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City · 26,257 residents · Chemung County, New York

Elmira , New York

In Elmira, a typical home is worth $93,000 and typical rent is $909 a month. Compared with all of Chemung County, the typical home value is 34% lower, typical household income is 32% lower, and the share of households that own their home is 18 points lower.

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  • Typical home value

    $93,000

    34% below the county

    78% below New York

    • Elmira
    • Chemung
    • New York

  • Typical rent

    $909a month

    14% below the county

    44% below New York

    • Elmira
    • Chemung
    • New York

  • Typical household income

    $43,120a year

    32% below the county

    50% below New York

    • Elmira
    • Chemung
    • New York

  • Households that own their home

    50%

    18 points below the county

    4 points below New York

    • Elmira
    • Chemung
    • New York

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024

Market now, with Zillow data

Zillow data
Typical home value
$133,827
5.2% more than 12 months ago
Typical rent
$1,148 a month

From Zillow (ZHVI/ZORI), September 2026. The Census figures above are 5-year averages (2020–2024).

Elmira is in Chemung County. The FHA loan limit ($541,287 for a one-unit home), the fair market rents and the help on this page are those of all of Chemung County. See the county

Data updated: October 1, 2026 11 official sources

Only here

What sets Elmira apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

  1. Elmira has the 6th lowest typical household income of the 350 cities in New York with more than 5,000 people ($43,120).

  2. Elmira has the 6th lowest typical home value of the 348 cities in New York with more than 5,000 people ($93,000).

  3. 50% of households in Elmira own their home, against 68% in Chemung County.

  4. Elmira has the 31st lowest typical rent of the 333 cities in New York with more than 5,000 people ($909).

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).

The homes here

Housing in Elmira

What homes there are in Elmira, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).

What homes there are

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Kind of home

The detached house is still the most common home in Elmira, but it weighs less than in Chemung County: 50% against 68%.

Year built

In Elmira, at least half of the homes were built before 1940, and 79% date from before 1960.

Homes in Elmira are smaller: 54% have 3 bedrooms or more; in Chemung County, 63%.

All homes, occupied or empty. A figure the Census cannot measure precisely enough here is not shown.

Census tables: B25024, B25034, B25035, B25041

What it costs here

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Value of owner-occupied homes
Monthly rent with utilities

HUD's 2-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) for Chemung County is $1,348; about 80% of rents in Elmira are below it.

With a mortgage

$1,124 a month

Chemung County: $1,332 a month

Without a mortgage

$567 a month

Chemung County: $601 a month

Owners with a mortgage

55%

Chemung County: 55%

Owning costs less in Elmira: with a mortgage, the typical cost is $1,124 a month; in Chemung County, $1,332. Without one, $567.

Value: what owners think their home is worth. Rent: rent plus utilities, for homes of every size. The FHA limit is the most an FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) lends for a one-unit home; the fair market rent (FMR) is the one HUD uses for housing vouchers.

Census tables: B25075, B25063, B25088, B25081

How it changed

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024

Change since 2015–2019

The typical home value in Elmira rose 25% since 2015–2019, less than in Chemung County (33%).

Since 2015–2019, the typical rent in Elmira rose 25%, less than in Chemung County (30%).

Housing prices ran ahead of income in Elmira: typical income rose 17%, against +25% for home values and +25% for rent.

Change between two 5-year periods that do not overlap, in each period's dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Census tables: B25077, B25064, B19013

How people live

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

MeasureElmiraChemung CountyNew YorkUnited States
Rental vacancy 7.9%5.4%3.8%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy Unreliable estimate2.0%1.1%0.9%
More than one person per room Unreliable estimateUnreliable estimate5.3%3.4%
People per household 2.232.232.492.53
Drive alone 67%78%49%69%
Carpool 10%9%6%9%
Public transit 4%1%22%3%
Walk or bike 6%2%6%3%
Work from home 10%8%15%15%
Other means Unreliable estimate2%2%2%
Typical commute 10 to 19 minutes10 to 19 minutes20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes

In Elmira, the rental vacancy rate is 7.9%; in Chemung County, 5.4%.

Much as in Chemung County, a household in Elmira has 2.23 people on average.

Many here get to work on foot or by bike: 6%, more than in Chemung County (2%).

Vacancy: empty homes offered for rent or for sale. Rooms: every room in the home, not only bedrooms. Commute: the minute range of the typical worker.

