Although new Census data indicates a small population growth spurt for Elkhart County in the past year, community leaders continue to be concerned with attracting and retaining talent.
With roughly 9,500 open jobs throughout the county, the task is proving to be a game of catch-up.
This story by Geoff Lesar originally appeared in Goshen News.
The estimated county population for 2017 was 205,032, an increase of 886 from the year prior, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures. The population shift is not limited to economic migration.
Data from the Elkhart County Health Department indicate a total of 1,876 deaths and 2,794 births in 2016, a net gain of 918.
In 2017, there were 1,772 deaths and 3,078 births in the county, a difference of 1,306.
Elkhart County’s Vibrant Communities initiative along with upcoming projects, including Elkhart’s River District and Goshen’s plans for a multi-use pavilion and renovations to the Goshen Theater, are prioritizing so-called quality-of-life projects.
Beyond cities developing new amenities and attractions, the county, said Diana Lawson, CEO of the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau, needs to continue addressing how to provide a variety of housing choices, a vital area of consideration for prospective residents when deciding where to locate themselves. Both Elkhart and Goshen, as well as satellite communities, such as South Bend and Ligonier, are currently experiencing the development of new apartment complexes.