2023 Elkhart County, Indiana Demographics | Data & Analysis

Ready-to-use reports, analytics, and visualizations covering Elkhart County, Indiana, including population, race, income, and more. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.

Elkhart County, Indiana Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)

Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).

Total Population
206,868
Median Age
35.5 years
Median Household Income
$65,617
Bachelor's Degree+
19.73%
Uninsured Rate
14.7%
Total Households
71,760
Total Workers
98,106
Citizenship Rate
94.6%
Total Veterans
7,418
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
9.2%
Families in Poverty
4,439
SNAP Recipients
6.86%
Households w/ SNAP
4,922

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates

Elkhart County, Indiana 2023 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Elkhart County, Indiana by age group and gender, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the total population of Elkhart County, Indiana is 206,868. The median age of the population in Elkhart County, Indiana is 35.5 years. The median age for males is 34.4 years, and for females it is 36.7 years.

The age distribution of the population in Elkhart County, Indiana by age group is as follows:

Population Percentage by Age Group in Elkhart County, Indiana, 2023
Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years 7.27%
5–17 years (children) 20.37%
18–24 years (young adults) 9.14%
25–34 years 12.65%
35–54 years 23.85%
55–64 years 11.56%
65 years and over (seniors) 15.17%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Elkhart County, Indiana

The total dependency ratio in Elkhart County, Indiana is 74.83. The youth dependency ratio is 48.31, and the old-age dependency ratio is 26.52. In demographic terms, the dependency ratio measures the size of the population typically not in the labor force (children under 18 and older adults 65+) relative to the working age (18-64) population. A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support the non-working age groups.

For more detailed reports, explore the demographics for each of the most populated ZIP Codes in Elkhart County, Indiana, including Elkhart (46514) (41,480), Goshen (46526) (33,527), and Elkhart (46516) (31,959).


What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Elkhart County, Indiana?

Race and Ethnicity Distribution Chart for Elkhart County, Indiana
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

The racial makeup and ethnic composition (racial demographics) of Elkhart County, Indiana is detailed below, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.

The Diversity Index for Elkhart County, Indiana is calculated at 45.80, suggesting a moderate level of racial and ethnic diversity. This index measures the probability that two people chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.

The following table provides the breakdown of the population of Elkhart County, Indiana by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Elkhart County, Indiana, 2023
Racial/Ethnic Group Percentage
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) 70.75%
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 19.51%
Black/African American Alone 4.78%
Two or More Races 3.20%
Asian Alone 1.09%
Some Other Race Alone 0.48%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 0.16%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone 0.03%

Elkhart County, Indiana 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Elkhart County, Indiana.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the median household income in Elkhart County, Indiana over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $65,617. This figure is based on a total of 71,760 households.

The distribution of household income in Elkhart County, Indiana across various income brackets is as follows:

Household Income Distribution in Elkhart County, Indiana, 2023
Income Range Percentage of Households
Less than $20,000 11.70%
$20,000 to $34,999 12.00%
$35,000 to $49,999 13.62%
$50,000 to $74,999 18.18%
$75,000 to $149,999 32.06%
$150,000 or more 12.44%

For detailed household income distribution reports on the ZIP Codes with the highest median household income in Elkhart County, Indiana, explore the data for: Granger (46530) ($114,684), Middlebury (46540) ($99,664), and Osceola (46561) ($83,520).


Elkhart County, Indiana 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Elkhart County, Indiana.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Elkhart County, Indiana is based on a total of 51,126 properties.

The property value distribution in Elkhart County, Indiana across various value brackets is as follows:

Property Value Distribution in Elkhart County, Indiana, 2023
Property Value Range Percentage of Properties
Less than $25,000 3.69%
$25,000 to $49,999 2.49%
$50,000 to $99,999 10.57%
$100,000 to $199,999 35.10%
$200,000 to $499,999 42.41%
$500,000 to $999,999 5.33%
$1,000,000 or more 0.41%

Educational Attainment in Elkhart County, Indiana (2023 Data)

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Elkhart County, Indiana.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the educational attainment data covers the population 25 years and older in Elkhart County, Indiana, totaling 130,799 individuals.

