Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Elkhart, IN
Considering a move to Elkhart, IN? With a population of 53,923, Elkhart is known for its affordable cost of living—median home prices are just $140,000 and average rents are $895. Residents enjoy short 20-minute commutes, a range of educational options, and four distinct Midwestern seasons with 52% sunny days. While property crime rates are higher than national averages, the city offers accessible healthcare and a friendly, diverse community, making it a practical choice for families and individuals seeking value.
Demographics - Elkhart, IN
Demographics - Elkhart, IN
Elkhart, Indiana is home to 53,923 residents and features a youthful median age of just over 34. The city is ethnically diverse, with over 60% identifying as White and nearly a quarter from other backgrounds, plus a notable 17.5% of the population speaks a language other than English at home. Its balanced gender ratio and moderate population density create a welcoming community atmosphere.
Population:
53,923
Density:
2,180 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.1
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
60.5%
Black:
14.4%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
23.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Elkhart, IN?
Elkhart stands out for its affordable living, with a median home value of $140,000 and average rents around $895. The cost of living index is well below the national average, making daily expenses, housing, and utilities especially manageable for most residents. Low state income taxes and reasonable homeowner costs further enhance its appeal for budget-conscious families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$140,000
Gross Rent:
$895
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,160
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,185
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$405
State Taxes:
Low:
3.23%
|
High:
3.23%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.8
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
60.2
Utilities:
97.4
Transportation:
87.6
Health Care:
89.2
Miscellaneous:
85.5
Crime
Is Elkhart, IN a safe place to live?
While Elkhart offers many community benefits, residents should be aware that both violent and property crime rates are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 172 chance of encountering violent crime and 1 in 32 for property crime. It's important for newcomers to research neighborhoods and take standard safety precautions when moving to the area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
582
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,150
Crime Index:
3,732
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 172
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 32
Weather
What is the weather like in Elkhart, IN year-round?
Elkhart experiences all four distinct Midwest seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, pleasant summers reaching into the low 80s. The city enjoys about 52% sunny days each year and averages over 38 inches of rainfall, offering a variety of seasonal outdoor activities and lush, green landscapes.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
The typical household in Elkhart earns just under $50,000 per year, with a family income averaging $56,800. While the poverty rate is higher than the national average at 18%, commute times are short—under 20 minutes—and the city maintains a strong sense of community with diverse backgrounds and a high rate of high school completion.
Median Income:
$21,500
Household Income:
$49,900
Family Income:
$56,800
Per Capita Income:
$22,900
Income Male:
$34,600
Income Female:
$27,900
Poverty Rate:
18.0%
Non English Speakers:
17.5%
Rent:
$895
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
19.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80.6%
Bachelors or More:
17.2%
Education
How are the schools in Elkhart, IN?
Elkhart offers a range of educational opportunities, including large public schools like Elkhart High School, private options such as Elkhart Christian Academy, and proximity to local colleges like Ivy Tech Community College. With an 80% high school graduation rate and access to higher education nearby, families will find diverse options for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Elkhart High School
Street:
2608 California Rd
Phone:
574-295-4700
Students:
3,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Pierre Moran Middle School
Street:
200 W Lusher Ave
Phone:
574-295-4800
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
Elkhart Christian Academy
Street:
25943 County Road 22
Phone:
574-293-1609
Students:
600
Colleges
Name:
Ivy Tech Community College - Elkhart County
City:
Elkhart
State:
IN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,600
Name:
Goshen College
City:
Goshen
State:
IN
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
900
Healthcare
Residents benefit from accessible healthcare, with Elkhart General Hospital providing major medical services and emergency care in town. About 90% of locals have health insurance, and there are 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring that basic healthcare needs are met within the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Elkhart General Hospital
Address:
600 East Blvd, Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone:
(574) 294-2621
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
68.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Elkhart, IN?
Elkhart's housing market is notably affordable, featuring a median home price of $140,000 and an average rent of $895 for a two-bedroom. More than half of homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen healthy appreciation of over 8% in the past year, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$140,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$895
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
8.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles serves Elkhart residents at its convenient location on South Elkhart Avenue. Newcomers can access essential driver and vehicle services, including licensing and registration, through the local branch or the state BMV website.
State:
Indiana
Department:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
201 S. Elkhart Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516
Phone:
888-692-6841
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.