Elgin, OR
Population 1,592 · Oregon
About Elgin, OR
Elgin is a small town located in Oregon with a population of 1,592 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,750 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Elgin features a median home value of $180,900, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Elgin in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,007, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 648 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (402 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (223 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elgin shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Elgin have an average one-way commute time of 23.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.3% of Elgin 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 0.0% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 2.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Elgin Ranks in Oregon
Cost of Living in Elgin, OR
Compared to national averages, Elgin has a median household income of $53,750 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $180,900, which is 26% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,007 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, Elgin's income is 29% below the state average of $76,196, and home values are 53% below the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in Elgin, OR?
Elgin offers affordable housing with a median home value of $180,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,007/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,750) that falls below the national average. However, Elgin’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elgin has a population of 1,592 with a median age of 37.2 years. Compare Elgin with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near Elgin
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prineville Lake Acres | 1,589 | $67,216 | $415,200 | Compare |
| Rockaway Beach | 1,577 | $55,188 | $341,100 | Compare |
| Stafford | 1,572 | $182,372 | $1,119,400 | Compare |
| Boring | 1,616 | $101,250 | $649,000 | Compare |
| Hines | 1,629 | $57,639 | $179,300 | Compare |
| Halsey | 1,637 | $106,250 | $294,900 | Compare |
| Pacific City | 1,638 | $88,044 | $518,800 | Compare |
| Chenoweth | 1,543 | $62,204 | $246,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Oregon
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Elgin With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elgin
What is the population of Elgin, OR?
The population of Elgin, OR is 1,592 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Oregon.
What is the median household income in Elgin?
The median household income in Elgin, OR is $53,750 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elgin?
The median home value in Elgin, OR is $180,900, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elgin?
The median monthly rent in Elgin, OR is $1,007, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elgin?
The unemployment rate in Elgin, OR is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Elgin, OR a good place to live?
Elgin offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,592 and a median age of 37.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Elgin, OR?
9.3% of residents in Elgin 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 Elgin?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elgin, OR: median home value is $180,900 (26% below national), median rent is $1,007/month, and median household income is $53,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Elgin?
The poverty rate in Elgin, OR is 9.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Elgin, OR?
Elgin's population is 0.0% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.8% of residents are foreign-born.