Elkin, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,043
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,740/yr
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,972
3.6% year-over-year change

Elkin population

How many people live in Elkin

Elkin is home to 4,043 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.7% of Elkin locals are male, and 52.3% are female.

Total population
4,043
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.7%
1,929
Female
52.3%
2,114
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,929 47.7% 0.3%
Female 2,114 52.3% 0.6%
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 Elkin is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.3% are children under 15, then 17.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.8% of the population, while another 23.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.3%
15 to 24
17.9%
25 to 44
20.8%
45 to 64
23.8%
Over 65
22.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 617 15.3% -13.1%
15 to 24 722 17.9% 9.6%
25 to 44 839 20.8% -1.2%
45 to 64 963 23.8% 3.1%
Over 65 902 22.3% 3.3%
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 Elkin, 92.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 74.9% of locals are Caucasian, 3.1% are African American and 2.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.6%
Non-citizens
5.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,729 92.2% 4.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 106 2.6% -45.6%
Non-citizens 208 5.1% -21.8%
Racial breakdown
White
74.9%
Black or African American
3.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
12.1%
Other
7.4%
Value Percent
White 3,028 74.9%
Black or African American 124 3.1%
Asian 91 2.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 9 0.2%
Two or more races 490 12.1%
Other 301 7.4%

Households in Elkin

A peek inside Elkin households

Elkin has 1,660 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53% are families, while the remaining 47% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,660
1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
780
Family households
880
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 780 47% 2.1%
Family households 880 53% 0.8%
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 Elkin

The housing landscape of Elkin

Elkin's housing consists of 1,972 units, with 71% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% 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 4.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,972
3.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,400 71%
1 unit, attached 32 1.6%
2 units 64 3.2%
3 or 4 units 56 2.8%
5 to 9 units 53 2.7%
10 to 19 units 93 4.7%
20 to 49 units 106 5.4%
50 or more units 85 4.3%
Mobile home 83 4.2%
Homes built since 2020
14
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Elkin

In Elkin, the median construction year is 1964. About 16.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 15.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 324 16.4% 17.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 299 15.2% 12.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 258 13.1% 56.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 298 15.1% -17.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 273 13.8% 50.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 208 10.6% -29.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 102 5.2% -19.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 155 7.9% 2.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 41 2.1% -48.8%
Built in 2020 or later 14 0.7% N/A
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.

Elkin occupancy rates

Out of the 1,660 occupied housing units in Elkin, 60.8% are owner-occupied, while 39.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,660
1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
651
Owner occupied
1,009
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 651 39.2% 5.7%
Owner occupied 1,009 60.8% -1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
15.8%
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.

Elkin housing costs

Housing costs in Elkin come to a median of $905 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $807.

Median housing costs per month
$905/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 Elkin
$807/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 Elkin

Elkin education at a glance

About 33.1% of the population in Elkin went to high school, while 24.6% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 19.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 188 6% -24.2%
High school diploma 1,045 33.1% 1.8%
College diploma 777 24.6% 3.9%
Associate degree 305 9.7% 29.2%
Bachelor's degree 613 19.4% -6.8%
Graduate degree 227 7.2% 55.5%
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 Elkin

How much people earn in Elkin

The average annual household income in Elkin was $77,673 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +10.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $60,740, reflecting a +0.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Elkin
$77,673/year
10.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Elkin
$60,740/year
0.5% year-over-year change

Elkin income by age

In Elkin, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $45,643. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $73,889 overall. Overall, 77.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $45,643 -14.3%
45 - 64 $73,889 14.5%
Over 65 $39,676 -1.2%
Above poverty level
2,957
Below poverty level
855
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,957 77.6% 1.9%
Below poverty level 855 22.4% -2.3%

Average renter income in Elkin

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Elkin, their median household income was $27,083 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,083
Rent-to-income ratio
35.8%
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 Elkin

Workforce and job types in Elkin

The job market in Elkin is powered by 1,824 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.6% run their own businesses, 66.4% are employed by private companies, and 12.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,824
0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
1,210
Blue collar
614
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,210 66.3% 1.3%
Blue collar 614 33.7% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
8.6%
Private companies
66.4%
Governmental workers
12.4%
Not for profit companies
12.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 156 8.6% 7.6%
Private companies 1,211 66.4% -2.8%
Governmental workers 226 12.4% 0.4%
Not for profit companies 231 12.7% 20.3%
Unemployment rate
5.0%
-2.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Elkin stands at 5%, 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 Elkin

How people get around in Elkin

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,562 86.9% -1.5%
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 Elkin by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28621 9,403 4,126 $53,616 $69,959

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FAQs about Elkin demographics 

What is the total population of Elkin?

Elkin has a total population of 4,043 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 +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Elkin?

The gender ratio in Elkin is as follows:
  • 47.7% males (1,929 residents)
  • 52.3% females (2,114 residents)

What is the median age in Elkin?

The median age in Elkin is 41.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Elkin?

The age distribution in Elkin is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.3% (617 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.9% (722 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.8% (839 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.8% (963 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.3% (902 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Elkin?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Elkin is as follows:
  • White: 74.9% (3,028 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.1% (124 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 2.2% (91 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (9 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.1% (490 residents)
  • Other: 7.4% (301 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.2% of the population in Elkin.

How many housing units are there in Elkin?

There are 1,972 housing units in Elkin, reflecting a +3.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Elkin has a total of 1,660 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Elkin?

Elkin has a median household income of $60,740, representing a +0.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95% in Elkin, with a workforce of 1,824 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.3% (1,210 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.7% (614 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.6% (156 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.4% (1,211 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.4% (226 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.7% (231 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