Mishawaka, IN
Population 50,907 · Indiana
About Mishawaka, IN
Mishawaka is a mid-sized city located in Indiana with a population of 50,907 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,120 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.6 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 Mishawaka features a median home value of $140,600, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Mishawaka one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,041, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 24,715 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (11,085 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (11,341 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mishawaka shows an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mishawaka have an average one-way commute time of 22 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.9% of Mishawaka residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 4.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 6.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Mishawaka Ranks in Indiana
Cost of Living in Mishawaka, IN
Compared to national averages, Mishawaka has a median household income of $53,120 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $140,600, which is 43% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,041 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, Mishawaka's income is 23% below the state average of $69,330, and home values are 14% below the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in Mishawaka, IN?
Mishawaka offers affordable housing with a median home value of $140,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,041/month, and short commute times averaging just 22 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,120) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Mishawaka provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Mishawaka has a population of 50,907 with a median age of 35.6 years. Compare Mishawaka with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near Mishawaka
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus | 51,104 | $76,856 | $231,000 | Compare |
| Westfield | 51,109 | $119,598 | $391,900 | Compare |
| Jeffersonville | 50,176 | $70,157 | $208,500 | Compare |
| Lawrence | 49,284 | $73,455 | $220,400 | Compare |
| Elkhart | 53,726 | $47,885 | $126,900 | Compare |
| Anderson | 54,930 | $47,221 | $104,300 | Compare |
| West Lafayette | 44,802 | $33,497 | $318,100 | Compare |
| Terre Haute | 58,491 | $41,960 | $109,500 | 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 Mishawaka With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mishawaka
What is the population of Mishawaka, IN?
The population of Mishawaka, IN is 50,907 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 Mishawaka?
The median household income in Mishawaka, IN is $53,120 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mishawaka?
The median home value in Mishawaka, IN is $140,600, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Mishawaka?
The median monthly rent in Mishawaka, IN is $1,041, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mishawaka?
The unemployment rate in Mishawaka, IN is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mishawaka, IN a good place to live?
Mishawaka offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 50,907 and a median age of 35.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mishawaka, IN?
27.9% of residents in Mishawaka 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 Mishawaka?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mishawaka, IN: median home value is $140,600 (43% below national), median rent is $1,041/month, and median household income is $53,120. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mishawaka?
The poverty rate in Mishawaka, IN is 16.3%, 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 Mishawaka, IN?
Mishawaka's population is 4.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 8.9% two or more races. 6.3% of residents are foreign-born.