Elkhart, IN

Elkhart, Indiana

Introduction to Elkhart, Indiana

Elkhart is situated along the St. Joseph and Elkhart Rivers. Visitors often explore the nearby Amish region. The city contains numerous major parks including the popular Island Park. The South Bend metropolitan region is close by. The city is known as the "RV capital of the world" which can be attributed to the numerous recreational vehicle manufactures that are located in Elkhart. The Robert Young Rail Yard is recognized as one of the biggest freight classification yards in the entire world.

History

The region was originally inhabited by the Ottawa, Potawatomi and Chippewa Indians. In 1827, Jesse Rush and Andrew Naffsinger created settlements along the St. Joseph River. Dr. Havilah Beardsley bought a piece of land from a Potawatomi Chief and in 1832 hired a surveyor to establish a town site. The original plan contained 51 lots. In 1884 the Miles Medical Company was established and its products included Alka-Seltzer and Flinstones Vitamins.

Attractions

• Elco Theater features theatrical productions, a variety of musicals and symphonies.
• Midwest Museum of Art.
• National New York Central Railroad Museum.
• Ruthmere House Museum showcases the history of Elkhart and a variety of art.
• Elco Performing Arts Center.
• Elkhart Historical Museum is a prominent museum.
• Woodlawn Nature Center.
• Elkhart Environmental Center provides hiking opportunities along the Elkhart River.
• The RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum.

Events and Activities

The Elkhart Jazz Festival is regarded as one of the prominent jazz events in the country. The city also hosts one of the biggest county fairs in the nation. Some of the noteworthy events in the city include the Island of Blues, Great Race, Head of the Elk Regatta and the Rhapsody in Green. The downtown area has been revitalized and features numerous shops, restaurants and nightlife. Residents and visitors can access Island Park by walking across a bridge. The island is filled with huge sycamores and oak trees. The American Countryside Farmer's Market is popular with residents and tourists.

Transportation

The city is served by the South Bend Regional Airport.

Higher Education

The Ivy Tech Community College and the Indiana University South Bend have campuses in the city. The Indiana Institute of Technology and Bethel College in Mishawaka have small campuses in Elkhart.

High Points

Elkhart strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Indiana):

Category	Trophy
Racial Diversity (vs. State)	Top 1%
Affordability of Property Taxes (vs. Peers)	Top 7%
Public Transportation Use (vs. State)	Top 9%
Short Commute Times (vs. State)	Top 14%

Comparative Profile of Elkhart, IN

Comparing Elkhart to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Indiana (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Children Under 5 Years Old
Racial Diversity
Male Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Senior Citizens
Well-Paid Single Women
Female Share of the Population
Age of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People Above Poverty
People in Middle Class or Better
Median Family Income
College Educated Adults

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Short Commute Times
Walking and Biking to Work
Public Transportation Use
Working at Home

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Affordability of Property Taxes
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
People Living Alone
Affordability of Rents
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Violent Crime
Low Property Crime

Elkhart Almanac

Elkhart Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Elkhart Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Political Contributions (2004)

Money donated by Elkhart residents to parties and candidates for the 2004 elections.

by Political Party

by Presidential Candidate

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Elkhart, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Elkhart Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Elkhart Hospitals

ELKHART GENERAL HOSPITAL
(Voluntary non-profit - Other)
600 EAST BOULEVARD
(574) 294-2621
Emergency Service: Yes

Starbucks in Elkhart

Elkhart High Schools (2004)

ELKHART MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
2608 CALIFORNIA RD
574-262-5600
Serves 1,876 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 19.9

ELKHART CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
1 BLAZER BLVD
574-295-4700
Serves 1,828 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 19.9

CONCORD COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
59117 MINUTEMAN WAY
574-875-6524
Serves 1,452 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 21.2

JIMTOWN HIGH SCHOOL
59021 CR 3 S
574-295-2343
Serves 512 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 17.2

Elkhart Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary

Indiana Business College

(List of All Indiana Colleges)

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