The 2020 census found 3,287 people in the township, 1,783 of whom lived in the village of McArthur.

The village of McArthur, the county seat and largest village of Vinton County, is located in central Elk Township.

[4] Statewide, the only other Elk Township is located in Noble County, plus an Elkrun Township in Columbiana County.

The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1.

There is also an elected township fiscal officer,[5] who serves a four-year term beginning on April 1 of the year after the election, which is held in November of the year before the presidential election.