Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wakarusa, IN
Thinking of moving to Wakarusa, IN? With a small-town feel and a population of about 1,900, Wakarusa offers affordable living—median home prices are around $206,000 and average rent is $940. The town boasts low violent crime rates (only 110 per 100K), short average commutes of 22.5 minutes, and access to quality schools and healthcare. If you’re seeking a peaceful community with a lower cost of living and friendly neighborhoods, Wakarusa might be your perfect fit.
Demographics - Wakarusa, IN
Demographics - Wakarusa, IN
Wakarusa is a close-knit community of about 1,900 residents, with a median age of 40. The population is predominantly White, and the area maintains a balanced gender ratio and a small percentage of non-English speakers, giving the town a friendly, familiar atmosphere.
Population:
1,908
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.5%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
5.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wakarusa, IN?
The cost of living in Wakarusa is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 83.0 and median home values around $206,000. Groceries, utilities, and housing costs are below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$206,000
Gross Rent:
$940
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,110
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
3.15%
|
High:
3.15%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.0
Grocery:
97.5
Housing:
67.0
Utilities:
92.0
Transportation:
94.0
Health Care:
91.0
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Wakarusa, IN a safe place to live?
Wakarusa enjoys low crime rates, with just 110 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a property crime chance of roughly 1 in 128. Residents can feel secure in this peaceful small-town environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
780
Crime Index:
890
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 910
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 128
Weather
What is the weather like in Wakarusa, IN year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with warm summers averaging highs of 83°F and cold winters with lows near 17°F. The area receives about 38.6 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine over half the year.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Wakarusa’s neighborhoods are welcoming, with a median household income of $65,800 and a poverty rate below 9%. Most residents commute about 22 minutes to work, and the community boasts high educational attainment with over 92% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$65,800
Family Income:
$78,400
Per Capita Income:
$28,900
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$33,000
Poverty Rate:
8.9%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$940
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
22.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
20.7%
Education
How are the schools in Wakarusa, IN?
Wakarusa offers quality public and private schooling options with favorable student-teacher ratios, and is close to higher learning institutions like Bethel University and Indiana University South Bend, both within 20 miles.

Public Schools
Name:
Wakarusa Elementary School
Street:
400 N Washington St
Phone:
574-862-2000
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
NorthWood Middle School
Street:
301 N Elkhart St, Wakarusa
Phone:
574-862-2710
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2

Private Schools
Name:
Cornerstone Christian School
Street:
19075 State Road 331
Phone:
574-862-2029
Students:
90

Colleges
Name:
Bethel University
City:
Mishawaka
State:
IN
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
1,650
Name:
Indiana University South Bend
City:
South Bend
State:
IN
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
4,900
Healthcare
Access to quality healthcare is convenient, with major hospitals like Elkhart General and Goshen Hospital nearby, and a physician rate of 1.9 per 1,000 residents. Over 91% of locals have health insurance, supporting a healthy community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Elkhart General Hospital
Address:
600 East Blvd, Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone:
(574) 294-2621
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Goshen Hospital
Address:
200 High Park Ave, Goshen, IN 46526
Phone:
(574) 364-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wakarusa, IN?
The housing market in Wakarusa is stable and affordable, featuring a median home price of $206,000 and an owner-occupancy rate exceeding 72%. Home values have appreciated by 6.5% in the past year, making it a solid choice for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$206,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$940
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can handle vehicle registration and licensing at the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles in nearby Elkhart. The office is easily accessible and offers comprehensive services for Indiana drivers.
State:
Indiana
Department:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3231 N. Main Street, Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone:
1-888-692-6841
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.