Wakarusa, Indiana

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Wakarusa from the air, looking east.

Wakarusa is a town in Elkhart County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 1,618.

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 Economy
4 Festivals
5 External links

[edit] Geography

Wakarusa is located at 41°32′4″N, 86°0′58″W (41.534490, -86.016223)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 5.9 km² (2.3 mi²), all land.

The name "Wakarusa" is derived from the Potawatomi language for "knee deep in mud."

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 1,618 people, 595 households, and 427 families residing in the town. The population density was 276.4/km² (716.0/mi²). There were 618 housing units at an average density of 105.6/km² (273.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.34% White, 0.49% African American, 0.19% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.62% from other races, and 1.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.48% of the population.

Wakarusa downtown.

There were 595 households out of which 35.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.7% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.2% were non-families. 25.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the town the population was spread out with 26.0% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 19.0% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 84.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.2 males.

Wakarusa town hall.

The median income for a household in the town was $41,515, and the median income for a family was $50,833. Males had a median income of $36,014 versus $25,300 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,615. About 3.2% of families and 4.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.8% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Economy

At it's origin, Wakarusa was a major stop for the railroad and 3 separate lumber mills operated within its limits. Though the lumber industry is no longer present, there are two grain mills in town with large amounts of farming done close by.

Wakarusa's location in Elkhart County places it within a very strong industrial area. Multiple manufacturers are located in the area making RVs, modular housing, and custom truck production.

[edit] Festivals

Once a year, the town hosts the Maple Syrup Festival and holds a parade as well as other activities associated with small-town celebrations. The festival was started in 1969 by the then Chamber of Progress. Originally held in March, the festival now occurs during the middle of April.