Elkhart, IN
Population 53,726 · Indiana
About Elkhart, IN
Elkhart is a mid-sized city located in Indiana with a population of 53,726 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,885 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Elkhart features a median home value of $126,900, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Elkhart one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $981, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 25,263 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (11,432 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (10,261 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elkhart shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elkhart have an average one-way commute time of 18.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.5% of Elkhart residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 14.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 11.0% Asian residents, with 14.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Elkhart Ranks in Indiana
Cost of Living in Elkhart, IN
Compared to national averages, Elkhart has a median household income of $47,885 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $126,900, which is 48% below the national median. Monthly rent at $981 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, Elkhart's income is 31% below the state average of $69,330, and home values are 22% below the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in Elkhart, IN?
Elkhart offers affordable housing with a median home value of $126,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $981/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,885) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Elkhart provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Elkhart has a population of 53,726 with a median age of 35.2 years. Compare Elkhart with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near Elkhart
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson | 54,930 | $47,221 | $104,300 | Compare |
| Westfield | 51,109 | $119,598 | $391,900 | Compare |
| Columbus | 51,104 | $76,856 | $231,000 | Compare |
| Mishawaka | 50,907 | $53,120 | $140,600 | Compare |
| Jeffersonville | 50,176 | $70,157 | $208,500 | Compare |
| Lawrence | 49,284 | $73,455 | $220,400 | Compare |
| Terre Haute | 58,491 | $41,960 | $109,500 | Compare |
| Kokomo | 59,375 | $54,195 | $126,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Indiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Elkhart With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elkhart
What is the population of Elkhart, IN?
The population of Elkhart, IN is 53,726 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Indiana.
What is the median household income in Elkhart?
The median household income in Elkhart, IN is $47,885 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elkhart?
The median home value in Elkhart, IN is $126,900, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elkhart?
The median monthly rent in Elkhart, IN is $981, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elkhart?
The unemployment rate in Elkhart, IN is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Elkhart, IN a good place to live?
Elkhart offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 53,726 and a median age of 35.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Elkhart, IN?
17.5% of residents in Elkhart aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Elkhart?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elkhart, IN: median home value is $126,900 (48% below national), median rent is $981/month, and median household income is $47,885. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Elkhart?
The poverty rate in Elkhart, IN is 18.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Elkhart, IN?
Elkhart's population is 14.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 11.0% Asian, and 12.1% two or more races. 14.5% of residents are foreign-born.