Median Income
$40,000
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$111,400
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.3%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$649
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.8%
172% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.0%
53% higher than US avg
How Elgin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population654
Median Age42.3 yrs
Density798/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
C
Median Income$40,000
Per Capita$31,735
Unemployment9.8%
Poverty19.0%
County GDP$104M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$111,400
Rent$649
Ownership68.6%
Zillow$129,410
Housing Units374
Rent Burden27.8%
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured4.1%
Smoking17.6%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
Rain19.2 in/yr
Elevation2,353 ft (717 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.3%
High School+85.4%
Graduate+2.8%
School Score5.94
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 16%
Commute12 min
Broadband85.9%
Libraries1
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 affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. 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 $40,000, 47% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.8%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 19.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elgin is $111,400, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $649 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
22.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Elgin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 19.2 inches, including 56.7 inches of snow.
Elgin has a population of 654 with a density of 798 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 42.3 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.4% female and 43.6% male. The city is predominantly White (91.9%), with 1.1% Hispanic, 7.2% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.5% of residents, while 14.7% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
654
Total Population
2023 Census
42.3yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.5%
13% above US avg
Spanish
14.7%
10% above US avg
The median household income in Elgin is $40,000, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,735 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $962, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 19.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 110 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,000 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,735 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $962 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,151 |
| Gini Index | 0.505 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.8% |
| 172% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.0% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 110 |
| County GDP | $104M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 11 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Elgin is $111,400, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,410, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $649 (44% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 374 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $111,400 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $129,410 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $649 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.4% |
| Housing Units | 374 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
In Elgin, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.1% report binge drinking. 27.5% are physically inactive. 22.8% report depression. 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 4.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:2,243. 27.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elgin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.5% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 32.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 4.1% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:2,243 |
| Mental Health | 1:369 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,581/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Elgin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 19.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 56.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 2,353 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.1°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,353 ft (717 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 798/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4015°N, 101.8474°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Grant County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dickinson/Theodore Roosevelt Regional (DIK)
53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.2"
49% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.26"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 30.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
204 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 8 fatalities, 71 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 1953 |
EF5 |
90 km |
2 |
| Jul 4, 1978 |
EF4 |
3 km |
5 |
| Jun 29, 1975 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| Jul 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1981 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1956 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2011 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1990 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1978 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1969 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1969 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1952 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2024 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2019 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TENBROOK (30,588 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
TENBROOK |
30,588 |
61 km |
| 2021 |
WINDY |
16,866 |
65 km |
| 2013 |
PAUTRE |
11,733 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
STONE MAN CHURCH |
10,389 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
LUND |
9,425 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
BLACK HORSE CREEK |
8,000 |
91 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
7,593 |
78 km |
| 2003 |
MCCLEAN BOTTOMS |
6,421 |
98 km |
| 1999 |
BULLHEAD |
5,606 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
HWY31 AND 101ST WEST |
4,879 |
60 km |
| 2015 |
CANNON BALL |
3,068 |
96 km |
| 2000 |
PASTURE 9 BURN |
2,768 |
84 km |
| 2012 |
MCINTOSH |
2,653 |
61 km |
| 2004 |
FISCHER |
2,578 |
96 km |
| 2012 |
CORNSTALK |
2,561 |
92 km |
| 2007 |
HARRIS |
2,369 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
NEUGERFIRE |
2,150 |
85 km |
| 2024 |
STATELINE |
2,123 |
94 km |
| 2003 |
24 |
2,119 |
96 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,050 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Elgin has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 14°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$223 ($134-$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178-$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712-$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134-$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356-$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134-$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560-$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356-$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895-$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445-$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450-$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780-$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712-$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178-$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890-$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67-$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23-$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23-$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67-$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56-$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71-$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068-$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534-$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445-$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178-$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356-$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450-$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $865 |
| Toddler | $791 |
| Preschool | $733 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $636 |
| Toddler | $601 |
| Preschool | $605 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elgin
What is the population of Elgin?
Elgin has a population of 654 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 798 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.4% female and 43.6% male.
Is Elgin expensive to live in?
Elgin is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $40,000, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $111,400 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $649 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Elgin?
Elgin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 19.2 inches, with 56.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Elgin?
The job market in Elgin faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.8% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $962. There are 110 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elgin?
The median home value in Elgin is $111,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,410. For renters, the median monthly rent is $649. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.6%.
How are the schools in Elgin?
Schools in Elgin score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.3% of adults in Elgin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.4% have completed high school. 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elgin?
The obesity rate in Elgin is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 27.5% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 4.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 27.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Elgin?
The average commute in Elgin is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elgin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elgin is 91.9% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian. 88.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.7% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 17.6% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.