Elma, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,483
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,086/yr
18.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,371
1.6% year-over-year change

Elma population

How many people live in Elma

Elma is home to 3,483 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 54.9% of Elma locals are male, and 45.1% are female.

Total population
3,483
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
54.9%
1,911
Female
45.1%
1,572
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,911 54.9% -0.3%
Female 1,572 45.1% 2.4%
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 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.8% are children under 15, then 10.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.1% of the population, while another 28.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.8%
15 to 24
10.3%
25 to 44
26.1%
45 to 64
28.5%
Over 65
16.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 654 18.8% 1.2%
15 to 24 360 10.3% 3.1%
25 to 44 909 26.1% 8.1%
45 to 64 992 28.5% 3.5%
Over 65 568 16.3% -13.7%
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, 94% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5% of residents are non-citizens. Another 5.8% are Indigenous American, 0.6% are Pacific Islanders, while 7.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 5.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,274 94% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 36 1% -10.0%
Non-citizens 173 5% -0.6%
Racial breakdown
White
80.4%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
5.8%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.6%
Two or more races
5.4%
Other
7.8%
Value Percent
White 2,802 80.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 201 5.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 20 0.6%
Two or more races 189 5.4%
Other 271 7.8%

Households in Elma

A peek inside Elma households

Elma has 1,245 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 63.4% are families, while the remaining 36.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,245
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
456
Family households
789
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 456 36.6% 1.3%
Family households 789 63.4% 1.5%
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 1,371 units, with 74.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.9% 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 7.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,371
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,018 74.2%
1 unit, attached 26 1.9%
2 units 42 3.1%
3 or 4 units 98 7.2%
5 to 9 units 43 3.1%
20 to 49 units 37 2.7%
Mobile home 97 7.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 10 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
20
25.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Elma

In Elma, the median construction year is 1969. About 17.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 242 17.6% 51.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 111 8.1% -5.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 187 13.6% 16.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 166 12.1% 24.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 218 15.9% -37.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 122 8.9% 10.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 119 8.7% 17.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 53 3.9% -13.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 133 9.7% -6.3%
Built in 2020 or later 20 1.5% 25.0%
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 1,245 occupied housing units in Elma, 66.7% are owner-occupied, while 33.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,245
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
415
Owner occupied
830
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 415 33.3% -9.2%
Owner occupied 830 66.7% 7.8%
Unoccupied housing units
9.2%
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 $1,107 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $984.

Median housing costs per month
$1,107/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
$984/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 47.2% of the population in Elma went to high school, while 19.3% pursued college studies. Another 5.5% earned an associate degree and 17.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 179 6.5% 42.1%
High school diploma 1,298 47.2% -5.4%
College diploma 532 19.3% -12.5%
Associate degree 152 5.5% 2.7%
Bachelor's degree 491 17.8% 25.6%
Graduate degree 101 3.7% 1.0%
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 $92,726 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +18.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $78,086, reflecting a +18% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Elma
$92,726/year
18.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Elma
$78,086/year
18.0% 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 $87,679. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $93,080 overall. Overall, 76.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $87,679 62.4%
45 - 64 $93,080 14.3%
Over 65 $61,375 6.1%
Above poverty level
2,573
Below poverty level
794
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,573 76.4% 7.6%
Below poverty level 794 23.6% -14.8%

Average renter income in Elma

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Elma, their median household income was $51,875 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 22.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$51,875
Rent-to-income ratio
22.8%
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 Elma

Workforce and job types in Elma

The job market in Elma is powered by 1,550 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.4% run their own businesses, 65.3% are employed by private companies, and 22.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,550
6.8% year-over-year change
White collar
1,059
Blue collar
491
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,059 68.3% 12.9%
Blue collar 491 31.7% -4.5%
Employer type
Self employees
9.4%
Private companies
65.3%
Governmental workers
22.8%
Not for profit companies
2.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 146 9.4% 4.3%
Private companies 1,012 65.3% 7.5%
Governmental workers 354 22.8% 13.8%
Not for profit companies 38 2.4% -36.7%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
-32.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Elma stands at 3.6%, 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 Elma

How people get around in Elma

Commuting methods vary: 83.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.4% 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 1,268 83.5% 10.6%
Bus or trolleybus 20 1.3% -33.3%
Bicycle 6 0.4% -40.0%
Walk 97 6.4% 36.6%
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
98541 10,810 3,870 $78,816 $96,458

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FAQs about Elma demographics 

What is the total population of Elma?

Elma has a total population of 3,483 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 +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Elma?

The gender ratio in Elma is as follows:
  • 54.9% males (1,911 residents)
  • 45.1% females (1,572 residents)

What is the median age in Elma?

The median age in Elma is 42.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Elma?

The age distribution in Elma is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.8% (654 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.3% (360 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.1% (909 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.5% (992 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.3% (568 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Elma?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Elma is as follows:
  • White: 80.4% (2,802 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 5.8% (201 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.6% (20 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.4% (189 residents)
  • Other: 7.8% (271 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94% of the population in Elma.

How many housing units are there in Elma?

There are 1,371 housing units in Elma, 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 Elma and what is the average household size?

Elma has a total of 1,245 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Elma?

Elma has a median household income of $78,086, representing a +18.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.4% in Elma, with a workforce of 1,550 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.3% (1,059 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.7% (491 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.4% (146 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.3% (1,012 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.8% (354 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.4% (38 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