Census tables: B25004, B25003, B25014, B25010, B08301, B08303

Do the math

What would you pay each month for a home in Elmira?

A typical home is within reach of the typical income

We start with a typical home in Elmira, worth $93,000, an FHA loan with 3.5% down and the latest average rate (7.18%). That payment would take 26% of the typical household income in Elmira, which is $43,120 a year.

The calculator's FHA and conventional loan limits are those of all of Chemung County.

Your numbers

Local data
$

Starts at the typical home value in Elmira. Change it to the price you have in mind.

Loan type
Your credit score

Your score changes which loans apply and FHA's minimum down payment. Your real rate also depends on your credit.

Down payment
%

That is $3,255 (3.5% of the price). The usual minimum for this loan is 3.5%.

This week's average ± a quarter or half point.

Term

National average as of November 5, 2026 (Freddie Mac); your rate may be different.

Adjust advanced details

Estimated monthly payment

Local data

$942

at 7.18% · 30 years

Loan amount
$91,316
Total interest
$131,382
Paid off in
November 2056

Includes $1,571 FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium.

Does it fit the income?

  • Comfortable

    up to $1,006 a month

    Your payment · 26%

  • Tight

    $1,006 to $1,294 a month

  • Hard

    more than $1,294 a month

Compared with the typical household income in Elmira ($43,120 a year). Reference: HUD calls paying more than 30% of income for housing a cost burden.

Show the result as
per month$942
Principal & interest$619
Property tax$243
Home insurance$39
FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)$41

You need at least $3,255 for the down payment, plus closing costs.

Next step

This is an estimate to give you an idea, not a loan offer. Your real payment depends on your rate, your credit, and the insurance and taxes on the home you buy.

The city and its county

Elmira and Chemung County

Elmira is in Chemung County, New York. The U.S. Census Bureau publishes its own numbers for the city: home values, rent, household income, how many households own their home and the property tax. They are American Community Survey estimates (average 2020–2024).

Elmira's own numbers

Typical home value
$93,000
Typical monthly rent
$909
Typical yearly household income
$43,120
Households that own their home
50%
Effective property tax rate
3.14%

U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (average 2020–2024).

Numbers for all of Chemung County

FHA limit, one-unit home
$541,287
Conventional limit, one unit
$832,750
HUD fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$1,348
Price change over 5 years (FHFA)
+37%

HUD, FHFA and FEMA don't publish these numbers by city.

Other numbers are not published by city, only for the whole county: FHA and conventional loan limits, HUD’s fair market rents, FHFA’s price index and FEMA’s flood data. On this page, those numbers always say they are for all of Chemung County.

Everything about Chemung County

Buying

Buying a home in Elmira

A typical home in Elmira is worth $93,000: 34% below the county and 78% below New York. With the typical household income in Elmira ($43,120 a year), a typical home costs 2.2 times what the household earns in a year.

Years of income to pay for a typical home

The typical home value divided by the typical household income for one year. The lower it is, the less buying weighs.

  • Elmira 2.2 years
  • Chemung 2.2 years
  • New York 4.9 years
  • United States 4.1 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024

How prices have changed in Chemung County

According to FHFA’s house price index, home prices in Chemung County rose 51% in the 10 years through 2025.

FHFA does not publish this index by city: these are the numbers for all of Chemung County.

Period County New York U.S.
Last year (2025) +3.9% +6.0% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +37% +52% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +51% +86% +85%

The index follows the price of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual county indexes experimental. Source: FHFA, 2025 data

Elmira next to Chemung County, New York and the U.S.

Three numbers side by side. “Typical” means the median: half are above it and half below.

Typical home value
  • Elmira $93,000
  • Chemung $141,100
  • New York $423,800
  • United States $332,700
Typical monthly rent
  • Elmira $909
  • Chemung $1,059
  • New York $1,621
  • United States $1,413
Typical yearly household income
  • Elmira $43,120
  • Chemung $63,716
  • New York $85,974
  • United States $80,734
See the full table
Elmira next to Chemung County and New York
Measure Elmira Chemung County New York U.S.
Typical home value $93,000 $141,100 $423,800 $332,700
Typical monthly rent $909 $1,059 $1,621 $1,413
Typical yearly household income $43,120 $63,716 $85,974 $80,734
Households that own their home 50% 68% 54% 65%
Typical yearly property tax $2,918 $3,451 $6,582 $3,119
Effective property tax rate 3.14% 2.45% 1.55% 0.94%
Renters with high rent for their income 58% 52% 52% 51%

“Typical” means the median: half are above and half are below. ▲ and ▼ say whether the city is above or below Chemung County. “High rent” is the Census measure: renter households that pay 30% or more of their income in rent.

