Median Income
$63,125
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$218,800
22% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
162/100K
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.1%
52% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.8%
4% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.8%
13% lower than US avg
How Elk River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population133
Median Age62.3 yrs
Density887/mi²
Male / Female65% / 35%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans32.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,125
Per Capita$38,664
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty10.8%
County GDP$2,072M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$218,800
Ownership94.5%
Zillow$316,419
Housing Units149
Rent Burden28.9%
Crime
F
Violent162/100K
Property2,261/100K
Health
Obesity30.8%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking14.2%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI33 (Good)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation2,859 ft (871 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.1%
High School+98.2%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score6.32
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 44%
Commute16 min
Broadband73.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Elk River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elk River receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Elk River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elk River is $63,125, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 10.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elk River is $218,800, 22% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Elk River is below the national average at 162 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,261 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
16.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Elk River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33.
Elk River has a population of 133 with a density of 887 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 62.3 years, 60% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 35.3% female and 64.7% male. The city is predominantly White (98.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 32.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
62.3yrs
Median Age
60% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Elk River 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 River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Elk River is $63,125, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,664. The average weekly wage is $946, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,448 business establishments, including 130 restaurants. The cost of living index is 95.5, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Elk River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,125 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,664 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $946 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,069 |
| Gini Index | 0.456 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.8% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,448 |
| County GDP | $2,072M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 130 |
| Healthcare | 112 |
| Retail | 138 |
| Manufacturing | 38 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,688 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 95.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.14% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.5% |
The median home value in Elk River is $218,800, 22% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $316,419, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $950 for a one-bedroom to $1,173 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 149 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1942. The average annual property tax is $4,688 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $218,800 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $316,419 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $898 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,173 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,619 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 94.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.5% |
| Housing Units | 149 |
| Median Year Built | 1942 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,688 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.14% |
In Elk River, 30.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.2% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 19.6% report binge drinking. 21.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.4% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,390. The dentist ratio is 1:2,157. 69.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elk River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.8% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.2% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.0% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,390 |
| Dentists | 1:2,157 |
| Mental Health | 1:475 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.4% |
| Dental Visits | 63.6% |
| Premature Death | 5,065/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 112 |
Elk River has a violent crime rate of 162 per 100,000 residents, 58% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,261 per 100,000, 15% above the U.S. average. Overall, Elk River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elk River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 161.5/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,261.0/100K |
| 15% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elk River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33. The city sits at an elevation of 2,859 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 44.8°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,859 ft (871 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 887/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.7830°N, 116.1811°W |
| Timezone | America/Boise |
| County | Latah County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pullman/Moscow Regional (PUW) 44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.2"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
4.84"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 33.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 33.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 43.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
80 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.3 on Feb 11, 2025.
| Aug 17, 1994 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M4.1 |
83 km |
| Nov 11, 2001 |
3 km NE of Spokane, Washington |
M4.0 |
136 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
Washington |
M3.9 |
136 km |
| Nov 8, 1997 |
39 km SE of Pierce, Idaho |
M3.8 |
83 km |
| Jun 28, 1998 |
3 km SE of Genesee, Idaho |
M3.8 |
61 km |
| Mar 14, 1997 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.6 |
82 km |
| May 30, 1996 |
3 km SSW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.6 |
78 km |
| Jan 20, 2000 |
21 km ENE of Athol, Idaho |
M3.5 |
138 km |
| Nov 2, 1996 |
4 km W of Trout Creek, Montana |
M3.4 |
124 km |
| Mar 8, 1994 |
32 km S of Wallace, Idaho |
M3.4 |
49 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
2 km SSE of Town and Country, Washington |
M3.4 |
138 km |
| Jun 28, 1997 |
3 km NNW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.4 |
85 km |
| May 10, 2000 |
Idaho-Montana border region |
M3.3 |
82 km |
| Sep 22, 2003 |
12 km NW of Rathdrum, Idaho |
M3.3 |
139 km |
| Nov 12, 2001 |
3 km NNE of Spokane, Washington |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| Feb 11, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.3 |
83 km |
| Feb 9, 1996 |
2 km W of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.2 |
81 km |
| Feb 10, 2013 |
29 km ESE of Pierce, Idaho |
M3.2 |
72 km |
| Jul 31, 2001 |
2 km WNW of Town and Country, Washington |
M3.2 |
143 km |
| Mar 18, 1993 |
3 km SSW of Osburn, Idaho |
M3.1 |
78 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
