IllinoisPop. 114,934Mid-size cities
Is Elgin a Good Place to Live? Elgin, Illinois: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Elgin ranks #432 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #62 of 256 mid-size cities and #20 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (5.7%, #214 of 241).
Elgin by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Elgin's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Elgin?
Elgin's cost of living index is 103.6, 4% above the US level of 100 and #889 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,361/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $339,753, 14% above the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
| Measure | Elgin | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 103.6#889 of 1,308 | 100 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $339,753#496 of 1,187 | $297,573 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,976/mo#698 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $273,000#454 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,361/mo#597 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 18.1%#257 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Elgin housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Elgin is in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI metro.
Illinois housing market →Is Elgin safe?
Elgin recorded 218 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 34% below the US rate of 328 and 13% below Illinois's 251. That ranks #387 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #60 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Elgin Police Department. Property crime runs 928 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Elgin | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 218#387 of 1,085 | 251 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 928#185 of 1,085 | 1,508 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Elgin?
The median household in Elgin earns $90,282, 9% above the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 5.7% (US 4.3%). 9.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Elgin | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $90,282#455 of 1,312 | $83,211 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.7%#957 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 9.8%#482 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Elgin?
The median resident of Elgin is 36.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 27% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #907 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Elgin | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36.7 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 27%#907 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 71.9% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Elgin's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Elgin; its public schools have 16.3 students per teacher and spend $18,647 per pupil. 35.8% of adults are obese and 12.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Elgin | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 16.3#667 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $18,647#291 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 35.8%#840 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.1%#810 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16%#410 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 16.8%#1136 of 1,311 | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 17,355 students are enrolled in Elgin's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Elgin?
The average commute in Elgin is 28.2 minutes (Illinois 28.3); 1.9% of workers take transit and 12.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Elgin scores 12.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #355 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.6°F and winters 25.1°F, with 39.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Elgin | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 28.2 min#1011 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 9.5%#1025 of 1,312 | 10.4% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 71.5% | 66% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.9% | 7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.9% | 3.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 12.8% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.8#355 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30.1 | 14.1 | 2 |
| Feb | 34.2 | 16.8 | 1.9 |
| Mar | 46.1 | 26.3 | 2.4 |
| Apr | 58.7 | 37 | 4 |
| May | 70.3 | 48.3 | 5.1 |
| Jun | 80.1 | 58.4 | 4.5 |
| Jul | 84.1 | 63.2 | 4 |
| Aug | 82.3 | 61.2 | 4.3 |
| Sep | 75.7 | 52.8 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 62.7 | 40.9 | 3.3 |
| Nov | 47.6 | 30.1 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 35.5 | 20.1 | 2.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Elgin.
| Measure | Elgin | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 49°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 71.6°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 25.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 39.9 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Elgin.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Elgin?
Kane County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 62% of measured days were rated good; 9 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kane County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | Elgin | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 45#664 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 9#840 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.11%#276 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Kane County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Kane County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.012% | 65% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.079% | 47% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0024% | 45% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Elgin compare with similar-size cities?
Elgin is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #62 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 114,934.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elgin, ILPop. 114,934 | #432 | 59.4 | $90,282 | $1,361/mo | 218 | 28.2 min |
| Manchester, NHPop. 115,643 | #546 | 57.3 | $81,007 | $1,564/mo | 323 | 23.9 min |
| Westminster, COPop. 115,484 | #474 | 58.5 | $100,272 | $1,882/mo | 288 | 27 min |
| Odessa, TXPop. 115,322 | #826 | 52.8 | $73,472 | $1,315/mo | 286 | 22.4 min |
| Waterbury, CTPop. 114,869 | #1059 | 48.7 | $51,886 | $1,225/mo | 295 | 28 min |
| Provo, UTPop. 114,766 | #625 | 56.3 | $64,171 | $1,193/mo | 177 | 18.4 min |
| Carlsbad, CAPop. 114,373 | #336 | 61.2 | $142,748 | $2,808/mo | 212 | 27.1 min |
| Las Cruces, NMPop. 114,197 | #1047 | 49.0 | $55,422 | $974/mo | 496 | 18.9 min |
| Pompano Beach, FLPop. 114,147 | #1030 | 49.5 | $67,195 | $1,724/mo | part year | 27.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Elgin compare with the rest of Illinois?
