Elk City, OK
Population 11,406 · Oklahoma
About Elk City, OK
Elk City is a mid-sized city located in Oklahoma with a population of 11,406 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,500 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.6 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 Elk City features a median home value of $165,300, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Elk City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $850, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,215 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (3,135 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (1,901 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elk City shows an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elk City have an average one-way commute time of 15.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.5% of Elk City 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 14.8% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 5.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Elk City Ranks in Oklahoma
Cost of Living in Elk City, OK
Compared to national averages, Elk City has a median household income of $49,500 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $165,300, which is 33% below the national median. Monthly rent at $850 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oklahoma, Elk City's income is 12% below the state average of $56,382, and home values are 38% above the state median of $119,992.
Why Live in Elk City, OK?
Elk City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $165,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $850/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,500) that falls below the national average. However, Elk City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elk City has a population of 11,406 with a median age of 34.6 years. Compare Elk City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oklahoma.
Similar Cities Near Elk City
Cities in Oklahoma with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Okmulgee | 11,370 | $39,060 | $90,200 | Compare |
| Guthrie | 11,021 | $54,640 | $176,200 | Compare |
| Woodward | 11,976 | $60,720 | $164,200 | Compare |
| Weatherford | 12,014 | $50,250 | $233,700 | Compare |
| Choctaw | 12,208 | $96,446 | $223,900 | Compare |
| Newcastle | 12,238 | $97,315 | $255,100 | Compare |
| Warr Acres | 10,437 | $60,822 | $150,500 | Compare |
| Guymon | 12,596 | $57,051 | $171,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Oklahoma
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Elk City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elk City
What is the population of Elk City, OK?
The population of Elk City, OK is 11,406 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Oklahoma.
What is the median household income in Elk City?
The median household income in Elk City, OK is $49,500 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elk City?
The median home value in Elk City, OK is $165,300, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elk City?
The median monthly rent in Elk City, OK is $850, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elk City?
The unemployment rate in Elk City, OK is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Elk City, OK a good place to live?
Elk City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 11,406 and a median age of 34.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Elk City, OK?
15.5% of residents in Elk City 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 City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elk City, OK: median home value is $165,300 (33% below national), median rent is $850/month, and median household income is $49,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Elk City?
The poverty rate in Elk City, OK is 26.8%, 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 Elk City, OK?
Elk City's population is 14.8% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 5.0% of residents are foreign-born.