Median Income
$59,643
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$356,700
27% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
64/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.0%
73% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.4%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
9.1%
153% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Elk City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population270
Median Age40.4 yrs
Density108/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$59,643
Per Capita$19,339
Unemployment9.1%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$680M
Housing
B
Home Value$356,700
Ownership65.8%
Zillow$388,227
Housing Units153
Rent Burden26.4%
Crime
F
Violent64/100K
Property1,476/100K
Health
Obesity31.4%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking14.2%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI33 (Good)
Rain30.6 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation4,101 ft (1,250 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.0%
High School+86.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 15%
Broadband76.0%
Libraries3
Is Elk City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elk City receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Elk City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elk City is $59,643, 21% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.1%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elk City is $356,700, 27% above the national median. The price-to-income ratio of 6x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Elk City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,476 per 100,000, 25% below the national average.
Education
9.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Elk City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.6 inches, including 119.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33.
Elk City has a population of 270 with a density of 108 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 40.4 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.3% female and 53.7% male. The city is predominantly White (90%), with 7.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 29.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.4yrs
Median Age
4% 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 Elk City is $59,643, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,339 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $903, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 723 business establishments, including 59 restaurants. The cost of living index is 95.5, roughly in line with the national average. 16.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,643 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,339 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $903 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,723 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.1% |
| 153% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 723 |
| County GDP | $680M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 59 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 62 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,108 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 95.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.59% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 83.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.3% |
The median home value in Elk City is $356,700, 27% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $388,227. Fair market rent ranges from $950 for a one-bedroom to $1,173 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 153 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $2,108 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 6x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $356,700 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $388,227 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $898 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,173 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,619 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.2% |
| Housing Units | 153 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,108 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.59% |
In Elk City, 31.4% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 17.1% report binge drinking. 21.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,217. The dentist ratio is 1:2,513. 20.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elk City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.1% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 30.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,217 |
| Dentists | 1:2,513 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,193 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.2% |
| Dental Visits | 64.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,111/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 20.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Elk City has a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,476 per 100,000, 25% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 182 federally declared disasters. Overall, Elk City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elk City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 64.2/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,475.8/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elk City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. The area gets 270 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 30.6 inches. The area receives 119.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33. The city sits at an elevation of 4,101 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
63°F Jul (17°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 63°F (17°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,101 ft (1,250 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 108/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.8209°N, 115.4411°W |
| Timezone | America/Boise |
| County | Idaho County County |
| Nearest Airport | Missoula Montana (MSO)
99 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.6"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
3.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 33.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 64.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 9.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
200 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.0 on Jul 23, 2024.
| Apr 11, 1995 |
20 km SSE of Yellow Pine, Idaho |
M4.2 |
115 km |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
35 km NNW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.9 |
149 km |
| Nov 8, 1997 |
39 km SE of Pierce, Idaho |
M3.8 |
48 km |
| Jun 28, 1998 |
3 km SE of Genesee, Idaho |
M3.8 |
137 km |
| May 30, 1992 |
54 km NNW of Challis, Idaho |
M3.7 |
120 km |
| Apr 1, 2020 |
36 km NNW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Mar 12, 2023 |
11 km S of Donnelly, Idaho |
M3.7 |
142 km |
| Jun 18, 2021 |
44 km NNW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.7 |
141 km |
| Jun 1, 2020 |
44 km NNW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.7 |
141 km |
| Apr 4, 2020 |
38 km NW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Apr 24, 2020 |
45 km NNW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.6 |
141 km |
| Apr 11, 2020 |
43 km NNW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Apr 19, 2021 |
46 km NNW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.6 |
138 km |
| Aug 6, 2023 |
37 km NNW of Challis, Idaho |
M3.6 |
138 km |
| Apr 1, 2020 |
30 km SSE of Yellow Pine, Idaho |
M3.5 |
123 km |
| Apr 6, 2002 |
9 km NW of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| Mar 7, 1996 |
