Median Income
$24,250
68% lower than US avg
Home Value
$17,900
94% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.2%
76% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
16.3%
353% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.6%
42% higher than US avg
How Elgin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population55
Median Age53.1 yrs
Density275/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans49.0%
Economy
D
Median Income$24,250
Per Capita$18,340
Unemployment16.3%
Poverty17.6%
County GDP$101M
Commute55 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$17,900
RentN/A
OwnershipN/A
Health
Obesity41.2%
UninsuredN/A
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain40.5 in/yr
Elevation787 ft (240 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.2%
High School+79.6%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 14%
Commute55 min
Broadband21.0%
Libraries2
Is Elgin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elgin receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Elgin has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elgin is $24,250, 68% below the national average of $75,149. At 16.3%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 17.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 55 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elgin is $17,900, 94% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
8.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Elgin enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.5 inches, including 9.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Elgin has a population of 55 with a density of 275 people per square mile. The median age is 53.1 years, 37% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (80%), with 1.8% Hispanic.
Population
53.1yrs
Median Age
37% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 93.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Spanish | 6.7% |
| 50% below US avg |
The median household income in Elgin is $24,250, which is 68% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 16.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 55 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $24,250 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,340 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $689 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,614 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 16.3% |
| 353% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.6% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 106 |
| County GDP | $101M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 11 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,900 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 16.20% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 54.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Elgin is $17,900, 94% below the national average.
Home Values
| Census Median | $17,900 |
| 94% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,900 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 16.20% |
In Elgin, 41.2% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 24.1% report depression. 30.6% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Elgin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.3% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.6% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 77.6% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Premature Death | 12,109/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Elgin has an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation is 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 57.4°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 40.5 inches |
| 7% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 9.3 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 787 ft (240 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 275/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.0016°N, 96.2806°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County FIPS | 20019 |