Elk Horn, IA
Population 623 · Iowa
About Elk Horn, IA
Elk Horn is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 623 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,000 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.3 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 Elk Horn features a median home value of $125,300, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Elk Horn one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $643, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 286 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (211 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (41 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elk Horn shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 15.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elk Horn have an average one-way commute time of 24.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.3% of Elk Horn residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.0% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Elk Horn, IA
Compared to national averages, Elk Horn has a median household income of $60,000 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $125,300, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $643 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Elk Horn's income is 12% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 5% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Elk Horn, IA?
Elk Horn offers affordable housing with a median home value of $125,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $643/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,000) that falls below the national average. However, Elk Horn’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elk Horn has a population of 623 with a median age of 46.3 years. Compare Elk Horn with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Demographics
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Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Elk Horn
What is the population of Elk Horn, IA?
The population of Elk Horn, IA is 623 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Elk Horn?
The median household income in Elk Horn, IA is $60,000 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elk Horn?
The median home value in Elk Horn, IA is $125,300, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elk Horn?
The median monthly rent in Elk Horn, IA is $643, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elk Horn?
The unemployment rate in Elk Horn, IA is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Elk Horn, IA a good place to live?
Elk Horn offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 623 and a median age of 46.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Elk Horn, IA?
24.3% of residents in Elk Horn 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 Elk Horn?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elk Horn, IA: median home value is $125,300 (49% below national), median rent is $643/month, and median household income is $60,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Elk Horn?
The poverty rate in Elk Horn, IA is 15.0%, 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 Elk Horn, IA?
Elk Horn's population is 1.0% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.