Elba, AL
Population 3,459 · Alabama
About Elba, AL
Elba is a small town located in Alabama with a population of 3,459 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,310 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Elba features a median home value of $105,000, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Elba one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $671, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,808 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (905 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (521 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elba shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elba have an average one-way commute time of 23 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.0% of Elba residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Elba, AL
Compared to national averages, Elba has a median household income of $41,310 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $105,000, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $671 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Elba's income is 29% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 34% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Elba, AL?
Elba offers affordable housing with a median home value of $105,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $671/month, and short commute times averaging just 23 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,310) that falls below the national average. However, Elba’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elba has a population of 3,459 with a median age of 48.7 years. Compare Elba with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Elba
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heflin | 3,462 | $46,569 | $155,800 | Compare |
| Mount Olive CDP (Jefferson County), Alabama | 3,449 | $84,120 | $190,400 | Compare |
| Evergreen | 3,442 | $38,098 | $106,300 | Compare |
| Alexandria | 3,420 | $92,232 | $173,900 | Compare |
| Triana | 3,510 | $102,375 | $235,400 | Compare |
| Moulton | 3,397 | $40,792 | $116,100 | Compare |
| Emerald Mountain | 3,387 | $125,341 | $294,100 | Compare |
| Holt | 3,540 | $46,379 | $109,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Elba With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elba
What is the population of Elba, AL?
The population of Elba, AL is 3,459 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Elba?
The median household income in Elba, AL is $41,310 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elba?
The median home value in Elba, AL is $105,000, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elba?
The median monthly rent in Elba, AL is $671, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elba?
The unemployment rate in Elba, AL is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Elba, AL a good place to live?
Elba offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,459 and a median age of 48.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Elba, AL?
10.0% of residents in Elba aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Elba?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elba, AL: median home value is $105,000 (57% below national), median rent is $671/month, and median household income is $41,310. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Elba?
The poverty rate in Elba, AL is 25.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Elba, AL?
Elba's population is 0.4% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 42.8% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.