As of the census of 2000, there were 42,762 people, 15,627 households, and 11,235 families residing in the city. The population density was 4,165.9 people per square mile (1,609.2/km²). There were 16,147 housing units at an average density of 1,573.1/sq mi (607.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 93.40% White, 0.94% African American, 0.06% Native American, 3.67% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.97% from other races, and 0.95% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.02% of the population.
There were 15,627 households out of which 33.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.0% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.1% were non-families. 24.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.19.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.6% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.4 males.
According to a 2007 estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $81,925, and the median income for a family was $97,975. Males had a median income of $57,193 versus $37,087 for females. The per capita income for the city was $32,015. About 1.9% of families and 2.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.6% of those under age 18 and 3.3% of those age 65 or over.
Elmhurst is served by Pace buses, and there is also a commuter railroad station with service to downtown Chicago. The Union Pacific Railroad has freight service on the Metra line and Canadian National Railway serves the train line south of the Metra line. All these trains go through a park in Elmhurst, the Union Pacific Railroad and Metra go through Golden Meadows Park, while the Canadian National Railway goes through Pioneer Park. O'Hare International Airport is eighteen minutes from Elmhurst and is also 33 minutes from Chicago Midway International Airport.