100 Best Apartments in Elgin, IL (with reviews)

Q: What are the best apartments in Elgin, IL?

The best apartments in Elgin, IL are: 58 Surrey , Blackhawk Apartment Homes , 39 Surrey Drive , 40 Surrey Drive and 869 Jefferson .

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Rent prices in cities near Elgin, IL

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Rent prices in Elgin, IL's popular neighborhoods

Apartments in Downtown Elgin $1,294
Apartments in Cobblers Crossing $1,273
Apartments in Country Knolls North $1,318
Apartments in Lords Park Manor $1,273

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Average rent in Elgin, IL

$1,409/mo Elgin, IL average rental price, November 2022

The average monthly rent of apartments in Elgin, IL is $1,409.

Elgin, IL apartment rent ranges

About 27% of apartment rents in Elgin, IL range between $1,501-$2,000. Meanwhile, apartments priced over > $2,000 represent 6% of apartments. Around 52% of Elgin’s apartments are in the $1,001-$1,500 price range. 15% of apartments are priced between $701-$1,000.

Elgin, IL rent trends

Check out the average rent prices in Elgin by neighborhood.

Compared to the national average rent of $1,706, the average rent in Elgin, IL is $1,409.

Getting around in Elgin, IL

36 /100

Car-Dependent

25 /100

Some Transit

30 /100

Somewhat Bikeable

Walk Score®: 36, Transit Score®: 25, Bike Score®: 30

Frequently asked questions

When were prices and availability in Elgin, IL last updated?

Prices and availability in Elgin, IL were last updated on 30 Nov 2022.

What are the best apartments in Elgin, IL?

The best apartments in Elgin, IL are: 58 Surrey, Blackhawk Apartment Homes, 39 Surrey Drive, 40 Surrey Drive and 869 Jefferson.

What is the average rent in Elgin, IL?

The average rent in Elgin, IL is $1,409. Start your search for apartments in Elgin, IL now.

What is the price range for a studio apartment in Elgin, IL?

The price range for a studio apartment in Elgin, IL is between $795 and $1,400. View all studio apartments in Elgin, IL.

What is the price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Elgin, IL?

The price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Elgin, IL is between $1,380 and $2,547. Browse all available 1-bedroom apartments in Elgin, IL now.

What is the price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in Elgin, IL?

The price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in Elgin, IL is between $975 and $2,828. Browse and find a 2-bedroom apartment in Elgin, IL.

What is the price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in Elgin, IL?

The price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in Elgin, IL is between $975 and $2,775. Browse all available 3-bedroom apartments in Elgin, IL.

What type of rental buildings are in Elgin, IL?

In Elgin, 30% of the residents are renting compared to 70% owning a home, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Large-scale apartment buildings with more than 50 units represent 5% of Elgin’s rentals, 70% are small-scale complexes with under 50 units, and 24% are single-family rentals.

What do typical apartment communities look like in Elgin, IL?

The age and size of multifamily buildings are among the most visible characteristics of the rental market in a city.  In this case, the apartment buildings in Elgin are about 42 years old, on average. Of these, 17% have been built since 2000, representing the newer options on the market and typically offering more amenities. Rental buildings in the city have an average height of 4 stories. About 78% of the rental communities here are low-rise, garden-style communities, 22% are mid-rises, and none are high-rise buildings. These are true especially for large-scale multifamily buildings with over 50 apartments.

What apartment floorplans are common in Elgin, IL?

Studio apartments in Elgin are around 6% of rentals, while 1-bedroom floor plans represent 48% of the total stock. For those in search of larger rentals, 2-bedroom floorplans make up 37% of all rentals. More generous apartments with 3 bedrooms or more are also available in this city for those in search of more space.

Renter's guide to Elgin, IL

Located in Cook and Kane counties in northern Illinois, Elgin is a suburb of Chicago. Split by the Fox River, the ‘City in the Suburbs’ has managed to retain that small-town charm. Diverse and with a strong sense of community, the city has won the National Civic League’s All-America City award two times. It also places among the top 100 most diverse cities in America, and the top 100 best cities for outdoor activities. Quality colleges and universities, plus proximity to employment hubs make Elgin popular with families and young professionals.

With a population of over 112,000, Elgin is the 8th largest city in Illinois, and the third most populous city in the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Despite its size, it’s still more than 20 times smaller in terms of population than Chicago proper, and with an area of 38 sq. miles, it enjoys a moderate population density.

Elgin is located about 40 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, which can be reached via IS 90 in around 40 minutes to an hour in clear traffic. With interstate 90 located close to the city, traveling in any direction is fairly straightforward, and going west will take you the 50 miles to Rockford in around an hour.

Elgin enjoys warm weather June through September, and July is typically the hottest month, with highs averaging out at around 86°F. Temperatures begin to plummet from December through March, and January is typically the coldest month, with average lows of 13.7°F. The city sees an average annual rainfall of around 37 inches, slightly over the national average, with the heaviest rain between May and August. Winters are cold, and the snow starts to fall in November and can last until April. With an annual average of 29.7 inches of snowfall, January generally sees the highest levels.

