Elkhart County

Elkhart County, Indiana, has a population of approximately 206,341 as of the 2020 Census. The racial composition is predominantly White (78.3%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (16.3%), Black or African American (6.1%), Asian (1.2%), and other races. The median household income is around $58,000. The county has a diverse age distribution with 25.4% under 18, 61% between 18 and 64, and 13.6% 65 or older. The population density is roughly 387 people per square mile.

As of 2023, Elkhart County, IN, records a median home value of approximately $160,000. Rental costs average around $850 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is about 75%, higher than the national average. The average household size is 2.8 individuals. New housing units have increased in recent years with construction permits numbering around 300 annually. The market remains competitive, with homes typically staying listed for around 30 days. Affordability and demand are shaped by a strong local manufacturing economy.

Elkhart County, IN held elections on November 8, 2022, along with the mid-term elections in the United States.

• Turnout: Approximately 20% of the registered voters participated in the election.

• Key Races:

  • County Commissioner - District 2: Incumbent Republican Suzie Weirick won with 63% of the vote against Democrat Christine Baumer.
  • County Council At-Large: Republicans Doug Graham, Adam Bujalski, and Tina Wenger secured the three available seats.
  • Indiana House of Representatives - District 21: Republican incumbent Tim Wesco defeated Democrat Paul Steury with approximately 70% of the vote.
  • U.S. House of Representatives - District 2: Rudy Yakym, a Republican, won with 65% of the vote.

For complete election results and detailed candidate information, visit the Elkhart County Election Board's official website.

As of the most recent data, Elkhart County, Indiana has a relatively lower educational attainment compared to state and national averages. About 83.7% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, which is below the national average of 88.5% and the Indiana state average of around 87.4%. Furthermore, only 16.4% of Elkhart's population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.1% and Indiana’s state average of 26.9%. This disparity highlights a gap in higher educational attainment within the county. Efforts to improve education in the county are ongoing through various community initiatives and educational programs aimed at enhancing both high school and post-secondary education levels.

As of 2022, Elkhart County, Indiana, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 63%, with an unemployment rate around 1.7%, significantly lower than the national average of about 3.6% and the state average of 3.0%. The county is a manufacturing powerhouse, particularly known for its production of recreational vehicles (RVs). Key industries include manufacturing (representing roughly 40% of employment), healthcare, retail, and education.

In comparison, the national average sees manufacturing jobs constituting about 8.5% of total employment and Indiana's state average is around 17%. The dominance of the manufacturing sector in Elkhart, especially within the RV industry, marks a significant deviation from both state and national employment patterns.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Elkhart County, IN, is approximately $61,232. This figure is lower than both the national and state averages. For comparison, the average household income in the United States is around $88,000, while Indiana's state average is approximately $74,000. Here's a simplified statistics table for clarity:

These numbers reflect the economic disparities within different regions and highlight the relative income levels in Elkhart County compared to broader averages.

As of the most recent data available, Elkhart County, IN has a mixed crime profile. The overall crime rate is 29.11 per 1,000 residents, with a significant distinction between violent and property crimes. Here are some specific statistics:

These figures suggest that property crimes are more prevalent than violent crimes in Elkhart County. Ongoing community safety initiatives aim to address these issues.