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City Report · NY

Elmira

Pop. 26,257·125th most expensive in New York·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,158/mo
Year-over-Year
Stable
Month-over-Month
-6.6%
vs US Median
-$807
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Elmira · $1,158
More affordable than 94% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
32% of income
MODERATE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $1,158/mo, rent takes about 32% of the local median household income, slightly above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$46,000/yr
Local median income
$43,120/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Elmira's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$817
1 BR
$711
2 BR
$1,005
3 BR
$1,120
4 BR+
$1,330
Research median
$1,005/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$13,896/yr
At $1,158/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 0.0% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.0% YoY, -6.6% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Elmira, NY is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income below the national average, 18.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
26,257
Median income
$43,120
Median age
36.5
Renters
49.9%
Age distribution
22.6%
24.8%
25%
15.7%
Under 1822.6%
18–3424.8%
35–5425%
55–6412%
65+15.7%
Gender
48.6%
51.4%
Male48.6%
Female51.4%
Race & ethnicity
71.5%
15.2%
White71.5%
Black15.2%
Hispanic7.4%
Asian1.3%
Other4.5%
Education (25+)
18.1%
37.1%
26.7%
18.1%
No HS diploma18.1%
HS diploma37.1%
Some college26.7%
Bachelor's+18.1%
Housing tenure
50.1%
49.9%
Owner50.1%
Renter49.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Elmira, NY has changed in 5 years

Income
$41,675 → $43,120
up 3.5%
Population
26,737 → 26,257
down 1.8%
Renter share
49.7% → 49.9%
+0.2 pts
Bachelor's+
16.4% → 18.1%
+1.7 pts
Median age
35.8 → 36.5
+0.7 yrs

Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $41,675 in 2021 to $43,120 more recently. Census counts show Elmira, NY losing about 480 residents over the five-year window, down 1.8% on net.

Community

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View Elmira rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Elmira on your salary?

At $1,158/mo, how Elmira rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Elmira rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Elmira. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Elmira

About renting in Elmira, NY

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Elmira is $1,158/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $817/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,005/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $711/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,120/mo.

At 32% of local median household income ($43,120/yr), Elmira ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rent prices have stayed steady over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Elmira an affordable city for renters?

Elmira is considered moderate for renters. At $1,158/mo, rent takes approximately 32% of the local median household income ($43,120/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Elmira slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Elmira?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $46,000/year (~$22/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,158/mo in Elmira. The local median household income is $43,120/yr, meaning the typical Elmira household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Elmira?

Rent in Elmira has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.0% change year over year as of July 2026.

How does Elmira rent compare to other cities in New York?

Elmira is one of the more affordable cities in New York for rent, ranking #125 out of 126 tracked cities at $1,158/mo.

What percentage of Elmira residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 49.9% of Elmira households are renters, while 50.1% are owner-occupied. Elmira leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Elmira rent compare to the national average?

Elmira's median rent of $1,158/mo is $807 (41%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within New York, it ranks #125 out of 126 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
32%
MODERATE

At $1,158/mo, rent takes ~32% of Elmira's median household income ($43,120/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Elmira 32%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4–10.9%
Run the Elmira affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Elmira, NY

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