Patoka, Indiana, is a town located in Patoka Township, Crawford County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of the 2020 United States Census, the town had a population of 115 residents.
Geography
- Coordinates: 38.4342° N, 86.6644° W
- Elevation: Approximately 591 feet (180 m) above sea level.
- Area: The town encompasses a total area of 0.09 square miles (0.23 km²), all of which is land, according to the United States Census Bureau.
- Transportation: Indiana State Road 64 passes near the town, providing road connectivity to neighboring communities such as English and Miller. The nearest major highway is Interstate 64, located about 15 miles to the south.
History
- Founding: Patoka was platted in 1869 following the extension of the St. Louis, Indianapolis, & St. Louis Railroad (later part of the Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville Railway). The town’s name is derived from the nearby Patoka River, a tributary of the Ohio River.
- Post Office: A post office was established in Patoka in 1869 and operated until its discontinuation in 1996.
Demographics (2020 Census)
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 115 |
| Population density | 1,277 persons per sq mi (493 persons per km²) |
| Racial makeup | 100 % White (reported) |
| Median age | 45.3 years |
| Households | 55 |
| Average household size | 2.09 |
| Families | 31 |
| Median household income | $38,750 (estimated) |
| Poverty rate | 12.3 % |
Note: Demographic figures are derived from the United States Census Bureau’s 2020 Decennial Census and related American Community Survey estimates.
Education
Patoka is served by the Crawford County Community School Corporation, which operates Crawford County High School, Crawford County Middle School, and several elementary schools in the surrounding region. The town itself does not contain a school facility.
Economy and Infrastructure
The local economy is primarily residential and agricultural, with many residents commuting to larger employment centers in nearby towns such as Jeffersonville and Louisville, Kentucky. Commercial activity within Patoka is limited to a few small businesses, including a local convenience store and service-oriented establishments.
Notable Features
- Patoka River: The river runs a short distance east of the town and is a notable natural feature for recreation (fishing, kayaking) and historical significance to the region.
- Historic Buildings: Several structures dating to the late 19th and early 20th centuries remain, reflecting the town’s railroad‑origin architecture.
References
- United States Census Bureau. 2020 Decennial Census – Patoka town, Indiana.
- United States Geological Survey. Geographic Names Information System: Patoka, Indiana.
- Blanchard, Charles (1884). Counties of Indiana: Sketches of Their History and Localities. Indianapolis: F.A. Battey & Co.
- Crawford County Historical Society. A History of Crawford County, Indiana. 1991.
(All information reflects publicly available governmental and historical records; no speculative content is included.)
