Median Income
$24,250
68% lower than US avg
Home Value
$17,900
94% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,114/100K
193% higher 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
Housing
A+
Home Value$17,900
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$42,548
Housing Units39
Rent Burden26.4%
Crime
F
Violent1,114/100K
Property7,526/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured10.3%
Smoking21.4%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain40.5 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation787 ft (240 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.2%
High School+79.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.27
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 14%
Broadband21.0%
Libraries2
Is Elgin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elgin receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. 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.
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.
Safety & Crime
With 1,114 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,526 per 100,000, 284% above the national average.
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 5.3/10.
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. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. 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, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 53.1 years, 37% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40% female and 60% male. The city is predominantly White (80%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.3% of residents, while 6.7% speak Spanish. 49.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 55.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 77.6% have health insurance coverage.
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. Per capita income is $18,340 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $689, 52% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 16.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 106 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $24,250 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,340 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $689 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,614 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
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 |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 16.20% |
Commute & Transportation
| 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 median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $42,548, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 39 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $2,900 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $17,900 |
| 94% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $42,548 |
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
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 39 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
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 national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 34.3% have high blood pressure. 21.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.1% report binge drinking. 30.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 10.3% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:1,708. 44.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
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% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.4% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.6% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 38.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 77.6% |
| Uninsured | 10.3% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,708 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,674 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 54.5% |
| Premature Death | 12,109/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Elgin has a violent crime rate of 1,114 per 100,000 residents, 193% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 7,526 per 100,000, 284% above the U.S. average. Overall, Elgin receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elgin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,114.2/100K |
| 193% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,525.6/100K |
| 284% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elgin enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 305 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 40.5 inches. The area receives 9.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 787 feet.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
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 | Chautauqua County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ponca City Regional (PNC)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.5"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.47"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 12.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 10.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3,259 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M3.4 on Jun 26, 2025.
| Sep 3, 2016 |
14 km NW of Pawnee, Oklahoma |
M5.8 |
86 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
8 km NNE of Marshall, Oklahoma |
M4.6 |
145 km |
| Apr 7, 2018 |
5 km WNW of Lucien, Oklahoma |
M4.6 |
136 km |
| Jan 31, 2022 |
7 km NW of Medford, Oklahoma |
M4.5 |
136 km |
| May 17, 2019 |
8 km E of Pond Creek, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
132 km |
| Jun 17, 2015 |
6 km ESE of Covington, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
137 km |
| Sep 8, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Jefferson, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
129 km |
| Mar 4, 2018 |
4 km N of Breckinridge, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
143 km |
| Jul 14, 2017 |
10 km WSW of Shamrock, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
132 km |
| Feb 5, 2021 |
5 km WNW of Lucien, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
136 km |
| Jan 26, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Medford, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
128 km |
| Jan 27, 2015 |
3 km SE of Perry, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
120 km |
| Mar 5, 2018 |
5 km NNW of Breckinridge, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
143 km |
| Jun 21, 2020 |
9 km NW of Perry, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
120 km |
| Apr 19, 2015 |
6 km W of Langston, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
150 km |
| Jul 17, 2016 |
5 km W of Lucien, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
136 km |
| Aug 14, 2015 |
6 km WNW of Medford, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
137 km |
| Jun 5, 2015 |
3 km SW of Danville, Kansas |
M4.1 |
148 km |
| Mar 29, 2017 |
8 km W of Deer Creek, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
120 km |
| Sep 18, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Cushing, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
667 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 115 fatalities, 984 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 1955 |
EF5 |
78 km |
80 |
| May 25, 1955 |
EF5 |
94 km |
20 |
| May 6, 2024 |
EF4 |
75 km |
2 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1956 |
EF4 |
65 km |
2 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2004 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1993 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1992 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Mar 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (60,976 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
60,976 |
90 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
51,112 |
47 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
36,112 |
43 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
32,901 |
21 km |
| 2018 |
DRUMB |
30,422 |
60 km |
| 2021 |
CANDY CREEK |
23,167 |
53 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
20,760 |
59 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
20,347 |
11 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
19,648 |
19 km |
| 2014 |
RESERVE |
19,016 |
59 km |
| 2018 |
WEST 60 |
18,715 |
30 km |
| 2015 |
WOLF CREEK |
18,077 |
49 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
17,075 |
26 km |
| 2023 |
HWY 123 |
14,980 |
43 km |
| 2016 |
BAR-DEW LAKE |
14,806 |
29 km |
| 2018 |
18-85 |
14,632 |
82 km |
| 2014 |
SPIDER |
14,587 |
50 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
14,119 |
64 km |
| 2016 |
FERGUSON RANCH |
13,625 |
58 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
13,265 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
38°F (4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Elgin has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 34°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (1.3").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elgin
What is the population of Elgin?
Elgin has a population of 55 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 275 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40% female and 60% male.
Is Elgin expensive to live in?
Elgin is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $24,250, 68% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $17,900 (94% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elgin safe?
Public safety is a concern in Elgin, with a violent crime rate of 1,114 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,526 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Elgin receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elgin?
Elgin enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.5 inches, with 9.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Elgin?
The job market in Elgin faces challenges, with unemployment at 16.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $689. There are 106 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Elgin?
The median home value in Elgin is $17,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $42,548. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,900.
How are the schools in Elgin?
Schools in Elgin score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.2% of adults in Elgin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elgin?
The obesity rate in Elgin is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.4% of adults are smokers. 30.6% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 10.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 44.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What are the demographics of Elgin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elgin is 80% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 93.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.7% speak Spanish. 49.0% of the population are military veterans. 55.1% of residents have a disability. 77.6% have health insurance coverage.
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