Living in Elgin TX 🤠 | What to Know Before Moving to Elgin
Looking for a peaceful suburb offering natural beauty, small-town charm, and an affordable cost of living? Living in Elgin TX, may be the perfect option. It is a city on the rural outskirts of the Austin area, known for its Southern charm and small-town living.
Nicknamed the Sausage Capital of Texas, Elgin is known for its delicious hot sausage and its burgeoning barbecue scene. It's also referred to as the Brick Capital of the Southwest, as it was the location of multiple brickyards in the 20th century.
The town's origins date back to 1871, when the Houston and Texas Central Railroad came through the area and created a flag stop, which was named Glasscock after a local resident and Republic of Texas soldier, George W. Glasscock.
However, a year later, it was renamed Elgin after Robert Morris Elgin, the railroad's land commissioner. In the modern day, Elgin is a great place to live for families and young professionals seeking reasonably priced homes and a small-town atmosphere.
Thinking about moving to Elgin? Before you relocate, here is everything you should know to decide if it's the perfect place to call home.
Where Is Elgin TX?
Elgin is primarily in Bastrop County. However, portions of the city extend into Travis and Williamson counties.
It's situated at the intersection of US Highway 290 and State Highway 95, providing easy access to Austin to the west and Bastrop to the south for commuters living in Elgin TX. It's located in the Texas Blackland Prairies area, which has helped support its agricultural economy.
It's about 25 miles or a 36 minute drive from Elgin, TX to Austin, TX.
Elgin Population and Demographics
The Elgin population was 9,784 as of the 2020 census. The amount of people living in Elgin TX has increased considerably over the years, going up by 20% between 2010 and 2020. It has a fairly rural/suburban atmosphere with a population density of 1,614 residents per square mile.
It's a fairly wealthy and diverse community with many families living in Elgin TX. The median household income is $85,666, which is about 10% higher than the Texas crime rate. Elgin residents tend to be a bit older, and the median age is 40.4, which is about 5 years higher than the rest of Texas.
Elgin, Texas is a small city with a rich culture that reflects its location Central Texas, where rural charm meets growing suburban development.
The population is primarily White, Hispanic or Latino, and Black or African American. In Elgin, 46.2% of residents identify as White (31.5% are White and non-Hispanic) and 44.1% identify as Hispanic or Latino giving the city vibrant Latin American roots that can be seen in its food, festivals, and local businesses.
Additionally, 19.2% are Black or African American, 2.6% of residents are American Indian or Alaskan Native, and 14.4% identify as two or more races, a sign of Elgin’s growing diversity.
Other Elgin Demographics
- The Elgin, Texas population is 53% female and 47% male
- 81.7% of people living in Elgin TX have a high school diploma, and 22.5% have a bachelor's degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 12.8%
Living in Elgin, TX is very safe, especially when compared to broader state and national averages. The total crime rate is 1,414 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 48.2% lower than the Texas average and 39.2% below the national average.
- Violent crime in Elgin is particularly low, at 63% below the Texas average and 56.7% lower than the national average, making it an attractive place to raise a family.
- Property crime rates are also significantly lower—45.5% below the Texas average and 35.8% lower than the national average, a testament to the city’s hard working police force.
The Elgin Police Department handles crime in the community with the assistance of 20 sworn officers and 4 civilian employees.
Cost of Living in Elgin TX
The cost of living in Elgin TX is also very reasonable for all the town offers residents, depending on your lifestyle. The cost of living index is an essential tool for analyzing the cost of living in a community. It compares the typical cost of housing and consumer goods to the rest of the US, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for the Austin area is 98.9, which suggests living in Elgin TX is about 1.1% less expensive than the rest of the country. The Family Budget Calculator the Economic Policy Institute created is also a good resource. It indicates that a typical family of four with two parents and two children needs to earn approximately $111,386 to afford the cost of living in Elgin, TX.
Typical expenses of living in Elgin TX:
- Loaf of bread: $3.26
- A gallon of milk: $3.84
- Carton of eggs: $2.85
- Hamburger: $4.55
- Bunch of bananas: $0.59
- A gallon of gas: $3.06
- Average Elgin monthly energy bill: $192.27
Source: Numbeo
Elgin real estate is also very affordable. The median price of homes for sale in Elgin, TX, is $326,950, which is 22% lower than the US median. The median price per square foot of houses for sale in Elgin, Texas, is $155.
Renters moving to Elgin will also find plenty of options. About 68% of Elgin, TX real estate is owner-occupied, while 32% is rented out. According to Rentcafe, almost all rental communities in Elgin are low-rise, garden-style apartments, and none are high-rise buildings with more than 50 units.
Crescent Village in Elgin, TX, and 131 Huckleberry Lane are notable apartment buildings or homes for rent. Rent in Elgin TX starts around $1000 for a one-bedroom apartment and goes up to $2800 for five or more bedrooms.
Elgin Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Elgin
For a relatively small city, living in Elgin TX offers fantastic neighborhoods full of beautiful homes, safe streets, and friendly neighbors. Here are a few of the best places to check out if you plan on moving to Elgin.
Elm Creek | A Family-Friendly Subdivision In a Convenient Location
Elm Creek is a relatively newer subdivision popular among families living in Elgin TX, featuring spacious yards and desirable amenities. It's perfect for families and young people seeking proximity to schools, local amenities, and major highways.
Shenandoah | A Secluded Community With Moderately Priced Homes
Shenandoah is a picturesque community known for its ranch-style homes and large lots. Prices start in the mid $200,000s, making it ideal for anyone living in Elgin TX, who wants affordable homes.
