Small city in Bastrop County, part of the Austin metro
Living in Elgin, TX
98th of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 49 of 100
35th of 58 in the Austin area
Elgin earns a grade of C+ on our index, 98th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and home ownership, and trails on getting around and schools.
- Fast-growing
- Schools scores low (3 of 100)
- Getting around scores low (2 of 100)
- Population
- 13,327+37.4% since 2020
- Median rent
- $1,440about the same as Texas
- Median home value
- $326,40015% higher than Texas
- Household income
- $91,114Median
- Average commute
- 32 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 204Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Elgin
Elgin sits about 22 miles from downtown Austin, in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro. 13,327 people lived here in 2025, up 37.4% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is spread out.
Local spots people know include Thomas Memorial Park, Elgin Memorial Park and Veterans' Memorial Park.
The median age is 36.6, 32% of households have children, 71% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $91,114 a year (16% higher than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Elgin
- Low violent crime. 204 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 47% lower than the Texas rate.
- Plenty close to home. 6 grocery stores, 75 restaurants and 12 parks are mapped in town.
- Growing fast. The population grew 37% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.
Cons of living in Elgin
- Weaker school ratings. None of the 6 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
- Long commutes. The average trip to work takes 32 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, hail and winter storms as very high here.
- Long, hot summers. Expect about 117 days a year at 90°F or hotter.
Who Elgin suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit: 0% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 47% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 48% for families.
- Young professionalsA strong fit: household income is 16% higher than the Texas median, with 75 restaurants and 3 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 75% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 22% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 47% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 68% for retirees.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 91% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,440 is about the same as the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 67% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA strong fit: the median rent of $1,440 is about the same as the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 75% for people on a budget.
Elgin report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Elgin with other US cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.
Cost of living: grade B
Median rent $1,440, homes cost 3.6x income.
70 of 100 vs US citiesJobs and income: grade B
Median household income $91,114, 4.2% unemployed.
69 of 100 vs US citiesSchools: grade F
6 rated campuses, 0% rated A or B.
3 of 100 vs TX citiesSafety: grade C+
204 violent crimes per 100k, 1,128 property crimes per 100k.
51 of 100 vs TX citiesErrands and things to do: grade A
6 grocery stores, 75 restaurants, 12 parks mapped in town.
92 of 100 vs TX citiesGetting around: grade F
Average commute 32 min, 21% work from home.
2 of 100 vs US citiesEducation levels: grade D
23% have a bachelor’s degree.
16 of 100 vs US citiesHealth: grade D-
22% of adults uninsured.
12 of 100 vs US citiesHome ownership: grade A-
71% of homes owner-occupied.
80 of 100 vs US citiesInternet access: grade C-
91% of homes have broadband.
37 of 100 vs US cities
Where Elgin stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 39%13 points lower than Texas (52%)
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 71%9 points higher than Texas (63%)
- People below the poverty line: 5.3%8 points lower than Texas (14%)
Worse than Texas
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 23%11 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Average commute: 32 min21% higher than Texas (27 min)
- Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 22%3 points higher than Texas (20%)
Cost of living in Elgin
Elgin renters pay a median of $1,440 a month, about the same as the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $58,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 39% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,530 for a one-bedroom, $1,817 for a two-bedroom and $2,292 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.
The median home is worth $326,400, 15% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,787 before tax, or $2,320 with property tax. That is $880 a month more than the median rent, so renting is the cheaper monthly choice unless you plan to stay for years.
Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in Elgin pays $6,400 a year, 51% higher than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.
See the full cost of living breakdown for Elgin
Typical rent by apartment size
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rentAbout the same as Texas | $1,440 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value15% higher than Texas | $326,400 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to incomeAbout the same as Texas | 3.6x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent13 points lower than Texas | 39% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year51% higher than Texas | $6,400 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them9 points higher than Texas | 71% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1990 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $1,787
- Property tax
- $533
- Median rent, for comparison
- $1,440
Based on a $326,400 home in Elgin, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.
Is Elgin safe?
