Elma Center, NY
Population 3,091 · New York
About Elma Center, NY
Elma Center is a small town located in New York with a population of 3,091 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $115,859 per year, which is 54% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Elma Center features a median home value of $409,000, which is 67% above the national median of $244,900. This places Elma Center in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,367, 18% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,347 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (1,035 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (156 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elma Center shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Elma Center have an average one-way commute time of 27.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
52.3% of Elma Center residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 5.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Elma Center, NY
Compared to national averages, Elma Center has a median household income of $115,859 (54% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $409,000, which is 67% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,367 is 18% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Elma Center's income is 19% above the state average of $96,987, and home values are 6% above the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Elma Center, NY?
Elma Center offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $115,859, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%, and a well-educated community where 52.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $409,000. However, Elma Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elma Center has a population of 3,091 with a median age of 40.6 years. Compare Elma Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Elma Center
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuxedo | 3,083 | $118,317 | $575,300 | Compare |
| Brookhaven | 3,080 | $95,345 | $577,000 | Compare |
| Homer | 3,110 | $71,675 | $160,500 | Compare |
| Tupper Lake | 3,072 | $54,613 | $106,300 | Compare |
| Crown Heights | 3,071 | $127,569 | $321,000 | Compare |
| Wanakah | 3,071 | $77,482 | $187,200 | Compare |
| Orchard Park | 3,066 | $97,014 | $371,900 | Compare |
| Vails Gate | 3,065 | $54,340 | $284,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Elma Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elma Center
What is the population of Elma Center, NY?
The population of Elma Center, NY is 3,091 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New York.
What is the median household income in Elma Center?
The median household income in Elma Center, NY is $115,859 per year, which is 54% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elma Center?
The median home value in Elma Center, NY is $409,000, which is 67% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elma Center?
The median monthly rent in Elma Center, NY is $1,367, which is 18% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elma Center?
The unemployment rate in Elma Center, NY is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Elma Center, NY a good place to live?
Elma Center offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,091 and a median age of 40.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Elma Center, NY?
52.3% of residents in Elma Center aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Elma Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elma Center, NY: median home value is $409,000 (67% above national), median rent is $1,367/month, and median household income is $115,859. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Elma Center?
The poverty rate in Elma Center, NY is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Elma Center, NY?
Elma Center's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 5.6% of residents are foreign-born.