Elma city, Washington Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Elma city, Washington has a total population of 3,452, the 242nd largest city in Washington, with a median household income of $66,194, which is 30% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 30.0%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 30% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (30.0%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
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: 55 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Elma city Rankings in Washington
Explore Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon Creek CDP | 3,556 | $67,295 | $392,400 | 18.7% | 22.1% |
| Marietta-Alderwood CDP | 3,569 | $62,243 | $493,200 | 33.1% | 12.6% |
| Cashmere city | 3,263 | $63,825 | $373,900 | 24.2% | 9.1% |
| Port Hadlock-Irondale CDP | 3,695 | $73,558 | $342,800 | 22.2% | 13.7% |
| Port Angeles East CDP | 3,035 | $66,563 | $334,800 | 30.5% | 5.0% |
Population Overview
Elma city is a small community located in Washington. The total population is 3,452. It ranks as the 242nd most populous out of 631 cities and towns in Washington.
Age Demographics
The median age in Elma city is 42.6 years. This is 12% higher than the state median of 38.2 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Elma city is $66,194. This is 30% lower than the state median of $94,952. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 16% lower. The poverty rate stands at 30.0%. This is 202% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. 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 5.5%. This is 11% higher than the state rate of 5.0%. The median home value is $379,200. Housing costs are 27% lower than the state median of $519,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x. 62.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 2% lower than the state average of 63.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Elma city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 76.7% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 17.2%. The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 9.3%.
Education
18.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 52% lower than the state rate of 38.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 81.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Elma city, Washington 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 Washington state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 631 Census-designated places in Washington. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Elma city, Washington?
Elma city, Washington has a population of 3,452 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Elma city, WA?
The median household income in Elma city is $66,194, which is 16% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Elma city, WA?
The poverty rate in Elma city is 30.0%. This means approximately 1,033 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Elma city, Washington?
Elma city's population is 76.7% White, 0.0% Black, 17.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Elma city, WA?
The median home value in Elma city is $379,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x.
How educated is Elma city, Washington?
18.6% of adults (25+) in Elma city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.