Median Income
$88,289
17% higher than US avg
Home Value
$112,500
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
136/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.9%
94% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.5%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.4%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.6%
71% lower than US avg
How Elgin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population80
Median Age42.5 yrs
Density364/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans54.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$88,289
Per Capita$25,838
Unemployment5.4%
Poverty3.6%
County GDP$1,726M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,500
Ownership90.6%
Zillow$216,789
Housing Units47
Rent Burden22.4%
Crime
F
Violent136/100K
Property1,541/100K
Health
Obesity36.5%
Smoking17.2%
Depression27.9%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain41.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation814 ft (248 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.9%
High School+96.2%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute30 min
Broadband32.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries7
Is Elgin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elgin receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Elgin has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elgin is $88,289, 17% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 5.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elgin is $112,500, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.3x 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 136 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,541 per 100,000, 21% below the national average.
Education
1.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Elgin experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.2 inches, including 18.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Elgin has a population of 80 with a density of 364 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 42.5 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.8% female and 41.3% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 54.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 6.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.5yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Elgin is $88,289, which is 17% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,838 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $950, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 658 business establishments, including 55 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $88,289 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,838 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $950 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,126 |
| Gini Index | 0.374 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.6% |
| 71% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 658 |
| County GDP | $1,726M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 55 |
| Healthcare | 59 |
| Retail | 84 |
| Manufacturing | 38 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,981 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 95.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Elgin is $112,500, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $216,789, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 47 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $2,981. 22.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,500 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $216,789 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.4% |
| Housing Units | 47 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,981 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.65% |
In Elgin, 36.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 17.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.9% report binge drinking. 27.1% are physically inactive. 27.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,210. The dentist ratio is 1:2,397. 64.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elgin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.5% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.1% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 37.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.7% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,210 |
| Dentists | 1:2,397 |
| Mental Health | 1:652 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 57.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,043/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 59 |
Elgin has a violent crime rate of 136 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,541 per 100,000, 21% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 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 | 135.9/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,540.6/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elgin experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 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 41.2 inches. The area receives 18.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 814 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.0°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 814 ft (248 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 364/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7427°N, 84.4762°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Van Wert County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.2"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 20.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
126 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
45 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
39 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
33 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
122 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
34 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
123 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
17 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
81 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
465 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 50 fatalities, 1,029 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
25 km |
4 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
8 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
44 km |
3 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
4 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
24 km |
13 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
72 km |
17 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
36 km |
3 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
28 km |
1 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 1986 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Elgin has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 26°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.9").
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) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $751 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $615 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $610 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elgin
What is the population of Elgin?
Elgin has a population of 80 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 364 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.8% female and 41.3% male.
Is Elgin expensive to live in?
Elgin is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $88,289, 17% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,500 (60% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, 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 136 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,541 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.2 inches, with 18.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Elgin?
The unemployment rate in Elgin is 5.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $950. There are 658 business establishments in the area, including 55 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elgin?
The median home value in Elgin is $112,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $216,789. The homeownership rate is 90.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,981.
How are the schools in Elgin?
Schools in Elgin score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 1.9% of adults in Elgin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elgin?
The obesity rate in Elgin is 36.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.2% of adults are smokers. 27.1% are physically inactive. 27.9% of residents report depression. 64.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,210.
What is transportation like in Elgin?
The average commute in Elgin is 30 minutes. 95.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elgin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elgin is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 54.0% of the population are military veterans. 6.4% of residents have a disability. 91.7% have health insurance coverage.
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