Median Income
$58,750
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$183,800
35% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.9%
29% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.4%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.6%
58% higher than US avg
How Elkton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population971
Median Age29.6 yrs
Density652/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 74%
Veterans11.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$58,750
Per Capita$25,186
Unemployment5.4%
Poverty19.6%
County GDP$588M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$183,800
Rent$850
Ownership60.5%
Zillow$305,071
Housing Units331
Rent Burden45.6%
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured12.7%
Smoking12.7%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
Rain28.5 in/yr
Elevation1,753 ft (534 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.9%
High School+84.6%
Graduate+13.6%
School Score6.07
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute16 min
Broadband75.7%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Elkton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elkton receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Elkton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elkton is $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 19.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elkton is $183,800, 35% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
23.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Elkton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 28.5 inches, including 40.4 inches of snow.
Elkton has a population of 971 with a density of 652 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 29.6 years, 24% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.8% female and 52.2% male. The city is predominantly White (74.3%), with 38% Hispanic, 2.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 70.8% of residents, while 21.9% speak Spanish. 11.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 87.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
971
Total Population
2023 Census
29.6yrs
Median Age
24% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
70.8%
10% below US avg
Spanish
21.9%
63% above US avg
The median household income in Elkton is $58,750, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,186 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $872, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 19.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 226 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,750 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,186 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $872 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,484 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.6% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 226 |
| County GDP | $588M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 30 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,614 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.42% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Elkton is $183,800, 35% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $305,071, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 331 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $2,614 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 45.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $183,800 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $305,071 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 45.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.5% |
| Housing Units | 331 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,614 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.42% |
In Elkton, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 12.7% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 20.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.1% report depression. 14.5% experience frequent mental distress. 12.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,856. The dentist ratio is 1:1,860. 25.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elkton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.7% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.9% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.3% |
| Uninsured | 12.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,856 |
| Dentists | 1:1,860 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,521 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 68.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,358/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 25.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Elkton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 28.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 40.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,753 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.3°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,753 ft (534 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 652/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2351°N, 96.4794°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lincoln County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brookings Regional (BKX)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.5"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 26, 2002.
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
496 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 338 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
61 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
59 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
35 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Elkton has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Elkton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133-$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177-$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89-$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709-$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66-$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133-$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133-$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354-$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89-$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44-$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133-$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544-$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354-$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873-$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443-$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430-$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772-$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709-$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177-$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886-$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66-$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44-$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66-$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22-$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22-$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66-$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54-$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71-$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35-$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66-$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063-$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532-$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443-$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177-$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354-$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430-$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44-$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133-$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89-$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elkton
What is the population of Elkton?
Elkton has a population of 971 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 652 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
Is Elkton expensive to live in?
Elkton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / 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 $183,800 (35% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Elkton?
Elkton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 28.5 inches, with 40.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Elkton?
The unemployment rate in Elkton is 5.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $872. There are 226 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 6.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elkton?
The median home value in Elkton is $183,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $305,071. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,614.
How are the schools in Elkton?
Schools in Elkton score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.9% of adults in Elkton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.6% have completed high school. 13.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elkton?
The obesity rate in Elkton is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.7% of adults are smokers. 20.9% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 12.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 25.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,856.
What is transportation like in Elkton?
The average commute in Elkton is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elkton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elkton is 74.3% White, 2.1% Black or African American, 38% Hispanic or Latino. 70.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 21.9% speak Spanish. 11.4% of the population are military veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 87.3% have health insurance coverage.