Median Income
$127,487
70% higher than US avg
Home Value
$358,600
27% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
251/100K
34% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.8%
15% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.1%
83% lower than US avg
How Elk Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,344
Median Age38.4 yrs
Density405/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans9.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$127,487
Per Capita$51,648
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty2.1%
County GDP$445M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$358,600
Ownership98.9%
Zillow$365,739
Housing Units679
Rent Burden26.2%
Crime
F
Violent251/100K
Property2,760/100K
Health
Obesity34.5%
Smoking23.3%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain52.5 in/yr
Sunny Days290/yr
Elevation694 ft (212 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.8%
High School+93.7%
Graduate+9.0%
School Score5.96
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute31 min
Broadband98.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Elk Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elk Creek receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Elk Creek offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elk Creek is $127,487, which is significantly higher than the national average / 70% above $75,149. This places Elk Creek among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elk Creek is $358,600, 27% above the national median. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Elk Creek is below the national average at 251 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,760 per 100,000, 41% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Elk Creek enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 290 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 52.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Elk Creek has a population of 2,344 with a density of 405 people per square mile, spread across 5.9 square miles. The median age is 38.4 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (88.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 9.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.4yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Elk Creek vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.7%
72% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Elk Creek vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Elk Creek is $127,487, which is 70% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $51,648 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $885, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 440 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 12.1% of workers work from home.
Income: Elk Creek vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $127,487 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $51,648 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $885 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,055 |
| Gini Index | 0.382 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.1% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 440 |
| County GDP | $445M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 28 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,340 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.1% |
The median home value in Elk Creek is $358,600, 27% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $365,739. Homes sell for 97.1% of their list price. Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 98.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 679 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1999. The average annual property tax is $3,340. 26.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $358,600 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $365,739 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $172 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 98.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 98.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 1.1% |
| Housing Units | 679 |
| Median Year Built | 1999 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,340 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.93% |
In Elk Creek, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 38.0% have high blood pressure. 23.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 33.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,319. The dentist ratio is 1:4,041. 39.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Elk Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.0% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.2% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.3% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:3,319 |
| Dentists | 1:4,041 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,133 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,170/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 39.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Elk Creek has a violent crime rate of 251 per 100,000 residents, 34% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,760 per 100,000, 41% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 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 | 250.9/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,760.4/100K |
| 41% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 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 56°F (13°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 290 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 52.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 694 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.9°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 290 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 694 ft (212 m) |
| Area | 5.9 sq mi (15.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 405/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.1152°N, 85.3716°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Spencer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Louisville Muhammad Ali International (SDF)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
52.5"
38% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.92"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
14 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2025.
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
98 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
93 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
141 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SE of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
48 km |
| May 11, 2025 |
11 km SE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
78 km |
| Mar 9, 1990 |
8 km ENE of New Amsterdam, Indiana |
M2.7 |
72 km |
| Mar 21, 1990 |
1 km W of Spring Mill, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
25 km |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
4 km E of Burgin, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
70 km |
| Aug 4, 2023 |
11 km ENE of Lancaster, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
94 km |
| Jan 29, 1990 |
11 km S of Paoli, Indiana |
M2.6 |
102 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
141 km |
| Jan 21, 2018 |
8 km SSE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
74 km |
| Jan 28, 2024 |
3 km SW of Old Washington, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
144 km |
| Jan 4, 1999 |
9 km WNW of Mount Sterling, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
465 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 58 fatalities, 1,425 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
99 km |
4 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
80 km |
11 |
| May 28, 1996 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
27 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
64 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
34 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
59 km |
11 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
88 km |
7 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2011 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
95 km |
2 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2004 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1999 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1999 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1997 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Mar 28, 1997 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JPG 09 1 (6,113 ac, 1998).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1998 |
JPG 09 1 |
6,113 |
85 km |
| 2005 |
RX BURNPLAN AREA 2-06 |
5,054 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
UNITS 8-9 2008 |
4,316 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 19 06 WUI |
3,412 |
82 km |
| 2003 |
WUI 3 03 |
3,372 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
WUI UNIT 28K |
3,230 |
98 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,122 |
95 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 8 |
2,753 |
83 km |
| 2005 |
UNIT 3 05 |
2,511 |
95 km |
| 2001 |
01 UNIT 16 |
2,361 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
WUI UNITS 0 AND 1 2011 |
2,215 |
83 km |
| 2004 |
UNIT 19 |
2,004 |
82 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 8 03 |
1,971 |
86 km |
| 2008 |
FY 09 UNIT 42 RX FALL 2008 |
1,942 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
JPG 14 |
1,908 |
83 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 16 03 |
1,809 |
83 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 9 |
1,485 |
83 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,462 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
TRACER |
1,408 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
4.2 in |
|
Elk Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 33°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and October the driest (3.0").
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) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $689 |
| Toddler | $601 |
| Preschool | $601 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $535 |
| Toddler | $533 |
| Preschool | $533 |
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 2,344 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 405 people per square mile, spread across 5.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.4 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Elk Creek expensive to live in?
Elk Creek is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $127,487, 70% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $358,600 (27% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elk Creek safe?
Elk Creek is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 251 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,760 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 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 290 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 52.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Elk Creek?
Elk Creek has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $885. There are 440 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 12.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elk Creek?
The median home value in Elk Creek is $358,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $365,739. The homeownership rate is 98.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,340.
How are the schools in Elk Creek?
Schools in Elk Creek score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 38.8% of adults in Elk Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. 9.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elk Creek?
The obesity rate in Elk Creek is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.3% of adults are smokers. 33.1% are physically inactive. 39.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,319.
What is transportation like in Elk Creek?
The average commute in Elk Creek is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elk Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elk Creek is 88.1% White. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.7% speak Spanish. 9.7% of the population are military veterans. 7.9% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
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