Median Income
$53,661
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$98,000
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.9%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$675
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.7%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.3%
25% lower than US avg
How Elgin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population620
Median Age51.9 yrs
Density849/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$53,661
Per Capita$41,249
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty9.3%
County GDP$576M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$98,000
Rent$675
Ownership82.2%
Zillow$236,296
Housing Units377
Rent Burden15.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property248/100K
Health
Obesity42.7%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking15.5%
Depression18.7%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain27.9 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,930 ft (588 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.9%
High School+96.5%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score5.74
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute22 min
Broadband85.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
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. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. 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 $53,661, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. 9.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elgin is $98,000, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x 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 248 per 100,000, 87% below the national average.
Education
18.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Elgin experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.9 inches, including 29.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Elgin has a population of 620 with a density of 849 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 51.9 years, 33% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.8% female and 44.2% male. The city is predominantly White (98.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 9.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.9yrs
Median Age
33% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
The median household income in Elgin is $53,661, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,249. The average weekly wage is $976, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 258 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,661 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,249 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $976 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,112 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.3% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 258 |
| County GDP | $576M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,843 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.6% |
The median home value in Elgin is $98,000, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,296, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $675 (42% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 377 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $2,843 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 15.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $98,000 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $236,296 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $675 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.8% |
| Housing Units | 377 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,843 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.90% |
In Elgin, 42.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 23.6% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 18.7% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:673. The dentist ratio is 1:1,795. 43.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elgin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.7% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 18.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 30.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:673 |
| Dentists | 1:1,795 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,062 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 63.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,359/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Elgin has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 248 per 100,000, 87% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. 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 | 247.9/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Elgin experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 308 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 27.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 29.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,930 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,930 ft (588 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 849/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9831°N, 98.0828°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Boone County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.9"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
110 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
126 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
74 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
128 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
77 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
69 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
125 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
119 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
90 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
58 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
23 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
523 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 254 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
41 km |
6 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1984 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1979 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1975 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOWERY (4,881 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
LOWERY |
4,881 |
85 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
31 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
43 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Elgin has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.5").
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 | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elgin
What is the population of Elgin?
Elgin has a population of 620 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 849 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.8% female and 44.2% 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 $53,661, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $98,000 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, 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 248 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.9 inches, with 29.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Elgin?
The job market in Elgin is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $976. There are 258 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 3.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elgin?
The median home value in Elgin is $98,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,296. For renters, the median monthly rent is $675. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,843.
How are the schools in Elgin?
Schools in Elgin score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.9% of adults in Elgin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elgin?
The obesity rate in Elgin is 42.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 18.7% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 43.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:673.
What is transportation like in Elgin?
The average commute in Elgin is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elgin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elgin is 98.7% White. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 9.1% of the population are military veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
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