Moving to Elgin, IL in 2023? Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Elgin, IL.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Elgin, IL.

Is moving to Elgin Illinois right for you?

Elgin is one of the fastest growing cities in Illinois. Known for its endless opportunities for recreation, beautiful art scene and historic architecture, Elgin has become one of the best places to live in Illinois.

Also known as the city in the Suburbs, Elgin is attracting people from all over Illinois and beyond. If you’re considering moving to Elgin and wondering if the city is right for you, this guide contains all you need to know to make the right decision.

Let’s find out if moving to Elgin is right for you.

facts of Elgin

Quick facts to know before moving to Elgin Illinois

  • The median age in Elgin is 35 years
  • Around 29.9% of Elgin’s residents are renters
  • Elgin averages 190 sunny days per year
  • Elgin’s summer high in July is around 85 degrees
  • Elgin’s cost of living is lower than the national average
  • Over the past year, Elgin’s jobs have grown by 1.7%
  • Elgin’s average hourly pay is $22.17 per hour

What’s the population of Elgin?

Elgin’s population is 116,119 people. Elgin is the sixth largest city in Illinois and the 273rd largest city in America. Elgin is nestled in Cook and Kane counties in the northern part of Illinois. The city spreads across 38 miles and its rated as one of the best places to live in Illinois.

  • Elgin has a population density of 3096 people per square mile
  • The median age in Elgin is 35 years
  • 34.5 years is the median age for males and 35.6 years for females
  • Elgin is currently growing at a rate of 0.57% annually

How fast can you commute in Elgin?

Elgin’s average one-way commute time takes 28.4 minutes. That’s longer than the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes. You’ll spend less than 30 minutes commuting to work if you move to Elgin. Less time on the road means less stress and having more time for other things. Here’s how people in Elgin get to work:

  • About 79.8% of Elgin residents drive their own car alone
  • Around 11.3% of Elgin residents carpool with others
  • Up to 3.3% of Elgin residents work from home
  • About 2.5% of Elgin residents take mass transit

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Elgin, IL.

How is the weather like in Elgin?

Elgin averages 190 sunny days per year. The United States average is 205 sunny days. If the weather is one of the key things you’d like to consider before moving to Elgin, the following is a quick snapshot of the city’s weather:

  • Elgin’s summer high in July is around 85 degrees
  • Elgin gets 38 inches of rain on average per year. The U.S. average is 38 inches
  • On average, Elgin gets 33 inches of snow per year. U.S. average is 28 inches
  • Elgin’s winter low in January is 13 degrees
  • Elgin gets 121 days of precipitation every year

Is Elgin IL a good place to live?

Elgin Illinois is a good place to live. The people living in the city are diverse. Elgin is home to Laotian American and a Mexican American community, which together make up 38% of the city’s population. With a crime rate that is 41% lower than the national average, Elgin is a safe place to call home.

What's it like living in Elgin?

Elgin is a gorgeous town that is rich in medieval history, from the magnificent ruins of Elgin Cathedral to the picturesque cobblestone market streets. It is possible to argue that it is one of North Scotland's most picturesque towns. Additionally, there is a lot to see and do in Elgin; you'll never get bored there.

What is Elgin IL famous for?

The Victorian-era landmarks and historic homes in the city, including some beautiful Queen Anne-style residences, are well-known. Executives of the National Watch Company have previously owned many of the most outstanding residences.

Is Elgin a suburb of Chicago?

Elgin, Illinois, which is 38 miles northwest of downtown Chicago and has a population of around 115,000, is tucked away along the banks of the Fox River. The distinct village of Elgin stands out from the rest of the metropolitan area with pride.

Is Elgin a nice town?

The community is home to a lot of charming features, stunning landscape, and several nearby distilleries, including Glen Moray, Gordon & MacPhail, and Glen Elgin, the majority of which have public open houses and whisky tours. The beautiful ruins of Elgin Cathedral can be found on North College Street.

What is Elgin IL famous for?

The Victorian-era landmarks and historic homes in the city, including some beautiful Queen Anne-style residences, are well-known. Executives of the National Watch Company have previously owned many of the most outstanding residences.

Is Elgin worth visiting?

The community is home to a lot of charming features, stunning landscape, and several nearby distilleries, including Glen Moray, Gordon & MacPhail, and Glen Elgin, the majority of which have public open houses and whisky tours. The beautiful ruins of Elgin Cathedral can be found on North College Street.

moving to Elgin

Top 10 reasons to move to Elgin Illinois

People are moving to Elgin for many reasons. As one of the growing cities in Illinois, Elgin is constantly attracting people from all over the state and beyond.

Since you’re considering moving to Elgin, the following are the key reasons people are moving to the city:

  • Comprehensive annual calendar of special events
  • There’s no shortage of things to see or do in Elgin
  • Elgin is a bikers’ haven
  • Elgin’s downtown is thriving with events, culture, and business
  • Easy transportation and proximity to Chicago
  • Public safety, health, and community services
  • Top-quality schools
  • Elgin is home to lots of parks and recreation spots
  • Elgin is a city of arts, entertainment, and dining
  • Business and workers are thriving
Elgin pros and cons

Pros & cons of moving to Elgin IL

If you’d like to find out if moving to Elgin is right for you or not, we’ve made a list of the pros and cons of living in the city.

