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Elma, IA

Population
492
U.S. Census Population Estimates Program · 2025
Elevation
1,188 ft
Median Home Value
$81,300
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
Median Rent
$689/mo
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
Median Income
$44,375
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024

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Elma in context.

OverallBest places in IowaPopulation rankingHighest population places in IowaNearest larger communityWaverly, Iowa36 miles away · 10,561 residents.

About Elma

Elma is a city in Howard County, Iowa, United States. The 2020 census counted 505 residents. Elma had its start in the late 1880s by the building of the railroad through that territory. The Elma post office opened in 1886. The district was formed from the merger of the Cresco, Lime Springs/Chester, Elma, and Ridgeway school districts, opening on July 1, 1960. A newcomer can read Elma through the overlap of its older landmarks, surrounding geography, and current places. For a newcomer, Elma comes into focus through those concrete links among its past, landscape, and current routines.

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Highest current ratings for this town.

Lower County Wildfire Hazard Potential ClassA+100.0ratingLower Projected Late-Century County-Area Exposure to Sea-Level RiseA+100.0ratingLow PopulationA+100.0rating

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