Median Income
$53,750
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$180,900
36% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.3%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,007
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.3%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.0%
52% lower than US avg
How Elgin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,592
Median Age37.2 yrs
Density1,576/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans9.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$53,750
Per Capita$28,771
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty6.0%
County GDP$1,340M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$180,900
Rent$1,007
Ownership64.3%
Zillow$275,136
Housing Units681
Rent Burden27.1%
Health
Obesity35.3%
Uninsured4.5%
Smoking13.9%
Depression29.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI23 (Good)
Rain25.9 in/yr
Elevation2,687 ft (819 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.3%
High School+92.5%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score5.01
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 28%
Commute23 min
Broadband77.4%
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, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include 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 $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. Only 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elgin is $180,900, 36% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,007 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
9.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Elgin experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 25.9 inches, including 9.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 23.
Elgin has a population of 1,592 with a density of 1,576 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 37.2 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.7% female and 54.3% male. The city is predominantly White (90.8%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 9.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,592
Total Population
2023 Census
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Elgin is $53,750, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,771 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,007, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,047 business establishments, including 70 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,750 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,771 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,007 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,721 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.0% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,047 |
| County GDP | $1,340M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 70 |
| Healthcare | 79 |
| Retail | 106 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,701 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.9% |
The median home value in Elgin is $180,900, 36% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $275,136, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $161,550 with homes selling in an average of 52 days. Homes sell for 99% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,007 (13% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,143 for a one-bedroom to $1,425 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 681 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $3,701. 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $180,900 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $275,136 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $161,550 |
| Median List Price | $319,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $161,550 |
| Median List Price | $319,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $149 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 52 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.0% |
| Price Drops | 20.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,007 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,051 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,143 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,425 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,963 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,318 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.7% |
| Housing Units | 681 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,701 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.05% |
In Elgin, 35.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 19.0% report binge drinking. 18.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 29.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 4.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,191. The dentist ratio is 1:1,540. 84.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elgin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.3% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 12.9% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.8% |
| Depression | 29.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 4.5% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,191 |
| Dentists | 1:1,540 |
| Mental Health | 1:208 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.1% |
| Dental Visits | 64.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,097/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 79 |
Elgin experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 25.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 9.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 23 / among the cleanest air in the country. 83% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 2,687 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,687 ft (819 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,576/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5647°N, 117.9213°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Union County County |
| Nearest Airport | Walla Walla Regional (ALW)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.9"
32% below US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
3.77"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 23.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 82.8% |
| Unhealthy Days | 2 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
117 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 10, 2025.
| Nov 28, 1991 |
7 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.3 |
56 km |
| Jul 14, 1992 |
6 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.1 |
56 km |
| Oct 27, 1994 |
11 km SE of Halfway, Oregon |
M4.0 |
110 km |
| Aug 7, 1992 |
8 km WSW of Irrigon, Oregon |
M3.9 |
134 km |
| Jun 28, 1998 |
3 km SE of Genesee, Idaho |
M3.8 |
134 km |
| May 18, 2008 |
11 km SSW of Benton City, Washington |
M3.7 |
143 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
14 km N of Richland, Washington |
M3.7 |
140 km |
| Jan 23, 2015 |
3 km N of Cayuse, Oregon |
M3.5 |
52 km |
| Dec 24, 1999 |
18 km WNW of New Meadows, Idaho |
M3.5 |
126 km |
| Jun 17, 2004 |
11 km SSE of Washtucna, Washington |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Oct 15, 2011 |
13 km N of Richland, Washington |
M3.4 |
140 km |
| May 1, 2011 |
13 km N of Richland, Washington |
M3.3 |
139 km |
| Feb 28, 2004 |
10 km WSW of Wallula, Washington |
M3.3 |
100 km |
| Aug 27, 2000 |
16 km W of Richland, Oregon |
M3.3 |
101 km |
| Jun 12, 1995 |
13 km N of Richland, Washington |
M3.3 |
140 km |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
10 km ESE of Halfway, Oregon |
M3.3 |
109 km |
| Jul 20, 1998 |
9 km ESE of Halfway, Oregon |
M3.3 |
107 km |
| Dec 15, 1991 |
6 km SSW of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M3.3 |
57 km |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
13 km NNE of West Richland, Washington |
M3.2 |
141 km |
| Jul 19, 1998 |
10 km ESE of Halfway, Oregon |
M3.2 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
