Elgin, Illinois Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Elgin, Illinois had a total population of 114,934, the 6th largest city in Illinois, with a median household income of $90,282, which is 8% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 9.8%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Elgin Quick Facts
How Elgin Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 114,934 | +0.7% |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $90,282 | +2.2% |
| Median home value | $252,400 | $273,000 | +8.2% |
How Elgin Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 61 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Elgin Rankings in Illinois
Explore Illinois Rankings
Other Cities in Cook County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 2,711,226 | $77,902 | 16.8% | $334,100 |
| Cicero | 82,797 | $70,842 | 14.6% | $249,400 |
| Schaumburg | 76,868 | $97,514 | 5.7% | $330,400 |
| Evanston | 76,340 | $96,434 | 11.8% | $481,200 |
| Arlington Heights | 76,005 | $116,723 | 6.0% | $414,500 |
| Palatine | 66,293 | $97,819 | 8.2% | $355,600 |
| Skokie | 66,219 | $95,337 | 9.7% | $387,200 |
| Des Plaines | 59,156 | $97,875 | 6.0% | $335,600 |
| Orland Park | 57,916 | $98,910 | 7.3% | $367,200 |
| Oak Lawn | 56,861 | $83,911 | 9.6% | $281,200 |
Cities Similar to Elgin
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield | 113,330 | $66,064 | $162,100 | 36.3% | 16.8% |
| Peoria | 112,169 | $59,410 | $156,200 | 37.6% | 21.0% |
| Joliet | 150,445 | $92,201 | $265,800 | 25.5% | 11.1% |
| Waukegan | 89,076 | $71,919 | $190,900 | 20.9% | 15.3% |
| Schaumburg | 76,868 | $97,514 | $330,400 | 50.4% | 5.7% |
Population Overview
Elgin is a major urban center located in Illinois, within Cook County. The total population is 114,934. It ranks as the 6th most populous out of 1,445 Census-designated places in Illinois.
Age Demographics
The median age in Elgin is 36.7 years. This is 6% lower than the state median of 39.0 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Elgin is $90,282. This is 8% higher than the state median of $83,390. It is also 12% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 9.8%. This is 17% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.8%. The unemployment rate is 6.1%. This is 5% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $273,000. Housing costs are 4% higher than the state median of $263,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 72.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 7% higher than the state average of 67.1%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Elgin is Hispanic or Latino, making up 48.7% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 34.9%. The Black or African American population (5.2%) is well below the state average of 13.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (48.7% vs 18.8%).
Education
27.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 29% lower than the state rate of 37.9%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 81.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Elgin, Illinois is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Illinois state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,445 Census-designated places in Illinois. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Elgin, Illinois?
Elgin, Illinois has a population of 114,934 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Elgin, IL?
The median household income in Elgin is $90,282, which is 12% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Elgin, IL?
The poverty rate in Elgin is 9.8%. This means approximately 11,114 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Elgin, Illinois?
Elgin's population is 34.9% White, 5.2% Black, 48.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 6.6% Asian.
What is the median home value in Elgin, IL?
The median home value in Elgin is $273,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x.
How educated is Elgin, Illinois?
27.0% of adults (25+) in Elgin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.