This can make it easier for you to figure out if moving to Elgin is right for you or not.

Pros of living in Elgin, IL Cons of living in Elgin, IL
Clean air without pollutionThe winters are cold in Elgin
Elgin has a good business atmosphereBad atmosphere for making new acquaintances and friends
Internet speed is excellentMonthly food and living expenses are very high
Elgin has a low crime rateSubstandard medical care
The traffic is very well organized, the roads are excellentFew cafes, restaurants, and places to unwind
Entertainment and outdoor recreation options
Not overfilled with people
Appropriate for families with children
Very high level of secondary and higher education
Elgin has an affordable cost of living for the Chicago area
Elgin offers a great quality of life
place to live Elgin

Best places to live in Elgin, Illinois

Elgin is home to several beautiful livable neighborhoods. Moving to Elgin gives you the perfect chance to live in any of these neighborhoods. If you’re moving to Elgin and wondering what neighborhood the best for you is, the following is a list of the ten best neighborhoods in Elgin:

  • Highland Woods / Stonecrest
  • Williamsburg Green
  • Waterford
  • Cedar Grove
  • Almora Heights / Randall Ridge
  • Thornwood Grove / The Reserve of Elgin
  • Canterbury Fields / Of Princeton
  • Eagle Heights
  • Park Terrace / Country Brook
  • Kennington Square / Cobblers Crossing

Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in Elgin, IL, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

cost of living in Elgin

Cost of living in Elgin Illinois

Affordable living in a big city is one of the key perks of moving to Elgin. The cost of living in Elgin is 91.6. The United States average is 100.

Elgin’s average cost of living is below the national average.

Living Expense Elgin Illinois National Average
Overall91.693.7100
Grocery96.394100
Health92.796.9100
Housing80.480.2100
Median Home Cost$234,600$234,000$291,700
Utilities98.897.7100
Transportation90.9106.2100
Miscellaneous138.6107.8100

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Elgin’s housing market

If you’re interested in buying a home after moving to Elgin IL, we have the key information you need to know about the city’s housing market. This will make it easier for you to make up your mind about buying a home or not if you’re moving to Elgin, Illinois:

  • Elgin’s median home cost is $234,600
  • Over the last ten years, home values in Elgin have risen by 46.8%
  • Currently, Elgin’s home values have appreciated by 11.7%
  • Around 29.9% of Elgin’s residents are renters
  • Up to 1.3% of homes and apartments in Elgin are open to rent

What’s the average home rental price if you move to Elgin IL?

Elgin’s rental market is known for its affordable homes. If you’re considering renting a home or an apartment after moving to Elgin, look at the average rental prices below:

  • Elgin’s average rent for a studio apartment is $981
  • Elgin’s average rent for a 1-bedroom home or apartment is $1,076
  • Elgin’s average rent for a 2-bedroom home or apartment is $1,242
  • Elgin’s average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $1,572
  • The average rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is 1,870
jobs in Elgin

How is the job market in Elgin, IL?

How fast can you get a job if you need one in Elgin? The COVID-19 pandemic has affected several job markets across the United States and Elgin wasn’t left out.

Since you’re considering moving to Elgin, here’s a breakdown of the city’s job market:

  • Elgin’s unemployment rate is 9.9%. The U.S. average is 6.0%
  • Elgin’s job growth has been positive so far
  • Over the past year, Elgin’s jobs have grown by 1.7%
  • Elgin’s future job growth is predicted to hit 28,27%

Here’s a simple breakdown of Silver Spring’s job market:

Employment Information Elgin, Illinois United States
The income per Cap$26,277$31,177
Household Income$63,655$57,652
Unemployment Rate9.96.0%
Recent Job Growth-9.14%-6.18%
Future Job Growth28.27%33.51%

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What are the top career options if you move to Elgin, IL?

You’ll find lots of jobs to choose from if you’re moving to Elgin. Which ones should you opt for? You may be interested in some of the city’s highest-paying jobs. The following is the list of the highest-paying jobs in Elgin, IL.

Rank Job Title Average Salary Entry Level Salary
1Executive Vice President$256,555$127,000
2Ob/Gyn Physician$225,651$103,000
3Orthodontist$206,423$108,000
4Family Practice Physician$194,239$109,000
5Physician$194,103$106,000
6Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist$185,233$98,000
7Senior Director$146,699$80,000
8General Dentist$144,598$84,000
9Dentist$141,425$83,000
10Senior Manager$117,446$72,000

What’s the average pay in Elgin, Illinois?

