Climate

Climate is designated as Humid continental, and this region typically has large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "Dfa". (Hot Summer Continental Climate).^[12]

2020 Census

As of the census^[14] of 2020, there were 17,396 people, 6,951 households, and 2,701 families living in the town. The population density was 2,375.20 inhabitants per square mile (917.1/km²). There were 8,606 housing units at an average density of 1,164.55 per square mile (449.6/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 92.1% White, 1.8% African American, 0.5% Asian, 0.03% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 0.2% Native American or Alaska Native, 0.1% from other races, and 0.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.3% of the population.

There were 6,951 households, 40.5% were married couples living together, 31.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 19.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 8.4% were non-families. 51.1% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.09.

30.5% of the population had never been married. 43.1% of residents were married and not separated, 7.2% were widowed, 17.7% were divorced, and 1.6% were separated.

The median age in the city was 39.2. 5.8% of residents were under the age of 5; 23.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 76.1% were age 18 or older; and 17.9% were age 65 or older. 9.4% of the population were veterans.

The most common language spoken at home was English with 98.8% speaking it at home, 0.6% spoke Spanish at home, 0.5% spoke other Indo-European languages, 0.1% spoke other languages. 0.3% of the population were foreign born.

The median household income in Henry County was $42,803, 23% less than the median average for the state of Indiana. 20.7% of the population were in poverty, including 26.8% of residents under the age of 18. The poverty rate for the town was 7.8% higher than that of the state. 23.3% of the population were disabled and 8.5% had no healthcare coverage. 47.6% of the population had attained a high school or equivalent degree, 19.9% had attended college but received no degree, 7.5% had attained an Associate's degree or higher, 8.8% had attained a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.4% had a graduate or professional degree. 10.8% had no degree. 51.6% of New Castle residents were employed, working a mean of 40.4 hours per week. The median gross rent in New Castle was $690 and the homeownership rate was 63.2%. 1,056 housing units were vacant at a density of 143.87 per square mile (55.5/km²).

2010 census

As of the census^[15] of 2010, there were 18,114 people, 7,769 households, and 4,660 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,481.4 inhabitants per square mile (958.1/km²). There were 9,002 housing units at an average density of 1,233.2 per square mile (476.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.1% White, 1.9% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.7% of the population.

There were 7,769 households, of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.0% were married couples living together, 16.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.0% were non-families. 34.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.93.

The median age in the city was 39.5 years. 23.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.7% were from 25 to 44; 26.4% were from 45 to 64; and 16.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.7% male and 53.3% female.

2000 census

As of the census^[3] of 2000, there were 17,780 people, 7,462 households, and 4,805 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,987.5 inhabitants per square mile (1,153.5/km²). There were 8,042 housing units at an average density of 1,351.3 per square mile (521.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.37% White, 1.85% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.41% from other races, and 0.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.09% of the population.

There were 7,462 households, out of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.6% were non-families. Some 31.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.5% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,688, and the median income for a family was $37,463. Males had a median income of $32,624 versus $20,554 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,587. About 10.6% of families and 12.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.7% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.