was the first brick building, starting the trend for two-story brick buildings in the town. Tipton was incorporated in 1884, becoming the "city" of Tipton. The first city election was held in 1884. In 1888, the Sisters of St. Joseph arrived in Tipton to settle. A small church was built and they founded St. Joseph Academy, a parochial school. The school closed in 1977. A Baptist church was organized in Tipton in 1898, with a church being built in 1900. Geography Tipton is located at (40.284944, -86.040342). This is 36 miles (58 km.) almost due North of the state Capital, Indianapolis. According to the 2010 census, Tipton has a total area of , all land. Natural environment In 1849, the city was covered in trees, underbrush, logs, stumps and wild vines and weeds. A large swamp was located on the southeastern part of the town square. On the north side of the square was a slough. Wolves, bull frogs, deer, mosquitos, and wild game were commonplace. Demographics 2010 census As of the census of 2010, there were 5,106 people, 2,218 households, and 1,356 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 2,471 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 97.1% White, 0.1% Black, 0.2% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.7% of the population. There were 2,218 households, of which 29.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.3% were married couples living together, 14.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.9% were non-families. 34.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.91. The median age in the city was 39.9 years. 24.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.3% were from 25 to 44; 25.9% were from 45 to 64; and 17.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.9% male and 53.1% female. 2000 census As of the census of 2000, there were 5,251 people, 2,239 households, and 1,415 families