Four ways to pay for a typical home in Elmira

For a typical $93,000 home in Elmira, at Freddie Mac's average rate (7.18% as of November 5, 2026) over 30 years. The monthly payment adds principal and interest, Elmira's typical property tax, an example home insurance and mortgage insurance when it applies.

  • FHA, 3.5% down $942a month

    Least cash to close
    Down payment
    $3,255
    Cash to close
    $6,045
    Rate
    7.18%
    Mortgage insurance
    FHA MIP · $41

  • Conventional, 5% down $925a month

    Down payment
    $4,650
    Cash to close
    $7,440
    Rate
    7.18%
    Mortgage insurance
    PMI · $44

  • Conventional, 20% down, no PMI $786a month

    Down payment
    $18,600
    Cash to close
    $21,390
    Rate
    7.18%
    Mortgage insurance
    None

  • ITIN, 15% down (example) $872a month

    Down payment
    $13,950
    Cash to close
    $16,740
    Rate
    8.18%
    Mortgage insurance
    None

The option that asks for the least cash to close is FHA, 3.5% down.

  • Cash to close = down payment plus 3% of the price in closing costs (example).
  • Minimum score: FHA requires 580 or higher for the minimum down payment (HUD Handbook 4000.1). * Fannie Mae requires 620 when a loan is underwritten by hand; its automated system has no fixed minimum.
  • The ITIN row is an example with a rate 1 percentage point higher: ITIN loans follow no federal rule and each lender sets its own down payment and rate. Nothing in this table promises an approval.

How much house can I afford? Estimate closing costs

Taxes and floods

Two costs that change from place to place

Property tax and flood insurance raise or lower what you pay each month. Here are the numbers for Elmira and for Chemung County.

Property tax

Effective rate in Elmira

3.14%of the home’s value each year

$2,918 a year for the typical owner in Elmira.

  • Elmira 3.14%
  • Chemung 2.45%
  • New York 1.55%

What New York publishes Basic STAR school tax relief (New York State Department of Taxation and Finance)

Exemptions and deadlines in New York

Flood risk in Chemung County

FEMA does not publish these numbers by city: they are for all of Chemung County.

FEMA’s maps count no homes in the high-risk zone in Chemung County. That does not mean it cannot flood: check your address.

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage.

Look up your address on FEMA’s map

Renting

Renting in Elmira

Typical rent in Elmira is $909 a month: 14% below the county. In Elmira, 58% of renter households pay 30% or more of their income in rent.

HUD publishes a fair market rent for all of Chemung County, by unit size. To pay the 2-bedroom one ($1,348 a month) without spending more than 30% of your income, you would need to earn $25.92 an hour working full time.

HUD fair market rent for all of Chemung County

What you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income, working full time.

Size Fair rent a month Hourly wage Yearly income
Studio $1,020 $19.62 $40,800
1 bedroom $1,030 $19.81 $41,200
2 bedrooms $1,348 $25.92 $53,920
3 bedrooms $1,643 $31.60 $65,720
4 bedrooms $1,793 $34.48 $71,720

Includes basic utilities. It isn't the lowest or highest rent: it's a reference point. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

By ZIP code

Fair market rent by ZIP code in Elmira

HUD also publishes a fair market rent for each ZIP code (Small Area FMR, fiscal year 2027). Elmira has 2 ZIP codes with their own.

For 2 bedrooms it runs from $1,160 in 14901 to $1,340 in 14904.

None is above the fair market rent for Chemung County ($1,348).

  • 14901 $1,160$1,450
  • 14904 $1,340$1,630

2 of these ZIP codes cross the city line: HUD sets the rent by ZIP code, not by city. A ZIP code counts for Elmira when at least 50% of its land is inside the city or it covers at least 15% of the city (Census 2020 boundaries). Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Source: Census Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship file Data from 2020 data Census Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship file

Is your rent high for your ZIP?

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Elmira

HUD lists 17 buildings with rents for lower incomes in Elmira. These are the largest.