Elgin ranks #20 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 59.4 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 8% above the Illinois median. Violent crime is 13% below the statewide rate. Homes are 14% above the typical Illinois home.
| City | Rank in IL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville, ILPop. 150,692 | #1 | 73.2 | $155,105 | $1,885/mo | 70 |
| Wheaton, ILPop. 53,557 | #2 | 72.0 | $120,008 | $1,799/mo | 34 |
| Arlington Heights, ILPop. 76,005 | #3 | 70.8 | $116,723 | $1,760/mo | 43 |
| Evanston, ILPop. 76,340 | #4 | 69.6 | $96,434 | $1,762/mo | 115 |
| Des Plaines, ILPop. 59,156 | #5 | 69.4 | $97,875 | $1,606/mo | 108 |
| Mount Prospect, ILPop. 55,472 | #6 | 69.2 | $101,720 | $1,502/mo | 56 |
| Oak Park, ILPop. 53,292 | #7 | 69.2 | $110,820 | $1,593/mo | 236 |
| Skokie, ILPop. 66,219 | #8 | 68.7 | $95,337 | $1,552/mo | 151 |
| Hoffman Estates, ILPop. 51,175 | #9 | 68.0 | $106,806 | $1,734/mo | 75 |
| Schaumburg, ILPop. 76,868 | #10 | 67.0 | $97,514 | $1,812/mo | 68 |
| Oak Lawn, ILPop. 56,861 | … #16 | 61.7 | $83,911 | $1,335/mo | 73 |
| Berwyn, ILPop. 55,595 | #17 | 60.5 | $78,408 | $1,215/mo | 161 |
| Aurora, ILPop. 179,898 | #18 | 60.4 | $93,633 | $1,596/mo | 220 |
| Champaign, ILPop. 89,996 | #19 | 59.6 | $56,118 | $1,123/mo | 374 |
| Elgin, ILPop. 114,934 | #20 | 59.4 | $90,282 | $1,361/mo | 218 |
| Chicago, ILPop. 2,711,226 | #21 | 58.7 | $77,902 | $1,440/mo | 420 |
| Cicero, ILPop. 82,797 | #22 | 58.0 | $70,842 | $1,154/mo | 222 |
| Normal, ILPop. 53,569 | #23 | 57.7 | $64,785 | $965/mo | 290 |
| Joliet, ILPop. 150,445 | #24 | 56.6 | $92,201 | $1,276/mo | 344 |
The top 10 of the 29 and the cities ranked either side of Elgin among the Illinois cities we track, by overall score. Illinois statewide: median income $83,211, violent crime 251 per 100,000.
How is Elgin's score calculated?
Elgin scores 59.4 out of 100, #432 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Illinois's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Elgin. Similar-size median 52.9.
49.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Elgin's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
86.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Elgin. Similar-size median 53.8.
52.7 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Elgin's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
60.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Elgin's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
67.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Elgin. Similar-size median 51.2.
61.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Elgin. Similar-size median 42.1.
39.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Elgin. Similar-size median 50.1.
44.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Elgin's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
62.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
66.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Elgin's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Elgin has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Elgin
Is Elgin, IL a good place to live?
Elgin ranks #432 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #62 of 256 mid-size cities and #20 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (5.7%, #214 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Elgin?
Elgin's cost of living index is 103.6, 4% above the US level of 100 and #889 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,361/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $339,753, 14% above the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
What is the crime rate in Elgin?
Elgin recorded 218 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 34% below the US rate of 328 and 13% below Illinois's 251. That ranks #387 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #60 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Elgin Police Department. Property crime runs 928 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Elgin?
The median household in Elgin earns $90,282, 9% above the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 5.7% (US 4.3%). 9.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Elgin?
Median rent in Elgin is $1,361/mo (Census), #597 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,976/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Elgin?
The typical home value in Elgin is $339,753, up 4.4% in a year, against $297,573 for Illinois and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $273,000.
How are the public schools in Elgin?
There is no city graduation rate for Elgin; its public schools have 16.3 students per teacher and spend $18,647 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Elgin?
The average commute is 28.2 minutes, #1011 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Illinois. 9.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Elgin?
Elgin averages 49°F over the year, 71.6°F in summer and 25.1°F in winter, with 39.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Elgin walkable?
Elgin scores 12.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #355 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Elgin at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kane County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 82% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Elgin?
Kane County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 62% of measured days were rated good; 9 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Elgin?
Elgin has 114,934 residents. The median resident of Elgin is 36.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 27% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #907 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Elgin compare with the rest of Illinois?
Elgin ranks #20 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 59.4 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 8% above the Illinois median. Violent crime is 13% below the statewide rate. Homes are 14% above the typical Illinois home.
What cities are similar in size to Elgin?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Elgin's population of 114,934 are Manchester, NH (#546 overall), Westminster, CO (#474 overall), Odessa, TX (#826 overall), Waterbury, CT (#1059 overall), and Provo, UT (#625 overall). Elgin is #432.