Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Elmira, NY
Considering a move to Elmira, NY? This welcoming city of 26,523 offers a small-town feel with affordable housing (median home price around $86,000 and rents averaging $820) and short commute times (under 20 minutes). Elmira features a low cost of living, access to quality healthcare, and a mix of public and private schools plus Elmira College. While property crime rates are higher than average, Elmira boasts a friendly community, four distinct seasons, and a budget-friendly lifestyle.
Demographics - Elmira, NY
Demographics - Elmira, NY
Elmira is home to about 26,500 residents with a median age of 36.7, offering a balanced mix of age groups and a diverse community where nearly 15% identify as Black and 8.5% speak a language other than English. The city has a moderate population density and a nearly equal gender ratio, contributing to its small-city, welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
26,523
Density:
3,170 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.7
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
74.6%
Black:
15.2%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
9.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Elmira, NY?
Elmira offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $86,000 and average rents around $820, making it attractive for budget-conscious movers. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, and residents benefit from reasonable utility and insurance expenses.
Median House Value:
$86,000
Gross Rent:
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.5
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
46.1
Utilities:
106.3
Transportation:
80.4
Health Care:
94.5
Miscellaneous:
92.8
Crime
Is Elmira, NY a safe place to live?
While Elmira provides a friendly community environment, it does have higher-than-average property crime rates, with a 1 in 36 chance of experiencing property crime and 1 in 217 for violent crime. Residents are encouraged to stay proactive about safety, especially in certain neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
461
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,740
Crime Index:
3,201
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 217
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in Elmira, NY year-round?
Elmira experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 16°F and warm summers reaching highs of 81°F. The city receives about 36.6 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 45% of the year, offering a classic northeastern climate.

Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
The typical Elmira household earns a median income of $38,600, and the city has a relatively high poverty rate at 28.4%. Most residents have a high school education or higher, and commute times are short at just under 19 minutes, contributing to a close-knit and accessible community.
Median Income:
$22,800
Household Income:
$38,600
Family Income:
$47,200
Per Capita Income:
$20,550
Income Male:
$31,500
Income Female:
$26,200
Poverty Rate:
28.4%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$820
Unemployment Rate:
6.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.3%
Bachelors or More:
13.2%
Education
How are the schools in Elmira, NY?
Elmira offers a range of educational opportunities, including several public and private schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and the presence of Elmira College in town. Additional higher education options are nearby, making it a practical choice for families and students.

Public Schools
Name:
Elmira High School
Street:
777 S Main St
Phone:
607-735-3200
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9
Name:
Broadway Academy
Street:
1000 Broadway St
Phone:
607-735-3400
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8

Private Schools
Name:
Notre Dame High School
Street:
1400 Maple Ave
Phone:
607-734-2267
Students:
300

Colleges
Name:
Elmira College
City:
Elmira
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
700
Name:
Corning Community College
City:
Corning
State:
NY
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
3,800
Healthcare
Elmira residents have access to two major hospitals—Arnot Ogden Medical Center and St. Joseph's Hospital—as well as a good supply of physicians with 2.4 per 1,000 people. Over 92% of locals have health insurance, supporting the community’s overall wellbeing.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Arnot Ogden Medical Center
Address:
600 Roe Ave, Elmira, NY 14905
Phone:
(607) 737-4100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Joseph's Hospital
Address:
555 St. Joseph's Blvd, Elmira, NY 14901
Phone:
(607) 733-6541
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
73.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Elmira, NY?
Elmira's housing market is notably affordable, with a median home price of $86,000 and a majority of residents owning their homes. Rental vacancies are higher than average, giving renters more options, and home values have seen modest appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$86,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$820
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services in Elmira are provided by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Pennsylvania Avenue and accessible both in person and online. Residents can easily manage licenses, registrations, and other motor vehicle needs locally.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
425 Pennsylvania Ave, Elmira, NY 14904
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.