In 2025, Elgin Police Department reported 27 violent crimes and 149 property crimes. That works out to 204 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 47% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,128 property crimes per 100,000, 46% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is up about 61% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.
Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.
Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.
Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Elgin Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Elgin
Elgin has 6 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 0% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Elgin ISD.
Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.
Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.
Top-rated schools
- CNeidig ElementaryElementary, Elgin ISD79 of 100
- CElgin MiddleMiddle, Elgin ISD78 of 100
- CElgin High SchoolHigh, Elgin ISD72 of 100
- FBooker T Washington ElementaryElementary, Elgin ISD58 of 100
- FElgin ElementaryElementary, Elgin ISD56 of 100
Daily life in Elgin
Everyday places mapped inside Elgin, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Thomas Memorial Park, Elgin Memorial Park, Veterans' Memorial Park.
The average one-way commute is 32 minutes, 21% longer than the Texas average. 21% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.
Downtown Austin is about 22 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Elgin work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $91,114, income per person is $40,631, unemployment is 4.2% and 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income16% higher than Texas | $91,114 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per personAbout the same as Texas | $40,631 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate1 points lower than Texas | 4.2% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line8 points lower than Texas | 5.3% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher11 points lower than Texas | 23% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher4 points lower than Texas | 82% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance3 points higher than Texas | 22% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internetAbout the same as Texas | 91% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute21% higher than Texas | 32 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home7 points higher than Texas | 21% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Elgin
Median age 36.6 years. 32% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Elgin
Elgin has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 95°F and January lows about 39°F. There are about 117 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 36 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Elgin 1 N, 1 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is high, hurricane risk is moderate, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is very high. Before you buy, look up the FEMA flood zone for the exact address and get a flood insurance quote, since standard home policies do not cover floods.
- River floodingHigh
- HurricanesModerate
- TornadoesVery high
- HailVery high
- Heat wavesHigh
- WildfiresHigh
- Winter stormsVery high
- Strong windVery high
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.
Places near Elgin
Nearby, Manor gets an F, McDade gets a D+ and Camp Swift gets an F. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.
- FManorSmall city, 18,603 people6 mi
- D+McDadeTown, 1,070 people10 mi
- FCamp SwiftTown, 8,239 people13 mi
- D-Hornsby BendSmall city, 12,367 people14 mi
- D+GarfieldTown, 1,926 people15 mi
- B+PflugervilleCity, 65,971 people15 mi
Elgin in the Austin area
How it ranks among 58 places in the metro.
- 1A+The Hills2,516 people14 mito downtown
- 2A+Rollingwood1,316 people3 mito downtown
- 3A+Brushy Creek19,576 people15 mito downtown
- 32C+Lago Vista9,650 people18 mito downtown
- 33C+Kyle56,823 people22 mito downtown
- 34C+Uhland2,520 people23 mito downtown
- 35C+Elgin11,563 people22 mito downtown
- 36C+Georgetown85,999 people26 mito downtown
- 37CJarrell3,295 people36 mito downtown
- 38CTaylor17,136 people27 mito downtown
Living in Elgin: common questions
Is Elgin, TX a good place to live?
Elgin earns a grade of C+ on our index, 98th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and home ownership, and trails on getting around and schools.
How much does it cost to live in Elgin?
Renters in Elgin pay a median of $1,440 a month, about the same as the Texas median. The median home is worth $326,400, 15% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.6x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $2,320, including property tax.
Is Elgin safe?
In 2025, Elgin Police Department reported 204 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 47% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,128 per 100,000, 46% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Elgin?
We found 6 rated public school campuses inside Elgin. 0% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 3 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.
Does Elgin flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Elgin as high, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, tornadoes, heat waves, hail, wildfires, winter storms and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.
What is the weather like in Elgin?
Summers in Elgin peak at about 95°F in July, and January nights fall to about 39°F. Expect around 117 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 36 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Elgin?
The average one-way commute is 32 min, 21% higher than the Texas average. About 21% of workers work from home. It is about 22 miles from downtown Austin.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.