While Starke County’s population is not projected to grow, its housing market tells a different story. That’s what Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Lisa Dan recently told the North Judson Town Council.
She said the need for housing is huge, with homes between $150,000 and $200,000 selling especially quickly. Dan said she sees a trend of Chicago residents moving to Lake County, Lake County residents moving to Porter County, and Porter County residents moving to Starke County. Dan stressed that affordable housing will be a priority for the foundation, and said she hopes to meet with an individual who’s interested in developing in North Judson.
Dan said Starke County is also making progress when it comes to jobs. Six local industries that responded to a survey she sent out had a collective 90 jobs available. Dan said the hourly wage is also starting to go up, which has been a major concern for county officials.
The February employment report released by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development this week showed 581 Starke County residents unemployed but still in the labor force looking for work, with an unemployment rate of 6.1 percent.
