Median Income
$60,114
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,300
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% 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
Ownership82.9%
Zillow$267,707
Housing Units372
Rent Burden18.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property52/100K
Health
Obesity37.6%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking16.6%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation820 ft (250 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.4%
High School+96.0%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute23 min
Broadband84.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries11
Is Elgin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elgin receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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.
Safety & Crime
Elgin is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 52 per 100,000, 97% below the national average.
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. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. 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, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 44.1 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.8% female and 50.2% male. The city is predominantly White (95%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 9.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
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. Per capita income is $32,303 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $939, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 680 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.1% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,114 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,303 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $939 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,872 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
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 |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=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 median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $267,707, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $634 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 372 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $3,224. 18.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
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
| Homeownership | 82.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.1% |
| Housing Units | 372 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
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 national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 24.6% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 21.6% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,210. The dentist ratio is 1:1,754. 62.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
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% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,210 |
| Dentists | 1:1,754 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,201 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 66.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,298/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
Elgin has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 52 per 100,000, 97% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elgin receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Elgin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 51.8/100K |
| 97% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Elgin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches. The area receives 41.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 820 feet.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 820 ft (250 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,247/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9554°N, 91.6354°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Fayette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.5"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
496 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 12 fatalities, 390 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
40 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
83 km |
2 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
15 km |
2 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
20 km |
1 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Elgin has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Elgin. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $702 |
| Toddler | $604 |
| Preschool | $604 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $461 |
| Toddler | $453 |
| Preschool | $453 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elgin
What is the population of Elgin?
Elgin has a population of 848 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,247 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
Is Elgin expensive to live in?
Elgin is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $60,114, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $87,300 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $634 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elgin safe?
Elgin is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 52 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Elgin receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elgin?
Elgin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.5 inches, with 41.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Elgin?
The job market in Elgin is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $939. There are 680 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 13.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elgin?
The median home value in Elgin is $87,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $267,707. For renters, the median monthly rent is $634. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,224.
How are the schools in Elgin?
Schools in Elgin score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.4% of adults in Elgin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elgin?
The obesity rate in Elgin is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 62.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,210.
What is transportation like in Elgin?
The average commute in Elgin is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elgin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elgin is 95% White, 0.7% Black or African American. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 9.5% of the population are military veterans. 19.4% of residents have a disability. 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
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