Immigrants in Northeast Indiana contributed significantly to the local economy, paying $453.1 million in taxes and holding $1.3 billion in spending power in 2024, according to a recent report.
Wabash County, IN, November 2, 2026 — A new report titled *Immigrants in Northeast Indiana*, released on September 18 by the American Immigration Council in partnership with Community Connections: A Wabash County Diversity Coalition, highlights the vital role that immigrants play in the region’s economy, labor force, and community development.
According to the report, immigrants accounted for 4.9 percent of the total population in Northeast Indiana but represented a more significant portion of the workforce. They comprised 6.2 percent of the employed labor force and 8.0 percent of workers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields in 2024.
The report was part of the Gateways for Growth Challenge, a competitive initiative that provides research support and technical assistance to localities aiming to enhance immigrant inclusion. The strategic welcoming plan for Wabash County will be unveiled on Thursday, November 5, at the North Manchester Public Library from 4 to 6 PM in the Blocher Community Room. The event will feature local New American entrepreneurs providing food and drinks, student performances from the local Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program, and testimonials from community members about their experiences.
Mackenzie Coulter-Kern, Director of Community Connections: A Wabash County Diversity Coalition, emphasized the importance of the report’s findings. “Each of the statistics in this report represents a child, a family, a friend, and a member of our community that helps make Wabash County the vibrant community that it is,” she stated. “With this plan, it is our responsibility to listen to what makes people feel welcome, to remove barriers to belonging, and to be a bridge between our community members and the resources they need to thrive.”
Micaela McConnell, policy manager of state and local initiatives at the American Immigration Council, remarked on the essential contributions of immigrants. “Immigrants are an integral part of Northeast Indiana’s communities, contributing their talents, skills, and experiences in ways that strengthen the region every day,” she said. “Their contributions are helping build a more vibrant, connected, and prosperous future in Northeast Indiana.”
Briana Broberg, Director of the Welcoming Network at Welcoming America, noted the importance of data-driven approaches to community inclusion. “Communities like Wabash County are showing what welcoming looks like when it’s grounded in data and driven by the people who live there,” she explained. “The Gateways for Growth Challenge was designed to support communities ready to do that work, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
The report reveals several key findings about the immigrant population in Northeast Indiana:
Immigrants are helping the region meet its labor force demands. In 2024, they were 37.8 percent more likely to be of working age compared to their U.S.-born counterparts.
Immigrants also support the federal safety net, contributing $291.4 million to federal taxes and $161.7 million to state and local taxes in the region in 2024.
Moreover, immigrants are filling essential roles in various industries. While making up 4.9 percent of the region’s total population, they represented 10.6 percent of transportation and warehousing workers, 8.2 percent of manufacturing workers, 7.2 percent of hospitality workers, and 6.9 percent of construction workers.
Additionally, the report indicates that immigrants are establishing deep roots in the community, with 83.0 percent having resided in the United States for more than five years as of 2024.
For those interested in exploring the full research brief, it is available on the American Immigration Council’s website.
Community Connections: A Wabash County Diversity Coalition is dedicated to connecting newcomers with resources to help them thrive. Their mission focuses on fostering a safe and nurturing environment by building relationships and celebrating the uniqueness of every individual.
The American Immigration Council works to strengthen America by shaping perceptions and actions towards immigrants and advocating for a fair immigration system. They employ various strategies, including litigation, research, and advocacy, to advance their mission.
Welcoming America is a nonprofit organization that promotes inclusive communities, ensuring that everyone belongs and can thrive. Through the Welcoming Network, they provide communities with the tools needed to create welcoming policies and foster an environment of inclusion.
According to the American Immigration Council, the contributions of immigrants are essential for the economic and social vitality of Northeast Indiana.