Median Income
$60,000
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$125,300
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.3%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$643
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.2%
6% higher than US avg
How Elk Horn Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population623
Median Age46.3 yrs
Density853/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$60,000
Per Capita$29,496
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty13.2%
County GDP$1,051M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$125,300
Rent$643
Ownership83.7%
Zillow$191,182
Housing Units270
Rent Burden23.1%
Health
Obesity36.7%
Uninsured5.6%
Smoking14.5%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
Rain35.0 in/yr
Elevation1,361 ft (415 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.3%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score6.35
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute24 min
Broadband92.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Elk Horn a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elk Horn receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Elk Horn offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elk Horn is $60,000, 20% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 13.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elk Horn is $125,300, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $643 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
24.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Elk Horn experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches, including 27.3 inches of snow.
Elk Horn has a population of 623 with a density of 853 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 46.3 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.2% male. The city is predominantly White (94.5%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 7.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
623
Total Population
2023 Census
46.3yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
The median household income in Elk Horn is $60,000, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,496 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $982, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 444 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 13.0% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,000 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,496 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $982 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,398 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.2% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 444 |
| County GDP | $1,051M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,339 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.8% |
| Work from Home | 13.0% |
The median home value in Elk Horn is $125,300, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $191,182, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $643 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 270 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,339 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $125,300 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $191,182 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $643 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.3% |
| Housing Units | 270 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,339 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.46% |
In Elk Horn, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 24.1% report binge drinking. 22.2% are physically inactive. 21.1% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 5.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,962. The dentist ratio is 1:1,664. 51.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elk Horn vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.2% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 30.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 5.6% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,962 |
| Dentists | 1:1,664 |
| Mental Health | 1:656 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 72.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,814/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Elk Horn experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches. The area receives 27.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,361 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,361 ft (415 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 853/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5931°N, 95.0613°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Shelby County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.0"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.18"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
114 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
150 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
605 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 26 fatalities, 499 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
34 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
78 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
82 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
96 km |
3 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
41 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Elk Horn has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 18°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Elk Horn. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132-$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176-$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88-$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702-$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66-$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132-$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351-$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88-$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53-$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44-$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132-$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512-$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351-$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829-$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439-$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390-$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756-$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702-$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176-$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878-$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26-$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66-$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44-$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63-$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20-$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20-$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63-$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51-$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53-$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70-$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26-$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66-$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054-$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26-$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527-$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439-$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176-$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351-$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390-$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44-$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88-$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $710 |
| Toddler | $612 |
| Preschool | $612 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $479 |
| Toddler | $471 |
| Preschool | $471 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elk Horn
What is the population of Elk Horn?
Elk Horn has a population of 623 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 853 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.2% male.
Is Elk Horn expensive to live in?
Elk Horn is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $60,000, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $125,300 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $643 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Elk Horn?
Elk Horn has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 35.0 inches, with 27.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Elk Horn?
Elk Horn has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $982. There are 444 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 13.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elk Horn?
The median home value in Elk Horn is $125,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $191,182. For renters, the median monthly rent is $643. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,339.
How are the schools in Elk Horn?
Schools in Elk Horn score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.3% of adults in Elk Horn hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elk Horn?
The obesity rate in Elk Horn is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 22.2% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 5.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 51.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,962.
What is transportation like in Elk Horn?
The average commute in Elk Horn is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elk Horn?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elk Horn is 94.5% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 7.3% of the population are military veterans. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.