Elma city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Elma city, Iowa has a total population of 618, the 420th largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $41,528, which is 43% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 23.0%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 43% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.7x.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%.
Elma city Quick Facts
How Elma city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 30 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Elma city Rankings in Iowa
Explore Iowa Rankings
Cities Similar to Elma city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amana CDP | 650 | N/A | $237,900 | 62.2% | 4.2% |
| Kellogg city | 611 | $37,500 | $85,000 | 11.4% | 26.0% |
| Swea City city | 612 | $50,625 | $48,800 | 21.6% | 28.9% |
| What Cheer city | 634 | $49,688 | $47,900 | 8.1% | 20.7% |
| Grand Junction city | 615 | $52,292 | $78,000 | 10.4% | 16.3% |
Population Overview
Elma city is a small community located in Iowa. The total population is 618. It ranks as the 420th most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Elma city is 48.0 years. This is 24% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 22.5% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Elma city is $41,528. This is 43% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 47% lower. The poverty rate stands at 23.0%. This is 109% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 2.4%. This is 34% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $71,400. Housing costs are 64% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.7x, Elma city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 62.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 13% lower than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
Elma city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 91.3% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.4%) is well below the state average of 7.0%.
Education
11.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 62% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 91.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Elma city, Iowa is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Iowa state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,018 Census-designated places in Iowa. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Elma city, Iowa?
Elma city, Iowa has a population of 618 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Elma city, IA?
The median household income in Elma city is $41,528, which is 47% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Elma city, IA?
The poverty rate in Elma city is 23.0%. This means approximately 132 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Elma city, Iowa?
Elma city's population is 91.3% White, 0.0% Black, 2.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Elma city, IA?
The median home value in Elma city is $71,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x.
How educated is Elma city, Iowa?
11.7% of adults (25+) in Elma city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.