Median Income
$68,698
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$170,300
40% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.4%
84% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.8%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
6.7%
86% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Elwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population920
Median Age62.8 yrs
Density288/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 49%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$68,698
Per Capita$41,091
Unemployment6.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$19,423M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$170,300
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$363,676
Housing Units372
Rent Burden34.2%
Health
Obesity31.8%
Uninsured3.6%
Smoking13.1%
Depression17.1%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain46.0 in/yr
Elevation90 ft (27 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.4%
High School+62.1%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score5.56
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 48%
Commute22 min
Broadband93.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries15
Is Elwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elwood receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Elwood offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elwood is $68,698, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elwood is $170,300, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
5.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 62.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Elwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.0 inches, including 17.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Elwood has a population of 920 with a density of 288 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 62.8 years, 61% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.2% female and 42.8% male. The city is predominantly White (48.6%), with 34.6% Hispanic, 26.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.7% of residents, while 12% speak Spanish. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 29.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
920
Total Population
2023 Census
62.8yrs
Median Age
61% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.7%
7% above US avg
Spanish
12.0%
10% below US avg
The median household income in Elwood is $68,698, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,091. The average weekly wage is $1,139, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.7% (above 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 7,268 business establishments, including 830 restaurants. The cost of living index is 108.8, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,698 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,091 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,139 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,837 |
| Gini Index | 0.478 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.7% |
| 86% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,268 |
| County GDP | $19,423M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 830 |
| Healthcare | 802 |
| Retail | 1,005 |
| Manufacturing | 120 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,412 |
| 140% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 108.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.94% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Elwood is $170,300, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $363,676, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,759 for a one-bedroom to $2,132 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 372 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $8,412 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.2% 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 | $170,300 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $363,676 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,599 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,759 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,132 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,658 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,005 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 372 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,412 |
| 140% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.94% |
In Elwood, 31.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 13.1% are current smokers. 17.5% report binge drinking. 27.4% are physically inactive. 17.1% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 3.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,396. The dentist ratio is 1:1,671. 90.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 17.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 39.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| Uninsured | 3.6% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,396 |
| Dentists | 1:1,671 |
| Mental Health | 1:435 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 61.5% |
| Premature Death | 10,072/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 802 |
Elwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 17.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. 83% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 90 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.1°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 90 ft (27 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 288/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5694°N, 74.7079°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Atlantic County County |
| Nearest Airport | Atlantic City International (ACY) 10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.0"
21% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.59"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 82.5% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0381 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.00 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
26 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.9 on May 24, 2024.
| Apr 5, 2024 |
2024 Tewksbury, New Jersey Earthquake |
M4.8 |
125 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
141 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
139 km |
| Apr 5, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M3.7 |
125 km |
| Oct 23, 1990 |
3 km W of Hancocks Bridge, New Jersey |
M3.2 |
69 km |
| Aug 26, 2003 |
4 km NNW of Milford, New Jersey |
M3.1 |
120 km |
| Jan 9, 1992 |
4 km WNW of Robertsville, New Jersey |
M3.1 |
94 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Feb 3, 2009 |
1 km ESE of Victory Gardens, New Jersey |
M3.0 |
146 km |
| Apr 27, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
125 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
139 km |
| May 24, 2024 |
6 km E of Califon, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
127 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| Jul 1, 2009 |
3 km ESE of Pennsville, New Jersey |
M2.8 |
67 km |
| Jan 25, 2015 |
4 km ESE of Downingtown, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
94 km |
| Apr 10, 2024 |
5 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M2.6 |
126 km |
| Oct 27, 2001 |
1 km NNW of Manhattan, New York |
M2.6 |
150 km |
| Jul 5, 1996 |
2 km NW of Chester Heights, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
77 km |
| Aug 14, 2015 |
3 km SE of Mendham, New Jersey |
M2.6 |
132 km |
| Oct 28, 1996 |
2 km W of Reinholds, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
7 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Arthur (2014, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 1 |
238 km |
| 2012 |
Sandy |
Category 2 |
192 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
165 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
288 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
165 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
245 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
106 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
