Elk City, OK demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,361
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$51,272/yr
3.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,269
0.9% year-over-year change

Elk City population

How many people live in Elk City

Elk City is home to 11,361 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.5% of Elk City locals are male, and 51.5% are female.

Total population
11,361
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.5%
5,515
Female
51.5%
5,846
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,515 48.5% -1.6%
Female 5,846 51.5% 0.7%
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 Elk City is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.5% are children under 15, then 11.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.6% of the population, while another 21.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.5%
15 to 24
11.8%
25 to 44
26.6%
45 to 64
21.6%
Over 65
18.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,447 21.5% -7.2%
15 to 24 1,338 11.8% -15.6%
25 to 44 3,025 26.6% 7.6%
45 to 64 2,451 21.6% 3.0%
Over 65 2,100 18.5% 5.5%
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 Elk City, 93.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 83.3% of locals are Caucasian, 3.5% are African American and 1.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.5%
Non-citizens
3.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,661 93.8% -1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 280 2.5% 76.1%
Non-citizens 420 3.7% 2.9%
Racial breakdown
White
83.3%
Black or African American
3.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.8%
Other
2.8%
Value Percent
White 9,465 83.3%
Black or African American 394 3.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 93 0.8%
Asian 209 1.8%
Two or more races 882 7.8%
Other 318 2.8%

Households in Elk City

A peek inside Elk City households

Elk City has 4,976 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.6% are families, while the remaining 37.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,976
-1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,860
Family households
3,116
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,860 37.4% -8.6%
Family households 3,116 62.6% 3.8%
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 Elk City

The housing landscape of Elk City

Elk City's housing consists of 6,269 units, with 65.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.2% 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 8.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,269
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,084 65.2%
1 unit, attached 204 3.2%
2 units 441 7%
3 or 4 units 106 1.7%
5 to 9 units 349 5.6%
10 to 19 units 249 4%
20 to 49 units 29 0.5%
50 or more units 293 4.7%
Mobile home 514 8.2%
Homes built since 2020
18
20.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Elk City

In Elk City, the median construction year is 1978. About 7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 18% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 441 7% 30.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 195 3.1% 77.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 939 15% 11.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 651 10.4% 21.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,103 17.6% 2.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 867 13.8% -32.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 231 3.7% -38.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 693 11% 10.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,131 18% 12.2%
Built in 2020 or later 18 0.3% 20.0%
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.

Elk City occupancy rates

Out of the 4,976 occupied housing units in Elk City, 64.3% are owner-occupied, while 35.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,976
-1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,778
Owner occupied
3,198
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,778 35.7% -6.5%
Owner occupied 3,198 64.3% 2.0%
Unoccupied housing units
20.6%
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.

Elk City housing costs

Housing costs in Elk City come to a median of $850 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $943.

Median housing costs per month
$850/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 Elk City
$943/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 Elk City

Elk City education at a glance

About 55.5% of the population in Elk City went to high school, while 17.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.5% earned an associate degree and 10.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 381 4.5% 19.1%
High school diploma 4,722 55.5% 8.2%
College diploma 1,497 17.6% -11.5%
Associate degree 727 8.5% -6.0%
Bachelor's degree 857 10.1% 23.8%
Graduate degree 325 3.8% -33.3%
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 Elk City

How much people earn in Elk City

The average annual household income in Elk City was $64,185 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $51,272, reflecting a +3.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Elk City
$64,185/year
3.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Elk City
$51,272/year
3.6% year-over-year change

Elk City income by age

In Elk City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $51,211. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $64,438 overall. Overall, 77.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $51,211 -3.6%
45 - 64 $64,438 -14.6%
Over 65 $49,886 15.7%
Above poverty level
8,499
Below poverty level
2,462
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,499 77.5% 7.4%
Below poverty level 2,462 22.5% -14.8%

Employment in Elk City

Workforce and job types in Elk City

The job market in Elk City is powered by 4,598 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 63.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.4% run their own businesses, 74.8% are employed by private companies, and 13.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,598
-6.5% year-over-year change
White collar
2,913
Blue collar
1,685
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,913 63.4% -10.6%
Blue collar 1,685 36.6% 1.4%
Employer type
Self employees
7.4%
Private companies
74.8%
Governmental workers
13.6%
Not for profit companies
4.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 342 7.4% -40.3%
Private companies 3,441 74.8% 4.2%
Governmental workers 624 13.6% -29.2%
Not for profit companies 191 4.2% 18.6%
Unemployment rate
8.4%
39.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Elk City stands at 8.4%, 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 Elk City

How people get around in Elk City

Commuting methods vary: 93% 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 4,188 93% -2.5%
Bus or trolleybus 16 0.4% -82.4%
Walk 39 0.9% -72.3%
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 Elk City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
73644 14,043 6,036 $53,180 $73,421

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FAQs about Elk City demographics 

What is the total population of Elk City?

Elk City has a total population of 11,361 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 -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Elk City?

The gender ratio in Elk City is as follows:
  • 48.5% males (5,515 residents)
  • 51.5% females (5,846 residents)

What is the median age in Elk City?

The median age in Elk City is 36.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Elk City?

The age distribution in Elk City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.5% (2,447 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.8% (1,338 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.6% (3,025 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.6% (2,451 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.5% (2,100 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Elk City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Elk City is as follows:
  • White: 83.3% (9,465 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.5% (394 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (93 residents)
  • Asian: 1.8% (209 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.8% (882 residents)
  • Other: 2.8% (318 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.8% of the population in Elk City.

How many housing units are there in Elk City?

There are 6,269 housing units in Elk City, reflecting a +0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Elk City has a total of 4,976 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Elk City?

Elk City has a median household income of $51,272, representing a +3.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Elk City?

The employment rate is 91.6% in Elk City, with a workforce of 4,598 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63.4% (2,913 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36.6% (1,685 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.4% (342 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.8% (3,441 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.6% (624 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.2% (191 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