14 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 30, 1971 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1962 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1986 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1973 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1969 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2010 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2010 |
EF0 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2007 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1997 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1991 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1991 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1987 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 14, 1986 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1979 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SHOVEL CREEK (109,829 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
SHOVEL CREEK |
109,829 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
CHIMNEY COMPLEX |
50,646 |
97 km |
| 2015 |
KAMIAH GULCH |
48,459 |
56 km |
| 2015 |
FISHER |
20,757 |
55 km |
| 2014 |
JOHNSON BAR |
15,170 |
88 km |
| 2015 |
SLIDE |
13,509 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
DECEITFUL |
12,750 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
BEDROCK |
11,998 |
37 km |
| 2015 |
LAWYER 2 |
11,378 |
62 km |
| 2021 |
TUMBLEDOWN |
11,269 |
70 km |
| 2016 |
SNAKE RIVER FIRE |
10,349 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
SILCOTT |
8,864 |
90 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
8,547 |
95 km |
| 2003 |
MILEPOST 59 |
8,361 |
56 km |
| 2015 |
GILMORE GULCH |
8,074 |
92 km |
| 2015 |
PETE FORKS |
7,841 |
65 km |
| 1986 |
ROUND SPRINGS |
7,386 |
96 km |
| 2015 |
SNOWY SUMMIT |
6,928 |
57 km |
| 2015 |
WOODRAT |
6,513 |
75 km |
| 1997 |
POW WAH KEE |
6,418 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
51°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
58°F (14°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| July |
65°F (18°C) |
1.1 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
4.6 in |
Coldest |
Elk River has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 27°F in December to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.2 inches, with January being the wettest month (4.8") and July the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Elk River. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$239 ($143-$382) |
| Specialist Visit |
$334 ($191-$525) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$191 ($96-$334) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,101 ($764-$4,775) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$124 ($72-$191) |
| Dental Filling |
$239 ($143-$382) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48-$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$287 ($143-$478) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$573 ($382-$955) |
| Battery Replacement |
$191 ($96-$334) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($57-$143) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$86 ($48-$134) |
| HVAC Repair |
$382 ($143-$764) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,685 ($3,820-$11,460) |
| Roof Repair |
$955 ($382-$1,910) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,595 ($5,253-$14,325) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,433 ($478-$3,343) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,325 ($4,775-$28,650) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,775 ($1,910-$9,550) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,433 ($764-$2,865) |
| Will Preparation |
$478 ($191-$955) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,388 ($955-$4,775) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$143 ($72-$239) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$62) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($48-$124) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.92 ($2.87-$5.25) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.34 ($2.39-$4.78) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.63 ($2.39-$5.25) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.30 ($2.87-$6.21) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.25 ($3.82-$7.16) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.57-$1.72) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$134 ($76-$239) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$143) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$62 ($29-$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$81 ($48-$143) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$191 ($72-$478) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,910 ($1,146-$3,343) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$124) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.64-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29-$239) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14-$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,146 ($573-$2,388) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$955 ($478-$1,910) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$382 ($191-$669) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24-$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$955 ($382-$2,388) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,938 ($4,775-$28,650) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($29-$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48-$191) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($29-$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$287 ($143-$478) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$191 ($96-$382) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $901 |
| Toddler | $898 |
| Preschool | $825 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $628 |
| Toddler | $599 |
| Preschool | $555 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elk River
What is the population of Elk River?
Elk River has a population of 133 residents and is located in Idaho. The population density is 887 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 35.3% female and 64.7% male.
Is Elk River expensive to live in?
Elk River has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 95.5 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $63,125, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $218,800 (22% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elk River safe?
Elk River is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 162 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,261 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Elk River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elk River?
Elk River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 33.
How is the job market in Elk River?
The job market in Elk River is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $946. There are 1,448 business establishments in the area, including 130 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 8.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elk River?
The median home value in Elk River is $218,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $316,419. The homeownership rate is 94.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,688.
How are the schools in Elk River?
Schools in Elk River score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.1% of adults in Elk River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.2% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elk River?
The obesity rate in Elk River is 30.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 21.0% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 69.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,390.
What is transportation like in Elk River?
The average commute in Elk River is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 68.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elk River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elk River is 98.5% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 32.1% of the population are military veterans. 20.7% of residents have a disability. 86.6% have health insurance coverage.