Elmira, NY
Population 26,349 · New York
About Elmira, NY
Elmira is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 26,349 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,089 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Elmira features a median home value of $88,200, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Elmira one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $871, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,685 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (5,440 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (5,137 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elmira shows an unemployment rate of 9.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elmira have an average one-way commute time of 19.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.7% of Elmira residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.7% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 3.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Elmira Ranks in New York
Cost of Living in Elmira, NY
Compared to national averages, Elmira has a median household income of $43,089 (43% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $88,200, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $871 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Elmira's income is 56% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 77% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Elmira, NY?
Elmira offers affordable housing with a median home value of $88,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $871/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,089) that falls below the national average. However, Elmira’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elmira has a population of 26,349 with a median age of 36.5 years. Compare Elmira with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Elmira
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holbrook | 26,256 | $139,116 | $504,100 | Compare |
| Plainview | 26,251 | $185,531 | $729,100 | Compare |
| Auburn | 26,475 | $49,377 | $143,600 | Compare |
| West Islip | 26,559 | $171,045 | $592,700 | Compare |
| Rockville Centre | 25,770 | $144,516 | $796,100 | Compare |
| Ossining | 26,979 | $100,997 | $444,200 | Compare |
| Medford | 25,681 | $128,631 | $444,500 | Compare |
| Lindenhurst | 27,106 | $129,033 | $484,800 | 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 Elmira With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elmira
What is the population of Elmira, NY?
The population of Elmira, NY is 26,349 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New York.
What is the median household income in Elmira?
The median household income in Elmira, NY is $43,089 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elmira?
The median home value in Elmira, NY is $88,200, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elmira?
The median monthly rent in Elmira, NY is $871, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elmira?
The unemployment rate in Elmira, NY is 9.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Elmira, NY a good place to live?
Elmira offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 26,349 and a median age of 36.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Elmira, NY?
18.7% of residents in Elmira aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Elmira?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elmira, NY: median home value is $88,200 (64% below national), median rent is $871/month, and median household income is $43,089. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Elmira?
The poverty rate in Elmira, NY is 26.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Elmira, NY?
Elmira's population is 1.7% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 13.1% two or more races. 3.8% of residents are foreign-born.