In 1859, Chase County was established within the Kansas Territory, which included the land for modern day Elmdale.

In 1871, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a main line east-west through Elmdale.

[6] In 1873, a post office was relocated from Middle Creek (an extinct town), to the rail community of Elmdale.

In June and July 1951, due to heavy rains, rivers and streams flooded numerous cities in Kansas, including Elmdale.

Many reservoirs and levees were built in Kansas as part of a response to the Great Flood of 1951.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.17 square miles (0.44 km2), all of it land.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

The 2020 United States census counted 40 people, 11 households, and 9 families in Elmdale.

[14] The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $43,750 (with a margin of error of +/- $12,788).

The Clover Cliff Ranch House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

It is located 4 miles southwest of Elmdale along the north side of U.S. Route 50 highway.

[2] The community is served by Chase County USD 284 public school district.

Before the creation of USD 284, the Elmdale Cougars won the Kansas State High School class B baseball championship in 1961.