Home Value
$204,500
27% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
361/100K
5% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.3%
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
28.8%
10% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Elk Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population52
Median Age73.4 yrs
Density35/mi²
Male / Female65% / 35%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans52.0%
Economy
Per Capita$46,215
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,468M
Housing
Home Value$204,500
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$309,388
Housing Units37
Rent Burden28.0%
Crime
F
Violent361/100K
Property2,743/100K
Health
Obesity28.8%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking13.3%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (16°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain21.4 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation968 ft (295 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.75
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 31%
Broadband20.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Elk Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elk Creek receives an overall livability score of 1.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Elk Creek faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 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 Creek is $204,500, 27% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Elk Creek is below the national average at 361 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,743 per 100,000, 40% above the national average.
Education
17.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Elk Creek enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Elk Creek has a population of 52 with a density of 35 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 73.4 years, 89% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 34.6% female and 65.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 52.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
73.4yrs
Median Age
89% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Elk Creek vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Elk Creek vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $46,215 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,040, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 1,327 business establishments, including 58 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Elk Creek vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $46,215 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,040 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,071 |
| Gini Index | 0.414 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,327 |
| County GDP | $1,468M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 58 |
| Healthcare | 46 |
| Retail | 71 |
| Manufacturing | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,708 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Elk Creek is $204,500, 27% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $309,388, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 37 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $3,708. 28.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $204,500 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $309,388 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 37 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,708 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.81% |
In Elk Creek, 28.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.1% have high blood pressure. 13.3% are current smokers. 19.9% report binge drinking. 20.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,761. The dentist ratio is 1:1,134. 69.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elk Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 28.8% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.1% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.3% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.2% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,761 |
| Dentists | 1:1,134 |
| Mental Health | 1:502 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.4% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,723/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 46 |
Elk Creek has a violent crime rate of 361 per 100,000 residents, 5% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,743 per 100,000, 40% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elk Creek receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elk Creek vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 361.3/100K |
| 5% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,742.7/100K |
| 40% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 21 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elk Creek enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 326 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 21.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 968 feet.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.9°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 968 ft (295 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 35/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5987°N, 122.5323°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Glenn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chico Regional (CIC) 36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.4"
44% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
5.55"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 15.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4,288 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 27, 2025.
| May 24, 2013 |
2 km NNE of Canyondam, California |
M5.7 |
142 km |
| May 11, 2023 |
Lake Almanor Earthquake |
M5.5 |
139 km |
| May 12, 2023 |
4km NW of Canyondam, CA |
M5.2 |
139 km |
| Nov 26, 1998 |
7km NW of Redding, CA |
M5.1 |
115 km |
| Aug 10, 2016 |
20 km NNE of Upper Lake, California |
M5.1 |
38 km |
| Sep 3, 2000 |
5 km WSW of Yountville, California |
M4.9 |
136 km |
| May 24, 2013 |
1km NNW of Canyondam, CA |
M4.9 |
140 km |
| Sep 4, 1995 |
13 km SW of Middletown, California |
M4.8 |
103 km |
| Apr 18, 2007 |
15 km N of Potter Valley, California |
M4.8 |
52 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
7 km W of Cobb, California |
M4.7 |
90 km |
| Jan 19, 2008 |
31 km NW of Rancho Tehama Reserve, California |
M4.7 |
66 km |
| Jan 2, 2025 |
4 km NW of Cobb, CA |
M4.7 |
86 km |
| Nov 26, 1998 |
5km NNW of Redding, CA |
M4.6 |
114 km |
| Jan 11, 2000 |
6 km N of Geyserville, California |
M4.6 |
98 km |
| Feb 18, 2004 |
4 km WNW of Cobb, California |
M4.6 |
87 km |
| Jan 12, 2014 |
8 km W of Cobb, California |
M4.5 |
91 km |
| Sep 25, 2012 |
3 km N of Talmage, California |
M4.5 |
73 km |
| Jan 19, 2008 |
34 km WNW of Rancho Tehama Reserve, California |
M4.5 |
66 km |
| Jul 21, 1998 |
4 km NNW of Redding, California |
M4.5 |
115 km |
| Aug 3, 2006 |
5 km W of Glen Ellen, California |
M4.5 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
