Welcome to the inaugural edition of the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Report. This new publication looks at key metrics to understand where we stand as a region. The numbers show a year of steady progress. While population and labor force growth were modest, the region showed resilience in the face of national headwinds, with signs of recovery in housing and strong gains in educational attainment and demographic diversity. Commercial and residential development held firm, tourism remained vibrant, and venture capital investment surged to new heights. Despite rising unemployment and industry shifts, the region continues to lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity.
Highlights from this year’s report include:
- Population growth rebounded slightly after recent declines, with increasing diversity across the region.
- Venture capital investment hit a record $6.89 billion, signaling growing confidence in regional innovation.
- Educational attainment rose, with 28 percent of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Median home prices stabilized, while new construction activity reached a three-year high.
- Industrial development expanded, even as office space demand declined.
- Wages grew 4.8 percent overall, with especially strong gains in healthcare and logistics roles.
We invite you to explore the full report to better understand the region’s evolving story of resilience,
opportunity, and transformation.
Warmly,
Bethany Hartley
President and CEO
South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership