Elkhart County, Indiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 6th-largest in Indiana
The population of Elkhart County, Indiana is 206,868 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 6th-largest county in Indiana. The median household income is $65,617, the median home value is $194,400, and the median age is 35.5.
The population of Elkhart County has grown 5.1% since 2010 (197,453 → 207,436), a +0.35% annualized rate.
206,868
Population
+0.35%
Annual growth
447
People / sq mi
$65,617
Median Income
$194,400
Median Home Value
Elkhart County covers 463 sq mi of land at 446.6 people per square mile.
About Elkhart County, IN
Elkhart County skews on age — the median resident is 35.5, younger than the national median. With 206,868 residents, Elkhart County is a county in Indiana. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Indiana in the country, at #6 by population.
Median household income is $65,617, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 9.2%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $194,400, with typical rent around $1,023.
19.7% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.8%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Elkhart County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Elkhart County had a population of 197,453 in 2010 and 207,436 in 2024, a 5.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 207,436 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.35%.
207,436
Population (2024)
197,453
Population (2010)
207,436
Peak (2024)
0.35%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 197,453 |
| 2011 | 198,292 |
| 2012 | 198,988 |
| 2013 | 200,225 |
| 2014 | 201,446 |
| 2015 | 203,022 |
| 2016 | 203,626 |
| 2017 | 204,279 |
| 2018 | 205,588 |
| 2019 | 206,268 |
| 2020 | 207,009 |
| 2021 | 207,093 |
| 2022 | 207,161 |
| 2023 | 206,963 |
| 2024 | 207,436 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 75.3% |
| Black or African American | 4.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
35.5
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
15.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 22.7% · Seniors (65+): 15.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $65,617$-4,434 vs state |
| Mean household income | $86,727 |
| Per-capita income | $31,850 |
| Poverty rate | 9.2%+0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Elkhart County is manufacturing, accounting for 34.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
2.1%
Carpool
75.1%
Public transit
4.8%
Work from home
19.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$194,400$-7,200 vs state
Median home value
$1,023
Median rent
71.2%
Homeownership rate
80,102
Total housing units
89.6%
Occupied
10.4%
Vacant
28.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
85.3%
With health insurance
91.8%
With broadband internet
21.8%
Foreign-born
5.0%
Veterans (18+)
12.1%
With a disability
77.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.2%
High School+
19.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Indiana
Other counties in Indiana
Part of Indiana
Metro areas in Indiana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Elkhart County, Indiana has a population of 206,868 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 6th-largest county in Indiana. Population density is 447 people per square mile.
The population of Elkhart County has grown 5.1% since 2010 (197,453 → 207,436), a +0.35% annualized rate.
The median household income in Elkhart County, Indiana is $65,617, with mean (average) household income of $86,727 and per-capita income of $31,850. 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Elkhart County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (75.3%), Black or African American (4.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Elkhart County, Indiana is 35.5 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
The median home value in Elkhart County is $194,400 and median monthly rent is $1,023. 71.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 80,102 total housing units, 10.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Elkhart County, Indiana is manufacturing, employing 34.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Indianapolis is among the largest cities associated with Elkhart County, Indiana, with a population of 882,043.
Elkhart County, IN Climate
Elkhart County, IN has an average annual temperature of 9.6°C (49°F) and receives about 939 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.6°C
Avg Temp
939
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 48 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 44 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 70 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 90 mm |
| May | 15° / 60° | 88 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 102 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 90 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 96 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 92 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 74 mm |
| November | 5° / 40° | 75 mm |
| December | -2° / 29° | 70 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Elkhart County, IN
The most comfortable months to visit Elkhart County, IN are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Elkhart County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.