82.20% of Elkhart County, Indiana population has a high school diploma or higher. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who hold a Bachelor's Degree or a higher professional/graduate degree is 19.73%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Elkhart County, Indiana, 2023
Educational Attainment Level Percentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate 17.80%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) 36.91%
Some college or associate's degree 25.56%
Bachelor's Degree 12.79%
Graduate or professional degree 6.95%

What is the Health Insurance Coverage Rate in Elkhart County, Indiana?

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Elkhart County, Indiana.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the health insurance coverage data for Elkhart County, Indiana shows that 14.7% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 30,177 individuals out of a total population of 204,813 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 24.0% for males and 20.8% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 17.2% of males and 14.9% of females are uninsured.

Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare. In Elkhart County, Indiana, uninsured rates for children are 13.1% for males and 15.6% for females, while seniors have rates of 1.6% for males and 1.7% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Elkhart County, Indiana, 2023
Age Group Male Uninsured % Female Uninsured %
Under 18 13.1% 15.6%
18-34 years 24.0% 20.8%
35-64 years 17.2% 14.9%
65+ years 1.6% 1.7%

Elkhart County, Indiana 2023 Population by Nativity and Citizenship Status

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Elkhart County, Indiana based on U.S. Census data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the nativity and citizenship data for Elkhart County, Indiana shows that 94.6% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 195,612 individuals out of a total population of 206,868 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 89.0% were born in the United States, 0.6% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 0.9% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 4.0% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (8,264 individuals), while 5.4% are non-citizens (11,256 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Elkhart County, Indiana, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship Status Percentage
Born in the United States 89.0%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas 0.6%
Born abroad of American parent(s) 0.9%
U.S. citizen by naturalization 4.0%
Not a U.S. citizen 5.4%
Total U.S. Citizens 94.6%

Elkhart County, Indiana 2023 Demographics: Means of Transportation to Work

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Elkhart County, Indiana.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the commuting patterns for Elkhart County, Indiana show that 90.7% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 87,415 workers out of a total workforce of 96,409 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 0.3% (261 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (2.1%) and bicycling (1.3%).

4.8% of workers in Elkhart County, Indiana report working from home. An additional 0.8% use other means such as taxicabs, motorcycles, or other forms of transportation. These alternative commuting patterns reflect changing work arrangements and transportation preferences in the modern workforce.

Commuting Methods Distribution in Elkhart County, Indiana, 2023
Transportation Method Percentage Number of Workers
Car, truck, or van 90.7% 87,415
Public transportation 0.3% 261
Bicycle 1.3% 1,281
Walked 2.1% 2,031
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 0.8% 781
Worked from home 4.8% 4,640
Total Workers - 96,409

Elkhart County, Indiana 2023 Demographics: Employment by Class of Worker

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Elkhart County, Indiana, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Elkhart County, Indiana totals 98,106 workers. Of these, 53,907 (54.9%) are male and 44,199 (45.1%) are female.

The employment distribution by class of worker in Elkhart County, Indiana is as follows:

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Elkhart County, Indiana, 2023
Employment Class Male Workers Female Workers
Private For-Profit 44,715 (45.6%) 30,957 (31.6%)
Private Non-Profit 2,599 (2.6%) 6,325 (6.4%)
Government (All Levels) 3,421 (3.5%) 4,834 (4.9%)
  • Local Government 2,373 3,284
  • State Government 490 920
  • Federal Government 558 630
Self-Employed 3,033 (3.1%) 2,053 (2.1%)

Class of worker categorizes employed civilians by their employment arrangement. Private sector workers are employed by for-profit or non-profit companies. Government workers include those employed at local, state, or federal levels. Self-employed workers operate their own unincorporated businesses. Understanding the class of worker distribution provides insights into the economic structure and employment diversity of Elkhart County, Indiana.


