include:

  • Pro Coat Finishes – Manufacturer of paint finishing products for musical instruments
  • MSK Coverings – Manufacturer of cabinet doors and drawer fronts
  • CTI – Contract manufacturer of components for the RV industry
  • Braun Corporation – Manufacturer of ambulances and other specialty vehicles

Other economic facts about North:

  • The median income for a household in the town was $35,625, and the median income for a family was $43,750 (2010 census)
  • About 12.7% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line
  • For population 25 years and over in North:
    • 83.3% graduated from high school
    • 7.8% had a bachelor’s degree or higher
  • Most people in North drove alone to work, with the average commute time being 27.3 minutes (2010 census)

To learn more about economic development in North, visit the North Economic Development website.

Tourism

Though a small town, North offers some unique attractions and events for visitors. Some highlights include:

  • Red Tail Cycling Classic – An annual multiple day bicycling event held each July that attracts hundreds of cyclists. Routes wind through the farmland and towns of Starke County.
  • Nearby Bass Lake – This 400 acre lake is popular for boating, fishing, and camping during the summer. Bass Lake Campground offers a beach, cabins, and full RV facilities.
  • Koontz Lake – Located just west of North, this lake also offers boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities.
  • Annual Fourth of July Celebration – North puts on a big Independence Day celebration each year with a parade, rides, live music, food, and one of the area’s best fireworks displays.
  • Heritage Park – This community park provides a glimpse into the railroading history of North with restored rail cars, depot, and caboose on display.

The Town of North Facebook page also has updates on local events and happenings.

For more ideas on things to do, places to stay, and other tourism information, visit the Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce website.

Landmarks

Some of the most notable landmarks in North include:

  • St. Peter Lutheran Church – This historic church was built in 1882 and features Romanesque Revival architecture. It is still an active congregation today.
  • Norris & Son Feed Mill – Built in the 1920s, this old feed mill with its silos towering above town is an iconic North landmark, though no longer in operation.
  • North Water Tower – The blue elevated water tower proudly displays “North” in large white letters and can be seen from miles away as you enter town.
  • NIPSCO Power Plant – The coal power plant situated east of North first opened in 1923 and provides electricity to the region. The tall chimney stacks are visible from all over town.

Historic photos of North landmarks can be found on the North Judson-San Pierre Public Library website.

Sports

As a smaller town, North does not have any major professional sports teams. However, high school sports are popular and widely supported throughout the community. The North Judson-San Pierre High School teams are known as the Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays compete in the Hoosier North Athletic Conference and offer various sports including:

  • Football
  • Volleyball
  • Boys & Girls Cross Country
  • Boys Basketball
  • Girls Basketball
  • Boys & Girls Track & Field
  • Baseball
  • Softball
  • Girls Golf

Updates on Blue Jays athletics can be found on the North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation Athletics website or the North Judson Blue Jays Facebook page.

Let’s go Blue Jays!