Median Income
$60,114
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,300
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.4%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$634
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.4%
89% lower than US avg
How Elgin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population848
Median Age44.1 yrs
Density1,247/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans9.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,114
Per Capita$32,303
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty1.4%
County GDP$1,075M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,300
Rent$634
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$267,707
Rent Burden18.3%
Health
Obesity37.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.5 in/yr
Elevation820 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.4%
High School+96.0%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute23 min
Broadband84.3%
Libraries11
Is Elgin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elgin receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Elgin offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elgin is $60,114, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 1.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elgin is $87,300, 69% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $634 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
16.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Elgin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches, including 41.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Elgin has a population of 848 with a density of 1,247 people per square mile. The median age is 44.1 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (95%).
Population
44.1yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 97.6% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Spanish | 2.4% |
| 82% below US avg |
The median household income in Elgin is $60,114, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.4% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,114 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,303 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $939 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,872 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 680 |
| County GDP | $1,075M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 94 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,224 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.1% |
The median home value in Elgin is $87,300, 69% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $634 (45% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $267,707.
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,300 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $267,707 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $634 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,224 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.69% |
In Elgin, 37.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 21.6% report depression. 24.6% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Elgin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 24.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.4% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,298/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
Crime Rates: Elgin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
Safety Score
Elgin has an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation is 39.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 39.5 inches |
| 4% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 41.1 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 820 ft (250 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,247/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9554°N, 91.6354°W |
| County FIPS | 19065 |