Goshen's economy runs on the same regional engine as the rest of Elkhart County, with a few employers specific to the city itself.
Recreational vehicles
The Elkhart–Middlebury–Goshen corridor is commonly cited as producing the great majority of North America's RVs. Thor Industries is headquartered in Elkhart; Forest River, Keystone RV, Lippert Components, and Jayco all operate within a short drive of Goshen. A significant share of buyers relocating to Goshen are coming for a job in that industry or its supply chain.
Beyond RVs
The largest local employers outside the RV sector include IU Health Goshen Hospital, Goshen Community Schools, and Goshen College. Manufacturing outside the RV industry, healthcare, construction, and agriculture round out the picture, and commuting to Elkhart, Middlebury, Mishawaka, or South Bend is straightforward for residents whose work takes them outside the city.
The honest trade-off
The same RV-industry strength that drives the regional economy is also a form of exposure — it's genuinely cyclical, and the region felt that directly during the 2008–2009 downturn. For more detail specific to RV industry buyers, see Working in the RV Industry and Buying a Home in Goshen, Indiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What share of RV production comes from the Elkhart–Middlebury–Goshen area?
Commonly cited at more than 80% of global RV production.
What major RV manufacturers operate in the region?
Thor Industries (headquartered in Elkhart), Forest River, Keystone RV, Lippert Components, and others.
What are Goshen's two standout local employers outside RVs?
Goshen College and IU Health Goshen Hospital.
