Elkhart is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States. The population was 882 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Des Moines–Wes…Elkhart is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States. The population was 882 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area. Elkhart was founded in 1853 by settlers from Elkhart, Indiana. After a decline in the population of the original town, the Elkhart Post Office was moved to the nearby town of Ottawa. In a few years, the name would be moved once again to its current location. It was incorporated as a city on July 27, 1904.