Elkhart County, Indiana 2023 Demographics: Veterans by Period of Service

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Elkhart County, Indiana, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 7,418 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Elkhart County, Indiana.

The largest group of veterans served during Vietnam Era Only, accounting for 2,567 veterans (34.6% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Between Gulf War & Vietnam, with 1,605 veterans (21.6%).

The complete distribution of veterans by period of military service in Elkhart County, Indiana is as follows:

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Elkhart County, Indiana, 2023
Period of Service Number of Veterans Percentage
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) 2,567 34.6%
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era 1,605 21.6%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) 1,079 14.5%
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) 846 11.4%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War 550 7.4%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) 263 3.5%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) 233 3.1%
World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) 143 1.9%
Between Korean War and World War II 66 0.9%
Gulf War and Vietnam Era 45 0.6%
Post-9/11, Gulf War, and Vietnam Era 11 0.1%
Vietnam Era and Korean War 10 0.1%
Total Veterans 7,418 100.0%

Period of military service categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans may have served during multiple periods, including World War II (December 1941–December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950–January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964–April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990–August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Understanding veteran demographics helps communities provide appropriate services, benefits, and support to those who have served.


Elkhart County, Indiana 2023 Demographics: Families by Income-to-Poverty Ratio

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Elkhart County, Indiana, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 48,343 families in Elkhart County, Indiana.

Of these families, 4,439 (9.2%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 17,163 families (35.5%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 26,741 families (55.3%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

The complete distribution of families by income-to-poverty ratio in Elkhart County, Indiana is as follows:

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Elkhart County, Indiana, 2023
Income-to-Poverty Ratio Number of Families Percentage
Below 50% of Poverty 2,111 4.4%
50-74% of Poverty 1,283 2.7%
75-99% of Poverty 1,045 2.2%
100-124% of Poverty 1,815 3.8%
125-149% of Poverty 2,034 4.2%
150-174% of Poverty 2,154 4.5%
175-184% of Poverty 834 1.7%
185-199% of Poverty 1,610 3.3%
200-299% of Poverty 8,716 18.0%
300-399% of Poverty 8,186 16.9%
400-499% of Poverty 5,660 11.7%
500%+ of Poverty 12,895 26.7%
Total Families 48,343 100.0%

Income-to-poverty ratio measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold, which varies by family size and composition. A ratio below 1.00 (100%) indicates the family lives in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 represent families with low incomes who may still struggle financially despite being technically above the poverty line. Families with ratios of 2.00 (200%) or higher generally have more economic security. Understanding poverty distribution helps communities allocate resources and develop programs to support families in need.


Elkhart County, Indiana 2023 Demographics: SNAP/Food Stamps Recipients

Stacked bar chart showing SNAP/Food Stamps recipient household composition by presence of children under 18 in Elkhart County, Indiana, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 71,760 total households in Elkhart County, Indiana. Of these, 4,922 households (6.86%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 2,902 (58.96%) have children under 18 years, while 2,020 (41.04%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Elkhart County, Indiana, 2023
Household Type With Children Under 18 No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family 890 (18.08%) 266 (5.40%)
Male Householder, No Spouse 352 (7.15%) 36 (0.73%)
Female Householder, No Spouse 1,660 (33.73%) 213 (4.33%)
Nonfamily Households 0 (0.00%) 1,505 (30.58%)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program aims to help eligible households purchase nutritious food. SNAP participation rates and household composition patterns provide important insights into economic hardship and food security challenges in Elkhart County, Indiana. Households with children under 18 often face greater nutritional needs, while households without children may include seniors, disabled individuals, or working adults facing economic challenges.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The age breakdown for the population of Elkhart County, Indiana is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:

Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years7.27%
5–17 years (children)20.37%
18–24 years (young adults)9.14%
25–34 years12.65%
35–54 years23.85%
55–64 years11.56%
65 years and over (seniors)15.17%

The racial and ethnic composition of Elkhart County, Indiana is dominated by: White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 70.75%, Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 19.51%, Black/African American Alone: 4.78%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Elkhart County, Indiana is $65,617. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.