  • Bragg Tower & Edward Flannery Apts. 300 S Main St, Elmira 14904 351 homes, 334 low-income · Run by Elmira Housing Authority · Average payment: $368 a month · Average wait: 9 months (607) 737-7100
  • Hathorn Court 472 Hathorn Ct, Elmira 14901 274 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 174 · 3 bd: 64 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2002 · For families
  • Heritage Park Apartments 859/875 E.Water St, Elmira 14901 212 low-income homes · For families (607) 732-3853
  • Hoffman Plaza 727 Reservoir St, Elmira 14905 144 low-income homes · Run by Elmira Housing Authority · Average payment: $377 a month · Average wait: 25 months (607) 737-7100
  • Riverview Apartments 101 Harmon St, Elmira 14904 128 low-income homes · For families (607) 734-5309

See all 22 buildings in Chemung County Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026

Free help

Help to buy or rent in Elmira

You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counseling agency helps for free or at low cost: getting ready to buy, understanding your credit, or solving a problem with your rent.

There is 1 HUD-approved agency with an office in Chemung County; none says it serves in Spanish.

A grandmother pushes her grandson on a playground swing.

HUD counseling is free or low-cost

Assistance programs in Elmira

No down payment, repair or rent-help program on our list is for Elmira or Chemung County. The ones below are statewide in New York: they work in Elmira the same as in the rest of the state.

Which programs do I qualify for? All programs in New York

Housing counselors near Elmira

The HUD-approved agencies closest to the center of Elmira, in a straight line, nearest first. If one says it serves in Spanish, its card says so.

  • Catholic Charities, Elmira, NY

    215 E Church St, Elmira · 0 miles away

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Budget and financial counseling
    • and 4 more
    (607) 734-9784

  • Steuben Churchpeople Against Poverty, Inc. D/B/A Arbor Housing and Development

    26 Bridge St, Corning · 13 miles away

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Budget and financial counseling
    • and 2 more
    (607) 654-7487

  • Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc.

    115 W Clinton St, Ithaca · 29 miles away · Spanish

    Also serves in French.

    • Workshops for new owners
    • Pre-purchase counseling
    • and 1 more
    (607) 277-4500

Every agency in Chemung County All counseling agencies in New York

Help in Spanish near Elmira

1 of the 3 agencies on this list says it serves in Spanish.

Ask for service in Spanish

When you call, say “Spanish, please” or ask if someone speaks Spanish. If not, ask whether they offer an interpreter.

Housing authorities of Elmira

HUD’s record names them for Elmira or Chemung County. They run public housing or Section 8 vouchers. Ask whether their waiting list is open.

One other authority has an office in Chemung County: see the list Source: HUD

Cities

Other cities in Chemung County

These cities are also in Chemung County. They share its loan limits and fair market rents, but home values and rent change from one to the next.

Everything about Chemung County Housing in New York

Nearby cities

The cities closest to Elmira, with the typical home value.

Neighboring counties

If Chemung County is out of reach, look next door. Each number is that county's own.

Keep going

Guides for your next step

Short explanations, in plain language and with official sources, for buying or renting in Elmira.

All guides
A family roasts marshmallows over a campfire at a forest campsite.

Questions

Housing questions about Elmira

Short answers with the numbers for Elmira and all of Chemung County. If your case is different, a HUD-approved counseling agency can guide you for free or at low cost.

How much does a typical home cost in Elmira?

The typical home value in Elmira is $93,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (average 2020–2024). For comparison, in Chemung County it is $141,100.

How much does it cost to rent in Elmira?

Typical rent in Elmira is $909 a month, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. HUD’s fair market rent for 2 bedrooms in Chemung County is $1,348.

What is the FHA loan limit in Elmira?

Elmira uses the FHA limit for all of Chemung County (2026): $541,287 for a one-unit home and $1,041,125 for a four-unit home.

How much property tax do owners pay in Elmira?

The typical homeowner in Elmira pays $2,918 a year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That is 3.14% of the home’s value; in Chemung County, the rate is 2.45%.

Where can I find free help to buy or rent in Elmira?

There is 1 HUD-approved counseling agency with an office in Chemung County. They can help you get ready to buy, with your credit, or with rent.

Sources: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (HUD) (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (FHFA) (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (HUD) (Fiscal year 2027); Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (Fiscal year 2027); Census Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship file (2020 data); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (HUD) (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) (As of November 5, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (HPI) (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA) (As of August 3, 2026).