Indiana · Metropolitan Area
Elkhart is a mid-size city in Indiana with a population of 53,726. Residents earn $47,885 per year, which is 36% below the national average.
Based on current data, Elkhart receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Elkhart offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Elkhart is $47,885, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. The poverty rate of 16.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Elkhart is $126,900, 55% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $981 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
With 1,258 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,445 per 100,000, 127% above the national average.
17.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Elkhart experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.9 inches, including 45.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
| English Only | 77.1% |
| 2% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 22.9% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $47,885 |
| 36% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $26,902 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,195 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,434 |
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 16.2% |
| 31% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 5,293 |
| County GDP | $20,586M |
| Restaurants | 426 |
| Healthcare | 404 |
| Retail | 716 |
| Manufacturing | 835 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,493 |
| 28% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.54% |
| Commute Time | 18.1 min |
| Work from Home | 2.6% |
| Census Median | $126,900 |
| 55% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $219,024 |
| Median List Price | $212,000 |
| Median List Price | $212,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $130 |
| Homes Sold | 31 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.0% |
| Price Drops | 22.4% |
| Inventory | 76 |
| Census Median Rent | $981 |
| 16% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,134 |
| Studio | $968 |
| 1 Bedroom | $992 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,183 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,553 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,581 |
| Owner-Occupied | 52.7% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,493 |
| 28% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.54% |
| Obesity | 47.6% |
| 48% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 14.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.6% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
| Binge Drinking | 15.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.3% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Insurance Rate | 87.5% |
| Checkup Rate | 78.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,847/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 404 |
| Total Violent | 1,257.6/100K |
| 231% above US avg | |
| Murder | 2.0/100K |
| 69% below US avg | |
| Rape | 38.9/100K |
| Robbery | 153.8/100K |
| Assault | 1,063.0/100K |
| Total Property | 4,444.6/100K |
| 127% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 1,197.3/100K |
| Theft | 2,889.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 358.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 39 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 50.3°F |
| 7% below US avg | |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 39.9 inches |
| 5% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 45.2 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 62.0% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
| Elevation | 751 ft (229 m) |
| Area | 28.1 sq mi (72.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,911/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6915°N, 85.9622°W |
| County FIPS | 18039 |
Winner: Republican by 32.4 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 17.5% |
| 48% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 81.8% |
| School Test Score | 5.54 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 1,911/sq mi |
| Total Area | 28.1 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 10 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 17 |
| Public Libraries | 11 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 404 |
| Restaurants | 426 |
| Retail Stores | 716 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 39 |
| Avg Commute | 18.1 min |
| Work from Home | 2.6% |