Median Age
38 Years
Largest Age Group
15-24 Years
Approximately 14% of Residents
Under 20
26%
Over 65
16%
Avg Rent
$1,442
Population
114,676
Renter Mix
32% Rent
Located 35 miles northwest of Chicago along the Fox River, Elgin combines historical charm with modern appeal. The revitalized downtown area features preserved architecture now housing local restaurants and entertainment venues. The Grand Victoria Casino anchors the riverfront district, contributing to the area's economic vitality. The cityscape includes preserved Victorian and Queen Anne-style homes in historic districts alongside contemporary residential developments.
Elgin's parks and recreation system includes Lords Park, a 112-acre space home to American bison, while Wing Park features an 18-hole golf course and seasonal swimming pool. The Fox River Trail connects cyclists and pedestrians to the 4,200-acre Poplar Creek Forest Preserve. Cultural attractions include performances by the Elgin Symphony Orchestra at the Hemmens Cultural Center. The city's educational landscape features Elgin Community College, Judson University, and the historic Elgin Academy. The city's watchmaking legacy lives on through the Elgin-made clocks still operating in Chicago's Union Station, remnants of what was once the world's largest watch manufacturing facility.
With scenic amenities such as the Fox River, Elgin is a scenic location.
View of the park from across the river in Elgin.
The "Promise of Elgin" mural created by Chicago artist Pablo Serrano.
Aerial view of historic district with Elgin downtown and Fox River in the background.
Elgin features numerous dining options for residents to enjoy.
The Fox River Trail runs through Downtown Elgin.
Median Household Income
$86,005
Average: $102,142
Education
26,562
Residents Have a Degree
Job Market
59,921
Workers Employed
Median Age
38 Years
Largest Age Group
15-24 Years
Approximately 14% of Residents
Under 20
26%
Over 65
16%
Housing Distribution
Elgin has more homeowners than renters.
Education Distribution
Review this city's overall education levels.
As of April 2026, the average apartment rent in Elgin, IL is $1,174 for a studio, $1,437 for one bedroom, $1,694 for two bedrooms, and $2,291 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Elgin has increased by 2.1% in the past year.
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Elgin, IL is for everyday living.
Fairly Walkable
Walkability
Exceptionally Drivable
Drivability
Moderately Bikeable
Bikeability
Public
Grades PK-5
662 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
724 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
630 Students
Century Oaks Elementary School
Public
Grades PK-5
543 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
526 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
799 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
543 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
611 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
527 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
551 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
2,750 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
2,264 Students
Public
Grades 7-12
140 Students
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by
GreatSchools.org
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† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.