51 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 7 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Feb 10, 1994 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 1986 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1953 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Dec 19, 2023 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2014 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2014 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2014 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Oct 22, 2012 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF1 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF1 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jan 8, 2005 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1993 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1993 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Dec 17, 1992 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 1978 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1978 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1978 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1970 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Clear Lake (73 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Clear Lake |
Volcanic field |
1,439 m (4,721 ft) |
Unknown |
73 km |
| Lassen Volcanic Center |
Stratovolcano |
3,187 m (10,456 ft) |
1917 |
132 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: AUGUST COMPLEX (1,068,802 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
AUGUST COMPLEX |
1,068,802 |
57 km |
| 2018 |
RANCH |
427,048 |
42 km |
| 2018 |
CAMP |
153,687 |
84 km |
| 1990 |
CAMPBELL |
128,266 |
78 km |
| 2021 |
MCFARLAND |
121,554 |
82 km |
| 2015 |
ROCKY |
96,125 |
77 km |
| 2008 |
YOLLA BOLLY COMPLEX (IRON) |
94,888 |
67 km |
| 1996 |
FORK |
83,209 |
48 km |
| 2015 |
VALLEY |
77,507 |
90 km |
| 1999 |
GUN 2 |
61,203 |
90 km |
| 2020 |
ZOGG |
56,941 |
92 km |
| 1987 |
MENDENHALL |
54,162 |
44 km |
| 2008 |
BTU LIGHTNING COMPLEX (LONG BRANCH-JACK) |
52,091 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
RIVER |
48,920 |
74 km |
| 1994 |
BARKLEY |
44,256 |
88 km |
| 2012 |
NORTH PASS |
43,689 |
55 km |
| 2004 |
RUMSEY |
39,335 |
96 km |
| 1999 |
SIXTEEN |
37,162 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
REDWOOD VALLEY INCIDENT |
36,545 |
65 km |
| 2012 |
MILL |
29,924 |
32 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
0.1 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
74°F (24°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
4.7 in |
Coldest |
Elk Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 44°F in December to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.0 inches, with January being the wettest month (5.6") and July the driest (0.1").
Average costs for common services in Elk Creek. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166–$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221–$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111–$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886–$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83–$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166–$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28–$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55–$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443–$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111–$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66–$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55–$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166–$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428–$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443–$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089–$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554–$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535–$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214–$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886–$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221–$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107–$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33–$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83–$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28–$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55–$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32–$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77–$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77–$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32–$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43–$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66–$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89–$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33–$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55–$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83–$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328–$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86–$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33–$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17–$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664–$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554–$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221–$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28–$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443–$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535–$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55–$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111–$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,031 |
| Toddler | $788 |
| Preschool | $652 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $912 |
| Toddler | $835 |
| Preschool | $775 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elk Creek
What is the population of Elk Creek?
Elk Creek has a population of 52 residents and is located in California. The population density is 35 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 73.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 34.6% female and 65.4% male.
Is Elk Creek expensive to live in?
Elk Creek is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median home value is $204,500 (27% below the U.S. median).
Is Elk Creek safe?
Elk Creek is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 361 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,743 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Elk Creek receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elk Creek?
Elk Creek enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 45°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Elk Creek?
The job market in Elk Creek is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,040. There are 1,327 business establishments in the area, including 58 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Elk Creek?
The median home value in Elk Creek is $204,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $309,388. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,708.
How are the schools in Elk Creek?
Schools in Elk Creek have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 17.3% of adults in Elk Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elk Creek?
The obesity rate in Elk Creek is 28.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.3% of adults are smokers. 20.2% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 69.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,761.
What are the demographics of Elk Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elk Creek is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 52.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.