Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Elma, NY
Considering a move to Elma, NY? This friendly town of 11,721 offers a relaxed, suburban lifestyle with affordable home prices around $313,500 and average rents of $1,070. Elma boasts very low crime rates, short 25-minute commutes, and top-rated schools with small class sizes. Residents enjoy a high rate of homeownership, a strong sense of community, and easy access to Buffalo’s healthcare and amenities—plus four distinct seasons with plenty of green spaces.
Demographics - Elma, NY
Elma, NY is a close-knit community of 11,721 residents with a predominantly White population and a median age of 48.2, reflecting a mature, family-oriented atmosphere. The area has a balanced gender ratio and a small proportion of non-English speakers, contributing to a welcoming and stable environment.
Population:
11,721
Density:
320 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.2%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
1.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Elma, NY?
Elma offers a cost of living slightly below the national average, with median home values around $313,500 and typical rents at $1,070 per month. Utilities and transportation remain affordable, making the town an appealing option for those seeking value without sacrificing comfort.
Median House Value:
$313,500
Gross Rent:
$1,070
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,260
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,700
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$680
State Taxes:
Low:
4%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.7
Grocery:
96.2
Housing:
92.4
Utilities:
104.3
Transportation:
94.1
Health Care:
100.2
Miscellaneous:
97.5
Crime
Is Elma, NY a safe place to live?
Elma enjoys notably low crime rates, with only 42 violent crimes and 460 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it one of the safer communities in the region. Residents benefit from a strong sense of security and peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
42
Property Crimes Per 100k:
460
Crime Index:
502
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,380
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 255
Weather
What is the weather like in Elma, NY year-round?
Elma experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 81°F and cold winters dipping to about 17°F. The town sees moderate rainfall and enjoys sunshine roughly half the year, perfect for those who appreciate seasonal variety.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Elma residents benefit from a strong economic base, with a median household income of nearly $92,000 and a low poverty rate of 3.6%. The community is well-educated, with over 97% holding at least a high school diploma and a typical commute of 25 minutes.
Median Income:
$46,500
Household Income:
$91,850
Family Income:
$107,800
Per Capita Income:
$42,900
Income Male:
$52,100
Income Female:
$40,400
Poverty Rate:
3.6%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$1,070
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
25.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.5%
Bachelors or More:
36.1%
Education
How are the schools in Elma, NY?
Families in Elma benefit from highly rated public and private schools, featuring small class sizes and attentive instruction. The community is also close to respected colleges such as Erie Community College and Buffalo State, supporting lifelong learning and career opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Elma Primary School
Street:
711 Rice Rd
Phone:
716-652-3000
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Name:
Iroquois Middle School
Street:
2111 Girdle Rd
Phone:
716-652-3000
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5

Private Schools
Name:
Annunciation School
Street:
7580 Clinton St
Phone:
716-683-5510
Students:
230

Colleges
Name:
Erie Community College - South Campus
City:
Orchard Park
State:
NY
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
7,200
Name:
Buffalo State College
City:
Buffalo
State:
NY
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
7,300
Healthcare
Access to quality healthcare is excellent in Elma, with major hospitals and a high physician-to-population ratio nearby. Nearly all residents have health insurance, ensuring care is both available and accessible.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Buffalo General Medical Center
Address:
100 High St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone:
(716) 859-5600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mercy Hospital of Buffalo
Address:
565 Abbott Rd, Buffalo, NY 14220
Phone:
(716) 826-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.0%
Health Care Index:
75.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Elma, NY?
Elma's housing market is stable and attractive for homeowners, with a median home price of $313,500 and an owner-occupancy rate above 88%. Home values have appreciated steadily, and the area sees low foreclosure and vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$313,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,070
Owner Occupied Rate:
88.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Elma residents are served by the New York State DMV office in nearby Depew, offering convenient vehicle and licensing services. The office's location and online resources make managing DMV needs straightforward for locals.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2122 George Urban Blvd, Depew, NY 14043
Phone:
1-518-486-9786
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.