The Elkhart metro is home to 206,868 people (up 1.6% over five years), with a median household income of $65,617. Typical rent of $1,182/month works out to 21.6% of the median household income — comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold (Census ACS + Zillow, September 2026).
The share of Elkhart's workforce by sector — the base of tenant demand:
| Sector | % of workforce |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 34.8% |
| Education & health care | 19.2% |
| Retail trade | 9.7% |
| Arts, food & hospitality | 6.7% |
| Construction | 5.5% |
Manufacturing is the metro's largest employment base; a diversified mix beneath it spreads tenant-demand risk.
Rents at 21.6% of median income leave room for rent growth without pricing out the median tenant. Market pricing, yields and the Star Score live on the Elkhart market page; run a deal in the calculator.
At the 30%-of-income affordability rule, typical rent of $1,182/month suggests a household income around $47,000/year. The metro's median household income is $65,617.
By workforce share: Manufacturing (34.8%), Education & health care (19.2%), Retail trade (9.7%) (Census ACS 5-year).