Median Income
$41,528
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$71,400
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
140/100K
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.7%
65% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$668
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
31.3%
152% higher than US avg
How Elma Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population618
Median Age48.0 yrs
Density502/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$41,528
Per Capita$22,565
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty31.3%
County GDP$727M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$71,400
Rent$668
Ownership62.3%
Zillow$209,483
Housing Units290
Rent Burden40.2%
Crime
F
Violent140/100K
Property644/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking20.2%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.6 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation1,179 ft (359 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.7%
High School+91.5%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score5.47
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute25 min
Broadband70.7%
EV Stations4
Libraries3
Is Elma a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elma receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Elma has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elma is $41,528, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. The poverty rate of 31.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elma is $71,400, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $668 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Elma is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 140 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 644 per 100,000, 67% below the national average.
Education
11.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Elma has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 40.6 inches, including 38.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Elma has a population of 618 with a density of 502 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 48.0 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.3% female and 41.7% male. The city is predominantly White (91.9%), with 5.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.0yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.7%
72% below US avg
The median household income in Elma is $41,528, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,565 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $927, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 31.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 341 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,528 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,565 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $927 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,702 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 31.3% |
| 152% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 341 |
| County GDP | $727M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 49 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,607 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Elma is $71,400, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $209,483, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $668 (43% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 290 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,607 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 40.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $71,400 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $209,483 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $668 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.7% |
| Housing Units | 290 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,607 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.65% |
In Elma, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 33.1% have high blood pressure. 20.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.2% report binge drinking. 27.4% are physically inactive. 22.6% report depression. 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,896. The dentist ratio is 1:4,767. 76.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elma vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.1% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,896 |
| Dentists | 1:4,767 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,339 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 62.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,255/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Elma has a violent crime rate of 140 per 100,000 residents, 63% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 644 per 100,000, 67% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elma receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elma vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 140.1/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 644.3/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elma has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 40.6 inches. The area receives 38.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,179 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,179 ft (359 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 502/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2457°N, 92.4387°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Howard County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.6"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
559 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 44 fatalities, 979 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
85 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
77 km |
13 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
76 km |
5 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
2 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
88 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
23 km |
2 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Elma has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Elma. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $663 |
| Toddler | $571 |
| Preschool | $571 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $447 |
| Toddler | $440 |
| Preschool | $440 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elma
What is the population of Elma?
Elma has a population of 618 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 502 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.3% female and 41.7% male.
Is Elma expensive to live in?
Elma is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $41,528, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $71,400 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $668 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elma safe?
Elma is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 140 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 644 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Elma receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elma?
Elma has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 40.6 inches, with 38.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Elma?
The job market in Elma is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $927. There are 341 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elma?
The median home value in Elma is $71,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $209,483. For renters, the median monthly rent is $668. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,607.
How are the schools in Elma?
Schools in Elma score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.7% of adults in Elma hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elma?
The obesity rate in Elma is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.2% of adults are smokers. 27.4% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 76.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,896.
What is transportation like in Elma?
The average commute in Elma is 25 minutes. 79.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elma?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elma is 91.9% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.7% speak Spanish. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
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