Is Elkhorn Safe, Pros and cons of living in Elkhorn

Elkhorn, Wisconsin, is a city that offers a blend of small-town charm and convenient access to larger metropolitan areas. Nestled in Walworth County, it serves as the county seat and is located approximately 40 miles southwest of Milwaukee.

The city’s history dates back to the mid-19th century, with its founding attributed to Colonel Samuel Phoenix. Elkhorn’s growth was spurred by its fertile land and strategic location, leading to its designation as the county seat in 1846. It also became home to the Walworth County Fair, now one of the largest county fairs in Wisconsin. This rich history contributes to the unique character of Elkhorn today.

Is it Safe to Live in Elkhorn?

Elkhorn presents a compelling case for safety, boasting crime rates significantly lower than national averages. The city’s overall crime rate is 72% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (AreaVibes). This statistic is a testament to the community’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment for its citizens.

Violent crime rates in Elkhorn are particularly low, with only 6 reported incidents in a recent year, equating to 59 per 100,000 individuals, which is 83.7% below the national average (AreaVibes). Furthermore, property crime rates are also substantially lower than the national average, with 538 incidents per 100,000 residents (AreaVibes). These figures collectively indicate a very low likelihood of becoming a victim of crime in Elkhorn.

The FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data for 2024 shows a total of 6 violent crimes and 55 property crimes in Elkhorn, WI. The violent crime rate per 100,000 residents was 58.72, and the property crime rate was 538.27 (FBI UCR data). These statistics reinforce Elkhorn’s reputation as a safe place to live, with a crime rate that stands in stark contrast to the national average.

What is the Cost of Living in Elkhorn?

The cost of living in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, is generally considered to be in line with or slightly below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. The overall cost of living index in Elkhorn is 98, which is 2% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). This affordability extends across various categories, contributing to a manageable financial landscape for residents.

Housing costs in Elkhorn are particularly noteworthy. While some sources indicate housing costs are 4.6% higher than the national average at $1,255 per month for a single person, others suggest Elkhorn housing is 1% lower than the national average (Salary.com, AreaVibes). The median home price in Elkhorn was approximately $300,000 in March 2026 (Redfin), and the average rent is around $1,250 per month (Zillow Rentals data, May 2026).

Other living expenses, such as food, energy, transportation, and healthcare, are also competitive. Food expenses are about 2.7% above the national average, while energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are notably lower, around 22.1% less than the U.S. average (Salary.com). These combined factors contribute to a cost of living that allows residents to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

What is the Job Market Like in Elkhorn?

Elkhorn’s job market is supported by a dedicated workforce and a diverse range of industries. The city is home to approximately 5,778 working residents who contribute to its economic vitality (Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include manufacturing, educational services, and retail trade (Data USA).

The unemployment rate in Elkhorn is remarkably low, standing at just 1.3% (Point2Homes). This indicates strong job prospects and a stable local economy. For those seeking employment, major employers in the area include Elkhorn Area Schools, Yunker Industries, and Palmer Hamilton, among others (Zippia).

While the average annual salary in Elkhorn was reported as $48,190 as of April 2026 (ZipRecruiter), it’s important to note that household incomes can be significantly higher. The average annual household income was $102,521 in 2024, with a median household income of $77,649 (Point2Homes). This suggests a robust economic environment with opportunities for varied income levels.

What is the Climate in Elkhorn?

Elkhorn experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, offering a varied year-round experience. Summers are typically long, warm, and wet, while winters are freezing, snowy, and windy (Country Studies, myPerfectWeather). The temperature generally fluctuates between 14°F and 82°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below -6°F or exceeding 90°F (myPerfectWeather).

During the summer months, July is the hottest month, with average highs around 81°F to 85°F and lows in the low 60s (myPerfectWeather, Weather-us). The warm season extends from late May to mid-September. The city receives an average of 36 inches of rain annually (myPerfectWeather, Elkhorn Economic Development Alliance), with June being the wettest month, averaging about 3.9 inches of rain (myPerfectWeather).

Winter brings freezing temperatures, with January being the coldest month, experiencing average lows around 14°F and highs in the mid-20s to low 30s (myPerfectWeather, Weather-us). Elkhorn averages 46 inches of snowfall per year (Elkhorn Economic Development Alliance). The cold season typically spans from early December to early March.

What are the Demographics of Elkhorn?

Elkhorn’s population is approximately 10,221 residents, with a median age of 37.6 years (Point2Homes, Data USA). The city is predominantly comprised of White residents, making up about 79.2% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 14.5% (Data USA, Census Dots). Other racial and ethnic groups, including those of two or more races, Black or African American, and Asian descent, constitute smaller percentages of the population (Census Dots).

The gender distribution in Elkhorn is fairly balanced, with 48.4% males and 51.6% females (Point2Homes). The age demographics show a significant portion of the population in the working-age brackets, with 28.3% between 25 and 44 years old, and 25% between 45 and 64 years old (Point2Homes). Around 16.4% are children under 15, and 15.6% are 65 or older.

The median household income in Elkhorn was $77,649 in 2024 (Point2Homes, Data USA), with an average per capita income of $47,972 (Data Commons). The poverty rate is relatively low at 7.63% (Data Commons). For renters, the median household income was $51,791 in 2022, with a rent-to-income ratio of 24% (Point2Homes).

What are the Schools Like in Elkhorn?

Elkhorn is served by the Elkhorn Area School District, which provides education for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (Niche). State test scores indicate that 35% of students are proficient in math and 40% are proficient in reading (Niche).

Elkhorn Area High School, a public high school within the district, serves grades 9-12. It has an above-average Niche grade of B+ and is ranked among the top public high schools in Wisconsin (Niche, SchoolDigger). The school boasts a 91% four-year graduation rate and performs well in state test scores (SchoolDigger).

While Elkhorn Area High School is a strong performer, the district also includes other schools. For instance, Tibbets Elementary School and West Side Elementary School are among the elementary institutions serving the community, with Tibbets receiving an A- rating (Niche). The district’s overall performance places it as an above-average public school district in Wisconsin (Niche).

Pros and Cons of Living in Elkhorn

Elkhorn offers a number of advantages for potential residents, primarily centered around its safety and affordability. The significantly low crime rates, both violent and property, make it an exceptionally safe place to live (AreaVibes). This, combined with a cost of living that is generally at or below the national average, presents a financially appealing environment (AreaVibes).

The job market in Elkhorn is stable, with a very low unemployment rate and several established local employers (Point2Homes, Zippia). Furthermore, the city provides a good quality of life with distinct seasons, offering a pleasant climate for much of the year (myPerfectWeather). The community also boasts a strong educational system, with highly-rated schools within the Elkhorn Area School District (Niche).

However, potential residents should consider a few drawbacks. While generally affordable, some sources indicate housing costs can be slightly higher than the national average (Salary.com). The climate, while offering distinct seasons, includes cold and snowy winters, which may not appeal to everyone (Country Studies). Additionally, while the job market is stable, the average salaries might be lower compared to larger metropolitan areas, though household incomes can be higher.