Median Income
$58,750
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$81,800
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
840/100K
121% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.5%
90% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.1%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Elk Garden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population195
Median Age33.9 yrs
Density750/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans4.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,750
Per Capita$27,984
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,790M
Commute57 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$81,800
Ownership86.4%
Zillow$130,383
Housing Units69
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent840/100K
Property1,400/100K
Health
Obesity43.1%
Uninsured10.4%
Smoking24.8%
Depression35.2%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain41.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation2,262 ft (689 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.5%
High School+85.1%
Graduate+3.2%
School Score4.81
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute57 min
Broadband59.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Elk Garden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elk Garden receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, long commute times. Elk Garden has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elk Garden is $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 57 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elk Garden is $81,800, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 840 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,400 per 100,000, 29% below the national average.
Education
3.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Elk Garden experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.4 inches, including 33.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Elk Garden has a population of 195 with a density of 750 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 33.9 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 4.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 3.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 83.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.9yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Elk Garden 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 Garden vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Elk Garden is $58,750, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,984 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $933, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (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 1,168 business establishments, including 85 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 57 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 12.5% of workers work from home.
Income: Elk Garden vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,750 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,984 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $933 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,304 |
| Gini Index | 0.490 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,168 |
| County GDP | $1,790M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 85 |
| Healthcare | 81 |
| Retail | 138 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,909 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 56.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 53.8% |
| Public Transit | 23.8% |
| Work from Home | 12.5% |
The median home value in Elk Garden is $81,800, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,383, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 69 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $4,909 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $81,800 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $130,383 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.6% |
| Housing Units | 69 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,909 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.00% |
In Elk Garden, 43.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 39.4% have high blood pressure. 24.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.1% report binge drinking. 36.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 35.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.1% experience frequent mental distress. 10.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,050. The dentist ratio is 1:2,041. 57.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elk Garden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.1% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.0% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.4% |
| Asthma | 13.1% |
| COPD | 11.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.8% |
| 77% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.2% |
| Depression | 35.2% |
| Mental Distress | 25.1% |
| Physical Distress | 18.6% |
| Short Sleep | 40.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.4% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,050 |
| Dentists | 1:2,041 |
| Mental Health | 1:369 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 49.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,314/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 81 |
Elk Garden has a violent crime rate of 840 per 100,000 residents, 121% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,400 per 100,000, 29% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elk Garden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elk Garden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 840.0/100K |
| 121% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,400.0/100K |
| 29% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elk Garden experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 293 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 41.4 inches. The area receives 33.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,262 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.5°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,262 ft (689 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 750/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3862°N, 79.1556°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Garrett County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Cumberland Regional (CBE)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.4"
9% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0427 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 2.1 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.22 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.13 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 16.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 57.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 11, 2024.
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
114 km |
| Apr 21, 1998 |
1 km NNW of Free Union, Virginia |
M2.8 |
144 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 |
4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
139 km |
| Aug 15, 2010 |
19 km ESE of Burnsville, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
127 km |
| Aug 21, 2010 |
19 km WNW of Helvetia, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
126 km |
| Jul 27, 1997 |
5 km SSE of Culpeper, Virginia |
M2.5 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
145 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 103 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
15 km |
1 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
9 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 1975 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1971 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1970 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1969 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WATERFALL MOUNTAIN (9,251 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WATERFALL MOUNTAIN |
9,251 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
WAITES RUN |
5,496 |
62 km |
| 2011 |
VALLEY |
2,514 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,460 |
92 km |
| 2024 |
CAPON |
2,302 |
71 km |
| 2001 |
NEW CREEK MTN |
1,689 |
43 km |
| 2024 |
DOVE HOLLOW |
1,634 |
58 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,572 |
69 km |
| 2013 |
SMOKE HOLE FIRE |
1,436 |
60 km |
| 2006 |
CARDINAL |
1,345 |
94 km |
| 2019 |
DRY HOLLOW |
1,327 |
63 km |
| 2024 |
GAULEY RIDGE RX |
1,263 |
87 km |
| 2012 |
POINT 2 |
1,126 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
BRAKE RUN SHEN. MT. RD. |
1,055 |
59 km |
| 2011 |
COFFMAN/CHESTNUT RIDGE |
1,048 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
GATE MOUNTAIN |
972 |
85 km |
| 2014 |
BEAR DEN |
945 |
66 km |
| 2024 |
WEST BRIAR FIRE |
935 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
SERENITY RIDGE FIRE |
877 |
92 km |
| 2024 |
SPRING RUN |
847 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Elk Garden has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 30°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Elk Garden. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$224 ($134–$358) |
| Specialist Visit |
$313 ($179–$492) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$179 ($90–$313) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,969 ($716–$4,475) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$179) |
| Dental Filling |
$224 ($134–$358) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$537 ($358–$895) |
| Battery Replacement |
$179 ($90–$313) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$358 ($134–$716) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,265 ($3,580–$10,740) |
| Roof Repair |
$895 ($358–$1,790) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,055 ($4,923–$13,425) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,343 ($448–$3,133) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,425 ($4,475–$26,850) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,475 ($1,790–$8,950) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,343 ($716–$2,685) |
| Will Preparation |
$448 ($179–$895) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,238 ($895–$4,475) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$224) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.67 ($2.69–$4.92) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.13 ($2.24–$4.48) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.40 ($2.24–$4.92) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.03 ($2.69–$5.82) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.92 ($3.58–$6.71) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.61) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($72–$224) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$179 ($67–$448) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,790 ($1,074–$3,133) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.16–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$224) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,074 ($537–$2,238) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$895 ($448–$1,790) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$358 ($179–$627) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$895 ($358–$2,238) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,188 ($4,475–$26,850) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$179) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$179 ($90–$358) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,069 |
| Toddler | $722 |
| Preschool | $722 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $651 |
| Toddler | $591 |
| Preschool | $591 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elk Garden
What is the population of Elk Garden?
Elk Garden has a population of 195 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 750 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Elk Garden expensive to live in?
Elk Garden is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $81,800 (71% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elk Garden safe?
Public safety is a concern in Elk Garden, with a violent crime rate of 840 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,400 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Elk Garden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elk Garden?
Elk Garden has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.4 inches, with 33.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Elk Garden?
The job market in Elk Garden is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $933. There are 1,168 business establishments in the area, including 85 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 57 minutes, and 12.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elk Garden?
The median home value in Elk Garden is $81,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,383. The homeownership rate is 86.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,909.
How are the schools in Elk Garden?
Schools in Elk Garden have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 3.5% of adults in Elk Garden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.1% have completed high school. 3.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elk Garden?
The obesity rate in Elk Garden is 43.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.8% of adults are smokers. 36.2% are physically inactive. 35.2% of residents report depression. 10.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 57.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,050.
What is transportation like in Elk Garden?
The average commute in Elk Garden is 57 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 53.8% of workers drive alone to work, 23.8% use public transit, and 12.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elk Garden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elk Garden is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 4.0% of the population are military veterans. 3.1% of residents have a disability. 83.2% have health insurance coverage.
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