Elgin, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
735
-13.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,688/yr
-9.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
396
0.2% year-over-year change

Elgin population

How many people live in Elgin

Elgin is home to 735 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Elgin locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
735
-13.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
362
Female
50.8%
373
Value Percent YoY change
Male 362 49.2% -15.0%
Female 373 50.8% -11.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Elgin is 52, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.5% are children under 15, then 13.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.5% of the population, while another 23.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 31.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
51.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.5%
15 to 24
13.1%
25 to 44
18.5%
45 to 64
23.4%
Over 65
31.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 99 13.5% -20.8%
15 to 24 96 13.1% -36.4%
25 to 44 136 18.5% -13.9%
45 to 64 172 23.4% -16.1%
Over 65 232 31.6% 11.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Elgin, 99.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 4.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.5%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 731 99.5% -13.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4 0.5% -20.0%
Racial breakdown
White
95.2%
Black or African American
0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.1%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 700 95.2%
Black or African American 5 0.7%
Two or more races 30 4.1%

Households in Elgin

A peek inside Elgin households

Elgin has 349 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.1% are families, while the remaining 49.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
349
-0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
174
Family households
175
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 174 49.9% 23.4%
Family households 175 50.1% -16.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Elgin

The housing landscape of Elgin

Elgin's housing consists of 396 units, with 79% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 10.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
396
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 313 79%
1 unit, attached 4 1%
2 units 4 1%
3 or 4 units 9 2.3%
5 to 9 units 23 5.8%
Mobile home 43 10.9%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Elgin

In Elgin, the median construction year is 1973. About 30.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 122 30.8% -5.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4 1% -50.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 19 4.8% -5.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 38 9.6% 8.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 58 14.6% -15.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 23 5.8% -4.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 41 10.4% 105.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 78 19.7% 1.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 13 3.3% 0.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Elgin occupancy rates

Out of the 349 occupied housing units in Elgin, 82.5% are owner-occupied, while 17.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
349
-0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
61
Owner occupied
288
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 61 17.5% 1.7%
Owner occupied 288 82.5% -1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
11.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Elgin housing costs

Housing costs in Elgin come to a median of $656 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $538.

Median housing costs per month
$656/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Elgin
$538/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Elgin

Elgin education at a glance

About 45.6% of the population in Elgin went to high school, while 23.6% pursued college studies. Another 12% earned an associate degree and 14.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7 1.2% 250.0%
High school diploma 274 45.6% -16.7%
College diploma 142 23.6% 2.9%
Associate degree 72 12% -25.8%
Bachelor's degree 86 14.3% 21.1%
Graduate degree 20 3.3% -23.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Elgin

How much people earn in Elgin

The average annual household income in Elgin was $69,010 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -6.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,688, reflecting a -9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Elgin
$69,010/year
-6.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Elgin
$54,688/year
-9.0% year-over-year change

Elgin income by age

In Elgin, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $81,667. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $63,239 overall. Overall, 96.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $81,667 -3.0%
45 - 64 $63,239 -2.3%
Over 65 $39,583 -2.9%
Above poverty level
692
Below poverty level
27
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 692 96.2% -13.4%
Below poverty level 27 3.8% -20.6%

Average renter income in Elgin

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Elgin, their median household income was $48,583 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 13.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$48,583
Rent-to-income ratio
13.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Elgin

Workforce and job types in Elgin

The job market in Elgin is powered by 362 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.8% run their own businesses, 71.6% are employed by private companies, and 11% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
362
-14.0% year-over-year change
White collar
254
Blue collar
108
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 254 70.2% -2.3%
Blue collar 108 29.8% -32.9%
Employer type
Self employees
8.8%
Private companies
71.6%
Governmental workers
11%
Not for profit companies
8.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 32 8.8% 23.1%
Private companies 259 71.6% -10.4%
Governmental workers 40 11% -20.0%
Not for profit companies 31 8.6% -44.6%
Unemployment rate
3.0%
-21.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Elgin stands at 3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Elgin

How people get around in Elgin

Commuting methods vary: 84.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 295 84.3% -13.7%
Walk 3 0.9% 50.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Elgin by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
52141 1,259 549 $64,647 $78,033

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FAQs about Elgin demographics 

What is the total population of Elgin?

Elgin has a total population of 735 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -13.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Elgin?

The gender ratio in Elgin is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (362 residents)
  • 50.8% females (373 residents)

What is the median age in Elgin?

The median age in Elgin is 51.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Elgin?

The age distribution in Elgin is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.5% (99 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.1% (96 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.5% (136 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.4% (172 residents)
  • Over 65: 31.6% (232 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Elgin?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Elgin is as follows:
  • White: 95.2% (700 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.7% (5 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.1% (30 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Elgin are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.5% of the population in Elgin.

How many housing units are there in Elgin?

There are 396 housing units in Elgin, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Elgin and what is the average household size?

Elgin has a total of 349 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Elgin?

Elgin has a median household income of $54,688, representing a -9.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Elgin?

The employment rate is 97% in Elgin, with a workforce of 362 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.2% (254 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.8% (108 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.8% (32 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.6% (259 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11% (40 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.6% (31 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025