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Elma, Iowa

City in Howard County, Iowa · ZIP 50628

  • Howard County
  • Census data · ACS 2019-2023
Join ElmaAsk ElmaBusinessesPeople
  • 493 (2024 estimate)Population
  • 273Households
  • $41,528Median household income
  • $71,400Median home value
  • 1ZIP codes

About Elma

This page shows only what has been published about Elma: Census facts with their sources first, then its businesses, jobs, events, people in public roles, housing and questions as they are added. Nothing here is written by the town government.

Town intelligenceOfficial sources, refreshed yearly

Population, 2000 to 2020−15.6%
5005506002000: 59820002010: 54620102020: 5052020598505
Population of Elma at each census
CensusPopulation
2000598
2010546
2020505

As counted at each census, within the boundaries the area had then; the current estimate is in the glance card.

Sources: Census 2000 Summary File 1: total population, place level, state 19, retrieved November 14, 2026; Census 2010 Summary File 1: total population, place level, state 19, retrieved November 14, 2026; Census 2020 Redistricting Data (P.L. 94-171): total population, place level, state 19, retrieved November 14, 2026.

Household income in Elma
Under $50k61.1%
$50k to $100k33.4%
$100k to $150k5.5%
$150k to $200k0%
$200k and over0%

Median household income $41,528 · Share of households by income, American Community Survey 5-year 2019-2023, table S1901.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year subject table S1901 (household income) 2019–2023, place level, state 19, retrieved November 14, 2026.

Housing tenure in Elma
Owner occupied
170 units
Renter occupied
103 units
Vacancy rate
15%

Occupied housing units by tenure and the share of all units vacant, American Community Survey 5-year 2019-2023, table DP04.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year data profile 2019–2023, place level, state 19, retrieved November 14, 2026.

Elma compared with its county and state
Elma compared with its county and state, American Community Survey 2019-2023
MeasureElmaHoward CountyIowa
Population6189,4593,195,937
Median household income$41,528$67,336$73,147
Median age48.039.338.6
Median home value$71,400$133,900$195,900
Bachelor’s degree or higher11.7%18.7%30.9%
Foreign-born residents3.4%1.2%5.7%
Owner-occupied homes62.3%76.6%71.5%
Mean commute to work25.2 minutes22.1 minutes19.8 minutes

Source: American Community Survey 5-year data profile 2019–2023, place level, state 19, retrieved November 14, 2026.

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Schools

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Nearby towns

Other towns in Howard County

All towns in Howard County