Median Income
$54,084
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$92,800
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
141/100K
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.1%
79% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$838
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.6%
28% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.4%
24% lower than US avg
How Elwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,320
Median Age43.7 yrs
Density2,085/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,084
Per Capita$28,005
Unemployment4.6%
Poverty9.4%
County GDP$5,526M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$92,800
Rent$838
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$144,507
Crime
F
Violent141/100K
Property1,931/100K
Murder11.8/100K
Assault118/100K
Burglary589/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
UninsuredN/A
Depression29.8%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain42.5 in/yr
Elevation862 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.1%
High School+90.9%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 36%
Commute27 min
Libraries8
Is Elwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elwood receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Elwood has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elwood is $54,084, 28% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elwood is $92,800, 67% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $838 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Elwood is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 141 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,931 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
7.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Elwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Elwood has a population of 8,320 with a density of 2,085 people per square mile. The median age is 43.7 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (95.1%).
Population
43.7yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 97.9% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Spanish | 2.1% |
| 84% below US avg |
The median household income in Elwood is $54,084, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.4% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,084 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,005 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $961 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,559 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.4% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,484 |
| County GDP | $5,526M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 230 |
| Healthcare | 308 |
| Retail | 345 |
| Manufacturing | 104 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,964 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.19% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.3 min |
| Work from Home | 4.6% |
The median home value in Elwood is $92,800, 67% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $838 (28% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,507.
Home Values
| Census Median | $92,800 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $144,507 |
| Median List Price | $158,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $158,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $96 |
| Homes Sold | 12 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.4% |
| Price Drops | 31.0% |
| Inventory | 42 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $838 |
| 28% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,964 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.19% |
In Elwood, 37.2% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 29.8% report depression. 30.6% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Elwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.9% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.6% |
| Depression | 29.8% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.3% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Premature Death | 11,656/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 308 |
Elwood has a violent crime rate of 141 per 100,000 residents, 63% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,931 per 100,000 (1% below US avg). The murder rate is 11.8 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Elwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 141.3/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
| Murder | 11.8/100K |
| 87% above US avg |
| Rape | 11.8/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 117.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,931.0/100K |
| 1% below US avg |
| Burglary | 588.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,248.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 94.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elwood has an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation is 42.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.9°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 42.5 inches |
| 12% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 862 ft (263 m) |
| Area | 4.0 sq mi (10.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,085/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.2738°N, 85.8373°W |
| County FIPS | 18095 |