Median Income
$66,667
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$129,700
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
459/100K
21% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.0%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$967
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.1%
70% higher than US avg
How Elco Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population278
Median Age45.8 yrs
Density993/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans2.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$66,667
Per Capita$30,199
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty21.1%
County GDP$19,388M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$129,700
Rent$967
Ownership74.2%
Zillow$99,364
Housing Units149
Rent Burden40.0%
Crime
F
Violent459/100K
Property1,405/100K
Health
Obesity31.9%
Smoking21.8%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain40.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,001 ft (305 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.0%
High School+88.1%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score6.67
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute31 min
Broadband87.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries22
Is Elco a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elco receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Elco has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elco is $66,667, 11% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 21.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elco is $129,700, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $967 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 459 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,405 per 100,000, 28% below the national average.
Education
16.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.7/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Elco experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.9 inches, including 10.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Elco has a population of 278 with a density of 993 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 45.8 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.3% female and 50.7% male. The city is predominantly White (84.5%), with 1.4% Hispanic, 2.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96% of residents. 2.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 19.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.8yrs
Median Age
18% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.0%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.0%
70% below US avg
The median household income in Elco is $66,667, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,199 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,087, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 9,132 business establishments, including 780 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 11.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,667 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,199 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,087 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,248 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.1% |
| 70% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 9,132 |
| County GDP | $19,388M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 780 |
| Healthcare | 1,116 |
| Retail | 1,146 |
| Manufacturing | 486 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,108 |
| 75% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.71% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.2% |
| Public Transit | 3.6% |
| Work from Home | 11.7% |
The median home value in Elco is $129,700, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $99,364, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $967 (17% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 149 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1944. The average annual property tax is $6,108 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 40.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $129,700 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $99,364 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $967 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.8% |
| Housing Units | 149 |
| Median Year Built | 1944 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,108 |
| 75% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.71% |
In Elco, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 21.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.6% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 13.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,385. The dentist ratio is 1:1,437. 89.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elco vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.0% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.8% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 13.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.3% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,385 |
| Dentists | 1:1,437 |
| Mental Health | 1:447 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,507/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,116 |
Elco has a violent crime rate of 459 per 100,000 residents, 21% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,405 per 100,000, 28% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 32 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elco receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elco vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 458.7/100K |
| 21% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,404.8/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 32 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elco experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 40.9 inches. The area receives 10.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 1,001 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.9°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,001 ft (305 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 993/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0818°N, 79.8817°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Westmoreland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Arnold Palmer Regional (LBE)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.9"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0423 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
122 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
150 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
125 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Aug 7, 2000 |
2 km S of Limaville, Ohio |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
142 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
3 km N of Saint Marys, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
135 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 |
4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
49 km |
| Aug 15, 2010 |
19 km ESE of Burnsville, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
240 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 531 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
96 km |
9 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Aug 3, 1963 |
EF3 |
27 km |
2 |
| Jun 26, 2024 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2024 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2022 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2021 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (510 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
510 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Elco has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 30°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Elco. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Elco
What is the population of Elco?
Elco has a population of 278 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 993 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
Is Elco expensive to live in?
Elco has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $66,667, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $129,700 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $967 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elco safe?
The violent crime rate in Elco is 459 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,405 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Elco receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elco?
Elco has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.9 inches, with 10.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Elco?
Elco has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,087. There are 9,132 business establishments in the area, including 780 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 11.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elco?
The median home value in Elco is $129,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $99,364. For renters, the median monthly rent is $967. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,108.
How are the schools in Elco?
Schools in Elco score 6.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.0% of adults in Elco hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elco?
The obesity rate in Elco is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 21.8% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 89.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,385.
What is transportation like in Elco?
The average commute in Elco is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.2% of workers drive alone to work, 3.6% use public transit, and 11.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elco?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elco is 84.5% White, 2.2% Black or African American, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 96% of residents speak only English at home, while 4% speak Spanish. 2.6% of the population are military veterans. 19.1% of residents have a disability. 89.3% have health insurance coverage.
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