A Comprehensive View of Steuben County's Economy in 2025

Steuben County entered 2025 with stable population growth, an active labor force, and a cost of living below the national average. The county's population reached 35,131 in 2024, an increase of 690 residents since 2020. Median household income rose to 71,483 dollars during the same period. Although unemployment increased to 4.2 percent, it remains below the national rate.

The county continues to experience demographic pressure as deaths outpace births, but gains in international migration are helping to offset the shift. Local leaders describe the year as one defined by steady fundamentals and continued planning for long-term stability.

County Activities Anchor Business Growth

Steuben County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) continued its business retention and expansion work through more than 60 significant visits and more than 50 industry conversations linked to the tax abatement process. The updated BRE Team structure enabled 25 additional onsite visits. Companies also gained access to new data analytics tools to support operational planning.

The Entrepreneur-in-Residence program at CoWork Steuben recorded 55 contacts. Elected officials joined business visits throughout 2024 and into 2025, strengthening communication and policy alignment. These activities helped the county maintain a direct connection to employers during a year of shifting economic conditions.

Preparing for Future Investment

Infrastructure and site capacity planning advanced through regional programs and local coordination. Projects supported through the Regional Cities Initiative and READI 1 continued moving forward, and several applications under READI 2 remain under review. Utility providers' advanced plans for expanding electric, gas, water, sewer, and broadband services.

The planned 345 KV MISO transmission line and gas capacity extension in the county's economic service area represent essential steps toward long-term readiness. SCEDC also reviewed potential development sites, industrial land needs, and options for future spec buildings. Airport development and corridor planning remain active parts of overall readiness efforts.

Workforce Efforts Show Practical Results

The county expanded career-connected learning opportunities through its partnership with Trine University. The Skills Gap Forecasting Project supported one capstone, one intern, and one part-time employee, with additional work planned. Local schools, employers, and SCEDC coordinated work-based learning placements and internships.

Healthcare workforce efforts continued through collaborations with Cameron Health and the Trine Nursing Program. Community partners also supported youth exposure to manufacturing and technical careers through Made in Steuben, Manufacturing Experience, and industry visits.

Housing Work Supports Future Stability

The 2024 Housing Strategy Study updated the county's goals, including a target of adding 750 new units over five years. Young couples and singles increased by 6 percent between 2020 and 2024, prompting further focus on housing options. Local leaders are evaluating several projects that may move forward in 2025 through available funding tools.

Single-family home development remains the most needed and most challenging type to produce. SCEDC is now recognized as a Local Housing Optimizer Organization through Ball State, adding technical capacity for this work.

Contact SCEDC for Project Information

For additional data, context, or guidance on county economic development activities, contact the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation.