Median Income
$58,021
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$105,100
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.9%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$588
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
6.3%
75% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.4%
32% lower than US avg
How Elkhorn City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population911
Median Age50.8 yrs
Density116/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans11.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$58,021
Per Capita$28,470
Unemployment6.3%
Poverty8.4%
County GDP$2,665M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$105,100
Rent$588
Ownership70.7%
Zillow$92,298
Housing Units465
Rent Burden13.7%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation1,690 ft (515 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.9%
High School+82.5%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute23 min
Broadband82.9%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Elkhorn City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elkhorn City receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Elkhorn City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elkhorn City is $58,021, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 8.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elkhorn City is $105,100, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $588 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Elkhorn City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
25.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Elkhorn City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Elkhorn City has a population of 911 with a density of 116 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 50.8 years, 31% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.4% female and 50.6% male. The city is predominantly White (98%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 11.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 29.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.8yrs
Median Age
31% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Elkhorn City 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
Elkhorn City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Elkhorn City is $58,021, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,470 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $991, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,627 business establishments, including 102 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Elkhorn City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,021 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,470 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $991 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,060 |
| Gini Index | 0.501 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.3% |
| 75% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.4% |
| 32% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,627 |
| County GDP | $2,665M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 102 |
| Healthcare | 169 |
| Retail | 247 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,330 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Elkhorn City is $105,100, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $92,298, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $588 (49% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 465 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $4,330 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $105,100 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $92,298 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $588 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.3% |
| Housing Units | 465 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,330 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.12% |
In Elkhorn City, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,335. The dentist ratio is 1:1,279. 40.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elkhorn City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.1% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,335 |
| Dentists | 1:1,279 |
| Mental Health | 1:549 |
| Dental Visits | 48.8% |
| Premature Death | 16,442/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 169 |
Elkhorn City has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters.
Crime Rates: Elkhorn City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
Elkhorn City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,690 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 53.5°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,690 ft (515 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 116/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3203°N, 82.3523°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Pike County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW) 84 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0414 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 10.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
46 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.7 on May 22, 2024.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
65 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
101 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
139 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
66 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
100 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
147 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
65 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
125 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
103 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
142 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
142 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
62 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
41 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
139 km |
| Feb 12, 2021 |
8 km SW of Banner Hill, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
69 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 6 fatalities, 130 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
92 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
83 km |
3 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1972 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1962 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (66,345 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,345 |
37 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
68 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
38 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
53 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
16 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
62 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
49 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
21 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
71 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
72 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
40 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
78 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
56 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
40 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
39 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
96 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
27 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
66 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
15,138 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Elkhorn City has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 33°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and October the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Elkhorn City. 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 | $491 |
| Toddler | $489 |
| Preschool | $489 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $362 |
| Toddler | $362 |
| Preschool | $362 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elkhorn City
What is the population of Elkhorn City?
Elkhorn City has a population of 911 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 116 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
Is Elkhorn City expensive to live in?
Elkhorn City 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 $58,021, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $105,100 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $588 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elkhorn City safe?
Elkhorn City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Elkhorn City?
Elkhorn City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Elkhorn City?
The unemployment rate in Elkhorn City is 6.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $991. There are 1,627 business establishments in the area, including 102 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elkhorn City?
The median home value in Elkhorn City is $105,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $92,298. For renters, the median monthly rent is $588. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,330.
How are the schools in Elkhorn City?
Schools in Elkhorn City score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.9% of adults in Elkhorn City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.5% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elkhorn City?
The obesity rate in Elkhorn City is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 40.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,335.
What is transportation like in Elkhorn City?
The average commute in Elkhorn City is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elkhorn City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elkhorn City is 98% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 11.9% of the population are military veterans. 29.1% of residents have a disability. 99.1% have health insurance coverage.