Elkhart County Public RecordsIndiana

As of the 2022 Census estimate, Elkhart County, Indiana, has a population of about 207,000. The median age is 35.9 years, with 50.2% male and 49.8% female residents. Racially, the county is 79% White, 14% Hispanic or Latino, 4% Black or African American, 1% Asian, and 2% other or mixed races. The county's diverse population reflects a growing Latino community and a balanced gender and age distribution.

Elkhart County, IN, had around 133,000 registered voters in 2022, with elections including local, state, and federal offices as well as school referenda. In the 2020 presidential election, 68% of voters favored the Republican candidate, with a turnout rate of 61%. There are approximately 27 polling locations across the county, administered by the Elkhart County Election Board. Recent issues include school funding and infrastructure. Major parties are Republican and Democrat, though Libertarians also run. Voters can check registration and polling sites via indianavoters.in.gov.

Elkhart County, IN, has a crime rate moderately above the national average. In 2023, the county reported approximately 2,900 total crimes, including around 350 violent crimes (such as assault and robbery) and over 2,500 property crimes (theft, burglary, etc.), equating to a crime rate of 2,200 per 100,000 residents. Local law enforcement actively encourages community reporting and recently implemented additional patrols, helping reduce burglaries by 8%. While some neighborhoods remain safer than others, public safety initiatives continue to show gradual improvement across Elkhart County.

Elkhart County, IN, hosts 16 public high schools and several private schools, with a high school graduation rate of around 89%. Approximately 20% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety scores are above the state average, and programs include STEM, Advanced Placement, and dual-credit options. The county’s adult education centers serve over 3,000 learners annually, focusing on GED prep and vocational skills. Educational programs emphasize diversity, career readiness, and college pathways, supporting a solid educational environment.

Elkhart County, IN, has an employment rate of approximately 96.6%. As of 2023, its largest employment sector is manufacturing, accounting for over 55% of jobs, notably in recreational vehicles (RV) production. Major occupation types include production (37%), transportation (12%), and office/administrative roles (10%). The median commute time is 18.9 minutes, with around 81% driving alone to work. Significant employment centers are Elkhart and Goshen, attracting workers from neighboring counties.

Elkhart County, IN, features a homeownership rate of about 71%, with median home values around $210,000 as of 2024. The rental vacancy rate is near 5%, and the median gross rent is approximately $1,050 per month. Housing types include single-family homes, historic properties, and modern apartments, with strong demand in neighborhoods like Goshen, Elkhart, and Middlebury. Property values have increased nearly 8% year-over-year. The average effective property tax rate is roughly 0.9%, making homeownership relatively affordable compared to national averages.