The household income distribution in Elkhart County, Indiana is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 11.70%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 12.00%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 13.62%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 18.18%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 32.06%, High Income ($150,000+): 12.44%.

Approximately 30.21% of households in Elkhart County, Indiana earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.

The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in Elkhart County, Indiana is: Less than $25,000: 3.69%, $25,000-$49,999: 2.49%, $50,000-$99,999: 10.57%, $100,000-$199,999: 35.10%, $200,000-$499,999: 42.41%, $500,000-$999,999: 5.33%, $1,000,000 or more: 0.41%.

There are 51,126 owner-occupied housing units in Elkhart County, Indiana. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 5.74% of owner-occupied housing units in Elkhart County, Indiana are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.

In Elkhart County, Indiana, 19.73% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.

The educational attainment breakdown for Elkhart County, Indiana (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 17.80%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 36.91%, Some college or associate's degree: 25.56%, Bachelor's degree: 12.79%, Graduate or professional degree: 6.95%.

In Elkhart County, Indiana, 82.20% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.

In Elkhart County, Indiana, 14.7% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 30,177 individuals out of a total population of 204,813 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Elkhart County, Indiana. For young adults (18-34 years), 24.0% of males and 20.8% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 17.2% of males and 14.9% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Elkhart County, Indiana have uninsured rates of 13.1% for males and 15.6% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 1.6% for males and 1.7% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Elkhart County, Indiana, 94.6% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 206,868 people, 195,612 are U.S. citizens.

Elkhart County, Indiana has 8,264 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 4.0% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.

The nativity and citizenship breakdown for Elkhart County, Indiana is: 89.0% were born in the United States, 0.6% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 0.9% were born abroad of American parent(s), 4.0% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 5.4% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Elkhart County, Indiana, 90.7% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 96,409 total workers, 87,415 use personal vehicles for their commute.

261 workers in Elkhart County, Indiana use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 0.3% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Elkhart County, Indiana include: 4.8% work from home, 2.1% walk to work, 1.3% bicycle, and 0.8% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.

"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in Elkhart County, Indiana. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.

According to the American Community Survey, Elkhart County, Indiana has 98,106 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 45.6% of male workers and 31.6% of female workers in this category.

In Elkhart County, Indiana, there are 3,421 male government workers and 4,834 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 3.5% of male workers and 4.9% of female workers.

Self-employment in Elkhart County, Indiana includes 3,033 males (3.1%) and 2,053 females (2.1%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Elkhart County, Indiana, 4,922 households (6.86% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 71,760 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Elkhart County, Indiana, 2,902 (58.96%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.

SNAP recipients in Elkhart County, Indiana include diverse household types. Among households with children, 1,660 (33.73%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 890 (18.08%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In Elkhart County, Indiana, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 7,418 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Elkhart County, Indiana. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.

The most common period of military service for veterans in Elkhart County, Indiana is Vietnam Era Only, with 2,567 veterans (34.6% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Between Gulf War & Vietnam, with 1,605 veterans (21.6%).

"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in Elkhart County, Indiana provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.

Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 51.5% of all veterans in Elkhart County, Indiana. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 3,819 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.

In Elkhart County, Indiana, 4,439 families (9.2% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 48,343 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.

"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In Elkhart County, Indiana, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.

Beyond families living in poverty, Elkhart County, Indiana has 17,163 families (35.5%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 6,003 families (12.4%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.

In Elkhart County, Indiana, 2,111 families (4.4%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 26,741 families (55.3%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.