$418,942Average Value$288Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
Elma is a small town located 30 miles from Olympia
Elma, known as the Gateway to Grays Harbor County, gives retirees and state capital workers access to Olympia without compromising on rural, small-town charm. “I grew up there. It's right outside the city, and it has a more country feel,” says Elma Native and broker Kristi Christensen, who works with Better Properties Grays Harbor. The community’s timber industry and agriculture have endured, allowing the population to grow to approximately 3,500. The area’s retail has also grown recently, delighting locals without overdeveloping the pine-laden forests and farmland that Elma is known for.
Some of Elma's newest housing stock is located on the edge of town with views of the city.
Near Elma, Capitol State Forest is massive and supports a bulk of the region's timber economy.
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Local shops and restaurants in downtown Elma
Downtown Elma is a walkable commercial district in the middle of the community, offering dining options from the family-owned brunch spot Joey‘s Crepes & More to the authentic Mexican stop Tacos El Huatusi. Rusty Tractor Restaurant, a diner with a rustic feel on the east side of town, is one of the more popular spots. The local shops include the board game store Game Freaks as well as OddDuck Books, a bookstore featuring vinyl and antiques. On the south side of Elma, East County Thriftway provides grocery shopping. The town continues to expand, with chain stores and fast food. “Elma is growing; we just got Grocery Outlet, Burger King and O'Reilly Auto Parts,” Christensen says.
Elma residents enjoy Joey's Crepes & More for savory and sweet treats around brunch time.
The Rusty Tractor attracts a busy lunch crowd in Elma with its rustic feel and American fare.
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Bungalows, ranch-style homes and contemporary houses in Elma
Surrounding downtown, Elma has grid-style blocks of houses from the early 1900s. Many of them are bungalows, ranging from $250,000 to $300,000. The community expands into meandering streets and subdivisions of midcentury ranch-style homes, which range from $350,000 to $750,000. Contemporary homes on the outskirts of town are priced similarly. Undeveloped land ranges from $50,000 for an acre to $350,000 for 7 acres. “The prices of houses and taxes are lower compared to Thurston and Pierce Counties,” Christensen says. The median sales price in Elma is $420,000, lower than the nearby Thurston County town of Rochester’s median of $520,000. Elma’s market can be competitive, with homes staying on the market for 38 days on average, compared to the national average of 48 days. But it depends on the season. “Usually, it always picks up in the spring and summer and slows down in fall and winter,” Christensen says.
Midcentury ranch-style homes are plentiful in Elma, with many enjoying fenced in yards.
Bungalows are common in Elma, and many are reasonably priced in comparison to nearby counties.
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Elma Elementary, Elma Middle and Elma High
On Niche, Elma Elementary School, Elma Middle School and Elma High School all have B-minus ratings. The high school’s course selection ranges from personal finance to forensic science. Overall, the Elma School District gets a B-minus from Niche.
Elma Middle School serves the area's students studying from 6th through 8th grades.
Elma High School has a variety of courses such as forensic science for students to pursue.
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Outdoor recreation, from Vance Creek County Park to Capitol State Forest
Vance Creek County Park, on Elma’s south end, offers two ponds with swimming beaches and more. “One of the main things is fishing,” Christensen says. “There are walking paths around both ponds, a nice new playground that was just donated and covered picnic areas.” The recreation space also has a dog park with sections for small and large pets. On the north side of Elma, Lloyd Murrey Park provides ballfields and a playground. About 10 miles southeast of Elma, Capitol State Forest’s most popular activities are hiking, mountain biking and off-roading in the Black Hills range.
At Vance Creek County Park, it's common for Elma residents to enjoy fishing on sunny afternoons.
Lloyd Murrey Park has ballfields equipped with goals and nets for Elma residents to enjoy.
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Events, including Grays Harbor County Fair and the Fall Festival
Elma hosts the annual Grays Harbor County Fair, the largest event in the region. The four-day celebration lasts from late July to early August. “The kids all love the rides. There are a lot of animal and livestock auctions, and then they’ll do different agricultural displays,” Christensen says. The adjacent Grays Harbor Raceway has sprint car races and a fireworks display on July Fourth. On Halloween, the Fall Festival in downtown Elma includes a costume contest and trick-or-treating.
The Grays Harbor County Fair takes place in Elma and has plenty to check out over its four days.
The Grays Harbor Raceway is a 3/8-mile oval track in Elma that hosts races occasionally.
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A 30-mile drive to Olympia and 20 miles to Aberdeen
Via state Route 8, Elma is located about 30 miles from Olympia, so many of the town’s residents commute to the state capital. It’s about 20 miles away from Aberdeen via state Route 12. The Grays Harbor Transit bus system serves the area, with the Elma Transit Center just west of downtown. For commercial flights, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is about 80 miles away.
The Elma Transit Center gets residents around the area via the Grays Harbor Transit bus system.
Elma residents can travel around the world by heading to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
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Written By
Anna Anderson
Photography Contributed By
Landon Gauthier
Video By
Bill Jennings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andre Jones,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Elma, WA sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Elma, WA over the last 12 months is $420,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your private Elma oasis! Situated on 5.4 flat, cleared acres, this beautifully maintained rambler offers the perfect balance of peaceful country living and modern comfort. The spacious interior showcases a blend of tile, laminate, and carpet flooring, and a thoughtfully designed kitchen and living area that flows seamlessly for everyday living and entertaining. A newer heat pump
Welcome home to Elma's finest new construction! This move in ready 3 bed, 2 bath, 1308 sq ft single story masterpiece by JD Construction NW sits on a quiet cul-de-sac in Hobble Creek Estates, Elma, WA. Built in 2025 with premium finishes white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring, ceramic tile, and stainless steel appliances refrigerator, range, dishwasher & microwave
Enjoy peaceful country living on over half an acre—perfect for your own mini-farm! This home features a spacious split floorplan with the primary suite on one end and two additional bedrooms on the other for added privacy. The large kitchen with a charming breakfast nook makes mealtime a delight, and the cozy wood-burning stove is perfect for chilly evenings. Stay comfortable year-round with air
Looking for a peaceful getaway or a full-time residence surrounded by nature? This unique property offers the perfect blend of privacy, functionality, and relaxation. Equipped with power, water, and a brand-new 2024 two-bedroom Glendon septic system, the essentials are already in place. The property includes three versatile outbuildings, one featuring washer and dryer hookups for added
Beautiful New Construction, Single Level Home just Completed on the West End of Town! This is a Wonderful 3 Bdrm, 2 bath Floorplan with the Great Room Concept for Open Living Space & an Inviting Kitchen with White Shaker Cabinets with Soft-close! Quartz Countertops & Big Island perfect for entertaining! Nice Wide Open Spaces and Hallways! Laundry Room/Pantry is amazing! Energy Efficient ICS
Welcome to your private Elma oasis! Situated on 5.4 flat, cleared acres, this beautifully maintained rambler offers the perfect balance of peaceful country living and modern comfort. The spacious interior showcases a blend of tile, laminate, and carpet flooring, and a thoughtfully designed kitchen and living area that flows seamlessly for everyday living and entertaining. A newer heat pump
Prime 7.6 acre tract on West Satsop Road near Schaffer State Park. Beautiful managed forest stand of 28 year old Douglas fir timber grace the property and features over 1600' of paved road frontage on two county roads. Terrain is predominantly level with a slight rise on the east side of the property. Soils are well drained gravelly loam. Power available at road. Located just a 1/4 mile from
Come see this 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath home in nice condition and write it up. New carpet, laminate floors, recessed lighting, pantry, forced air heat, deck, patio, and large fenced yard. Close to schools, fairgrounds, new hospital and city park. Quick drive to the coast or Olympia. This house is in great condition, so come see it today before it's gone, gone, gone!
Build your dream home in beautiful Elma, WA! This stunning, ready-to-build residential lot offers 89,734 square feet of prime Pacific Northwest land. A massive value-add awaits you: the well is already drilled, saving you significant time, money, and hassle! This expansive property provides the perfect blank canvas for your custom home, a spacious shop, a garden oasis, or your own private
High quality new construction Rambler! Yard will be hydroseeded prior to closing. Home offers a 3 bed 2 bath one-story layout that can suit many different needs. Exterior siding & trim are hardie board products that carry a 30 year warranty. Interior finishes include white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, lifeproof vinyl plank flooring, stainless steel appliances and much more! Examples of
MAJOR PRICE REDUCTION. 80-acre forested parcel located at the end of a dead-end paved road. The northern portion offers usable, dry ground with some timber value and transitions southward into the Deckerville Swamp complex which consists primarily of hardwoods. The property is best suited for recreational use, hunting, camping, or potential off-grid or solar-based improvements due to the lack of
High quality new construction! Yard will be hydroseeded prior to closing. Home offers a 3 bed 2 bath one-story layout that can suit many different needs. Exterior siding & trim are hardie board products that carry a 30 year warranty. Interior finishes include white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, lifeproof vinyl plank flooring, stainless steel appliances and much more! Examples of finishes
Beautiful timber property offering privacy, natural beauty, and long-term potential. This wooded parcel features a stand of 25-year-old Dougals Fir trees, providing both seclusion and future timber value. With no power available to the area, this property is ideal for those seeking a self-sufficient lifestyle with solar or alternative energy. A perfect setting for an investment, quiet getaway,
Prime 7.6 acre tract on West Satsop Road near Schafer State Park. Beautiful managed forest stand of 28 year old Douglas fir timber grace the property and features over 1600' of paved road frontage on two county roads. Terrain is predominantly level with a slight rise on the east side of the property. Soils are well drained gravelly loam. Power and high speed internet available at county road.
