Elwood, New York

Elwood is a census-designated place (CDP) in the Town of Huntington in Suffolk County, on Long Island, in New York, United States. The population was 11,426 at the 2020 census.

The hamlet, given its location in the center of the Town of Huntington, is referred to as "The Heart Of Huntington."

History
The first settlers came to Elwood, NY in the mid to late 1800's. Not much written history can be found from this time period, but there was a book published in 1874 about Suffolk County, New York. In that book, it states that "Elwood was described as a one-and-a-half-mile area southeast of a section called Cuba."

There were large farmlands owned by a few farmers. Many people who were farmers came to Elwood to work, grow, and produce food, because of the level land and Long Island's rich soil. Elwood may have gotten its name from an early settler named Elkanah Wood; however, this is only a theory. As the Elwood community started to grow, there were few students in the schools due to families deciding that farm life and chores came before education. The need for education became more apparent with families wanting their children to go to school. In 1894 a law in New York state was passed so that every child from 8-16 was required to attend school.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 4.8 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Elwood, New York, boasts a diverse population of 11,426 residents. The age distribution reveals a youthful community with 5.2% under the age of five and 20.1% under eighteen, while seniors 65 and older make up 15.8% of the populace. Women slightly outnumber men, accounting for 50.3% of the population. In terms of racial and ethnic composition, the majority of residents are White (81.3%), followed by Black or African American (6.7%), Asian (5.6%), and those identifying with two or more races (4.8%). The Hispanic or Latino community represents 8.7% of the total population, with 75.7% of residents being White non-Hispanics.

Housing in Elwood is predominantly owner-occupied, with a high rate of 97.7%, reflecting the area's residential stability. The median value of these homes stands at $574,000, while renters can expect a median gross rent of $1,417. Educationally, the community is well-educated, with 95.6% of individuals aged 25 and over having graduated high school, and nearly half (47.7%) holding a bachelor's degree or higher.

Economically, Elwood is active, with 67.4% of the population engaged in the civilian labor force. The median household income is a robust $150,549. Commuters in Elwood face an average travel time of 43.1 minutes to work, indicative of the region's connectivity and the residents' willingness to travel for employment.

Education
The hamlet is primarily located within the boundaries of (and is thus served by) the Elwood Union Free School District. However, a small section of the hamlet's southwestern extreme is located within the boundaries of (and is thus served by) the South Huntington Union Free School District. As such, children who reside within the hamlet and attend public schools go to school in one of these two districts, depending on where they reside within the hamlet.

Transportation
Major roads in Elwood include Jericho Turnpike (New York State Route 25), Burr Road, Clay Pitts Road, Cuba Hill Road, Daly Road, Elwood Road, Little Plains Road, and Park Avenue.

Notable person

 * Anthony Cumia (born 1961) – Radio show host.