Elko, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
296
49.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$40,278/yr
-1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
120
50.0% year-over-year change

Elko population

How many people live in Elko

Elko is home to 296 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.4% of Elko locals are male, and 48.6% are female.

Total population
296
49.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.4%
152
Female
48.6%
144
Value Percent YoY change
Male 152 51.4% 13.4%
Female 144 48.6% 125.0%
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 Elko is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.6% are children under 15, then 25% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 13.2% of the population, while another 16.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.6%
15 to 24
25%
25 to 44
13.2%
45 to 64
16.9%
Over 65
24.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 61 20.6% 165.2%
15 to 24 74 25% 1.4%
25 to 44 39 13.2% 129.4%
45 to 64 50 16.9% 25.0%
Over 65 72 24.3% 60.0%
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

There’s also a share of 14.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 296 100% 49.5%
Racial breakdown
White
18.6%
Black or African American
66.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.9%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 55 18.6%
Black or African American 197 66.6%
Two or more races 44 14.9%

Households in Elko

A peek inside Elko households

Elko has 86 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 76.7% are families, while the remaining 23.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
86
62.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
20
Family households
66
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 20 23.3% 53.9%
Family households 66 76.7% 65.0%
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 Elko

The housing landscape of Elko

Elko's housing consists of 120 units, with 51.7% 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 48.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
120
50.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 62 51.7%
Mobile home 58 48.3%
Homes built since 2020
2
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Elko

In Elko, the median construction year is 1978. About 3.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 4 3.3% 33.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 9 7.5% -18.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 18 15% 38.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2 1.7% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 35 29.2% 105.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 22 18.3% 100.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 17 14.2% 21.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 6 5% 20.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5 4.2% 25.0%
Built in 2020 or later 2 1.7% 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.

Elko occupancy rates

Out of the 86 occupied housing units in Elko, 74.4% are owner-occupied, while 25.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 28.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
86
62.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
22
Owner occupied
64
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 22 25.6% 100.0%
Owner occupied 64 74.4% 52.4%
Unoccupied housing units
28.3%
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.

Elko housing costs

Housing costs in Elko come to a median of $1,016 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,571.

Median housing costs per month
$1,016/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 Elko
$1,571/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 Elko

Elko education at a glance

About 38.9% of the population in Elko went to high school, while 34.5% pursued college studies. Meanwhile, 6.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 36 15.9% 16.1%
High school diploma 88 38.9% 76.0%
College diploma 78 34.5% -2.5%
Associate degree 10 4.4% 233.3%
Graduate degree 14 6.2% 40.0%
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 Elko

How much people earn in Elko

The average annual household income in Elko was $60,940 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $40,278, reflecting a -1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Elko
$60,940/year
5.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Elko
$40,278/year
-1.8% year-over-year change

Elko income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $63,750 overall. Overall, 75.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $63,750 8.5%
Above poverty level
217
Below poverty level
70
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 217 75.6% 33.1%
Below poverty level 70 24.4% 133.3%

Average renter income in Elko

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Elko, their median household income was $61,250 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$61,250
Rent-to-income ratio
30.8%
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 Elko

Workforce and job types in Elko

The job market in Elko is powered by 64 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 60.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 39.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs.

Workforce demographics

Working population
64
82.9% year-over-year change
White collar
39
Blue collar
25
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 39 60.9% 129.4%
Blue collar 25 39.1% 38.9%
Employer type
Self employees
0%
Private companies
81.2%
Governmental workers
10.9%
Not for profit companies
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Private companies 52 81.2% 100.0%
Governmental workers 7 10.9% 16.7%
Not for profit companies 5 7.8% 66.7%
Unemployment rate
48.4%
-7.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Elko stands at 48.4%, 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 Elko

How people get around in Elko

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 50 80.6% 51.5%
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 Elko by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29826 241 65 $0 $60,900

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FAQs about Elko demographics 

What is the total population of Elko?

Elko has a total population of 296 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 +49.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Elko?

The gender ratio in Elko is as follows:
  • 51.4% males (152 residents)
  • 48.6% females (144 residents)

What is the median age in Elko?

The median age in Elko is 32.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Elko?

The age distribution in Elko is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.6% (61 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 25% (74 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 13.2% (39 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.9% (50 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.3% (72 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Elko?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Elko is as follows:
  • White: 18.6% (55 residents)
  • Black or African American: 66.6% (197 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: 14.9% (44 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Elko.

How many housing units are there in Elko?

There are 120 housing units in Elko, reflecting a +50.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Elko has a total of 86 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Elko?

Elko has a median household income of $40,278, representing a -1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 51.6% in Elko, with a workforce of 64 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 60.9% (39 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 39.1% (25 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 0% (0 residents)
  • Private companies: 81.2% (52 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.9% (7 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.8% (5 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