Cost of Living in Elma, WA
Population 3,452 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Elma sits on the smaller end of the Washington city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. Around 30% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 50 miles west of Tacoma, Elma falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 17% lower than Tacoma's $455,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Elma
The median home value in Elma is $379,200 — 24% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $987/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,194/year is 11% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Washington charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 61.6°F and lows of 41.2°F. Overall, Elma has a cost of living index of 105 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 5% more expensive.
Elma has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 47 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 67 | 72 | 78 | 79 | 74 | 62 | 52 | 46 |
| Low °F | 34 | 33 | 35 | 38 | 44 | 49 | 52 | 52 | 48 | 41 | 36 | 33 |
| Precip" | 11.08 | 6.66 | 7.24 | 4.86 | 2.62 | 1.54 | 0.68 | 1.22 | 2.50 | 6.99 | 11.60 | 10.92 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Elma, WA?
Elma has a cost index of 105 (100 = national average). It is 5% above the national average.
What is average rent in Elma, WA?
The median gross rent in Elma is $987 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Elma?
The median home value in Elma is $379,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Elma?
The median household income in Elma is $66,194 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Elma, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Elma is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Elma, WA affordable?
Elma is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 105 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Elma?
Elma has average high temperatures of 61.6°F and average lows of 41.2°F. Annual precipitation is 67.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Elma at a Glance
- Population
- 3,452
- Median Income
- $66,194
- Home Value
- $379,200
- Median Rent
- $987/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs