Median Income
$66,477
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$99,600
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
226/100K
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.9%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$637
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.9%
36% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.0%
27% lower than US avg
How Elkhart Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,732
Median Age42.7 yrs
Density845/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$66,477
Per Capita$27,678
Unemployment4.9%
Poverty9.0%
County GDP$219M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$99,600
Rent$637
Ownership75.3%
Zillow$100,130
Housing Units783
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent226/100K
Property301/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured12.1%
Smoking17.3%
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
Rain18.4 in/yr
Elevation3,596 ft (1,096 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.9%
High School+89.1%
Graduate+5.3%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 12%
Commute16 min
Broadband81.1%
Libraries2
Is Elkhart a Good Place to Live?
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 crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. 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 $66,477, 12% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.9%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elkhart is $99,600, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $637 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Elkhart is below the national average at 226 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 301 per 100,000, 85% below the national average.
Education
13.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Elkhart enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 18.4 inches, including 17.6 inches of snow.
Elkhart has a population of 1,732 with a density of 845 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 42.7 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.7% female and 45.3% male. The city is predominantly White (80.8%), with 21.8% Hispanic, 1.8% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.8% of residents, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,732
Total Population
2023 Census
42.7yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.8%
9% above US avg
Spanish
9.4%
30% below US avg
The median household income in Elkhart is $66,477, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,678 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $835, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 94 business establishments, including 3 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,477 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,678 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $835 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,901 |
| Gini Index | 0.394 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.9% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.0% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 94 |
| County GDP | $219M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,250 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Elkhart is $99,600, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $100,130. Monthly rent averages $637 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 783 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $2,250 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $99,600 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $100,130 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $637 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.7% |
| Housing Units | 783 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,250 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.26% |
In Elkhart, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.6% report binge drinking. 30.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.5% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 12.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:897. 88.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elkhart vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.6% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 37.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.9% |
| Uninsured | 12.1% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:897 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,580 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 59.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,546/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 88.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Elkhart has a violent crime rate of 226 per 100,000 residents, 41% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 301 per 100,000, 85% below the U.S. average. Overall, Elkhart receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elkhart vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 225.6/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 300.8/100K |
| 85% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elkhart enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 18.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 17.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 3,596 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.0°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,596 ft (1,096 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 845/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.0038°N, 101.8944°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Morton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Liberal Mid-America Regional (LBL)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
18.4"
52% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.95"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 10.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.7 on May 17, 2024.
| Mar 17, 2022 |
13 km SSW of Clayton, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
142 km |
| Jun 19, 2002 |
19 km NE of Clayton, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
112 km |
| Feb 18, 2006 |
17 km WNW of Fritch, Texas |
M3.5 |
148 km |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
8 km S of Clayton, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
134 km |
| Nov 16, 2013 |
33 km ENE of Grenville, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
128 km |
| Apr 6, 2020 |
14 km WNW of Pritchett, Colorado |
M2.7 |
110 km |
| May 17, 2024 |
3 km SSE of Hartley, Texas |
M2.7 |
134 km |
| Jan 8, 2011 |
7 km SSE of Hartley, Texas |
M2.5 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
403 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 26 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1977 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1971 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2015 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1996 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1989 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1987 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1972 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1951 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2010 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2010 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2008 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2005 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 15, 2003 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 15, 2003 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 15, 2003 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 15, 2003 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 6, 2001 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BADGER HOLE (49,146 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
BADGER HOLE |
49,146 |
51 km |
| 2011 |
TUNNER |
17,774 |
17 km |
| 2011 |
296 |
16,769 |
93 km |
| 2018 |
RABBIT 22 |
10,393 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
COBB FIRE |
7,142 |
42 km |
| 2006 |
WINDY |
6,882 |
97 km |
| 2011 |
HASKELL COUNTY |
6,736 |
87 km |
| 1997 |
BUOY LINE |
6,118 |
74 km |
| 2016 |
OPTIMA |
5,084 |
80 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
4,478 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
MOUNT CARMEL |
4,061 |
42 km |
| 2019 |
C34 |
3,883 |
53 km |
| 2018 |
APPLE NM |
3,779 |
98 km |
| 2017 |
BLACK MONDAY |
3,376 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,162 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,605 |
65 km |
| 2006 |
STEELER |
2,471 |
19 km |
| 2006 |
ADAMS |
2,340 |
81 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,249 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
RB-78 |
2,123 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (1°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Elkhart has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 35°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.0") and February the driest (0.3").
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) |
$225 ($135-$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180-$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90-$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721-$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68-$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135-$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360-$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90-$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54-$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45-$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135-$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604-$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360-$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956-$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451-$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505-$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802-$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721-$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180-$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901-$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68-$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45-$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70-$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25-$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25-$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70-$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60-$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54-$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72-$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68-$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081-$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27-$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541-$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451-$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180-$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360-$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505-$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45-$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90-$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elkhart
What is the population of Elkhart?
Elkhart has a population of 1,732 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 845 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.7% female and 45.3% male.
Is Elkhart expensive to live in?
Elkhart is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $66,477, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $99,600 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $637 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elkhart safe?
Elkhart is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 226 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 301 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Elkhart receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elkhart?
Elkhart enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 18.4 inches, with 17.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Elkhart?
Elkhart has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $835. There are 94 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elkhart?
The median home value in Elkhart is $99,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $100,130. For renters, the median monthly rent is $637. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,250.
How are the schools in Elkhart?
Schools in Elkhart score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.9% of adults in Elkhart hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.1% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elkhart?
The obesity rate in Elkhart is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 30.6% are physically inactive. 21.5% of residents report depression. 12.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 88.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:897.
What is transportation like in Elkhart?
The average commute in Elkhart is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 93.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elkhart?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elkhart is 80.8% White, 21.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Asian. 85.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability. 87.9% have health insurance coverage.