Median Income
$98,750
31% higher than US avg
Home Value
$123,200
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
492/100K
29% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.6%
21% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$768
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.5%
80% lower than US avg
How Elkhart Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population442
Median Age45.3 yrs
Density236/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$98,750
Per Capita$41,335
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty2.5%
County GDP$1,344M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$123,200
Rent$768
Ownership78.4%
Zillow$138,008
Housing Units231
Rent Burden11.9%
Crime
F
Violent492/100K
Property2,894/100K
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking15.4%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation681 ft (208 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.6%
High School+96.9%
Graduate+15.0%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute24 min
Broadband81.9%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Elkhart a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elkhart receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Elkhart offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elkhart is $98,750, which is significantly higher than the national average / 31% above $75,149. This places Elkhart among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elkhart is $123,200, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $768 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 492 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,894 per 100,000, 48% above the national average.
Education
26.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Elkhart experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.8 inches, including 19.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Elkhart has a population of 442 with a density of 236 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 45.3 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55% female and 45% male. The city is predominantly White (90.5%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.3yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Elkhart is $98,750, which is 31% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,335. The average weekly wage is $1,034, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 558 business establishments, including 65 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 10.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $98,750 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,335 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,034 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,999 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.5% |
| 80% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 558 |
| County GDP | $1,344M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 65 |
| Healthcare | 57 |
| Retail | 71 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,356 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.0% |
The median home value in Elkhart is $123,200, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,008, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $768 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 231 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $4,356 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 11.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $123,200 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $138,008 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $768 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 11.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.6% |
| Housing Units | 231 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,356 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.54% |
In Elkhart, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 22.2% are physically inactive. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,499. The dentist ratio is 1:1,839. 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elkhart vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.2% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,499 |
| Dentists | 1:1,839 |
| Mental Health | 1:766 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,078/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 57 |
Elkhart has a violent crime rate of 492 per 100,000 residents, 29% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,894 per 100,000, 48% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elkhart receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elkhart vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 491.8/100K |
| 29% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,894.5/100K |
| 48% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 45 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elkhart experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.8 inches. The area receives 19.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 681 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.3°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 681 ft (208 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 236/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0123°N, 89.4761°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Logan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.8"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
122 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
115 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
135 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
780 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 26 fatalities, 852 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
68 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
35 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
53°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Elkhart has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 26°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Elkhart. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Elkhart
What is the population of Elkhart?
Elkhart has a population of 442 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 236 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55% female and 45% male.
Is Elkhart expensive to live in?
Elkhart has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $98,750, 31% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $123,200 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $768 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elkhart safe?
The violent crime rate in Elkhart is 492 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,894 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Elkhart receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elkhart?
Elkhart has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.8 inches, with 19.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Elkhart?
The job market in Elkhart is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,034. There are 558 business establishments in the area, including 65 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 10.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elkhart?
The median home value in Elkhart is $123,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,008. For renters, the median monthly rent is $768. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,356.
How are the schools in Elkhart?
Schools in Elkhart score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.6% of adults in Elkhart hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.9% have completed high school. 15.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elkhart?
The obesity rate in Elkhart is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 22.2% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,499.
What is transportation like in Elkhart?
The average commute in Elkhart is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elkhart?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elkhart is 90.5% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
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