Median Income
$87,000
16% higher than US avg
Home Value
$218,200
23% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
91/100K
76% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.5%
30% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$738
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.9%
8% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
48% lower than US avg
How Elgin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,147
Median Age31.8 yrs
Density1,233/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans4.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$87,000
Per Capita$36,921
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty6.4%
County GDP$1,094M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$218,200
Rent$738
Ownership77.8%
Zillow$362,917
Housing Units479
Rent Burden18.1%
Crime
F
Violent91/100K
Property152/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking13.9%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain35.5 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,078 ft (329 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.5%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score6.71
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute27 min
Broadband93.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Elgin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elgin receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, 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 $87,000, 16% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elgin is $218,200, 23% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $738 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x 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 91 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 152 per 100,000, 92% below the national average.
Education
23.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.7/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Elgin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches, including 48.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Elgin has a population of 1,147 with a density of 1,233 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 31.8 years, 18% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (93.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.9% of residents, while 6.1% speak Spanish. 4.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 7.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.8yrs
Median Age
18% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.9%
20% above US avg
Spanish
6.1%
54% below US avg
The median household income in Elgin is $87,000, which is 16% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,921. The average weekly wage is $916, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 608 business establishments, including 58 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 9.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $87,000 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,921 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $916 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,149 |
| Gini Index | 0.412 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.4% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 608 |
| County GDP | $1,094M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 58 |
| Healthcare | 58 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,056 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.5% |
The median home value in Elgin is $218,200, 23% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $362,917, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 83% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $738 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 479 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $4,056 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $218,200 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $362,917 |
| Median List Price | $214,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $214,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $111 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 83.0% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $738 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.2% |
| Housing Units | 479 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,056 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.86% |
In Elgin, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 26.0% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 20.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,265. The dentist ratio is 1:1,274. 89.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elgin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.0% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.7% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,265 |
| Dentists | 1:1,274 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,710 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 66.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,282/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 58 |
Elgin has a violent crime rate of 91 per 100,000 residents, 76% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 152 per 100,000, 92% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elgin receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elgin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 91.4/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 152.3/100K |
| 92% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 54 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elgin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 270 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 35.5 inches. The area receives 48.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,078 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,078 ft (329 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,233/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1292°N, 92.2544°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wabasha County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rochester International (RST)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.5"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively 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
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
448 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 37 fatalities, 291 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
86 km |
21 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
76 km |
2 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2018 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2018 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
22 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Elgin has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (0.8").
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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elgin
What is the population of Elgin?
Elgin has a population of 1,147 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,233 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Elgin expensive to live in?
Elgin has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $87,000, 16% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $218,200 (23% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $738 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, 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 91 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 152 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Elgin receives a safety grade of F 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 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.5 inches, with 48.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Elgin?
Elgin has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $916. There are 608 business establishments in the area, including 58 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 9.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elgin?
The median home value in Elgin is $218,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $362,917. For renters, the median monthly rent is $738. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,056.
How are the schools in Elgin?
Schools in Elgin score 6.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.5% of adults in Elgin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elgin?
The obesity rate in Elgin is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 20.7% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 89.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,265.
What is transportation like in Elgin?
The average commute in Elgin is 27 minutes. 84.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elgin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elgin is 93.8% White. 93.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.1% speak Spanish. 4.5% of the population are military veterans. 7.2% of residents have a disability. 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
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