countyscore
36.5
County Score
Lawn Care 73.5Soil Quality 64.1Income & Jobs 58.8

County Report Card

About Elkhart County, Indiana

An Industrial Powerhouse Facing Challenges

Elkhart County's composite score of 36.6 sits below the national median of 50.0. Despite its manufacturing reputation, the data suggests significant room for improvement in overall livability.

Trailing the State Average

At 36.6, Elkhart falls significantly behind the Indiana average composite score of 55.9. This gap highlights a need for investment in community safety and infrastructure to keep pace with the rest of the state.

Reliable Water and Steady Incomes

The county maintains a respectable water score of 56.4 and an income score of 56.2. A median household income of $65,617 provides a stable foundation for the local workforce.

Safety and Risk Resilience

Elkhart faces low scores in environmental risk at 16.3 and safety at 24.3. Additionally, a cost score of 29.8 reflects higher housing expenses relative to local wages, with median rent exceeding $1,000.

Best for Career-Focused Workers

This county is most suitable for those moving for specific industrial jobs who are comfortable navigating a higher-risk environment. It is an area defined by its work ethic rather than its recreational or safety metrics.

2040608010049.13124.34232.458.816.356.456.5Tax49.1Cost31Safety24.3Health42Schools32.4Income58.8Risk16.3Water56.4Weather56.536.5/100
This county
National avg
4 below average

Elkhart County DNA

Foverall

How Elkhart County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Elkhart County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Disaster Risk (16.3/100), though Income (58.8/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
49.1
Cost
31-17
Safety
24.3-30.7
Health
42-8
Schools
32.4-21.6
Income
58.8
Risk
16.3-30.7
Water
56.4
Weather
56.5
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Compare mortgage rates in Elkhart County

Whether buying or refinancing in Elkhart County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$210,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,047/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$210,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$41,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,561/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Median income: $67,159
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Sequoyah County
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Clackamas County
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La Paz County
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Tehama County
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Median income: $63,784
36.4

Nearby counties

Cass County
Michigan
40.6
St. Joseph County
Michigan
38
LaGrange County
Indiana
57.4
Noble County
Indiana
54.5
Kosciusko County
Indiana
49.3
St. Joseph County
Indiana
41.2
Marshall County
Indiana
57.5
Whitley County
Indiana
62.3

Deep Dives

Elkhart County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Elkhart County

via TaxByCounty

Elkhart among the higher-taxed U.S. counties

Elkhart County's 0.819% effective tax rate edges above the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the upper 45% of U.S. counties by rate. However, the median property tax of $1,592 remains well below the national median of $2,690.

Elkhart's rate ranks highest in Indiana

At 0.819%, Elkhart County has the highest effective tax rate among all counties profiled, significantly exceeding Indiana's 0.671% state average. The median property tax of $1,592 is the highest statewide, reflecting both the rate and Elkhart's healthy median home values of $194,400.

Elkhart stands out as the highest-taxed area

Elkhart County's 0.819% rate substantially exceeds neighboring DeKalb (0.628%), Dubois (0.650%), and Fountain (0.616%) counties. At $1,592 in median annual taxes, Elkhart homeowners pay significantly more than any nearby county, reflecting its robust local services and infrastructure.

What a typical Elkhart homeowner pays

The median home in Elkhart County is valued at $194,400, resulting in an estimated annual property tax of around $1,592. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more ($1,631) than those without ($1,502).

Higher rates make appeals even more valuable

With Elkhart's highest county rate in the state, a successful property assessment appeal could save homeowners hundreds of dollars annually. Contact your local assessor's office to request a review if you believe your home's value has been overstated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Elkhart County

via IncomeByCounty

Elkhart income trails U.S. benchmark

Elkhart County households earn $65,617 annually, roughly $9,100 below the national median of $74,755, placing the county in the lower-middle income category. While not impoverished, Elkhart faces a meaningful earnings gap compared to national norms.

Below Indiana's state income average

At $65,617, Elkhart County falls short of Indiana's state average of $68,681 by about 4.5%, ranking it in the lower half of the state's counties. This below-average position reflects economic pressures specific to the region.

Among the lower-earning measured counties

Elkhart ($65,617) earns less than all higher-performing neighbors like Dubois ($71,918), DeKalb ($70,080), Floyd ($78,179), and Franklin ($79,702), but slightly outpaces Fountain County ($62,526). The county occupies a middle tier in the regional income hierarchy.

Housing costs rising in Elkhart

Elkhart's rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% means residents spend roughly $1,023 monthly on housing—approaching affordability stress thresholds. The median home value of $194,400 relative to median income suggests households are stretched financially.

Strategic savings matter in Elkhart

Given tighter margins, Elkhart households should automate savings through payroll deductions and seek employer retirement matches immediately. Even small, consistent contributions to a 401(k) or IRA can build meaningful wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Elkhart County

via CrimeByCounty

Elkhart County safety remains below national averages

Elkhart County reports a crime rate of 1,889.9 per 100,000, which is lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 97.0 based on 2022 data.