In Satsop, neighbors catch wild salmon from their boats, which glide across the Satsop River. The community and waterway were both named after a local Native American tribe. Fifteen miles east of Aberdeen, the area is known for being in the countryside of Washington state. “It’s bigger than areas like Porter and Malone, so it’s still rural but has more people,” says broker Kristi Christensen, who works with Better Properties Grays Harbor and grew up in the area. The community of about 800 people depends on Elma, a town 5 miles east, for its public schools, grocery store and other essentials.<br><br>Satsop River Public Boat Launch is in the southwest corner of the community. At this water recreation spot, residents often kayak and go salmon fishing. At Vance Creek County Park in Elma, there are walking trails around two ponds where visitors can swim. They’re also stocked for fishing, and one has a boat launch. Lake Sylvia State Park, located about 5 miles west in Montesano, provides visitors with kayaking opportunities and a swimming beach. Anglers delight in the stocked waters of trout, bass and perch, while hikers explore the scenic pine forest trails. With the Olympic National Park to the north and Capitol State Forest to the south, outdoorsy Satsop residents have their pick of camping and hiking trails in the wilderness. <br><br>Satsop has a country feel, from the local livestock store to barns surrounded by endless fields. It's common to spot tractors, stables and RV parking on neighbors’ lawns. Most of the yards have at least an acre of land, although there are smaller lots along Old 410 Highway. Mostly developed in the early 1900s, the architecture includes ranch-style homes from the 1930s, bungalows and farmhouses. However, the community also has new construction homes built in 2024. Ranch-style homes range from $300,000 to $500,000, while new construction ranges from $600,000 to $700,000. <br><br>The community doesn’t have a lot of retail, but there are a few local stores like Satsop Landscaping & Nursery. It sells a variety of flowers, trees and vegetables. McCombs Livestock, a small local business, has hay and feed for farm animals. To get to a grocery store, residents must drive up to East County Thriftway in Elma. The larger town offers restaurants like Rusty Tractor Restaurant, a diner with a country atmosphere — from farming equipment decorations to barnyard animal art. Its best-known dish is the chicken fried steak. At Joey‘s Crepes & More, patrons can stop in for a brunch of sweet or savory crepes in a small family-owned restaurant that opened in 2023. <br><br>The Satsop School District and Elma School District serve the community, earning a C-plus grade from Niche. “Satsop’s pretty small, but there's a great school there,” Christensen says. The only school in the Satsop School District, Satsop Elementary has a B-plus grade and stands out as the best public elementary school in Grays Harbor County. Elma Middle School has a C-plus rating, while Elma High School has a B-minus rating. The high school offers courses from ornamental design for landscaping to sports science.<br><br>Elma hosts community events throughout the year. The Heat on the Street Car and Motorcycle Show in August features displays of vintage rides, live music and dancing on Main Street. For seasonal celebrations, the Fall Festival in downtown Elma features trick-or-treating and a costume contest at the end of October. The Christmas Tree Lighting Festival includes caroling and pictures with Santa.<br><br>Satsop is a car-dependent community. It's located about 40 miles from Olympia via State Route 8. It’s also about 15 miles east of Aberdeen via State Route 12. There is a Grays Harbor Transit bus stop next to Satsop Elementary School. The closest hospital is Harbor Regional Health Emergency Department, 25 miles away in Aberdeen. The Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, the closest international airport, is about 80 miles away.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Elma Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,044
Median Age
39
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$67,755
Below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$80,864
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
84.5%
College Graduates
23.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.4%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
65''
Average Winter Low Temperature
32°F
Average Summer High Temperature
76°F
Annual Snowfall
3''
Area Factors
Somewhat friendly
Bike Score®®
30/ 100
Fairly friendly
Walk Score®®
50/ 100
Somewhat friendly
Transit Score®®
30/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
