Median Income
$22,656
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.7%
98% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$433
63% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.9%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
17.9%
397% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.6%
82% higher than US avg
How Elgin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population194
Median Age42.6 yrs
Density100/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans89.0%
Economy
F
Median Income$22,656
Per Capita$17,320
Unemployment17.9%
Poverty22.6%
County GDP$700M
Housing
A+
Rent$433
Ownership33.8%
Zillow$150,812
Housing Units98
Rent Burden41.1%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity40.9%
Uninsured13.1%
Smoking22.5%
Depression31.4%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain56.4 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation1,413 ft (431 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+0.7%
High School+84.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.81
Community
2024 VoteR 90% / D 10%
Broadband74.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Elgin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elgin receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Elgin has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elgin is $22,656, 70% below the national average of $75,149. At 17.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 22.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $433 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
0.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Elgin enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 56.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Elgin has a population of 194 with a density of 100 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 42.6 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.6% female and 45.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 89.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 35.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.6yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Elgin is $22,656, which is 70% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,320 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $799, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 17.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 456 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $22,656 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,320 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $799 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,106 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 17.9% |
| 397% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.6% |
| 82% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 456 |
| County GDP | $700M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 69 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,956 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $150,812. Monthly rent averages $433 (63% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 33.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 98 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1995. The average annual property tax is $2,956 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 41.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $433 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 41.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 33.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 33.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 66.2% |
| Housing Units | 98 |
| Median Year Built | 1995 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,956 |
| 16% below US avg |
In Elgin, 40.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 37.6% have high blood pressure. 22.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.2% report binge drinking. 29.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 31.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.3% experience frequent mental distress. 13.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,383. The dentist ratio is 1:2,754. 74.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elgin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.6% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.5% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.4% |
| Depression | 31.4% |
| Mental Distress | 22.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 40.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.7% |
| Uninsured | 13.1% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,383 |
| Dentists | 1:2,754 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,705 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 53.8% |
| Premature Death | 13,103/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
Elgin has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes.
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 | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Elgin enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 299 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 56.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 1,413 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 55.8°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,413 ft (431 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (5.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 100/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.3284°N, 84.6091°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Scott County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.4"
48% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.47"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
150 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 19, 2025.
| May 10, 2025 |
21 km SE of Greenback, Tennessee |
M4.1 |
104 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
128 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
97 km |
| Jan 20, 2020 |
2 km NE of Fincastle, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
53 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
86 km |
| Jul 5, 1995 |
12 km ESE of Tellico Plains, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
118 km |
| Jun 17, 1998 |
9 km SSE of Coalfield, Tennessee |
M3.6 |
47 km |
| Jun 19, 2007 |
10 km ENE of Spencer, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
90 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 |
7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
78 km |
| Apr 11, 2006 |
5 km NE of Etowah, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
108 km |
| Apr 20, 2010 |
4 km SW of Maryville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
87 km |
| Mar 18, 1995 |
10 km SE of Dayton, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
105 km |
| Aug 31, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Friendsville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
75 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
6 km NW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
89 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
5 km WNW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
91 km |
| May 10, 2006 |
3 km WNW of Madisonville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
91 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km N of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
103 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km S of New Market, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
102 km |
| Aug 1, 2009 |
8 km ENE of Ducktown, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
144 km |
| Jan 27, 2009 |
4 km NE of Williamsburg, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
65 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
269 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 95 fatalities, 1,093 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 3, 2020 |
EF4 |
96 km |
19 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
47 km |
5 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
43 km |
7 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
92 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
77 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1971 |
EF4 |
93 km |
2 |
| May 2, 1953 |
EF4 |
91 km |
4 |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2011 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
65 km |
4 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
33 km |
7 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Feb 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1988 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1986 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1974 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (11,663 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
11,663 |
23 km |
| 2016 |
STINKING CREEK |
10,768 |
39 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,327 |
60 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
8,064 |
29 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
6,590 |
66 km |
| 1987 |
K-T FIRE |
6,372 |
37 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
6,067 |
73 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
5,973 |
32 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
5,679 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
5,371 |
27 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,675 |
47 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
4,635 |
47 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
4,400 |
69 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
4,337 |
70 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
4,194 |
54 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
3,940 |
52 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
3,907 |
59 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
3,854 |
22 km |
| 2009 |
GOBBLERS KNOB B |
3,851 |
29 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,571 |
46 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
4.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
5.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
56°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
Driest |
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| December |
38°F (4°C) |
4.8 in |
|
Elgin has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 36°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 54.6 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.5") and October the driest (3.6").
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) |
$230 ($138–$368) |
| Specialist Visit |
$322 ($184–$505) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92–$322) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,022 ($735–$4,595) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$119 ($69–$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$230 ($138–$368) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46–$110) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$276 ($138–$460) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$551 ($368–$919) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92–$322) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55–$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46–$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$368 ($138–$735) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,433 ($3,676–$11,028) |
| Roof Repair |
$919 ($368–$1,838) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,271 ($5,055–$13,785) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,379 ($460–$3,217) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,785 ($4,595–$27,570) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,595 ($1,838–$9,190) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,379 ($735–$2,757) |
| Will Preparation |
$460 ($184–$919) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,298 ($919–$4,595) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69–$230) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$119) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.77 ($2.76–$5.05) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.22 ($2.30–$4.60) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.49 ($2.30–$5.05) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.14 ($2.76–$5.97) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.05 ($3.68–$6.89) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55–$1.65) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74–$230) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($28–$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($37–$110) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($37–$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46–$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69–$460) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,838 ($1,103–$3,217) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($28–$119) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.35–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28–$230) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,103 ($551–$2,298) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$919 ($460–$1,838) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$368 ($184–$643) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$919 ($368–$2,298) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,488 ($4,595–$27,570) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46–$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$276 ($138–$460) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92–$368) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $567 |
| Toddler | $476 |
| Preschool | $476 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $393 |
| Toddler | $422 |
| Preschool | $422 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elgin
What is the population of Elgin?
Elgin has a population of 194 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 100 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.6% female and 45.4% male.
Is Elgin expensive to live in?
Elgin is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $22,656, 70% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $433 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Elgin?
Elgin enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 56.4 inches, with 4.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Elgin?
The job market in Elgin faces challenges, with unemployment at 17.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $799. There are 456 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Elgin?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $433. Fair market rent is $924 for a 1-bedroom and $1,118 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 33.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,956.
How are the schools in Elgin?
Schools in Elgin have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.7% of adults in Elgin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elgin?
The obesity rate in Elgin is 40.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.5% of adults are smokers. 29.4% are physically inactive. 31.4% of residents report depression. 13.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,383.
What are the demographics of Elgin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elgin is 100% White. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 89.0% of the population are military veterans. 35.7% of residents have a disability. 98.7% have health insurance coverage.
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