Median Income
$62,500
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$56,700
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
549/100K
44% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
43.8%
30% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.4%
81% lower than US avg
How Elk Falls Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population135
Median Age61.5 yrs
Density185/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans87.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,500
Per Capita$26,613
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.4%
County GDP$102M
Commute43 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$56,700
Ownership79.4%
Zillow$69,859
Housing Units74
Rent Burden22.3%
Crime
F
Violent549/100K
Property2,279/100K
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured10.9%
Smoking20.0%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain38.6 in/yr
Sunny Days317/yr
Elevation961 ft (293 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+43.8%
High School+91.1%
Graduate+22.2%
School Score6.24
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 14%
Commute43 min
Broadband68.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Elk Falls a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elk Falls receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, long commute times, high obesity rates. Elk Falls offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elk Falls is $62,500, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elk Falls is $56,700, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 549 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,279 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 43.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 91.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Elk Falls enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 317 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.6 inches, including 6.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Elk Falls has a population of 135 with a density of 185 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 61.5 years, 58% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.7% female and 59.3% male. The city is predominantly White (77%), with 9.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 87.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 29.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
61.5yrs
Median Age
58% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Elk Falls 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 Falls vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Elk Falls is $62,500, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,613 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $685, 52% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 86 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Elk Falls vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,500 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,613 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $685 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,489 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.4% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 86 |
| County GDP | $102M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 43.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Elk Falls is $56,700, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $69,859, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 74 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. 22.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $56,700 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $69,859 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.6% |
| Housing Units | 74 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
In Elk Falls, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 34.5% have high blood pressure. 20.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.8% report binge drinking. 31.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.8% report depression. 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 10.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,441. 28.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elk Falls vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.5% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.4% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 40.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 10.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,441 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.4% |
| Dental Visits | 52.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,720/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 28.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Elk Falls has a violent crime rate of 549 per 100,000 residents, 44% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,279 per 100,000, 16% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elk Falls receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elk Falls vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 548.8/100K |
| 44% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,279.4/100K |
| 16% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elk Falls enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 317 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 38.6 inches. The area receives 6.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 961 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.8°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 317 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 961 ft (293 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 185/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3730°N, 96.1929°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Elk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ponca City Regional (PNC)
67 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.6"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 29.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,164 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M3.4 on Jun 26, 2025.
| Sep 3, 2016 |
14 km NW of Pawnee, Oklahoma |
M5.8 |
124 km |
| Jan 26, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Medford, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
146 km |
| Mar 29, 2017 |
8 km W of Deer Creek, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
140 km |
| Jan 16, 2019 |
4 km ENE of South Haven, Kansas |
M4.0 |
108 km |
| Sep 8, 2014 |
1 km NE of Medford, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
149 km |
| Jun 8, 2016 |
13 km NNW of Pawnee, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
121 km |
| Dec 16, 2013 |
10 km SE of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.8 |
143 km |
| Sep 24, 2017 |
10 km SSE of Red Rock, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
139 km |
| Jan 19, 2015 |
2 km ENE of Medford, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
133 km |
| Mar 24, 2015 |
11 km NW of Morrison, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
140 km |
| Jan 23, 2015 |
8 km NNW of Caldwell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
133 km |
| Jun 22, 2020 |
6 km N of Nardin, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
124 km |
| Feb 1, 2015 |
3 km NE of Renfrow, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
136 km |
| Apr 10, 2014 |
5 km E of Morrison, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| May 4, 2017 |
3 km NNW of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Mar 24, 2015 |
8 km NNW of Caldwell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
132 km |
| Jan 25, 2015 |
4 km NE of Renfrow, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
134 km |
| Sep 9, 2016 |
4 km ENE of Morrison, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
136 km |
| Aug 9, 2017 |
10 km N of Caldwell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
581 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 26 fatalities, 259 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
97 km |
4 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jun 10, 1958 |
EF4 |
90 km |
15 |
| Apr 2, 1956 |
EF4 |
92 km |
2 |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2016 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2004 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1993 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
23 km |
1 |
| Mar 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Oct 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 1979 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RD 80 (63,061 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
RD 80 |
63,061 |
90 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
60,976 |
55 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
51,112 |
69 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
36,112 |
82 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
32,901 |
61 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
26,655 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
CANDY CREEK |
23,167 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
20,760 |
22 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
20,347 |
48 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
19,648 |
51 km |
| 2018 |
WEST 60 |
18,715 |
70 km |
| 2015 |
WOLF CREEK |
18,077 |
71 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
17,075 |
61 km |
| 2023 |
HWY 123 |
14,980 |
80 km |
| 2016 |
BAR-DEW LAKE |
14,806 |
62 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,661 |
61 km |
| 2018 |
18-85 |
14,632 |
40 km |
| 2014 |
SPIDER |
14,587 |
92 km |
| 2016 |
FERGUSON RANCH |
13,625 |
31 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
13,265 |
19 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Elk Falls has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 32°F in January to 79°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 37.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Elk Falls. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| 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) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| 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) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
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 |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elk Falls
What is the population of Elk Falls?
Elk Falls has a population of 135 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 185 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40.7% female and 59.3% male.
Is Elk Falls expensive to live in?
Elk Falls is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $62,500, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $56,700 (80% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elk Falls safe?
The violent crime rate in Elk Falls is 549 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,279 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Elk Falls receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elk Falls?
Elk Falls enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 317 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.6 inches, with 6.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Elk Falls?
The job market in Elk Falls is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $685. There are 86 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 43 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elk Falls?
The median home value in Elk Falls is $56,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $69,859. The homeownership rate is 79.4%.
How are the schools in Elk Falls?
Schools in Elk Falls score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 43.8% of adults in Elk Falls hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. 22.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elk Falls?
The obesity rate in Elk Falls is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.0% of adults are smokers. 31.4% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 10.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 28.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,441.
What is transportation like in Elk Falls?
The average commute in Elk Falls is 43 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 76% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elk Falls?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elk Falls is 77% White, 9.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 87.0% of the population are military veterans. 29.0% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
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