Challenging the Indiana state safety average

With a safety score of 97.0, Elkhart falls behind the Indiana state average of 98.9. Data from five reporting agencies shows a higher volume of incidents compared to many other Indiana counties.

Higher local crime than state peers

The total crime rate of 1,889.9 is nearly triple the Indiana state average of 693.8. This suggests that residents experience more frequent crime than those in neighboring rural areas.

Violent crime exceeds the national average

The county's violent crime rate of 385.8 per 100,000 slightly exceeds the national average of 369.8. Property crime remains the most frequent issue at 1,504.1 per 100,000 residents.

Take proactive steps for home safety

With property crime as a major factor, installing smart locks and outdoor lighting is recommended. These simple upgrades can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Elkhart County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Temperatures and Heavy Northern Snows

Elkhart County averages 50.2°F annually, which is over three degrees cooler than the national median temperature. This humid continental climate is defined by its significant seasonal swings and substantial winter accumulation.

One of Indiana's Coldest Northern Counties

At 50.2°F, Elkhart sits well below the state average of 52.2°F, representing the cooler northern tier of Indiana. Its 38.2 inches of annual precipitation is also lower than the statewide average of 43.9 inches.

Snow Capital Compared to Central Neighbors

Elkhart receives a massive 41.0 inches of snow annually, nearly double the 23.3 inches seen in Fountain County to the southwest. While summer temperatures are similar to nearby Fulton County, the winter chill is much more pronounced here.

Mild Summers Followed by Harsh Snow Seasons

July remains comfortable with an average of 72.9°F and only 12 days of extreme heat above 90°F. However, winter brings a sharp drop to a 27.6°F average, accompanied by heavy lake-effect snow totals.

Winter Preparedness is the Top Priority

Residents must invest in high-quality snow removal equipment and winter tires to navigate the 41 inches of annual snowfall. Summer energy bills remain lower than in southern Indiana thanks to the limited number of extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Elkhart County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Soils of the North

Elkhart County features some of the state's most acidic soil with a pH of 5.55, significantly lower than the 6.08 Indiana average. This unique chemistry contributes to a soil score of 64.1. Large-scale growers often monitor these levels closely to ensure nutrient availability for crops.

Sand-Heavy and Easy to Work

The soil composition is dominated by sand at 51.3%, with 25.4% silt and only 10.8% clay. This sandy profile allows for excellent workability and quick warming in the spring. However, the lack of clay means the soil can lose moisture and nutrients rapidly.

Record-Breaking Organic Matter

Elkhart boasts a massive 11.04% organic matter content, more than double the Indiana average of 4.90%. This indicates the presence of rich muck soils that are highly productive. Despite the low water capacity of 0.183 in/in, the organic richness provides a unique growing advantage.

Rapid Drainage and Nutrient Needs

Specific drainage data is missing, but the high sand content typically results in rapid drainage. This prevents waterlogging but means plants may require more frequent watering during dry spells. Fertilizer management is also crucial, as nutrients leach through sand more quickly than clay.

A Specialty Crop Paradise in 6a

The sandy, high-organic soils in zone 6a are famous for specialty crops like potatoes and root vegetables. You will find that your garden soil is easy to dig and warms up early for spring planting. Embrace the unique acidity and organic wealth of Elkhart to grow a bounty.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Elkhart County

via LawnByCounty

Elkhart County's High Lawn Potential

With a lawn score of 73.5, Elkhart County is one of the easier places in Indiana to maintain a yard. This Zone 6a county offers the cool nights and manageable summers that northern turfgrasses prefer.

Cooler Summers and Steady Rain

The county experiences only 12 extreme heat days per year, which is far fewer than the state average of 20. Annual precipitation of 38.2 inches provides a solid foundation for growth without excessive moisture.

Managing Sandy, Acidic Soil

The soil is very sandy at 51.3%, leading to fast drainage but low nutrient retention. With a pH of 5.55, you will likely need lime applications to bring the soil into the ideal range for grass.

Building Resilience in Sandy Turf

Elkhart saw 11 weeks of drought last year, but current conditions show only 6.8% of the area is abnormally dry. Adding organic matter to your sandy soil will help it hold water during future dry spells.

The Best Window for Elkhart Lawns

Seeding should occur after the April 28th spring frost to ensure a strong start. Fine fescues are an excellent choice for the sandy soil found throughout the county.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Elkhart County's county score?
Elkhart County, Indiana has a composite county score of 36.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Elkhart County rank among counties in Indiana?
Elkhart County ranks #88 among all counties in Indiana on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Elkhart County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Elkhart County is $1,717, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Elkhart County a tax score of 49.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Elkhart County?
The median household income in Elkhart County, Indiana is $68,561 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Elkhart County earns an income score of 58.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Elkhart County, Indiana a good place to live?
Elkhart County scores 36.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #88 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Elkhart County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Elkhart County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.