How are homes heated in Elma, IA?
Bottled or tank gas (propane) is the most common heating fuel in Elma, used by 64.1% (±12.3 points) of occupied homes (2020–2024 American Community Survey).
6.8% heat with utility gas.
18.0% heat with electricity.
9.2% heat with fuel oil or kerosene.
Figures last updated on .
- Utility gas
- 6.8% (±5.5 points)
- Electricity
- 18.0%
- Fuel oil, kerosene
- 9.2%
Heating fuel in Elma
| Fuel used most | Elma | Howard County | Iowa | United States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utility gas | 6.8% (±5.5 points) | 39.2% | 60.2% | 46.5% |
| Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. | 9.2% (±10.3 points) | 1.9% | 0.3% | 3.9% |
| Electricity | 18.0% (±8.1 points) | 8.2% | 24.4% | 41.3% |
| Bottled or tank gas (propane) | 64.1% (±12.3 points) | 41.8% | 12.6% | 4.9% |
| Wood | 2.0% (±2.5 points) | 6.5% | 1.1% | 1.4% |
| Solar energy | 0.0% (±8.1 points) | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.3% |
| Coal or coke | 0.0% (±8.1 points) | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.1% |
| Other fuel | 0.0% (±8.1 points) | 2.2% | 0.7% | 0.5% |
| No fuel used | 0.0% (±8.1 points) | 0.1% | 0.6% | 1.2% |
The survey asks which fuel is used most to heat the home, so a home with a heat pump and an oil backup is counted once, under the one it uses most.
In Elma, the share of homes heating with fuel oil is not measurably different from Howard County (1.9%).
It is not measurably different from Iowa (0.3%).
It is not measurably different from the national figure (3.9%).
In Elma, the share of homes heating with electricity is higher than in Howard County (8.2%).
It is not measurably different from Iowa (24.4%).
It is lower than the national figure (41.3%).
Homes heated by electricity in places near Elma
| Place | Distance | Homes heated by electricity | Compared with this place |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elma | — | 18.0% (±8.1 points) | — |
| Alta Vista | 3.6 mi | 6.0% (±7.7 points) | Lower |
| North Washington | 9.0 mi | 10.6% (±17.1 points) | Not measurably different |
| Colwell | 9.8 mi | 4.8% (±10.9 points) | Not measurably different |
| Riceville | 9.9 mi | 9.6% (±5.6 points) | Not measurably different |
| Bassett | 13 mi | 0.0% (±41.1 points) | Not measurably different |
| New Hampton | 15 mi | 17.4% (±6.3 points) | Not measurably different |
| Ionia | 15 mi | 17.2% (±12.3 points) | Not measurably different |
| McIntire | 15 mi | 1.8% (±4.0 points) | Lower |
Nearby places with a measurably lower figure: Alta Vista, IA (6.0%), McIntire, IA (1.8%).
Distance is measured in a straight line between the Census Bureau’s internal points for each place.
Homes heated by fuel oil across Howard County, place by place
| Rank | Place | Homes heated by fuel oil |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elma | 9.2% (±10.3 points) |
| 2 | Lime Springs | 5.9% (±5.4 points) |
| 3 | Chester | 4.6% (±9.3 points) |
| 4 | Riceville | 1.8% (±1.4 points) |
| 5 (tie) | Cresco | 0.0% (±1.5 points) |
| 5 (tie) | Protivin | 0.0% (±17.4 points) |
Survey years: 2020–2024 (American Community Survey 5-year estimates).
Margins of error are at the 90% confidence level.
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Questions about Elma
What is the most common way to heat a home in Elma?
Bottled or tank gas (propane) is the most common heating fuel in Elma, used by 64.1% of occupied homes (2020–2024 American Community Survey).
How many homes in Elma heat with oil?
9.2% (±10.3 points) of occupied homes in Elma use fuel oil or kerosene as their main heating fuel.
How many homes in Elma have electric heat?
18.0% (±8.1 points) of occupied homes in Elma heat mainly with electricity, which includes heat pumps.
Sources
To check these figures in the Census Bureau’s own API, request the variables below from the 2024 ACS 5-year data profile (acs/acs5/profile) for Elma city, Iowa (place:25095, in state:19).
Each estimate (E or PE) has a margin of error beside it (M or PM).
The API needs a free key.
DP04_0063PE, DP04_0063PM, DP04_0066PE, DP04_0066PM, DP04_0065PE, DP04_0065PM, DP04_0064PE, DP04_0064PM, DP04_0068PE, DP04_0068PM, DP04_0069PE, DP04_0069PM, DP04_0067PE, DP04_0067PM, DP04_0070PE, DP04_0070PM, DP04_0071PE, DP04_0071PM
This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
Figures are published by the US Census Bureau, HUD, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the FBI; Seayora reproduces them and does not adjust them, except where a sentence says it compares dollar figures after inflation. They describe the whole place, not any one building or street, and are not an appraisal, a rent determination, a tax bill, a safety rating or legal advice.
Figures last updated on .
Related
- Housing in Elma at a glance
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- Income and affordability in Elma
- Home values in Elma
- Homeowner costs in Elma
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- Types of homes in Elma
- Bedrooms in Elma
- Age of homes in Elma
- Commute and cars in Elma
- How long people stay in Elma
- Iowa landlord and tenant rules
- Housing across Howard County
- Housing data for every place in Iowa