Elmira

Background Image

Elmira, NY Area Guide

Avg Rent

$1,320

Population

26,847

Renter Mix

56% Rent

Living in Elmira, NY, gives renters a chance to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of green spaces and historical charm. The Chemung River runs through the city, offering scenic views and spots for kayaking or relaxing by the water. Elmira has a mix of rental options, from downtown apartments near shops and restaurants to homes in quieter areas on the outskirts of the town. Major landmarks like Eldridge Park, home to a restored carousel, and the Clemens Center, a performing arts theater, bring culture and recreation right to your doorstep. Elmira College also adds energy to the area, along with a host of college-town conveniences.

Renters might enjoy visiting the octagonal Mark Twain Study in the middle of Elmira College's campus or attending events like the summer concerts at Brand Park. For everyday living, the compact layout makes commuting straightforward, and I-86 provides easy access to nearby cities. Whether you’re looking for riverfront views or proximity to bustling local spots, Elmira offers a little something for everyone while maintaining an easygoing, small-town vibe.

Demographics

Median Household Income

$42,963

Average: $55,304

Education

4,743

Residents Have a Degree

Job Market

11,153

Workers Employed

Age Distribution
Get a sense of this area's population profile.

Median Age

39 Years

Largest Age Group

25-34 Years

Approximately 14% of Residents

Under 20

25%

Over 65

18%

Housing Distribution

Elmira has more renters than homeowners.

Renters
56%
Non-Renters
44%

Education Distribution

Review this city's overall education levels.

Bachelor's or Higher
12%
Other Education
88%

Rent Trends

As of May 2026, the average apartment rent in Elmira, NY is $1,314 for a studio, $1,318 for one bedroom, and $1,233 for two bedrooms. Apartment rent in Elmira has increased by 2.2% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,318/month
709 Sq Ft
House
$2,743/month
1,584 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Elmira, NY

Getting Around

Fairly Walkable

Walkability

40 / 100

Exceptionally Drivable

Drivability

90 / 100

Fairly Bikeable

Bikeability

40 / 100

Schools

Finn Academy-An Elmira Charter School

Public

Grades K-5

411 Students

Hendy Avenue School

Public

Grades K-5

391 Students

Broadway Elementary School

Public

Grades K-5

364 Students

Parley Coburn School

Public

Grades K-5

391 Students

Thomas K Beecher School

Public

Grades K-5

338 Students

Ernie Davis Academy

Public

Grades 6-8

844 Students

Broadway Academy

Public

Grades 6-12

378 Students

Elmira High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,273 Students

Broadway Academy

Public

Grades 6-12

378 Students

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Tanglewood Nature Center & Museum
  • Mark Twain State Park and Soaring Eagles Golf Course
  • Maple Hill State Forest

Airports

  • Elmira/Corning Regional
  • Ithaca Tompkins International

Top Apartments in Elmira

Houses for Rent in Elmira

Search Nearby Rentals

Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2026.

Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.