21 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 11, 1968 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1958 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2022 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2009 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jan 16, 2000 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2024 |
EF0 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2023 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2016 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2013 |
EF0 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2009 |
EF0 |
30 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 2006 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2002 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1995 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1991 |
EF0 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 1987 |
EF0 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF0 |
24 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1975 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1964 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DOUBLE CREEK (171,012 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
DOUBLE CREEK |
171,012 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
MALONEY CREEK |
131,397 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
COLUMBIA COMPLEX |
118,865 |
68 km |
| 2021 |
LICK CREEK |
80,376 |
83 km |
| 2015 |
BUTTE CREEK |
79,418 |
55 km |
| 2012 |
CACHE CREEK |
75,521 |
88 km |
| 2014 |
BIG COUGAR |
65,397 |
96 km |
| 1988 |
TEEPEE BUTTE |
59,565 |
85 km |
| 2005 |
SCHOOL |
51,701 |
84 km |
| 1996 |
TOWER |
50,827 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
CHIMNEY COMPLEX |
50,646 |
98 km |
| 2017 |
POWERLINE |
45,449 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
GREEN RIDGE |
44,604 |
69 km |
| 1986 |
JOSEPH/STARVATION |
37,064 |
63 km |
| 2021 |
ELBOW CREEK |
23,103 |
42 km |
| 2022 |
STURGILL |
21,641 |
42 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
21,130 |
86 km |
| 1989 |
CANAL |
18,596 |
77 km |
| 2024 |
JACK CANYON MUTUAL AID |
18,287 |
83 km |
| 2005 |
TRYON COMPLEX (CHERRY CREEK) |
17,794 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
60°F (16°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
0.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Elgin has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 31°F in December to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.0 inches, with December being the wettest month (3.8") and August the driest (0.7").
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) |
$259 ($155-$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207-$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103-$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827-$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78-$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155-$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26-$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52-$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155-$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21-$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414-$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103-$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62-$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52-$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155-$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136-$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414-$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687-$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517-$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170-$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068-$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827-$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207-$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034-$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16-$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31-$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78-$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16-$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26-$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52-$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10-$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59-$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59-$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10-$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14-$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62-$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83-$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31-$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52-$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78-$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241-$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27-$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31-$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16-$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620-$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517-$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207-$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26-$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414-$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170-$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31-$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52-$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31-$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21-$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155-$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103-$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $854 |
| Toddler | $784 |
| Preschool | $650 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $749 |
| Toddler | $699 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elgin
What is the population of Elgin?
Elgin has a population of 1,592 residents and is located in Oregon. The population density is 1,576 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.2 years. The population is 45.7% female and 54.3% male.
Is Elgin expensive to live in?
Elgin has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $180,900 (36% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,007 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
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 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 25.9 inches, with 9.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 23.
How is the job market in Elgin?
The job market in Elgin is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,007. There are 1,047 business establishments in the area, including 70 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 2.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elgin?
The median home value in Elgin is $180,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $275,136. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $161,550, with homes typically selling within 52 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,007. Fair market rent is $1,143 for a 1-bedroom and $1,425 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,701.
How are the schools in Elgin?
Schools in Elgin score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.3% of adults in Elgin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elgin?
The obesity rate in Elgin is 35.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 18.8% are physically inactive. 29.2% of residents report depression. 4.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 84.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,191.
What is transportation like in Elgin?
The average commute in Elgin is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elgin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elgin is 90.8% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 9.3% of the population are military veterans. 19.8% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.