As of 2007 Elgin's population is estimated to be at 104,288, and the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission forecasts Elgin will have a population of 167,375 in 2030.
As of the census of 2000, there were 94,487 people, 31,543 households, and 22,395 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,779.1 people per square mile (1,459.3/km²). There were 32,665 housing units at an average density of 1,306.5/sq mi (504.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 70.49% White, 6.80% African American, 0.40% Native American, 3.88% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 15.39% from other races, and 2.98% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 34.32% of the population. A significant portion of Elgin's Asian population is of Laotian origin.
There were 31,543 households out of which 39.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.6% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 23.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.94 and the average family size was 3.49.
In the city the population was spread out with 29.0% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 33.6% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 99.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $52,605, and the median income for a family was $58,404. Males had a median income of $39,581 versus $28,488 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,112. About 6.4% of families and 8.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.6% of those under age 18 and 4.7% of those age 65 or over.
Elgin demographic statistics vs. Illinois cities of comparable size:
Sources: CNNMoney.com, HomeInsight.com, Onboard LLC, US Census 2000
Elgin has three stations on Metra's Milwaukee District/West Line, which provides daily rail service between Elgin and Chicago, Illinois (at Union Station): National Street, Elgin, and Big Timber Road. Elgin is the western terminus of this service.
Elgin also used to have a streetcar system, operated by the Aurora, Elgin and Fox River Electric Company. Additionally, Elgin was served by several interurban lines. The most prominent of these was the Chicago Aurora and Elgin Railroad which provided frequent service into Chicago.