Elgin, Kershaw County, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,440
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$84,830/yr
7.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,675
-2.8% year-over-year change

Elgin population

How many people live in Elgin

Elgin is home to 4,440 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.9% of Elgin locals are male, and 49.1% are female.

Total population
4,440
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.9%
2,258
Female
49.1%
2,182
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,258 50.9% 0.5%
Female 2,182 49.1% -0.2%
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 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.5% are children under 15, then 11% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.6% of the population, while another 29.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
45
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.5%
15 to 24
11%
25 to 44
23.6%
45 to 64
29.4%
Over 65
21.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 644 14.5% -5.0%
15 to 24 488 11% -6.5%
25 to 44 1,047 23.6% -5.1%
45 to 64 1,304 29.4% 10.5%
Over 65 957 21.6% 0.6%
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, 97.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87.2% of locals are Caucasian, 8.6% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.8%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,344 97.8% 2.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 79 1.8% -16.8%
Non-citizens 17 0.4% -81.7%
Racial breakdown
White
87.2%
Black or African American
8.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.7%
Other
0.3%
Value Percent
White 3,871 87.2%
Black or African American 382 8.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 27 0.6%
Asian 24 0.5%
Two or more races 121 2.7%
Other 15 0.3%

Households in Elgin

A peek inside Elgin households

Elgin has 1,629 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 78.7% are families, while the remaining 21.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,629
3.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
347
Family households
1,282
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 347 21.3% 16.4%
Family households 1,282 78.7% 0.2%
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 1,675 units, with 92.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 7.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,675
-2.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,542 92.1%
3 or 4 units 4 0.2%
Mobile home 129 7.7%
Homes built since 2020
3
50.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Elgin

In Elgin, the median construction year is 1992. About 0.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 5 0.3% 25.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 9 0.5% 350.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 17 1% -73.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 209 12.5% 13.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 243 14.5% 7.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 293 17.5% -26.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 411 24.5% -9.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 301 18% 24.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 184 11% 25.2%
Built in 2020 or later 3 0.2% 50.0%
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 1,629 occupied housing units in Elgin, 89% are owner-occupied, while 11% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,629
3.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
180
Owner occupied
1,449
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 180 11% -5.3%
Owner occupied 1,449 89% 4.5%
Unoccupied housing units
2.7%
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 $978 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,026.

Median housing costs per month
$978/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
$1,026/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 45.8% of the population in Elgin went to high school, while 16.8% pursued college studies. Another 11.9% earned an associate degree and 16.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 60 1.7% 11.1%
High school diploma 1,587 45.8% -0.9%
College diploma 584 16.8% 5.8%
Associate degree 412 11.9% -16.8%
Bachelor's degree 573 16.5% 9.8%
Graduate degree 252 7.3% 46.5%
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 Elgin

How much people earn in Elgin

The average annual household income in Elgin was $95,166 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $84,830, reflecting a +7.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Elgin
$95,166/year
6.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Elgin
$84,830/year
7.1% 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 $112,524. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $91,250 overall. Overall, 96.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $112,524 21.7%
45 - 64 $91,250 20.1%
Over 65 $63,982 -2.8%
Above poverty level
4,252
Below poverty level
154
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,252 96.5% 1.6%
Below poverty level 154 3.5% -23.4%

Average renter income in Elgin

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Elgin, their median household income was $45,000 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 27.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$45,000
Rent-to-income ratio
27.4%
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 2,219 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.7% run their own businesses, 67.5% are employed by private companies, and 18.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,219
0.5% year-over-year change
White collar
1,765
Blue collar
454
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,765 79.5% 10.7%
Blue collar 454 20.5% -25.8%
Employer type
Self employees
10.7%
Private companies
67.5%
Governmental workers
18.2%
Not for profit companies
3.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 238 10.7% 3.0%
Private companies 1,498 67.5% -8.1%
Governmental workers 405 18.2% 52.8%
Not for profit companies 78 3.5% -3.7%
Unemployment rate
4.2%
-3.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Elgin stands at 4.2%, 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 27 minutes.

Commute time
27 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,047 99.6% -1.0%
Motorcycle 8 0.4% N/A
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
29045 31,372 11,680 $87,366 $110,838

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FAQs about Elgin demographics 

What is the total population of Elgin?

Elgin has a total population of 4,440 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Elgin?

The gender ratio in Elgin is as follows:
  • 50.9% males (2,258 residents)
  • 49.1% females (2,182 residents)

What is the median age in Elgin?

The median age in Elgin is 45.

What is the age distribution of the population in Elgin?

The age distribution in Elgin is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.5% (644 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11% (488 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.6% (1,047 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.4% (1,304 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.6% (957 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Elgin?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Elgin is as follows:
  • White: 87.2% (3,871 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.6% (382 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (27 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (24 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.7% (121 residents)
  • Other: 0.3% (15 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.8% of the population in Elgin.

How many housing units are there in Elgin?

There are 1,675 housing units in Elgin, reflecting a -2.8% 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 1,629 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Elgin?

Elgin has a median household income of $84,830, representing a +7.1% 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 95.8% in Elgin, with a workforce of 2,219 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.5% (1,765 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.5% (454 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.7% (238 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.5% (1,498 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.2% (405 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.5% (78 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