230 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 6 fatalities, 172 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 1, 2021 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Sep 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 1961 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1960 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1955 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Apr 1, 2023 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 2023 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 2023 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 2023 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2021 |
EF2 |
75 km |
1 |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Oct 31, 2019 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 2004 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2001 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
2 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1895 |
HIGH BRIDGE, NJ |
Earthquake |
- |
- |
123 km |
| 1840 |
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA |
Earthquake |
- |
- |
49 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GREENWOOD STATE FOREST (21,271 ac, 1995).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1995 |
GREENWOOD STATE FOREST |
21,271 |
47 km |
| 2007 |
WARREN GROVE |
15,315 |
34 km |
| 2022 |
MULLICA RIVER FIRE |
13,082 |
14 km |
| 1999 |
BASS RIVER |
12,129 |
24 km |
| 2019 |
SPRING HILL FIRE |
8,182 |
33 km |
| 2023 |
ALLEN ROAD |
6,213 |
22 km |
| 1992 |
FORKED RIVER MOUTAIN APR |
5,093 |
49 km |
| 1992 |
POWER PLANT |
4,928 |
50 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
4,470 |
51 km |
| 2024 |
TEA TIME HILL |
4,444 |
26 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,780 |
18 km |
| 2017 |
PENN SWAMP FIRE |
3,587 |
13 km |
| 2023 |
JIMMYS WATER HOLE |
3,585 |
56 km |
| 1989 |
SIMM PLACE |
3,262 |
33 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,824 |
52 km |
| 2007 |
ATSION |
2,705 |
17 km |
| 1992 |
FOUR MILE COLONY |
2,647 |
35 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
2,625 |
17 km |
| 2010 |
FORT DIX RANGE 1-14 |
2,615 |
52 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
2,367 |
23 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| April |
53°F (11°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
4.5 in |
|
Elwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 34°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.0 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Elwood. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$272 ($163-$435) |
| Specialist Visit |
$381 ($218-$598) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$218 ($109-$381) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,394 ($870-$5,440) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$141 ($82-$218) |
| Dental Filling |
$272 ($163-$435) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$49 ($27-$82) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$82 ($54-$131) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$326 ($163-$544) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22-$82) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$653 ($435-$1,088) |
| Battery Replacement |
$218 ($109-$381) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$109 ($65-$163) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$98 ($54-$152) |
| HVAC Repair |
$435 ($163-$870) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,616 ($4,352-$13,056) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,088 ($435-$2,176) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,792 ($5,984-$16,320) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,632 ($544-$3,808) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,320 ($5,440-$32,640) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,440 ($2,176-$10,880) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,632 ($870-$3,264) |
| Will Preparation |
$544 ($218-$1,088) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,720 ($1,088-$5,440) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16-$49) |
| Women's Haircut |
$60 ($33-$109) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$163 ($82-$272) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16-$49) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($27-$71) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$87 ($54-$141) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.46 ($3.26-$5.98) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.81 ($2.72-$5.44) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.13 ($2.72-$5.98) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.26-$7.07) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.98 ($4.35-$8.16) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.09 ($0.65-$1.96) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$152 ($87-$272) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$76 ($33-$163) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$76 ($44-$131) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$76 ($44-$109) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$71 ($33-$109) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$92 ($54-$163) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$218 ($82-$544) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,176 ($1,306-$3,808) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$76 ($33-$141) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.70-$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$109 ($33-$272) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($16-$82) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,306 ($653-$2,720) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,088 ($544-$2,176) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$435 ($218-$762) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27-$109) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,088 ($435-$2,720) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,600 ($5,440-$32,640) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$65 ($33-$109) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$109 ($54-$218) |
| Dog Grooming |
$65 ($33-$109) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22-$82) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$326 ($163-$544) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$218 ($109-$435) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,241 |
| Toddler | $1,204 |
| Preschool | $1,204 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $780 |
| Toddler | $802 |
| Preschool | $751 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elwood
What is the population of Elwood?
Elwood has a population of 920 residents and is located in New Jersey. The population density is 288 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.2% female and 42.8% male.
Is Elwood expensive to live in?
Elwood is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 108.8 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $68,698, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $170,300 (40% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Elwood?
Elwood has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 46.0 inches, with 17.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Elwood?
The unemployment rate in Elwood is 6.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,139. There are 7,268 business establishments in the area, including 830 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elwood?
The median home value in Elwood is $170,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $363,676. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $8,412.
How are the schools in Elwood?
Schools in Elwood score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.4% of adults in Elwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 62.1% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elwood?
The obesity rate in Elwood is 31.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.1% of adults are smokers. 27.4% are physically inactive. 17.1% of residents report depression. 3.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,396.
What is transportation like in Elwood?
The average commute in Elwood is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elwood is 48.6% White, 26.3% Black or African American, 34.6% Hispanic or Latino. 83.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 12% speak Spanish. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 29.2% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.