The Cottonwood River is approximately 0.5 miles east of the city. The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Elmdale has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. Elmdale has one building on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Elmdale is part of the Emporia Micropolitan Statistical Area. As of the census of 2010, there were 55 people, 23 households, and 11 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 27 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 96.4% White and 3.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.1% of the population. There were 23 households of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.1% were married couples living together, 4.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 52.2% were non-families. 43.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 13% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 3.09. The median age in the city was 45.3 years. 23.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 16.3% were from 25 to 44; 38.2% were from 45 to 64; and 12.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 56.4% male and 43.6% female. As of the census of 2000, there were 50 people, 25 households, and 11 families residing in the city. The population density was 300.9 people per square mile (113.6/km²). There were 36 housing units at an average density of 216.7 per square mile (81.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.00% of the population. There were 25 households out of which 20.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.0% were married couples living together, and 56.0% were non-families. 48.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 20.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.