Elgin, TN
Population 194 · Tennessee
About Elgin, TN
Elgin is a small community located in Tennessee with a population of 194 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $22,656 per year, which is 70% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.6 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 Elgin features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Elgin one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $433, 63% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 162 total housing units, 34% are owner-occupied (47 units) and 66% are renter-occupied (92 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elgin shows an unemployment rate of 34.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 34.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elgin have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
0.7% 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, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Elgin Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Elgin, TN
Compared to national averages, Elgin has a median household income of $22,656 (70% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $433 is 63% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Elgin's income is 64% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 100% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Elgin, TN?
Elgin offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $433/month, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($22,656) 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 194 with a median age of 42.6 years. Compare Elgin with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Elgin
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samburg | 190 | $41,250 | $188,800 | Compare |
| Oakdale | 189 | $51,875 | $95,400 | Compare |
| Farner | 204 | $24,871 | $103,600 | Compare |
| Briceville | 209 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Ocoee | 210 | $174,773 | $0 | Compare |
| New Deal | 214 | $57,250 | $242,500 | Compare |
| Oak Grove CDP (Sumner County), Tennessee | 216 | $100,313 | $300,000 | Compare |
| Randolph | 216 | $63,542 | $208,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Tennessee
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, TN?
The population of Elgin, TN is 194 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Tennessee.
What is the median household income in Elgin?
The median household income in Elgin, TN is $22,656 per year, which is 70% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elgin?
The median home value in Elgin, TN is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Elgin?
The median monthly rent in Elgin, TN is $433, which is 63% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elgin?
The unemployment rate in Elgin, TN is 34.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Elgin, TN a good place to live?
Elgin offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 194 and a median age of 42.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Elgin, TN?
0.7% 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, TN: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $433/month, and median household income is $22,656. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Elgin?
The poverty rate in Elgin, TN is 34.5%, 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 Elgin, TN?
Elgin's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.