Median Income
$83,750
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$207,100
27% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
308/100K
19% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
61.4%
82% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,708
47% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.1%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Elsah Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population655
Median Age20.6 yrs
Density601/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 70%
Veterans0.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,750
Per Capita$10,278
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$26,419M
Commute11 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$207,100
Rent$1,708
Ownership80.9%
Zillow$189,077
Housing Units115
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
F
Violent308/100K
Property1,541/100K
Health
Obesity40.1%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking14.4%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.4 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation489 ft (149 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+61.4%
High School+97.6%
Graduate+42.7%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute11 min
Broadband47.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries11
Is Elsah a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elsah receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Elsah offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elsah is $83,750, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elsah is $207,100, 27% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,708 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Elsah is below the national average at 308 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,541 per 100,000, 21% below the national average.
Education
Elsah is a highly educated community / 61.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Elsah enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Elsah has a population of 655 with a density of 601 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 20.6 years, 47% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (70.4%), with 10.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 81.4% of residents, while 18.6% speak Spanish. 0.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 4.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
20.6yrs
Median Age
47% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
81.4%
4% above US avg
Spanish
18.6%
39% above US avg
The median household income in Elsah is $83,750, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $10,278 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,156, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 10,945 business establishments, including 848 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.5% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,750 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $10,278 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,156 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,968 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 10,945 |
| County GDP | $26,419M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 848 |
| Healthcare | 1,250 |
| Retail | 1,071 |
| Manufacturing | 220 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,024 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 26.8% |
| Public Transit | 1.2% |
| Work from Home | 16.5% |
The median home value in Elsah is $207,100, 27% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,077. Monthly rent averages $1,708 (47% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 115 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,024 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $207,100 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $189,077 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,708 |
| 47% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.1% |
| Housing Units | 115 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,024 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.43% |
In Elsah, 40.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 19.8% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,135. The dentist ratio is 1:1,533. 87.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elsah vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 38.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,135 |
| Dentists | 1:1,533 |
| Mental Health | 1:425 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,250/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,250 |
Elsah has a violent crime rate of 308 per 100,000 residents, 19% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,541 per 100,000, 21% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 34 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elsah receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elsah vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 308.2/100K |
| 19% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,540.8/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 34 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elsah enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 302 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 489 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.1°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 489 ft (149 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 601/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.9541°N, 90.3553°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | St. Charles County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Lambert International (STL) 14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.4"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0484 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.02 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 92.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
32 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 19, 2024.
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
109 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
103 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
96 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
138 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
115 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
133 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
125 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
127 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
101 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
49 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
83 km |
| Jul 31, 1995 |
8 km SSW of Caledonia, Missouri |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
52 km |
| Sep 13, 1997 |
3 km SSE of Darmstadt, Illinois |
M2.8 |
93 km |
| Jul 15, 1990 |
7 km SW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Nov 12, 1996 |
15 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M2.7 |
106 km |
| Jul 22, 1998 |
12 km NE of Mine La Motte, Missouri |
M2.7 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
632 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 61 fatalities, 1,100 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
99 km |
2 |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
35 km |
3 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
52 km |
21 |
| Feb 24, 1956 |
EF4 |
75 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
34 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1984 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
44°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Elsah has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 31°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Elsah. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Elsah
What is the population of Elsah?
Elsah has a population of 655 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 601 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 20.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Elsah expensive to live in?
Elsah has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $83,750, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $207,100 (27% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,708 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elsah safe?
Elsah is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 308 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,541 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Elsah receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elsah?
Elsah enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Elsah?
Elsah has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,156. There are 10,945 business establishments in the area, including 848 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 16.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elsah?
The median home value in Elsah is $207,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,077. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,708. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,024.
How are the schools in Elsah?
Schools in Elsah score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 61.4% of adults in Elsah hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. 42.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elsah?
The obesity rate in Elsah is 40.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 87.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,135.
What is transportation like in Elsah?
The average commute in Elsah is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 26.8% of workers drive alone to work, 1.2% use public transit, and 16.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elsah?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elsah is 70.4% White, 10.5% Black or African American. 81.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 18.6% speak Spanish. 0.6% of the population are military veterans. 4.1% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.