The Homestead Estates | A New Construction Community With a Rural Charm
Homestead Estates is a popular community offering brand new one—and two-bedroom apartments in a rural atmosphere, ideal for those living in Elgin TX, seeking peace and tranquility.
Elgin Weather & Climate
You may want to check the Elgin, TX forecast before you decide if it's the right place to move. According to the Koppen Classification System, the Elgin climate is humid subtropical with hot summers and short, mild winters.
Temperatures typically range from 41°F to 95°F, although the winter can get as cold as 29°F and the summer can get up to 100°F. You'll typically want to visit a friend living in Elgin TX, sometime from May to September for warm-weather activities.
It's no big surprise that snow won't be a big concern if you plan on moving to Elgin. Although, make sure to pack an umbrella because the city averages about 35 inches of rain every year.
Things to Do in Elgin
Whether you're passionate about art and history or interested in boating and fishing, you'll find a vast array of fun things to do in Elgin TX. You'll find the best shopping, entertainment, and dining options near Main Street in the downtown area, such as Elgin Emporium, The Painted Raven, and New Bohemia. Elgin Country Club is home to one of the only golf courses in Elgin, as well as tennis courts and a swimming pool. Beyond that, here are a few other places to check out while living in Elgin TX.
Elgin Depot Museum
Located in the historic Union Train Depot, the museum features an extensive archive of artifacts and memorabilia documenting the city's history as a railroad town. Perfect for history buffs living in Elgin TX.
14 Depot St, Elgin, TX 78621 (512) 285-2000
Elgin Parks and Recreation Center
A major social hub for people living in Elgin TX, the Parks and Recreation Center features sports courts and a state-of-the-art facility where there are athletic programs and community events.
361 State Hwy 95, Elgin, TX 78621 (512) 285-6434
The Dinosaur Park
Located in the nearby town of Cedar Creek, Dinosaur Park is one of the best things to do in Elgin, with kids with life-size dinosaur replicas, playgrounds, a picnic area, a gift shop, and other unique sites.
893 Union Chapel Rd, Cedar Creek, TX 78612 (512) 321-6262
Additional Elgin Attractions
Looking for more activities in Elgin, TX? The local Parks and Recreation Department has a list of public venues, programs, and events for residents living in Elgin TX on its website.
Elgin Restaurants
From mouthwatering barbecue to Italian cuisine, you'll find a wide variety of delicious restaurants in Elgin TX. Here are some of the most popular eateries among those living in Elgin TX.
Millie's On Main
Millie's On Main is one of the best places to eat in Elgin, TX, if you're in the mood for casual bites with kid-friendly options, seasonal food trucks, and live music.
212 N Main St, Elgin, TX 78621 (512) 285-6116
MARSEONI - Mediterranean BBQ
Marseoni has a reputation for being one of the best restaurants in Elgin, TX, if you like barbecue and delicious halal dishes featuring lamb, chicken, and pork.
118A Sayers Rd, Elgin, TX 78621 (737) 235-7878
Napoli’s Italian Bistro
Napilos is a family-owned Elgin, TX restaurant that serves authentic Italian dishes, including fried ravioli, Stromboli, manicotti, and other classics, in a familiar setting.
103 N Main St, Elgin, TX 78621 (512) 229-3004
Jobs in Elgin
Living in Elgin TX offers access to great job opportunities. The area has experienced significant economic growth, with key industries such as manufacturing, particularly brick production and food processing.
There are over 300 businesses providing jobs in Elgin, TX, and the labor force includes 4151 people.
Elgin has long been a center for manufacturing and other key industries supporting the local economy, including accommodation and food services, health care and social assistance, public administration, and retail. The Elgin Economic Development Corporation is responsible for supporting local businesses in the community.
Major employers providing Elgin TX jobs:
- Elgin ISD
- Wal-mart
- HEB Grocery
- Acme Brick Company
- OnePointe Solutions
Payscale shows that the average salary for Austin residents is $84,000 and anyone living in Elgin TX can expect similar compensation. From sales representatives to advertising account executives, employment hunters will find plenty of great Elgin jobs. City of Elgin jobs are also available if you'd prefer to work with the local government.
Elgin Schools
Another advantage of living in Elgin TX is the quality of schools. The Elgin School District covers 168 square miles of land in Bastrop, Williamson, and Travis Counties. It serves over 5400 students across 10 schools.
Students in grades Pre-K through 4 will attend one of the five elementary schools in Elgin, which include Elgin Elementary, Neidig Elementary, Booker T Washington Elementary, and Harvest Ridge (a 5th school, Trinity Ranch Elementary is coming August 2025).
Students living in Elgin TX in 5th and 6th grade will attend Elgin Intermediate School, and students in 7th and 8th grade will attend Elgin Middle School. Elgin High School is the primary high school, although Elgin Early College High School is a program that allows students to earn college credits while completing high school courses. Phoenix High School is also an alternative high school in Elgin.
Austin Community College has a campus in Elgin. Residents living in Elgin TX are also invited to stop by the Elgin Public Library for books and other media.
Elgin Statistics & Information
- Elgin County: Bastrop County
- Elgin area: 6.62 square miles
- Elgin TX zip code: 78621
- Elgin area codes: 512 and 737
- Elgin elevation: 581 ft
- Elgin time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC-5 and -6)
- The closest airport to Elgin: The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is 30 miles away.
Map of Elgin TX
Moving to Elgin? Explore more fun things to do, such as restaurants and bars in Elgin, TX, with this map.
Is Living In Elgin TX Right For You?
Now that you know all the amazing benefits of living in Elgin TX, you’re ready to decide if it’s the right community for you. When the time comes to make the transition, you can trust the reliable Elgin TX movers at Unicorn Moving and Storage to make your transition easy and efficient. Call (512) 339-9922 today for a free quote.