Median Income
$82,717
10% higher than US avg
Home Value
$355,800
26% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
78/100K
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
53.2%
58% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,584
36% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.6%
63% lower than US avg
How Elon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population11,325
Median Age21.9 yrs
Density2,652/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$82,717
Per Capita$30,639
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty4.6%
County GDP$9,014M
Commute21 min
Housing
A
Home Value$355,800
Rent$1,584
Ownership66.0%
Zillow$347,638
Housing Units3,446
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent78/100K
Property311/100K
Health
Obesity36.7%
Uninsured5.1%
Smoking13.1%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
Rain43.3 in/yr
Elevation703 ft (214 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+53.2%
High School+94.4%
Graduate+23.7%
School Score5.28
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute21 min
Broadband88.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Elon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elon receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Elon offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elon is $82,717, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. Only 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elon is $355,800, 26% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,584 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 4.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Elon is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 311 per 100,000, 84% below the national average.
Education
Elon is a highly educated community / 53.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Elon enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.3 inches.
Elon has a population of 11,325 with a density of 2,652 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age is 21.9 years, 44% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.4% female and 42.6% male. The city is predominantly White (83.4%), with 3.2% Hispanic, 8.7% Black, 3.1% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.9% of residents, while 5.8% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
11,325
Total Population
2023 Census
21.9yrs
Median Age
44% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.9%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.8%
57% below US avg
The median household income in Elon is $82,717, which is 10% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,639 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,010, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,409 business establishments, including 370 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $82,717 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,639 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,010 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,841 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.6% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,409 |
| County GDP | $9,014M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 370 |
| Healthcare | 393 |
| Retail | 609 |
| Manufacturing | 189 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,444 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.6% |
The median home value in Elon is $355,800, 26% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $347,638. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $425,000 with homes selling in an average of 151 days. Homes sell for 99.5% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,584 (36% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,446 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1996. The average annual property tax is $3,444. 51.0% 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 4.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $355,800 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $347,638 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $425,000 |
| Median List Price | $399,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $425,000 |
| Median List Price | $399,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $165 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Days on Market | 151 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.5% |
| Price Drops | 26.1% |
| Inventory | 23 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,584 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,135 |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.0% |
| Housing Units | 3,446 |
| Median Year Built | 1996 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,444 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.97% |
In Elon, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 13.1% are current smokers. 16.1% report binge drinking. 20.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 5.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,595. The dentist ratio is 1:1,781. 80.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-27)
PM2.5
4.7
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
5.2
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
8.8
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.3
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
154.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Elon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.2% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| Uninsured | 5.1% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,595 |
| Dentists | 1:1,781 |
| Mental Health | 1:521 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.5% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,571/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 393 |
Elon has a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, 80% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 311 per 100,000, 84% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 25 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 77.7/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 310.8/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 25 |
| Traffic Accidents | 33 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elon enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.3 inches. The area receives 1.8 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 703 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.7°F |
| 12% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 703 ft (214 m) |
| Area | 3.9 sq mi (10.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,652/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.1023°N, 79.5088°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Alamance County County |
| Nearest Airport | Piedmont Triad International (GSO)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.3"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.65"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 8, 2023.
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
129 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
29 km |
| Jun 10, 2018 |
2 km NE of Hays, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
144 km |
| Jul 8, 2023 |
Virginia-North Carolina border region |
M2.6 |
130 km |
| Mar 26, 2019 |
8 km E of Archdale, North Carolina |
M2.5 |
38 km |
| Jul 29, 2012 |
7 km NNW of Wallace, South Carolina |
M2.5 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
12 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Isaias (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
262 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
255 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
293 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
294 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
266 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
175 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
248 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
251 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
124 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
212 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 2 |
212 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
258 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
251 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 20 fatalities, 471 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 27, 1988 |
EF4 |
73 km |
4 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
87 km |
6 |
| Mar 28, 2010 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1998 |
EF3 |
54 km |
2 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
30 km |
2 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1985 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Oct 7, 1965 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
75 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
84 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BULL MOUNTAIN (3,300 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
BULL MOUNTAIN |
3,300 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
UWH NARROWS DAM RX |
1,222 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
GRINDSTONE |
1,106 |
91 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
94 km |
| 2019 |
ROBEDO SOUTH RX |
727 |
96 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
665 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
PINE ROAD |
582 |
94 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
579 |
98 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
565 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
44°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
69°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
51°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Elon has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 41°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Elon. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$236 ($141-$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189-$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94-$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754-$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71-$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141-$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24-$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47-$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141-$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377-$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94-$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57-$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47-$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141-$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772-$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377-$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187-$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472-$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715-$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886-$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754-$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189-$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943-$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28-$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71-$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47-$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83-$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36-$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36-$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83-$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77-$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57-$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75-$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47-$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71-$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132-$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28-$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566-$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472-$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189-$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24-$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377-$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715-$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28-$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47-$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28-$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141-$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94-$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $629 |
| Toddler | $620 |
| Preschool | $488 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $649 |
| Toddler | $582 |
| Preschool | $607 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elon
What is the population of Elon?
Elon has a population of 11,325 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 2,652 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 21.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.4% female and 42.6% male.
Is Elon expensive to live in?
Elon is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $82,717, 10% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $355,800 (26% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,584 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elon safe?
Elon is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 311 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Elon receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elon?
Elon enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 43.3 inches, with 1.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Elon?
The job market in Elon is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,010. There are 4,409 business establishments in the area, including 370 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 9.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elon?
The median home value in Elon is $355,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $347,638. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $425,000, with homes typically selling within 151 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,584. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,444.
How are the schools in Elon?
Schools in Elon score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 53.2% of adults in Elon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. 23.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elon?
The obesity rate in Elon is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.1% of adults are smokers. 20.2% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 5.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 80.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,595.
What is transportation like in Elon?
The average commute in Elon is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elon is 83.4% White, 8.7% Black or African American, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 3.1% Asian. 93.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.8% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.