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Is Elkhart a Good Place to Live? Elkhart, Indiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Elkhart ranks #830 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #351 of 524 smaller cities and #12 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($139,500, #20 of 524) and low rents ($998/mo, #40 of 524), and trails on low household income ($51,028, #502 of 524) and high poverty (18.2%, #434 of 524).
Elkhart by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Elkhart's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Elkhart?
Elkhart's cost of living index is 90.3, 10% below the US level of 100 and #218 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $998/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $233,030, 10% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
| Measure | Elkhart | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 90.3#218 of 1,308 | 93.3 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $233,030#206 of 1,187 | $260,095 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,170/mo#83 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $139,500#64 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $998/mo#211 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.7x#91 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.5%#831 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Elkhart housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Elkhart is in the Elkhart-Goshen, IN metro.
Indiana housing market →Is Elkhart safe?
Elkhart recorded 220 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 33% below the US rate of 328 and 14% below Indiana's 254. That ranks #392 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #180 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Elkhart Police Department. Property crime runs 440 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Elkhart | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 220#392 of 1,085 | 254 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 440#12 of 1,085 | 1,052 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Elkhart?
The median household in Elkhart earns $51,028, 39% below the US figure of $83,163 and 29% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 18.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Elkhart | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $51,028#1216 of 1,312 | $71,959 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 18.2%#1041 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Elkhart?
The median resident of Elkhart is 35 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 17.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1215 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Elkhart | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 17.7%#1215 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 53.2% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Elkhart's schools and health?
Elkhart's 22 public schools graduate 89.4% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $14,174 spent per pupil. 47.3% of adults are obese and 15.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Elkhart | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89.4%#444 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.6#561 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,174#674 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 47.3%#1305 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 15.1%#1168 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.2%#1194 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 16.2%#1120 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 13,528 students are enrolled in Elkhart's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Elkhart?
The average commute in Elkhart is 18.5 minutes (Indiana 24.6); 0.6% of workers take transit and 3.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Elkhart scores 8.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #895 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.5°F and winters 27.6°F, with 39.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Elkhart | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 18.5 min#222 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 1.9%#45 of 1,312 | 6.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 74.9% | 76.8% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 0.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.6% | 2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 3.2% | 9.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.7#895 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31.7 | 17.8 | 2.8 |
| Feb | 35.5 | 20.2 | 2.3 |
| Mar | 47.2 | 28.8 | 2.4 |
| Apr | 60.3 | 38.7 | 3.8 |
| May | 71.7 | 49.9 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 80.4 | 59.6 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 83.3 | 62.8 | 4 |
| Aug | 81.3 | 61.3 | 4.1 |
| Sep | 75.2 | 53.9 | 3.3 |
| Oct | 62.8 | 43.3 | 3.3 |
| Nov | 48.4 | 32.8 | 3 |
| Dec | 36.5 | 23.7 | 2.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Goshen 3sw.
| Measure | Elkhart | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 71.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 27.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 39.9 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Goshen 3sw.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Elkhart?
Elkhart County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Elkhart County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
| Measure | Elkhart | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 6#761 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.07%#33 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Elkhart County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Elkhart County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0044% | 67% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0082% | 48% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0022% | 44% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.046% | 8% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Elkhart compare with similar-size cities?
Elkhart is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #351 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 53,733.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elkhart, INPop. 53,733 | #830 | 52.8 | $51,028 | $998/mo | 220 | 18.5 min |
| Twin Falls, IDPop. 54,164 | #627 | 56.3 | $61,205 | $1,082/mo | 359 | 15.7 min |
| Colton, CAPop. 53,772 | #1085 | 48.2 | $71,208 | $1,661/mo | 345 | 27.5 min |
| Normal, ILPop. 53,569 | #525 | 57.7 | $64,785 | $965/mo | 290 | 16.5 min |
| Pinellas Park, FLPop. 53,560 | #708 | 54.8 | $63,432 | $1,631/mo | 247 | 22.5 min |
| Methuen Town, MAPop. 53,475 | #172 | 65.3 | $113,310 | $1,749/mo | 114 | 27.7 min |
| Galveston, TXPop. 53,424 | #1086 | 48.2 | $55,631 | $1,298/mo | 506 | 20.2 min |
| Eagle Mountain, UTPop. 53,290 | #451 | 59.0 | $113,648 | $2,020/mo | no data | 32.3 min |
| Aspen Hill, MDPop. 53,279 | #267 | 62.8 | $111,575 | $1,916/mo | no data | 34.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Elkhart compare with the rest of Indiana?
