City profile
Elmira, NY
Chemung County · Population 26,257
Elmira is a town in Chemung County, NY with about 26,257 residents and a typical home value near $93,000. It is 74 miles from Syracuse, NY, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Four seasons
Winter avg
26°F
Summer avg
73°F
Sunny days / yr
165
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$93,000
Typical monthly housing
$625
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
73
Taxes
- Property tax
- 1.54%
- State income tax (top)
- 10.9%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Partly exempt
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 8.53%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low · county score 55/100
Top hazards: Riverine flooding
Nearest major airport
79 mi to Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 42% Democratic / 58% Republican
Community
Population
26,257
Black population
15.2%
County
Chemung County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸More retirees are leaving NY than arriving, mostly over cost
- ▸Home prices are still rising in 2026 — good for long-term value, less room to negotiate
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: winter storms, high taxes
Highlights
- About 26,257 residents
- Typical home value about $93,000
- 74 miles from Syracuse, NY
Trade-offs
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.