Elsmere, DE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,203
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,944/yr
-11.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,301
-4.0% year-over-year change

Elsmere population

How many people live in Elsmere

Elsmere is home to 6,203 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.4% of Elsmere locals are male, and 47.6% are female.

Total population
6,203
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.4%
3,250
Female
47.6%
2,953
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,250 52.4% 5.6%
Female 2,953 47.6% -5.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Elsmere is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.5% are children under 15, then 12.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.2% of the population, while another 20.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.5%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 44
33.2%
45 to 64
20.8%
Over 65
12.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,332 21.5% -9.0%
15 to 24 748 12.1% 10.2%
25 to 44 2,058 33.2% -5.8%
45 to 64 1,291 20.8% 18.4%
Over 65 774 12.5% 0.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Elsmere, 83.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 18% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
83.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14.3%
Non-citizens
2.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,157 83.1% -2.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 886 14.3% 32.6%
Non-citizens 160 2.6% -23.4%
Racial breakdown
White
47.7%
Black or African American
18.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
18%
Other
15%
Value Percent
White 2,957 47.7%
Black or African American 1,147 18.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 54 0.9%
Two or more races 1,117 18%
Other 928 15%

Households in Elsmere

A peek inside Elsmere households

Elsmere has 2,238 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 63.9% are families, while the remaining 36.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,238
-1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
808
Family households
1,430
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 808 36.1% -3.1%
Family households 1,430 63.9% -0.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Elsmere

The housing landscape of Elsmere

Elsmere's housing consists of 2,301 units, with 36.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 37.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
2,301
-4.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 842 36.6%
1 unit, attached 862 37.5%
2 units 217 9.4%
3 or 4 units 56 2.4%
5 to 9 units 193 8.4%
10 to 19 units 109 4.7%
50 or more units 22 1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Elsmere

In Elsmere, the median construction year is 1956. About 12% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 18.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 275 12% -25.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 434 18.9% -6.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 738 32.1% -7.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 322 14% -5.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 267 11.6% 43.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 76 3.3% 4.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 60 2.6% -18.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 129 5.6% 30.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Elsmere occupancy rates

Out of the 2,238 occupied housing units in Elsmere, 65.7% are owner-occupied, while 34.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,238
-1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
767
Owner occupied
1,471
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 767 34.3% -2.3%
Owner occupied 1,471 65.7% -1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
2.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Elsmere housing costs

Housing costs in Elsmere come to a median of $1,270 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,339.

Median housing costs per month
$1,270/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Elsmere
$1,339/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Elsmere

Elsmere education at a glance

About 44.7% of the population in Elsmere went to high school, while 21.4% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 9.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 509 11.3% 25.4%
High school diploma 2,017 44.7% -1.3%
College diploma 964 21.4% 0.1%
Associate degree 386 8.6% 2.7%
Bachelor's degree 438 9.7% -4.4%
Graduate degree 201 4.4% 21.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Elsmere

How much people earn in Elsmere

The average annual household income in Elsmere was $80,988 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $67,944, reflecting a -11% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Elsmere
$80,988/year
-3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Elsmere
$67,944/year
-11.0% year-over-year change

Elsmere income by age

In Elsmere, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $69,697. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $82,279 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,250, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $43,672 in earnings. Overall, 77% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,250 -0.9%
25 - 44 $69,697 -20.0%
45 - 64 $82,279 -2.8%
Over 65 $43,672 -3.8%
Above poverty level
4,663
Below poverty level
1,393
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,663 77% -5.0%
Below poverty level 1,393 23% 23.9%

Average renter income in Elsmere

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Elsmere, their median household income was $46,006 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$46,006
Rent-to-income ratio
34.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Elsmere

Workforce and job types in Elsmere

The job market in Elsmere is powered by 2,910 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.6% run their own businesses, 71.1% are employed by private companies, and 8.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,910
2.2% year-over-year change
White collar
2,110
Blue collar
800
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,110 72.5% -2.0%
Blue collar 800 27.5% 15.3%
Employer type
Self employees
10.6%
Private companies
71.1%
Governmental workers
8.4%
Not for profit companies
9.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 309 10.6% -12.0%
Private companies 2,068 71.1% 6.3%
Governmental workers 245 8.4% -18.6%
Not for profit companies 288 9.9% 14.7%
Unemployment rate
4.8%
-9.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Elsmere stands at 4.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Elsmere

How people get around in Elsmere

Commuting methods vary: 85.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,440 85.6% 3.2%
Bus or trolleybus 88 3.1% -7.4%
Walk 22 0.8% 15.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Elsmere by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
19804 18,779 7,677 $79,701 $117,838
19805 41,402 15,722 $60,221 $78,995

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FAQs about Elsmere demographics 

What is the total population of Elsmere?

Elsmere has a total population of 6,203 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Elsmere?

The gender ratio in Elsmere is as follows:
  • 52.4% males (3,250 residents)
  • 47.6% females (2,953 residents)

What is the median age in Elsmere?

The median age in Elsmere is 35.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Elsmere?

The age distribution in Elsmere is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.5% (1,332 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.1% (748 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.2% (2,058 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.8% (1,291 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.5% (774 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Elsmere?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Elsmere is as follows:
  • White: 47.7% (2,957 residents)
  • Black or African American: 18.5% (1,147 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (54 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 18% (1,117 residents)
  • Other: 15% (928 residents)

What percentage of the population in Elsmere are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 83.1% of the population in Elsmere.

How many housing units are there in Elsmere?

There are 2,301 housing units in Elsmere, reflecting a -4.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Elsmere and what is the average household size?

Elsmere has a total of 2,238 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Elsmere?

Elsmere has a median household income of $67,944, representing a -11.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Elsmere?

The employment rate is 95.2% in Elsmere, with a workforce of 2,910 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.5% (2,110 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.5% (800 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.6% (309 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.1% (2,068 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.4% (245 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.9% (288 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025