CountyScore

Elkhart County

Indiana · IN

#90 in Indiana
64.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Elkhart County, Indiana

Elkhart Exceeds National Average

Elkhart County's composite score of 64.5 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in approximately the 29th percentile nationally. While respectable, this score ranks below several peer Indiana counties, reflecting mixed strengths and modest weaknesses.

Below Indiana's County Average

At 64.5, Elkhart falls noticeably below Indiana's state average of 71.2, placing it in the lower half of Indiana's county rankings. This gap is driven by below-average income and rising housing costs relative to other Indiana counties.

Moderate Taxes and Affordability

Elkhart maintains a tax score of 79.2 with an effective tax rate of 0.819%, and cost score of 75.1 offers moderate housing affordability. A median home value of $194,400 and median rent of $1,023 provide options across price ranges.

Higher Rents and Lower Incomes

Elkhart's median household income of $65,617 lags peer counties, while housing costs—particularly rent at $1,023 monthly—rank among the highest in this county sample. A low risk score of 16.3 is positive, but limited data on schools and safety obscures other livability factors.

For Renters Seeking Moderate Living

Elkhart County works best for renters prioritizing moderate housing costs and reasonable taxes over income growth or home ownership. It appeals to younger workers, couples without children, and those flexible on location as long as affordability remains manageable.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax79.2Cost75.1SafetyComing SoonHealth64.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.2Risk16.3WaterComing Soon
🏛79.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡16.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Elkhart County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Gila County
Arizona
64.5
Median income: $59,089
Washington County
Arkansas
64.5
Median income: $66,426
Del Norte County
California
64.5
Median income: $66,780
Dallas County
Iowa
64.5
Median income: $102,349
Caddo Parish
Louisiana
64.5
Median income: $50,067

Deep Dives

Elkhart County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Elkhart County

via CostByCounty

Elkhart rents strain household budgets

Elkhart County renters spend 18.7% of their income on rent, among the highest ratios in the nation and well above comfortable affordability thresholds. This northern Indiana county's tight rental market puts housing pressure on even mid-income households.

One of Indiana's toughest rental markets

Elkhart's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 15.6%, ranking it among Indiana's least affordable counties for renters. The county faces genuine affordability challenges compared to most statewide peers.

Highest rents in the region

Elkhart's median rent of $1,023 tops nearby counties and significantly exceeds the state average of $883, making it the region's priciest rental market. Incomes here lag behind the rent premium, creating an affordability gap.

Nearly one-fifth of income goes to rent

Renters pay $1,023 monthly against a median income of $65,617, consuming nearly 19% of gross earnings for rent alone. Homeowners pay $967 monthly, meaning both renter and owner-occupied households feel significant housing cost pressure.

Compare carefully before choosing Elkhart

Elkhart's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio signals a tight housing market where your paycheck stretches less far than in neighboring counties. Explore adjacent areas before committing to this costlier market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Elkhart County

via HealthByCounty

Elkhart matches national health trends

At 76.2 years, Elkhart's life expectancy slightly outpaces the U.S. average of 74.8 years. However, 20.6% report poor or fair health—above the national average of 17%—suggesting that despite decent longevity, many residents face daily health struggles.

Above average on lifespan, below on wellness

Elkhart's 76.2-year life expectancy ranks above Indiana's 75.1-year state average, but its 20.6% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds the state benchmark. The disconnect suggests residents live longer but experience more chronic conditions during those extra years.

Healthy lifespan, concerning wellness gap

Elkhart's 76.2-year life expectancy matches Dubois (77.8) and DeKalb (75.8) in the region, but its 20.6% poor/fair health rate is notably higher. This signals a population managing chronic illness despite reasonable longevity.

Insurance gap undermines access

Elkhart has 49 primary care providers and 179 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, moderate access for the region. However, at 12.8% uninsured, Elkhart has the highest uninsured rate among its peer counties—significantly above Indiana's 8.4% average—leaving thousands vulnerable.

Close Elkhart's coverage gap now

With 12.8% of Elkhart residents uninsured—52% above the state average—many families face catastrophic medical debt from unexpected illness. Head to healthcare.gov today or contact a local navigator to find an affordable plan and protect your family's health and finances.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Elkhart County

via RiskByCounty

Elkhart Among Indiana's Highest-Risk Counties

Elkhart County's composite risk score of 83.75 places it in the Relatively Moderate category, nearly double Indiana's average of 45.52. This northern county ranks among the state's most hazard-prone regions by all-hazards risk measure.

Top-Tier Risk Across the State

Elkhart ranks among Indiana's highest-risk counties overall, with few peers scoring comparably on composite disaster threat. The county's elevated profile warrants serious preparedness planning for residents and businesses.

The Riskiest in Its Area

Elkhart's 83.75 score significantly exceeds nearby DeKalb (41.32), Franklin (34.22), and Fayette (33.49) counties, making it a clear outlier in northern Indiana. Only Delaware County (76.34) approaches Elkhart's risk level in the region.

Tornadoes and Floods Dominate Threats

Tornado risk peaks at 90.65, and flood risk at 84.10 means Elkhart residents face compounded exposure during severe weather events. Wildfire risk at 32.89 and hurricane risk at 47.10 create additional concerns for emergency preparedness.

Layered Insurance and Active Prep Essential

Elkhart homeowners need robust wind and tornado protection plus a reinforced safe room, combined with flood insurance on all vulnerable properties. Regular emergency drills and a family disaster plan are vital given the county's elevated multi-hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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