Elmwood, Buffalo, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
19,960
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,287/yr
9.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,526
1.6% year-over-year change

Elmwood population

How many people live in Elmwood

Elmwood is home to 19,960 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of Elmwood locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
19,960
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
9,587
Female
52%
10,374
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,587 48% -4.3%
Female 10,374 52% 2.7%
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 Elmwood is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.9% are children under 15, then 17.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 35.7% of the population, while another 20% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
36
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.9%
15 to 24
17.6%
25 to 44
35.7%
45 to 64
20%
Over 65
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,184 10.9% -5.3%
15 to 24 3,518 17.6% -0.8%
25 to 44 7,121 35.7% -3.6%
45 to 64 3,982 20% 5.0%
Over 65 3,157 15.8% 2.1%
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 Elmwood, 88.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 66.3% of locals are Caucasian, 16.5% are African American and 2.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.2%
Non-citizens
4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 17,717 88.8% -1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,443 7.2% 5.2%
Non-citizens 800 4% 4.8%
Racial breakdown
White
66.3%
Black or African American
16.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.8%
Other
4.6%
Value Percent
White 13,231 66.3%
Black or African American 3,298 16.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 193 1%
Asian 551 2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 5 0%
Two or more races 1,767 8.8%
Other 915 4.6%

Households in Elmwood

A peek inside Elmwood households

Elmwood has 9,488 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 33.6% are families, while the remaining 66.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,488
1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
6,304
Family households
3,184
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,304 66.4% 3.3%
Family households 3,184 33.6% -1.4%
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 Elmwood

The housing landscape of Elmwood

Elmwood's housing consists of 10,526 units, with 21% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,526
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,213 21%
1 unit, attached 317 3%
2 units 2,170 20.6%
3 or 4 units 1,737 16.5%
5 to 9 units 1,056 10%
10 to 19 units 574 5.4%
20 to 49 units 823 7.8%
50 or more units 1,605 15.2%
Mobile home 18 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 12 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
85
37.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Elmwood

In Elmwood, the median construction year is 1938. About 71.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 1.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 7,489 71.1% 3.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 389 3.7% 27.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 632 6% -3.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 481 4.6% -29.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 509 4.8% -5.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 278 2.6% 5.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 218 2.1% 2.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 155 1.5% 27.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 291 2.8% -2.4%
Built in 2020 or later 85 0.8% 37.1%
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.

Elmwood occupancy rates

Out of the 9,488 occupied housing units in Elmwood, 35.5% are owner-occupied, while 64.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,488
1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,120
Owner occupied
3,368
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,120 64.5% -0.3%
Owner occupied 3,368 35.5% 5.5%
Unoccupied housing units
9.9%
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.

Elmwood housing costs

Housing costs in Elmwood come to a median of $1,137 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,097.

Median housing costs per month
$1,137/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 Elmwood
$1,097/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 Elmwood

Elmwood education at a glance

About 18.8% of the population in Elmwood went to high school, while 21.7% pursued college studies. Another 5.7% earned an associate degree and 29.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 23.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 255 1.5% -17.5%
High school diploma 3,280 18.8% -5.9%
College diploma 3,773 21.7% -2.9%
Associate degree 987 5.7% -12.4%
Bachelor's degree 5,085 29.2% 10.9%
Graduate degree 4,028 23.1% -1.7%
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 Elmwood

How much people earn in Elmwood

The average annual household income in Elmwood was $90,076 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 $53,287, reflecting a +9.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Elmwood
$90,076/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Elmwood
$53,287/year
9.5% year-over-year change

Elmwood income by age

In Elmwood, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $72,031. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $54,240 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $38,988, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $57,899 in earnings. Overall, 81.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $38,988 -3.8%
25 - 44 $72,031 15.4%
45 - 64 $54,240 9.7%
Over 65 $57,899 7.9%
Above poverty level
14,606
Below poverty level
3,408
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 14,606 81.1% -0.3%
Below poverty level 3,408 18.9% 2.8%

Employment in Elmwood

Workforce and job types in Elmwood

90.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.1% run their own businesses, 56.4% are employed by private companies, and 16% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
9,591
Blue collar
970
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,591 90.8% -2.9%
Blue collar 970 9.2% 2.3%
Employer type
Self employees
7.1%
Private companies
56.4%
Governmental workers
16%
Not for profit companies
20.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 747 7.1% -8.5%
Private companies 5,961 56.4% -2.3%
Governmental workers 1,685 16% -13.2%
Not for profit companies 2,168 20.5% 10.4%

Transportation in Elmwood

How people get around in Elmwood

In Elmwood, the average commute time is 14 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 82.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 9.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
14 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,951 82.4% -9.2%
Taxicab 57 0.7% 216.7%
Bus or trolleybus 497 5.9% -13.0%
Railroad 1 0% N/A
Motorcycle 9 0.1% 12.5%
Bicycle 151 1.8% 69.7%
Walk 774 9.2% 14.5%
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 Elmwood by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
14222 15,311 6,894 $81,652 $122,278
14201 12,369 6,022 $40,512 $64,518
14202 3,862 2,203 $56,528 $105,905
14209 8,313 4,323 $50,046 $85,126

Explore more communities

FAQs about Elmwood demographics 

What is the total population of Elmwood?

Elmwood has a total population of 19,960 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 -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Elmwood?

The gender ratio in Elmwood is as follows:
  • 48% males (9,587 residents)
  • 52% females (10,374 residents)

What is the median age in Elmwood?

The median age in Elmwood is 36.

What is the age distribution of the population in Elmwood?

The age distribution in Elmwood is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.9% (2,184 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.6% (3,518 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 35.7% (7,121 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20% (3,982 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.8% (3,157 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Elmwood?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Elmwood is as follows:
  • White: 66.3% (13,231 residents)
  • Black or African American: 16.5% (3,298 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (193 residents)
  • Asian: 2.8% (551 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (5 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.8% (1,767 residents)
  • Other: 4.6% (915 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.8% of the population in Elmwood.

How many housing units are there in Elmwood?

There are 10,526 housing units in Elmwood, reflecting a +1.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Elmwood has a total of 9,488 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Elmwood?

Elmwood has a median household income of $53,287, representing a +9.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Elmwood?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.8% (9,591 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.2% (970 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.1% (747 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.4% (5,961 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16% (1,685 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 20.5% (2,168 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