- Elmira is a city located in Chemung County, New York, United States. It is situated in the Southern Tier region of the state, near the Pennsylvania border. Elmira has a population of approximately 28,000 people and covers an area of 7.97 square miles. The city is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Mark Twain Study, where famous author Mark Twain spent several summers writing. Elmira is also home to Elmira College, which was the first college in the world to grant degrees to women that were equivalent to those of men. The city offers a variety of recreational activities, including numerous parks, museums, and historical sites.