Elkhart ranks #12 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 52.8 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 29% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 14% below the statewide rate. Homes are 10% below the typical Indiana home.
| City | Rank in IN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel, INPop. 101,651 | #1 | 73.1 | $141,505 | $1,712/mo | 51 |
| Westfield, INPop. 54,677 | #2 | 72.7 | $122,789 | $1,667/mo | 66 |
| Fishers, INPop. 102,337 | #3 | 70.7 | $130,203 | $1,611/mo | 78 |
| Noblesville, INPop. 73,362 | #4 | 66.6 | $104,047 | $1,389/mo | 71 |
| Greenwood, INPop. 66,029 | #5 | 60.4 | $83,608 | $1,312/mo | 142 |
| Columbus, INPop. 51,824 | #6 | 59.6 | $77,456 | $1,157/mo | 88 |
| Bloomington, INPop. 80,049 | #7 | 57.9 | $50,465 | $1,200/mo | 293 |
| Lafayette, INPop. 71,159 | #8 | 57.7 | $53,716 | $1,079/mo | 396 |
| Jeffersonville, INPop. 51,043 | #9 | 57.2 | $70,930 | $1,148/mo | 330 |
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #10 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 |
| Mishawaka, INPop. 51,021 | #11 | 53.7 | $54,291 | $1,070/mo | 306 |
| Elkhart, INPop. 53,733 | #12 | 52.8 | $51,028 | $998/mo | 220 |
| South Bend, INPop. 103,085 | #13 | 52.2 | $55,786 | $1,033/mo | 453 |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #14 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 |
| Anderson, INPop. 55,367 | #15 | 50.4 | $46,909 | $925/mo | 410 |
| Muncie, INPop. 64,751 | #16 | 49.8 | $44,471 | $904/mo | 485 |
| Kokomo, INPop. 59,122 | #17 | 48.8 | $55,360 | $939/mo | 477 |
| Terre Haute, INPop. 58,427 | #18 | 47.6 | $43,126 | $922/mo | 494 |
| Evansville, INPop. 116,116 | #19 | 45.1 | $53,387 | $975/mo | 1,087 |
| Hammond, INPop. 76,768 | #20 | 44.6 | $55,504 | $1,134/mo | 589 |
| Gary, INPop. 68,113 | #21 | 31.1 | $38,731 | $1,012/mo | 1,393 |
All 21 Indiana cities we track, by overall score. Indiana statewide: median income $71,959, violent crime 254.4 per 100,000.
How is Elkhart's score calculated?
Elkhart scores 52.8 out of 100, #830 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Indiana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Elkhart. Similar-size median 55.5.
39.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Elkhart's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
89.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Elkhart. Similar-size median 58.9.
23.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Elkhart's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
59.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Elkhart's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
85.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Elkhart. Similar-size median 56.1.
28.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Elkhart. Similar-size median 42.4.
44.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Elkhart. Similar-size median 50.0.
44.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Elkhart's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
40.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
76.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Elkhart's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Elkhart has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Elkhart
Is Elkhart, IN a good place to live?
Elkhart ranks #830 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #351 of 524 smaller cities and #12 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($139,500, #20 of 524) and low rents ($998/mo, #40 of 524), and trails on low household income ($51,028, #502 of 524) and high poverty (18.2%, #434 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Elkhart?
Elkhart's cost of living index is 90.3, 10% below the US level of 100 and #218 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $998/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $233,030, 10% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
What is the crime rate in Elkhart?
Elkhart recorded 220 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 33% below the US rate of 328 and 14% below Indiana's 254. That ranks #392 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #180 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Elkhart Police Department. Property crime runs 440 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Elkhart?
The median household in Elkhart earns $51,028, 39% below the US figure of $83,163 and 29% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 18.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Elkhart?
Median rent in Elkhart is $998/mo (Census), #211 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,170/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Elkhart?
The typical home value in Elkhart is $233,030, up 6.1% in a year, against $260,095 for Indiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $139,500.
How are the public schools in Elkhart?
Elkhart's 22 public schools graduate 89.4% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $14,174 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Elkhart?
The average commute is 18.5 minutes, #222 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Indiana. 1.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Elkhart?
Elkhart averages 50.3°F over the year, 71.5°F in summer and 27.6°F in winter, with 39.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Elkhart walkable?
Elkhart scores 8.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #895 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Elkhart at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Elkhart County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Elkhart?
Elkhart County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Elkhart?
Elkhart has 53,733 residents. The median resident of Elkhart is 35 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 17.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1215 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Elkhart compare with the rest of Indiana?
Elkhart ranks #12 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 52.8 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 29% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 14% below the statewide rate. Homes are 10% below the typical Indiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Elkhart?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Elkhart's population of 53,733 are Twin Falls, ID (#627 overall), Colton, CA (#1085 overall), Normal, IL (#525 overall), Pinellas Park, FL (#708 overall), and Methuen Town, MA (#172 overall). Elkhart is #830.