Median Income
$68,500
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$150,700
47% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.1%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.5%
88% lower than US avg
How Elwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population535
Median Age51.5 yrs
Density973/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,500
Per Capita$35,575
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty1.5%
County GDP$123M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$150,700
Rent$775
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$392,406
Health
Obesity38.0%
UninsuredN/A
Depression18.8%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F
AQI32 (Good)
Rain23.4 in/yr
Elevation2,674 ft
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.1%
High School+95.0%
School Score5.81
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute23 min
Libraries1
Is Elwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elwood receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Elwood stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elwood is $68,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elwood is $150,700, 47% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
25.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Elwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 23.4 inches, including 20.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Elwood has a population of 535 with a density of 973 people per square mile. The median age is 51.5 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (94.6%), with 1.3% Hispanic.
Population
51.5yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 92.4% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Spanish | 7.6% |
| 43% below US avg |
The median household income in Elwood is $68,500, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,500 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,575 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $979 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,837 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.5% |
| 88% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 76 |
| County GDP | $123M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,000 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.32% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Work from Home | 2.8% |
The median home value in Elwood is $150,700, 47% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $392,406.
Home Values
| Census Median | $150,700 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $392,406 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,000 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.32% |
In Elwood, 38.0% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 18.8% report depression. 23.9% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Elwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 18.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 73.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,782/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 26.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Crime Rates: Elwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
Safety Score
Elwood has an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation is 23.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.7°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 23.4 inches |
| 38% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 20.0 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,674 ft (815 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 973/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.5901°N, 99.8620°W |
| County FIPS | 31073 |