Elkin, NC
Population 4,025 · North Carolina
About Elkin, NC
Elkin is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 4,025 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,434 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Elkin features a median home value of $187,200, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Elkin in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $765, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,903 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (1,021 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (616 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elkin shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 23.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elkin have an average one-way commute time of 24.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
28.0% of Elkin 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 16.9% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 6.9% Black or African American, and 5.1% Asian residents, with 9.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Elkin, NC
Compared to national averages, Elkin has a median household income of $60,434 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $187,200, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $765 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Elkin's income is 6% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 18% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Elkin, NC?
Elkin offers affordable housing with a median home value of $187,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $765/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,434) that falls below the national average. However, Elkin’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elkin has a population of 4,025 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare Elkin with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Elkin
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanley | 4,014 | $71,333 | $229,000 | Compare |
| Trent Woods | 4,086 | $109,097 | $294,200 | Compare |
| Forest Oaks | 4,095 | $108,250 | $294,400 | Compare |
| Bethlehem | 3,928 | $78,963 | $290,600 | Compare |
| Emerald Isle | 3,915 | $89,432 | $563,600 | Compare |
| Southport | 4,143 | $82,792 | $394,900 | Compare |
| Benson | 4,144 | $65,614 | $176,000 | Compare |
| Surf City | 4,160 | $84,833 | $478,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Elkin With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elkin
What is the population of Elkin, NC?
The population of Elkin, NC is 4,025 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Elkin?
The median household income in Elkin, NC is $60,434 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elkin?
The median home value in Elkin, NC is $187,200, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elkin?
The median monthly rent in Elkin, NC is $765, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elkin?
The unemployment rate in Elkin, NC is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Elkin, NC a good place to live?
Elkin offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,025 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Elkin, NC?
28.0% of residents in Elkin 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 Elkin?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elkin, NC: median home value is $187,200 (24% below national), median rent is $765/month, and median household income is $60,434. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Elkin?
The poverty rate in Elkin, NC is 23.0%, 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 Elkin, NC?
Elkin's population is 16.9% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 6.9% Black or African American, 5.1% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 9.2% of residents are foreign-born.