Elma Town, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,696
-2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$106,762/yr
4.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,371
-2.6% year-over-year change

Elma population

How many people live in Elma

Elma is home to 10,696 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.2% of Elma locals are male, and 48.8% are female.

Total population
10,696
-2.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.2%
5,481
Female
48.8%
5,215
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,481 51.2% -2.5%
Female 5,215 48.8% -2.2%
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 Elma is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 10% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.5% of the population, while another 26% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
48
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
10%
25 to 44
22.5%
45 to 64
26%
Over 65
23.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,888 17.6% -0.7%
15 to 24 1,068 10% 8.9%
25 to 44 2,402 22.5% -7.0%
45 to 64 2,786 26% -4.9%
Over 65 2,552 23.9% -0.2%
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 Elma, 97.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 95.9% of locals are Caucasian, 0.2% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.9%
Non-citizens
0.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,454 97.7% -1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 208 1.9% -19.7%
Non-citizens 34 0.3% -20.9%
Racial breakdown
White
95.9%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.4%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 10,261 95.9%
Black or African American 16 0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0.1%
Asian 26 0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 3 0%
Two or more races 361 3.4%
Other 24 0.2%

Households in Elma

A peek inside Elma households

Elma has 4,191 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 73.3% are families, while the remaining 26.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,191
-1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,117
Family households
3,073
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,117 26.6% 2.3%
Family households 3,073 73.3% -3.1%
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 Elma

The housing landscape of Elma

Elma's housing consists of 4,371 units, with 89.7% 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 1.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,371
-2.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,922 89.7%
1 unit, attached 131 3%
2 units 132 3%
3 or 4 units 33 0.8%
5 to 9 units 33 0.8%
10 to 19 units 3 0.1%
20 to 49 units 46 1%
50 or more units 14 0.3%
Mobile home 58 1.3%
Homes built since 2020
30
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Elma

In Elma, the median construction year is 1966. About 13% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 569 13% -15.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 228 5.2% 3.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 764 17.5% -5.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 638 14.6% 6.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 780 17.8% 19.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 242 5.5% -7.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 315 7.2% 7.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 239 5.5% -10.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 567 13% -16.6%
Built in 2020 or later 30 0.7% 0.0%
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.

Elma occupancy rates

Out of the 4,191 occupied housing units in Elma, 87.2% are owner-occupied, while 12.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,191
-1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
538
Owner occupied
3,653
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 538 12.8% -20.2%
Owner occupied 3,653 87.2% 1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
4.1%
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.

Elma housing costs

Housing costs in Elma come to a median of $1,343 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,113.

Median housing costs per month
$1,343/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 Elma
$1,113/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 Elma

Elma education at a glance

About 27.9% of the population in Elma went to high school, while 14.6% pursued college studies. Another 12.3% earned an associate degree and 27.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 52 0.6% -3.7%
High school diploma 2,342 27.9% -10.8%
College diploma 1,231 14.6% -12.5%
Associate degree 1,035 12.3% 8.2%
Bachelor's degree 2,327 27.7% 9.9%
Graduate degree 1,416 16.8% -6.0%
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 Elma

How much people earn in Elma

The average annual household income in Elma was $142,146 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $106,762, reflecting a +4.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Elma
$142,146/year
1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Elma
$106,762/year
4.1% year-over-year change

Elma income by age

In Elma, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $135,148. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $130,802 overall. Overall, 96% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $135,148 5.7%
45 - 64 $130,802 4.1%
Over 65 $74,532 -2.0%
Above poverty level
10,129
Below poverty level
421
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,129 96% -3.8%
Below poverty level 421 4% 37.1%

Employment in Elma

Workforce and job types in Elma

83.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.7% run their own businesses, 62.8% are employed by private companies, and 14.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
4,377
Blue collar
839
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,377 83.9% -0.7%
Blue collar 839 16.1% -13.9%
Employer type
Self employees
10.7%
Private companies
62.8%
Governmental workers
14.8%
Not for profit companies
11.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 557 10.7% -10.7%
Private companies 3,275 62.8% -4.8%
Governmental workers 771 14.8% -0.4%
Not for profit companies 612 11.7% 12.3%

Transportation in Elma

How people get around in Elma

In Elma, the average commute time is 21 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 98.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
21 min
-4.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,234 98.9% -5.3%
Taxicab 2 0% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 1 0% N/A
Bicycle 3 0.1% -25.0%
Walk 42 1% 2.4%
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 Elma by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
14052 17,514 7,402 $99,970 $130,765
14059 9,138 3,511 $113,555 $155,331

Explore more communities

FAQs about Elma demographics 

What is the total population of Elma?

Elma has a total population of 10,696 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 -2.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Elma?

The gender ratio in Elma is as follows:
  • 51.2% males (5,481 residents)
  • 48.8% females (5,215 residents)

What is the median age in Elma?

The median age in Elma is 48.

What is the age distribution of the population in Elma?

The age distribution in Elma is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (1,888 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10% (1,068 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.5% (2,402 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26% (2,786 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.9% (2,552 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Elma?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Elma is as follows:
  • White: 95.9% (10,261 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (16 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (26 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (3 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.4% (361 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (24 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.7% of the population in Elma.

How many housing units are there in Elma?

There are 4,371 housing units in Elma, reflecting a -2.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Elma has a total of 4,191 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Elma?

Elma has a median household income of $106,762, representing a +4.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Elma?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.9% (4,377 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.1% (839 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.7% (557 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.8% (3,275 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.8% (771 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.7% (612 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