Elgin, Oregon Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

by btobers · Published June 27, 2019 · Updated September 12, 2024

Elgin, Oregon is a small city in the west-central region of the state. It is situated on the Grande Ronde River and surrounded by rolling hills and mountains. The climate in Elgin is mild, rarely getting too hot or cold, with average temperatures of around 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.

The history of Elgin dates back to 1846 when a group of settlers from Oregon City established a trading post near the river. In 1864, Elgin was officially incorporated as a city. In recent times, Elgin has become known for its political activism, with many residents actively involved in local and state politics.

The economy of Elgin is primarily based on agriculture, forestry and tourism. The city’s biggest employers include the nearby Grande Ronde Hospital, Blue Mountain Community College and several local businesses such as restaurants, retail stores and service providers.

Elgin has several schools which are part of the Greater Grande Ronde School District including two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. There is also an alternative high school program for students who need more support or can’t attend traditional classes due to work or family commitments.

Finally, some landmarks that are worth visiting include historic downtown with its old buildings like The Old City Hall (which now serves as a museum), The Grand Theatre (which hosts regular events), and The Grand Avenue Bridge (a popular spot for fishing). Additionally there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as hiking trails along the river or camping at nearby Wallowa Lake State Park.

Population: 1,654. Estimated population in July 2024: 1,642 (-0.7% change)
Males: 820 (49.6%), Females: 834 (50.4%)

Union County

Zip code: 97827

Demographics

Median resident age: 36.3 years
Median household income: $31,449
Median house value: $73,800

Population by Race

Races in Elgin:

White Non-Hispanic (96.1%)
Hispanic (1.3%)
Other race (1.0%)
American Indian (1.0%)
Two or more races (0.6%)

Ancestries: United States (25.7%), German (17.8%), Irish (14.0%), English (11.2%), French (4.7%), Dutch (3.7%).

Elevation: 2716 feet

Land area: 1.0 square miles

Population by Education

Elgin, Oregon is a small town located in Union County, Oregon with a population of 1,732 according to the 2010 census. The town is located on the Grande Ronde River and is home to many historic buildings from its days as an agricultural center. Elgin has a diverse population which includes Native Americans, African-Americans, Hispanics, and Caucasians. The median age of the population is 43.2 years old with 33% of the population under 18 years of age. The median household income in Elgin is $33,125 which is slightly lower than the national average but still higher than many other rural towns in Oregon. Education levels are slightly higher than state averages with over 75% of adults having completed high school or higher education programs. Elgin also has a large percentage of people who are employed in either agricultural or forestry related jobs which helps provide stability to its economy. There are also several retail and service businesses located within Elgin that help contribute to its economy as well as providing employment opportunities for its citizens. Overall Elgin provides a safe and comfortable environment for its citizens with access to health care services and recreational activities that contribute to the quality of life for everyone living there.

For population 25 years and over in Elgin

High school or higher: 82.0%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 8.2%
Graduate or professional degree: 2.9%
Unemployed: 12.8%
Mean travel time to work: 24.4 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Elgin city

Never married: 16.3%
Now married: 57.3%
Separated: 2.0%
Widowed: 9.8%
Divorced: 14.6%

1.1% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +13 (+0.8%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Elgin:

GRANDE RONDE HOSPITAL (about 20 miles; LA GRANDE, OR)
ST MARY MEDICAL CENTER (about 46 miles; WALLA WALLA, WA)
WALLA WALLA GENERAL HOSPITAL (about 46 miles; WALLA WALLA, WA)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Elgin:

WALLA WALLA REGIONAL (about 44 miles; WALLA WALLA, WA; Abbreviation: ALW)
EASTERN OREGON REGIONAL AT PENDLETON (about 64 miles; PENDLETON, OR; Abbreviation: PDT)
LEWISTON-NEZ PERCE COUNTY (about 85 miles; LEWISTON, ID; Abbreviation: LWS)

Other public-use airports nearest to Elgin:

LA GRANDE/UNION COUNTY (about 21 miles; LA GRANDE, OR; Abbreviation: LGD)
MARTIN FIELD (about 47 miles; COLLEGE PLACE, WA; Abbreviation: S95)
ENTERPRISE MUNI (about 48 miles; ENTERPRISE, OR; Abbreviation: 8S4)

Amtrak station near Elgin:

20 miles: LA GRANDE (2106 COVE AVE.) – Bus Station. Services: enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, full-service food facilities, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, call for taxi service.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Elgin:

EASTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY (about 20 miles; LA GRANDE, OR; Full-time enrollment: 2,192)
WALLA WALLA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 46 miles; WALLA WALLA, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,812)
LEWIS-CLARK STATE COLLEGE (about 86 miles; LEWISTON, ID; Full-time enrollment: 2,213)
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY (about 90 miles; PULLMAN, WA; Full-time enrollment: 18,110)
COLUMBIA BASIN COLLEGE (about 95 miles; PASCO, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,529)
UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO (about 123 miles; MOSCOW, ID; Full-time enrollment: 9,823)
EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (about 133 miles; CHENEY, WA; Full-time enrollment: 7,852)

Schools

Public high school in Elgin:

ELGIN HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 140; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle school in Elgin:

STELLA MAYFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 323; Grades: KG – 08)

Libraries

Library in Elgin:

ELGIN PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $33,264; Location: 260 N 10TH STREET; 12,647 books; 526 audio materials; 34 video materials; 14 serial subscriptions)