55 km NW of Challis, Idaho |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Apr 1, 1995 |
32 km NNW of Challis, Idaho |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Apr 7, 2020 |
35 km NNW of Stanley, Idaho |
M3.5 |
148 km |
| Dec 24, 1999 |
18 km WNW of New Meadows, Idaho |
M3.5 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
5 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 23, 1975 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2010 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2010 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2007 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1979 |
EF0 |
55 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MUSTANG COMPLEX (377,632 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
MUSTANG COMPLEX |
377,632 |
82 km |
| 2007 |
EAST ZONE COMPLEX (RAINES) |
318,724 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
DIAMOND COMPLEX (DIAMOND PEAK) |
271,361 |
95 km |
| 1994 |
CORRAL CREEK-BLACKWELL COMPLEX |
140,101 |
87 km |
| 1994 |
PORPHYRY SOUTH |
129,849 |
68 km |
| 2007 |
RATTLESNAKE |
102,523 |
33 km |
| 2015 |
TEPEE SPRINGS |
94,878 |
77 km |
| 2017 |
HIGHLINE |
93,699 |
55 km |
| 2000 |
FLOSSIE COMPLEX |
90,611 |
51 km |
| 2000 |
BURGDORF JUNCTION |
67,284 |
52 km |
| 2007 |
POE CABIN |
59,704 |
82 km |
| 2012 |
SHEEP |
50,769 |
65 km |
| 1996 |
SALT COMPLEX (SALT CREEK) |
50,250 |
92 km |
| 2007 |
KRASSEL COMPLEX (TAG WFU) |
49,358 |
66 km |
| 2012 |
PORCUPINE COMPLEX |
48,980 |
40 km |
| 2015 |
KAMIAH GULCH |
48,459 |
70 km |
| 1988 |
GOLDEN |
48,138 |
87 km |
| 2012 |
MCGUIRE COMPLEX |
47,257 |
21 km |
| 2021 |
DIXIE |
45,254 |
32 km |
| 1988 |
SLIVER CREEK |
45,076 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
38°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
45°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| July |
63°F (17°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
58°F (14°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
50°F (10°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
42°F (5°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-5°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
Elk City has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 22°F in December to 63°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.0 inches, with January being the wettest month (3.4") and July the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Elk City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$239 ($143–$382) |
| Specialist Visit |
$334 ($191–$525) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$191 ($96–$334) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,101 ($764–$4,775) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$124 ($72–$191) |
| Dental Filling |
$239 ($143–$382) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$287 ($143–$478) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$573 ($382–$955) |
| Battery Replacement |
$191 ($96–$334) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($57–$143) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$86 ($48–$134) |
| HVAC Repair |
$382 ($143–$764) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,685 ($3,820–$11,460) |
| Roof Repair |
$955 ($382–$1,910) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,595 ($5,253–$14,325) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,433 ($478–$3,343) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,325 ($4,775–$28,650) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,775 ($1,910–$9,550) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,433 ($764–$2,865) |
| Will Preparation |
$478 ($191–$955) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,388 ($955–$4,775) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$143 ($72–$239) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$62) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($48–$124) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.92 ($2.87–$5.25) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.34 ($2.39–$4.78) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.63 ($2.39–$5.25) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.30 ($2.87–$6.21) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.25 ($3.82–$7.16) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.57–$1.72) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$134 ($76–$239) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$143) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$62 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$81 ($48–$143) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$191 ($72–$478) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,910 ($1,146–$3,343) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$124) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.64–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$239) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,146 ($573–$2,388) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$955 ($478–$1,910) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$382 ($191–$669) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$955 ($382–$2,388) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,938 ($4,775–$28,650) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$191) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$287 ($143–$478) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$191 ($96–$382) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $550 |
| Toddler | $526 |
| Preschool | $488 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $473 |
| Toddler | $470 |
| Preschool | $441 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elk City
What is the population of Elk City?
Elk City has a population of 270 residents and is located in Idaho. The population density is 108 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.4 years. The population is 46.3% female and 53.7% male.
Is Elk City expensive to live in?
Elk City has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 95.5 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $59,643, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $356,700 (27% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 6x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Elk City safe?
Elk City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,476 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Elk City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elk City?
Elk City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 63°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.6 inches, with 119.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 33.
How is the job market in Elk City?
The job market in Elk City faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $903. There are 723 business establishments in the area, including 59 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Elk City?
The median home value in Elk City is $356,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $388,227. The homeownership rate is 65.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,108.
How are the schools in Elk City?
Schools in Elk City score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.0% of adults in Elk City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elk City?
The obesity rate in Elk City is 31.4% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 21.1% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 20.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,217.
What are the demographics of Elk City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elk City is 90% White, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 29.2% of residents have a disability. 82.6% have health insurance coverage.
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