Washington / Grays Harbor County

Moving to Elma, WA

Thinking of making a move to Elma, WA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Elma, WA

Considering a move to Elma, WA? This welcoming community of 3,440 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $285,000 and average rents near $1,120. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (38% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Elma's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Elma, WA

Elma has a population of 3,440 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 88% White, 1% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
3,440
Density
1,163 per sq mi
Median Age
37.2
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
7.6%

Ethnic Composition

White
87.5%
Black
0.6%
Asian
1.2%
Others
10.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Elma, WA?

The cost of living in Elma is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 98.0. Median home values are around $285,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,120. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$285,000
Gross Rent
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges
$110
Auto Insurance
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,430
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$420
State Taxes
Low: 0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
98.0
Grocery
101.4
Housing
92.6
Utilities
98.7
Transportation
105.2
Health Care
104.3
Miscellaneous
99.5

Crime

Is Elma, WA a safe place to live?

Elma is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 205 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 49. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Washington.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
205
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,020
Crime Index
2,225
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 488
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 49

Weather

What is the weather like in Elma, WA year-round?

Elma experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 77°F and cold winters dipping to 33°F. The area receives about 67 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 38% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
33°F
Max
47°F

Summer

Min
52°F
Max
77°F

Spring

Min
41°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
42°F
Max
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches
67 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
38%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $58,400 and a low poverty rate of 16.2%. Over 86% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 12% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$32,800
Household Income
$58,400
Family Income
$66,900
Per Capita Income
$26,100
Income Male
$37,500
Income Female
$30,800
Poverty Rate
16.2%
Non English Speakers
7.6%
Rent
$1,120
Unemployment Rate
5.9%
Public Transport Usage
0.7%
Commute Time
25.1 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
85.7%
Bachelors or More
12.3%

Education

How are the schools in Elma, WA?

Elma offers quality education options, with public schools like Elma High School and Elma Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Grays Harbor College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Elma High School
Street
1011 W Main St
Phone
360-482-3121
Students
540
Student Teacher Ratio
18.5
Name
Elma Middle School
Street
805 W Main St
Phone
360-482-2237
Students
410
Student Teacher Ratio
17.2

Colleges

Name
Grays Harbor College
City
Aberdeen
State
WA
Distance
15 miles
Students
1,700

Healthcare

Elma residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Summit Pacific Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.4 per 1,000 people and 92.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Summit Pacific Medical Center
Address
600 E Main St, Elma, WA 98541
Phone
(360) 346-2222
Type
General & Emergency
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage
92.1%
Health Care Index
74.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Elma, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $285,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 59%. The market has seen a 3.8% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.8%. Elma offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$285,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate
59.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.8%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Elma handle vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Elma. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Washington
Department
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address
506 Denny Way, Elma, WA 98541
Phone
(360) 482-3438

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.

FAQs About Moving to Elma, WA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Elma, review the core fields on this page: population 3,440, median home value $285,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,120, commute time 25.1 minutes, and sunny days percentage 38%.

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