Cities and Towns in Starke County, Indiana
Founded on Feb 7, 1835, Starke County is one of 92 counties in the state of Indiana. Historically, Starke County was formed from St. Joseph County and un-organized. The city of Knox is the county seat. With FIPS code of 149, Starke County has a population of 23,372 and area of 309 square miles (800 km²).
List of all cities in Starke County, IN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bass Lake, IN | 46534 | 574 |
| Grovertown, IN | 46531 | 574 |
| Hamlet, IN | 46532 | 574 |
| Knox, IN | 46534 | 574 |
| North Judson, IN | 46366 | 574 |
| Ober, IN | 46534 | 574 |
| Ora, IN | 46968 | 574 |
| San Pierre, IN | 46374 | 219 |
| Toto, IN | 46534 | 574 |
Major Cities and Towns in Starke County, Indiana
Knox
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 3.92 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,704 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 46534
- Latitude: 41.2953° N
- Longitude: 86.6253° W
Location and History
Knox, the county seat of Starke County, is located in the northwestern part of Indiana. Established in 1851, Knox grew rapidly due to its strategic location along the former Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis Railroad. The town was named after General Henry Knox, a prominent figure in the American Revolutionary War. Agriculture has long been the economic backbone of Knox, with the town serving as a central trading hub for the surrounding rural areas. The development of U.S. Route 35 further boosted its growth in the 20th century, turning Knox into a vital stop for travelers moving between larger cities like South Bend and Indianapolis.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Knox is served by Knox Community Schools, which includes Knox High School, Knox Middle School, and Knox Elementary School. Landmarks in Knox include Wythogan Park, which features recreational facilities like playgrounds, ball fields, and a historic bridge. The Starke County Courthouse, built in 1897, is an architectural gem in the heart of downtown Knox. Bass Lake, located just a few miles south of Knox, is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and summer vacations, drawing visitors from around the region.
North Judson
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.10 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,722 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 46366
- Latitude: 41.2150° N
- Longitude: 86.7753° W
Location and History
North Judson is located in the southwestern part of Starke County, near the Kankakee River. The town was platted in 1859 and named after Judge Andrew G. Judson, a prominent figure in Indiana’s early legal history. Like Knox, North Judson thrived with the advent of the railroad, becoming a key stop on several major rail lines. During its early years, the town was a vital agricultural shipping center, particularly for grain and livestock. Today, North Judson retains its rural character and close-knit community feel, while also benefiting from its historical ties to railroads.
Major Schools and Landmarks
North Judson is part of the North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation, which includes North Judson-San Pierre High School, North Judson-San Pierre Middle School, and North Judson-San Pierre Elementary School. A major landmark in the town is the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, which preserves the town’s rich rail history and offers rides on historic trains. Norwayne Field, a central recreational park, hosts sports events and community gatherings. The Erie Trail, a rail-to-trail conversion, offers scenic walking and biking paths, connecting North Judson to other nearby communities.
Hamlet
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.58 square miles
- Population: Approximately 734 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 46532
- Latitude: 41.3792° N
- Longitude: 86.5839° W
Location and History
Hamlet is a small town located in the northeastern part of Starke County, just off U.S. Route 30, which makes it a convenient stop for travelers. The town was established in 1863 and grew around the junction of two railroad lines, the Baltimore and Ohio and the Pennsylvania Railroad. Hamlet’s growth was modest compared to neighboring Knox and North Judson, but it remained an important local hub for agriculture and rail transport. Today, Hamlet continues to reflect its agricultural roots, with a quiet, rural atmosphere and a strong sense of community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hamlet is part of the Oregon-Davis School Corporation, which serves the community through Oregon-Davis Junior/Senior High School and Oregon-Davis Elementary School. One of the town’s most notable landmarks is the Hamlet Golf Course, which provides a recreational outlet for local residents and visitors. Starke County Fairgrounds, located nearby, hosts the annual Starke County Fair, bringing together residents for agricultural exhibitions, carnival rides, and local food vendors. Eagle Creek runs through the town, offering a peaceful natural area for outdoor activities like fishing and hiking.
San Pierre
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.26 square miles
- Population: Approximately 144 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 46374
- Latitude: 41.1975° N
- Longitude: 86.8961° W
Location and History
San Pierre is a small unincorporated community located in the southwestern part of Starke County. Originally established in 1854, San Pierre was once a thriving railroad town, strategically located at the junction of several major rail lines. Its name, which translates to “Saint Peter” in French, reflects the area’s early French influence and the Catholic community that helped establish the town. During its peak, San Pierre was a busy agricultural center, known for shipping grain and livestock to larger markets. However, as railroads declined in importance, the town’s population and economic activity shrank, leaving it with a more rural, quiet character today.
Major Schools and Landmarks
San Pierre is part of the North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation, with students attending schools in nearby North Judson. Landmarks in San Pierre include the St. Peter Catholic Church, one of the oldest churches in the area, which remains an important cultural and religious site. The town is also near the Kankakee Marsh, part of the Kankakee Fish and Wildlife Area, where residents and visitors can enjoy fishing, birdwatching, and exploring the natural beauty of northern Indiana’s wetland ecosystems. The San Pierre Grain Elevator, a historical structure, stands as a reminder of the town’s once-booming agricultural economy.
Koontz Lake
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 3.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,550 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 46574
- Latitude: 41.4172° N
- Longitude: 86.4845° W
Location and History
Koontz Lake is a census-designated place located in the northeastern part of Starke County, near the border with Marshall County. The lake itself is a natural glacial lake, and the surrounding community has grown around it since the early 20th century. Originally a small resort area, Koontz Lake became a popular vacation destination for residents of Chicago and northern Indiana, drawn by the lake’s clear waters and scenic beauty. Over time, Koontz Lake developed into a year-round residential community, while still maintaining its appeal as a recreational hotspot.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Koontz Lake is served by the Oregon-Davis School Corporation, with local students attending Oregon-Davis Junior/Senior High School and Oregon-Davis Elementary School. The most significant landmark in the area is Koontz Lake itself, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water-based recreation. The Koontz Lake Public Access Site allows for easy entry to the lake for both residents and visitors. Nearby, Koontz Lake Nature Preserve offers hiking trails and natural exploration. The lake remains a focal point of the community, with seasonal events such as fishing tournaments and holiday boat parades.