Moving to Elgin IL could mean getting a new job. But how many bucks can you earn in the city? Will you be earning more money or less compared to where you are right now? Let’s find out:

  • Elgin’s average annual pay for average jobs is $46,108
  • Elgin’s average hourly pay is $22.17 per hour
  • Elgin’s average weekly pay is $886 per week
  • Elgin’s average monthly payment is $3,842 per month
  • Illinois minimum wage is $12 per hour

Top Industries in Elgin, Illinois

Like several other large cities, Elgin’s economy is powered by several industries. The best part is that whether you work in a small or large industry, you’ll most likely find a suitable spot for your job in Elgin. The following is a list of the city’s largest industries since you’re considering moving to Elgin, IL:

  • Manufacturing
  • Health Care & Social Assistance
  • Retail Trade
  • Public Administration
  • Management of Companies & Enterprises
  • Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  • Food processing and packaging
  • Logistics
  • Finance and insurance

10 Best companies to work for if you move to Elgin, IL

You’ll find lots of top-quality companies to work for if you move to Elgin IL. If you’re interested in working with some of the best companies in the city, we’ve made a top ten list. This will make it easier for you to streamline your job hunt if you’re moving to Elgin, Illinois.

  • Bohler-Uddeholm
  • The Middleby
  • Wanxiang America
  • HARTING
  • dgsts
  • Seigle's Cabinet Center
  • Heritage - Crystal Clean
  • John B. Sanfilippo & Son
  • Mrchips
  • Elgin Community College
taxes in Elgin

Illinois taxes

If you’re moving to Elgin from out of state, you may have to get familiar with Illinois’s taxes. The following are the key components that make up the city’s taxes.

his will give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to Elgin, IL:

  • Illinois Income tax is 4.95% flat rate
  • Illinois Sales tax is 6.25% - 11%
  • Illinois Property tax is 2.16% average effective rate
  • Gas tax in Illinois is 39.2 cents per gallon of regular gasoline
  • and 46.7 cents per gallon of diesel
Elgin Things to do

Best things to do if you move to Elgin, IL

There are lots of exciting things you can do in Elgin. The city is home to several attractions, and you’ll find lots of amazing things to do in Elgin.

If you’re moving to Elgin, we’ve made a list of the various things you can do and places to visit and explore. Look at the list:

  • Stop by the Beautiful Lords Park
  • Pay Tribute to Firefighters at the Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum
  • Hop on the Grand Victoria Casino
  • Watch the Latest Flicks at the Marcus Elgin Cinema
  • Roam the Elgin Historic District
  • Learn Interesting History at the Elgin History Museum
  • Watch Live Performances at the Hemmens Cultural Center
  • Play Sports at the Randall Oaks Park
  • Go Birdwatching at the Jelke Creek Bird Sanctuary
  • Hike along the Fox River Trail
  • Go Inside the Gail Borden Public Library
  • See Stars and Planets Up-close at the U-46 Observatory/Planetarium
  • Have Fun at the Festival Park
  • Visit the Historic Fox River Trolley Museum

What is the crime rate in Elgin, IL?

Is Elgin a safe city for you and your loved ones? Like several other large cities in the United States, Elgin has its fair share of crime problems. The following are key stats about the city’s crime rates since you’re considering moving to Elgin, IL:

  • The violent crime rate in Elgin is 17.4. The national average is 22.7
  • The property crime rate in Elgin is 24.7. The national average is 35.4
  • Elgin has an overall crime rate of 13 per 1,000 residents
  • Elgin's crime rate is lower than about 34% of Illinois communities

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schools in Elgin

Best Schools & Universities in Elgin, Illinois

Elgin is home to several top-quality schools. If you’re moving to Elgin, you’ll have easier access to several excellent schools from universities and colleges to elementary, middle, and high schools.

The following is a list of the best schools in the city if you’re moving to Elgin IL:

Best Elementary Schools in Elgin, IL

  • Country Trails Elementary School
    Public, PK-5 | 652 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Prairie View Grade School
    Public, PK-5 | 660 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Hilltop Elementary School
    Public, K-6 | 598 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Channing Memorial Elementary School
    Public, K-6 | 437 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Coleman Elementary School
    Public, K-6 | 676 students, Rating: 7/10

Best Middle Schools in Elgin, IL

  • Prairie Knolls Middle School
    Public, 6-7 | 658 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Kimball Middle School
    Public, 7-8 | 611 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Ellis Middle School
    Public, 7-8 | 718 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Larsen Middle School
    Public, 7-8 | 634 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Abbott Middle School
    Public, 7-8 | 690 students, Rating: 7/10

Best High Schools in Elgin, IL

  • Elgin High School
    Public, 9-12 | 2,593 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Larkin High School
    Public, 9-12 | 2,045 students, Rating: 7/10

Best universities and colleges in Elgin, IL

  • Judson University

  • Robert Morris University – Elgin

  • Elgin Community College

  • Providence Baptist College

  • Columbia College At Ecc

  • Keller Graduate School of Management - Elgin Center

  • Webster University

  • National Louis University

  • NIU Hoffman Estates and Conference Center

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