Elma, WA
Population 3,452 · Washington
About Elma, WA
Elma is a small town located in Washington with a population of 3,452 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,194 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Elma features a median home value of $379,200, which is 55% above the national median of $244,900. This places Elma in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $987, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,350 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (770 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (457 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elma shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 30.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elma have an average one-way commute time of 28.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.6% of Elma 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 16.7% White, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 6.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Elma, WA
Compared to national averages, Elma has a median household income of $66,194 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $379,200, which is 55% above the national median. Monthly rent at $987 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Elma's income is 27% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 18% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Elma, WA?
Elma offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $987/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,194) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $379,200. However, Elma’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elma has a population of 3,452 with a median age of 42.6 years. Compare Elma with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Elma
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goldendale | 3,458 | $41,621 | $194,100 | Compare |
| Three Lakes | 3,466 | $148,625 | $754,200 | Compare |
| Forks | 3,413 | $46,389 | $193,900 | Compare |
| Clearview | 3,508 | $180,208 | $883,300 | Compare |
| Indianola | 3,517 | $95,469 | $478,100 | Compare |
| Hansville | 3,533 | $85,800 | $483,000 | Compare |
| Fox Island | 3,365 | $172,917 | $952,500 | Compare |
| Mattawa | 3,553 | $41,250 | $0 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Washington
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Elma With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elma
What is the population of Elma, WA?
The population of Elma, WA is 3,452 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Washington.
What is the median household income in Elma?
The median household income in Elma, WA is $66,194 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elma?
The median home value in Elma, WA is $379,200, which is 55% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elma?
The median monthly rent in Elma, WA is $987, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elma?
The unemployment rate in Elma, WA is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Elma, WA a good place to live?
Elma offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,452 and a median age of 42.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Elma, WA?
18.6% of residents in Elma 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 Elma?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elma, WA: median home value is $379,200 (55% above national), median rent is $987/month, and median household income is $66,194. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Elma?
The poverty rate in Elma, WA is 30.0%, 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 Elma, WA?
Elma's population is 16.7% White, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 6.2% of residents are foreign-born.