Tips for renting in Elgin, IL

Elgin is a historic town that has seen much development over the previous decades. This is reflected in the diversity of not just the population, but also the neighborhoods. Downtown and other more central neighborhoods are home to a mix of historic buildings, and the architecture is extremely varied. If you’re looking for something more modern however, neighborhoods west of the Fox River are your best bet, featuring more underground utilities, wider streets, and a mix of townhouses, apartments, and standalone homes.

Crime rates tend to be higher closer to downtown, though the city is widely considered safe by residents. Commute times from the newer, more western neighborhoods can be extremely long, with some residents traveling 2 hours each way by public transport to downtown Chicago. As such, a private vehicle may be a better option. Commuting by rail is quicker and easier from central/downtown Elgin, however.

Elgin, IL demographics

112,062Total Population
55,390 Female

56,672 Male
34.9Median Age

Elgin, IL has a population of 112,062 according to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau. 55,390 of Elgin’s residents are women and 56,672 are men. The median age of those who live in Elgin, IL is 34.9.

Living in Elgin, IL

Despite recent growth, the city remains diverse and close-knit, with a small-town vibe and regular cultural events and initiatives designed to bring the locals together. While the downtown area may not be as buzzing as Chicago proper, it offers all the amenities of a major city, and there’s still plenty to see and do, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and historical sights to take in. Despite this, many neighborhoods are quiet.

Some areas have experienced low level gang activity in the past, and as a result have become quite unkempt, as properties have been abandoned. However, most residents have never had a problem with crime, and the overall rate for the city is well under national averages. Commute times can be long and arduous during rush hours, and it’s worth considering public transport if you’re planning to work in downtown Chicago. The city is not known for having great public schools, although there are a number of stellar higher education institutions.

Elgin, IL households

26,310 Family

10,515 Non-family
13,820 Children

23,005 No Children

36,825Total Number of Households
2.99Average People Per Household
$72,999Median Household Income

According to U.S. Census data, there are 36,825 households in Elgin, IL. 26,310 are family households and 10,515 are non-family households. There are 13,820 households with children in Elgin and 23,005 households without children. On average, about 2.99 people live in a household in Elgin, IL.

Things to do in Elgin, IL

Situated on both sides of the Fox River, Elgin offers plenty for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. The forest river bike trails are a great way to explore, with over 40 miles of trails that pass through historic neighborhoods and stunning nature preserves. You can also fish alongside the river at certain points, making for a fantastic Saturday in the sun.

The city also boasts several parks, where you can enjoy sports facilities, picnics, and events. Wing Park hosts weekly summer concerts, every Tuesday evening in June and July, while Festival Park plays hosts to summer Movies in the Park. Festival Park also offers a kids' playground, picnic areas, and a stunning fountain.

Elgin is home to 2 shopping malls, Elgin Mall and Spring Hill Mall. Both offer a variety of well-known stores, where you can find anything from groceries to the latest fashion trends. Each has a number of dining options within their respective food courts. But it’s in Elgin’s various boutique stores, scattered throughout the city, that you’ll find the most curious delights, from custom guitars, to handcrafted jewelry, antiques, and much more. Downtown Elgin also hosts a weekly farmers’ market throughout summer.

If you’re feeling lucky, why not try your hand at the Grand Victoria Riverboat Casino, the city’s most visited attraction. This iconic destination is the place for gourmet food, great drinks, and an array of casino games. The city is also home to theaters, museums, and art galleries, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Elgin, IL employment & economy

With a median household income of $63,655, Elgin’s residents earn just above the national average of $60,336. A high number of the city’s workforce (20.4%) is employed in the manufacturing sector. Other common industries include healthcare and social assistance, as well as retail trade, while the highest paying industry is public administration.

In terms of specific occupations, the most common jobs held by residents are in office and administrative support roles, production occupations, and sales. Residents working in legal occupations earn the most, on average.

Education in Elgin, IL

Elgin is served by 4 public school districts; Elgin Area School District U46 (which serves most of the city), Community Unit School District 301, Community Unit School District 300, and Community Unit School District 303. In addition, there are 18 private schools within the city limits.

The top-performing high school is South Elgin High, which frequently scores above average on both test grades, quality, and college readiness. The top-performing public elementary school is the Prairie View Grade School, which also does well in test scores, as well as the overall quality of education. Clinton Elementary School is another top-performing elementary school, while the Prairie Knolls Middle School takes the top spot for middle schools in the city.

In terms of higher education, Elgin Community College is a fast-growing college, offering a wide range of degrees, career and technical programs and certificates, and transfer degrees. Judson University is also located in the city, and offers graduate programs in anything from business administration, to architecture. The National Louis University also has a campus in Elgin.

Elgin, IL education statistics

The level of education of the population of Elgin, IL is as follows: 10% have no high school education, 34% completed some high school, 26% partially completed college, 8% have an Associate Degree, 15% have a Bachelor Degree, and 8% have a Graduate Degree.

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Apartments for Rent in Elgin, IL 130 Rentals Available

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