| Statistic | Elma | Washington | National |
| Population | 3,299 | 7,614,893 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 1,294 | 117 | 91 |
| Median age | 38.0 | 37.6 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.8:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 60% | 56% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 27% | 44% | 43% |
| Speak English | 98% | 81% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 2% | 8% | 13% |
Understanding the demographics of Elma is essential for gaining insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of any city, town or village. This knowledge empowers planners, developers and policymakers to strategize effectively, promoting prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The Elma population is 3,299, with a population density of 1,294 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 91. The median age is 38, and 60% of individuals aged 15 or older are married, while 27% have children under 18. As far as income equality in Elma, 29% of households have a median income below $25,000, whereas 6% report an income exceeding $150,000, indicating a varied economic landscape within the area.
The Elma racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown serves as a critical tool for understanding and addressing systemic inequities, promoting social justice and inclusion and building stronger, more resilient communities. The racial breakdown in Elma is 92.8% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, 0% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian - 2.1% of the population identify as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 98.3% reported speaking English only, while 1.7% reported speaking Spanish only. A total of 1.1% of residents were considered foreign born.
Elma could serve as a prime example of how areas with higher-than-average population density can champion environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Embracing compact urban development, these densely populated areas promote energy-efficient buildings and encourages walking, cycling and public transit use, fostering sustainable lifestyles and minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, densely populated regions are renowned for their vibrant social and cultural scenes, driven by a diverse population that organizes an array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This cultural diversity ignites creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enriching the social fabric of the community. The Elma population density is 1,294, surpassing the national average of 91 per square miles, positioning itself to capitalize on the advantages of dense urban living.
A city with fewer children like Elma can offer several benefits, catering to a demographic where families with fewer or no children may find an ideal environment. The advantages could include a quiet environment, increased focus on adult-oriented amenities, reduced traffic and increased affordability. Perhaps the biggest benefit could be a greater availability of housing options that cater to adult residents or smaller households. This could include more condominiums, apartments, or single-family homes designed for couples or individuals without children, providing a wider range of choices for prospective homebuyers or renters. Areas with fewer kids could also be an indication that this area could be a suitable area for retirees or seniors. In Elma, only 27% of people have kids under the age of 18, which is far less than the national average. Another 60% of residents over 15 years old are married. This bodes well for taking advantage of all the benefits of an area where less kids are present.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics can inform policy and decision-making processes at various levels of government, as well as in organizations and businesses. By reporting and analyzing Elma demographics data, policymakers, government officials and organizational leaders can identify areas of need, allocate resources effectively and develop targeted policies and programs that address the specific needs and priorities of different demographic groups. Elma demographics can play a crucial role in policy planning by informing resource allocation, evidence-based decision making, identifying priorities, forecasting future trends, monitoring policy impact and promoting equity and inclusion. By leveraging this data effectively, policymakers can develop policies that are targeted, effective and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.
Education Allocation: Elma demographics can play a pivotal role in guiding education planning, offering insights into student demographics, school enrollment patterns, and educational requirements. This data aids schools and policymakers in resource allocation and the development of effective educational programs. It serves as a critical tool for identifying disparities in educational access and outcomes among diverse demographic groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, socio-economic status, and students with disabilities. Through the disaggregation of data by demographic factors, education planners can pinpoint areas of inequity and implement targeted interventions to enhance access, support, and outcomes for marginalized students. Ultimately, Elma demographic data is indispensable in education for advancing equity, fostering student achievement, and cultivating inclusive learning environments tailored to the needs of all students.
Healthcare Planning: Analyzing the demographic data in Elma has the potential to inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. Healthcare providers and policymakers can allocate resources more effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs and address health inequities within communities by understanding demographic trends. Leveraging demographic statistics can enable healthcare providers and policymakers to strive for equitable, accessible and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and tailored healthcare services to meet diverse population needs.
| Race | Elma | Washington | National |
| White | 92.79% | 77.34% | 73.35% |
| Black | 0.55% | 3.63% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 0.48% | 7.80% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.00% | 1.33% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.63% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 6.18% | 5.34% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 0.00% | 3.92% | 4.75% |
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