Elgin city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Elgin city, Iowa has a total population of 848, the 331st largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $60,114, which is 18% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.3%.
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.3% — among the lowest in Iowa.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.5x.
Elgin city Quick Facts
How Elgin city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 30 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Elgin city Rankings in Iowa
Explore Iowa Rankings
Cities Similar to Elgin city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inwood city | 841 | $61,711 | $171,600 | 17.4% | 5.4% |
| Ossian city | 833 | $58,929 | $152,700 | 18.0% | 9.1% |
| Raymond city | 843 | $62,813 | $210,400 | 15.6% | 2.6% |
| Paullina city | 843 | $57,308 | $118,800 | 18.9% | 8.1% |
| Adair city | 853 | $57,250 | $126,600 | 22.6% | 4.5% |
Population Overview
Elgin city is a small community located in Iowa. The total population is 848. It ranks as the 331st most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Elgin city is 44.1 years. This is 14% higher than the state median of 38.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Elgin city is $60,114. This is 18% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 23% lower. The poverty rate stands at 4.3%. This is 61% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 3.2%. This is 11% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $87,300. Housing costs are 55% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.5x, Elgin city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 82.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 16% higher than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
Elgin city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 95.0% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 0.7%. The Black or African American population (0.7%) is well below the state average of 3.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 7.0%.
Education
16.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 47% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 96.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Elgin city, Iowa is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Iowa state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,018 Census-designated places in Iowa. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Elgin city, Iowa?
Elgin city, Iowa has a population of 848 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Elgin city, IA?
The median household income in Elgin city is $60,114, which is 23% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Elgin city, IA?
The poverty rate in Elgin city is 4.3%. This means approximately 36 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Elgin city, Iowa?
Elgin city's population is 95.0% White, 0.7% Black, 0.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Elgin city, IA?
The median home value in Elgin city is $87,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x.
How educated is Elgin city, Iowa?
16.4% of adults (25+) in Elgin city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.