Elsah, IL
Population 655 · Illinois
About Elsah, IL
Elsah is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 655 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,750 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 20.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Elsah features a median home value of $207,100, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Elsah in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,708, 47% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 108 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (38 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (9 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elsah 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 15.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elsah have an average one-way commute time of 10.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
61.4% of Elsah residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 6.9% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 15.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Elsah, IL
Compared to national averages, Elsah has a median household income of $83,750 (11% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $207,100, which is 15% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,708 is 47% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Elsah's income is 12% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 25% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Elsah, IL?
Elsah offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,750, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $207,100, below the US average of $244,900, and a well-educated community where 61.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 10.9 minutes.
Elsah has a population of 655 with a median age of 20.6 years. Compare Elsah with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Elsah
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Ridge | 649 | $84,375 | $154,200 | Compare |
| Holiday Hills | 662 | $78,500 | $195,600 | Compare |
| Woodlawn | 646 | $70,455 | $130,500 | Compare |
| Hutsonville | 645 | $57,353 | $62,900 | Compare |
| Mettawa | 665 | $175,074 | $750,000 | Compare |
| Shipman | 667 | $62,500 | $92,500 | Compare |
| Stonington | 667 | $58,438 | $101,000 | Compare |
| Avon | 670 | $45,500 | $60,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Elsah With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elsah
What is the population of Elsah, IL?
The population of Elsah, IL is 655 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Elsah?
The median household income in Elsah, IL is $83,750 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elsah?
The median home value in Elsah, IL is $207,100, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elsah?
The median monthly rent in Elsah, IL is $1,708, which is 47% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elsah?
The unemployment rate in Elsah, IL is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Elsah, IL a good place to live?
Elsah offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 655 and a median age of 20.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Elsah, IL?
61.4% of residents in Elsah aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Elsah?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elsah, IL: median home value is $207,100 (15% below national), median rent is $1,708/month, and median household income is $83,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Elsah?
The poverty rate in Elsah, IL is 15.8%, 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 Elsah, IL?
Elsah's population is 6.9% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 10.5% two or more races. 15.7% of residents are foreign-born.