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Is Mishawaka a Good Place to Live? Mishawaka, Indiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Mishawaka ranks #776 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #333 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($155,500, #30 of 524) and high graduation rates (95.1%, #30 of 437), and trails on low household income ($54,291, #486 of 524) and high poverty (16.4%, #399 of 524).
Mishawaka by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Mishawaka'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 Mishawaka?
Mishawaka's cost of living index is 92.9, 7% below the US level of 100 and #371 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,070/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $216,127, 17% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
| Measure | Mishawaka | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 92.9#371 of 1,308 | 93.3 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $216,127#156 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 | $1,234/mo#119 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $155,500#95 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,070/mo#287 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.7%#859 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.
Mishawaka 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. Mishawaka is in the South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI metro.
Indiana housing market →Is Mishawaka safe?
Mishawaka recorded 306 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 7% below the US rate of 328 and 20% above Indiana's 254. That ranks #570 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #253 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Mishawaka Police Department. Property crime runs 2,611 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Mishawaka | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 306#570 of 1,085 | 254 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,611#889 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 Mishawaka?
The median household in Mishawaka earns $54,291, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 16.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Mishawaka | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $54,291#1165 of 1,312 | $71,959 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 16.4%#943 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 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 Mishawaka?
The median resident of Mishawaka is 36 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #824 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Mishawaka | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 29.2%#824 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 49.3% | 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 Mishawaka's schools and health?
Mishawaka's 10 public schools graduate 95.1% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $11,569 spent per pupil. 35.6% of adults are obese and 12.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Mishawaka | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 95.1%#66 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 | $11,569#1011 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 35.6%#822 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.6%#885 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.9%#1156 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 9%#519 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. 5,511 students are enrolled in Mishawaka's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Mishawaka?
The average commute in Mishawaka is 21.1 minutes (Indiana 24.6); 1% of workers take transit and 7.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Mishawaka scores 8.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.6°F and winters 26.9°F, with 39.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Mishawaka | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 21.1 min#430 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.6%#311 of 1,312 | 6.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 78.7% | 76.8% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1% | 0.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.8% | 2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.9% | 9.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.8#866 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 | 31.2 | 17 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 34.9 | 19.3 | 2.3 |
| Mar | 46.2 | 27.2 | 2.4 |
| Apr | 59 | 37.1 | 3.5 |
| May | 70.1 | 48.1 | 4.2 |
| Jun | 79.4 | 58.1 | 4 |
| Jul | 82.7 | 62.1 | 3.8 |
| Aug | 80.8 | 60.5 | 4 |
| Sep | 74.4 | 53 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 61.8 | 42.1 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 47.7 | 31.8 | 2.8 |
| Dec | 36.3 | 23 | 2.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at S Bend Airport.
| Measure | Mishawaka | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 49.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 70.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 26.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 39.2 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 S Bend Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Mishawaka?
St. Joseph County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 7 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts St. Joseph County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
| Measure | Mishawaka | 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 | 7#789 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.07%#28 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 St. Joseph County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, St. Joseph County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0042% | 66% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.007% | 44% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0022% | 43% 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 Mishawaka compare with similar-size cities?
Mishawaka is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #333 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 51,021.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mishawaka, INPop. 51,021 | #776 | 53.7 | $54,291 | $1,070/mo | 306 | 21.1 min |
| Country Club, FLPop. 51,296 | #1146 | 46.8 | $75,212 | $1,899/mo | no data | 35.6 min |
| Hoffman Estates, ILPop. 51,175 | #112 | 68.0 | $106,806 | $1,734/mo | 75 | 28.5 min |
| Grapevine, TXPop. 51,139 | #368 | 60.6 | $111,376 | $1,863/mo | 165 | 22.3 min |
| Troy, NYPop. 51,033 | #471 | 58.6 | $58,477 | $1,175/mo | 345 | 21.1 min |
| El Dorado Hills, CAPop. 51,026 | #212 | 64.2 | $165,349 | $2,552/mo | no data | 32 min |
| Milford, CTPop. 51,023 | #72 | 69.3 | $111,201 | $1,882/mo | 71 | 25.3 min |
| Levittown, PAPop. 50,926 | #300 | 62.1 | $105,071 | $1,556/mo | no data | 27.9 min |
| Cuyahoga Falls, OHPop. 50,909 | #575 | 57.0 | $72,705 | $1,038/mo | 228 | 21.6 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 Mishawaka compare with the rest of Indiana?
Mishawaka ranks #11 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 53.7 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 25% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 20% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% 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 Mishawaka's score calculated?
Mishawaka scores 53.7 out of 100, #776 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 Mishawaka. Similar-size median 55.5.
42.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Mishawaka's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
68.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Mishawaka. Similar-size median 58.9.
44.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Mishawaka's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
61.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Mishawaka's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
82.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Mishawaka. Similar-size median 56.1.
33.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Mishawaka. Similar-size median 42.4.
46.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Mishawaka. Similar-size median 50.0.
45.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Mishawaka's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
41.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
76.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Mishawaka'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 Mishawaka 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 Mishawaka
Is Mishawaka, IN a good place to live?
Mishawaka ranks #776 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #333 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($155,500, #30 of 524) and high graduation rates (95.1%, #30 of 437), and trails on low household income ($54,291, #486 of 524) and high poverty (16.4%, #399 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Mishawaka?
Mishawaka's cost of living index is 92.9, 7% below the US level of 100 and #371 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,070/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $216,127, 17% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
What is the crime rate in Mishawaka?
Mishawaka recorded 306 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 7% below the US rate of 328 and 20% above Indiana's 254. That ranks #570 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #253 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Mishawaka Police Department. Property crime runs 2,611 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Mishawaka?
The median household in Mishawaka earns $54,291, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 16.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Mishawaka?
Median rent in Mishawaka is $1,070/mo (Census), #287 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,234/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Mishawaka?
The typical home value in Mishawaka is $216,127, up 5.8% in a year, against $260,095 for Indiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $155,500.
How are the public schools in Mishawaka?
Mishawaka's 10 public schools graduate 95.1% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $11,569 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Mishawaka?
The average commute is 21.1 minutes, #430 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Indiana. 3.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Mishawaka?
Mishawaka averages 49.3°F over the year, 70.6°F in summer and 26.9°F in winter, with 39.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Mishawaka walkable?
Mishawaka scores 8.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #866 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 Mishawaka at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts St.
How is the air quality in Mishawaka?
St. Joseph County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 7 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Joseph County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
Who lives in Mishawaka?
Mishawaka has 51,021 residents. The median resident of Mishawaka is 36 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #824 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Mishawaka compare with the rest of Indiana?
Mishawaka ranks #11 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 53.7 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 25% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 20% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Indiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Mishawaka?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Mishawaka's population of 51,021 are Country Club, FL (#1146 overall), Hoffman Estates, IL (#112 overall), Grapevine, TX (#368 overall), Troy, NY (#471 overall), and El Dorado Hills, CA (#212 overall). Mishawaka is #776.