Elkhart city, Indiana Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Elkhart city, Indiana has a total population of 53,726, the 17th largest city in Indiana, with a median household income of $47,885, which is 32% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 18.8%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 32% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Elkhart city Quick Facts
How Elkhart city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 40 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Elkhart city Rankings in Indiana
Explore Indiana Rankings
Cities Similar to Elkhart city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson city | 54,930 | $47,221 | $104,300 | 16.1% | 20.4% |
| Mishawaka city | 50,907 | $53,120 | $140,600 | 27.9% | 16.3% |
| Terre Haute city | 58,491 | $41,960 | $109,500 | 23.1% | 26.7% |
| Kokomo city | 59,375 | $54,195 | $126,500 | 17.2% | 15.4% |
| Muncie city | 64,739 | $43,395 | $92,000 | 25.7% | 29.6% |
Population Overview
Elkhart city is a mid-sized community located in Indiana. The total population is 53,726. It ranks as the 17th most populous out of 967 cities and towns in Indiana.
Age Demographics
The median age in Elkhart city is 35.2 years. This is 7% lower than the state median of 38.0 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Elkhart city is $47,885. This is 32% lower than the state median of $70,051. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 39% lower. The poverty rate stands at 18.8%. This is 54% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.2%. The unemployment rate is 3.5%. This is 18% lower than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $126,900. Housing costs are 37% lower than the state median of $201,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Elkhart city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 52.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 25% lower than the state average of 70.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Elkhart city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 55.6% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 27.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (27.4% vs 8.4%). The Asian population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 2.5%.
Education
17.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 39% lower than the state rate of 28.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 81.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Elkhart city, Indiana is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Indiana state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 967 Census-designated places in Indiana. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Elkhart city, Indiana?
Elkhart city, Indiana has a population of 53,726 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Elkhart city, IN?
The median household income in Elkhart city is $47,885, which is 39% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Elkhart city, IN?
The poverty rate in Elkhart city is 18.8%. This means approximately 9,920 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Elkhart city, Indiana?
Elkhart city's population is 55.6% White, 12.1% Black, 27.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.6% Asian.
What is the median home value in Elkhart city, IN?
The median home value in Elkhart city is $126,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x.
How educated is Elkhart city, Indiana?
17.4% of adults (25+) in Elkhart city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.