Elgin, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
114,934
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$90,282/yr
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
40,523
1.0% year-over-year change

Elgin population

How many people live in Elgin

Elgin is home to 114,934 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51% of Elgin locals are male, and 49% are female.

Total population
114,934
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51%
58,576
Female
49%
56,358
Value Percent YoY change
Male 58,576 51% 1.3%
Female 56,358 49% 0.1%
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 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.4% are children under 15, then 14.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.8% of the population, while another 25.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.4%
15 to 24
14.1%
25 to 44
26.8%
45 to 64
25.2%
Over 65
13.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 23,444 20.4% -0.3%
15 to 24 16,177 14.1% -2.3%
25 to 44 30,802 26.8% 0.6%
45 to 64 28,977 25.2% 0.6%
Over 65 15,534 13.5% 6.4%
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, 71.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 14.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 40.6% of locals are Caucasian, 5.4% are African American and 6.7% have Asian roots. Another 2.3% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 21.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 23.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
71.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.9%
Non-citizens
14.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 81,858 71.2% 1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 15,966 13.9% -3.3%
Non-citizens 17,110 14.9% 3.3%
Racial breakdown
White
40.6%
Black or African American
5.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.3%
Asian
6.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
23.5%
Other
21.3%
Value Percent
White 46,619 40.6%
Black or African American 6,256 5.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2,614 2.3%
Asian 7,679 6.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 226 0.2%
Two or more races 27,025 23.5%
Other 24,515 21.3%

Households in Elgin

A peek inside Elgin households

Elgin has 39,317 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.9% are families, while the remaining 28.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
39,317
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
11,042
Family households
28,275
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 11,042 28.1% 1.5%
Family households 28,275 71.9% 1.1%
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 40,523 units, with 61.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 13.9% 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 3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
40,523
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 25,096 61.9%
1 unit, attached 5,641 13.9%
2 units 1,794 4.4%
3 or 4 units 1,978 4.9%
5 to 9 units 1,668 4.1%
10 to 19 units 1,172 2.9%
20 to 49 units 908 2.2%
50 or more units 1,046 2.6%
Mobile home 1,220 3%
Homes built since 2020
586
77.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Elgin

In Elgin, the median construction year is 1977. About 18.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 7,659 18.9% -0.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,561 3.8% -9.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,077 7.6% 0.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,220 10.4% 0.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,700 14.1% 8.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,936 9.7% 0.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,794 14.3% -4.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,608 13.8% 0.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,382 5.9% 1.8%
Built in 2020 or later 586 1.4% 77.6%
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 39,317 occupied housing units in Elgin, 72% are owner-occupied, while 28% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
39,317
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11,029
Owner occupied
28,288
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11,029 28% -0.6%
Owner occupied 28,288 72% 1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
3.0%
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 $1,574 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,361.

Median housing costs per month
$1,574/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
$1,361/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 36.8% of the population in Elgin went to high school, while 21.1% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 16.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7,895 9.2% -2.5%
High school diploma 31,570 36.8% 2.7%
College diploma 18,152 21.1% -3.4%
Associate degree 6,675 7.8% -0.6%
Bachelor's degree 14,364 16.7% 5.8%
Graduate degree 7,204 8.4% 5.1%
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 $107,076 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $90,282, reflecting a +2.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Elgin
$107,076/year
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Elgin
$90,282/year
2.2% 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 $94,335. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $102,837 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $84,213, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $64,621 in earnings. Overall, 90.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $84,213 -4.3%
25 - 44 $94,335 4.7%
45 - 64 $102,837 5.5%
Over 65 $64,621 -6.8%
Above poverty level
100,452
Below poverty level
10,964
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 100,452 90.2% 1.2%
Below poverty level 10,964 9.8% -5.0%

Average renter income in Elgin

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Elgin, their median household income was $50,757 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$50,757
Rent-to-income ratio
32.2%
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 57,942 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.4% run their own businesses, 77% are employed by private companies, and 8.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
57,942
1.0% year-over-year change
White collar
40,831
Blue collar
17,111
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 40,831 70.5% 1.4%
Blue collar 17,111 29.5% 0.2%
Employer type
Self employees
7.4%
Private companies
77%
Governmental workers
8.6%
Not for profit companies
7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,299 7.4% 5.5%
Private companies 44,626 77% -0.4%
Governmental workers 4,966 8.6% 0.5%
Not for profit companies 4,051 7% 14.5%
Unemployment rate
6.1%
-2.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Elgin stands at 6.1%, 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

In Elgin, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 81.9% 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.

Commute time
28 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 46,304 81.9% -0.4%
Taxicab 149 0.3% 12.0%
Bus or trolleybus 375 0.7% -12.4%
Subway or elevated 67 0.1% N/A
Railroad 593 1% 5.5%
Motorcycle 22 0% -24.1%
Bicycle 264 0.5% 3.9%
Walk 495 0.9% -14.4%
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
60120 51,225 16,676 $82,449 $96,158
60123 48,379 17,562 $87,693 $101,181
60124 24,487 8,832 $139,982 $167,558

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FAQs about Elgin demographics 

What is the total population of Elgin?

Elgin has a total population of 114,934 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 +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Elgin?

The gender ratio in Elgin is as follows:
  • 51% males (58,576 residents)
  • 49% females (56,358 residents)

What is the median age in Elgin?

The median age in Elgin is 36.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Elgin?

The age distribution in Elgin is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.4% (23,444 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.1% (16,177 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.8% (30,802 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.2% (28,977 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.5% (15,534 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Elgin?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Elgin is as follows:
  • White: 40.6% (46,619 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.4% (6,256 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.3% (2,614 residents)
  • Asian: 6.7% (7,679 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (226 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 23.5% (27,025 residents)
  • Other: 21.3% (24,515 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 71.2% of the population in Elgin.

How many housing units are there in Elgin?

There are 40,523 housing units in Elgin, reflecting a +1.0% 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 39,317 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Elgin?

Elgin has a median household income of $90,282, representing a +2.2% 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 93.9% in Elgin, with a workforce of 57,942 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.5% (40,831 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.5% (17,111 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.4% (4,299 residents)
  • Private companies: 77% (44,626 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.6% (4,966 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7% (4,051 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