Iowa
Elma is a small town in Iowa with a population of 618. Residents earn $41,528 per year, which is 45% below the national average.
Based on current data, Elma receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Elma offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
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.
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.
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 5.7/10.
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. Annual precipitation totals 40.6 inches, including 38.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 96.3% |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 3.7% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $41,528 |
| 45% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $22,565 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $927 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,702 |
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 31.3% |
| 152% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 341 |
| County GDP | $727M |
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 49 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,607 |
| 26% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.65% |
| Commute Time | 25.2 min |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
| Census Median | $71,400 |
| 75% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $209,483 |
| Census Median Rent | $668 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.3% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,607 |
| 26% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.65% |
| 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% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Insurance Rate | 91.0% |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,255/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg | |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 40.6 inches |
| 7% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 38.5 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,179 ft (359 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 502/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2457°N, 92.4387°W |
| County FIPS | 19089 |
Winner: Republican by 31.8 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 11.7% |
| 65% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 91.5% |
| School Test Score | 5.73 |
| RUCC Code 8 | Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent |
| Population Density | 502/sq mi |
| Total Area | 1.2 sq mi |
| Public Libraries | 3 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Retail Stores | 49 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Commute | 25.2 min |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |