Earl, NC
Population 367 · North Carolina
About Earl, NC
Earl is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 367 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,287 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 56.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Earl features a median home value of $160,900, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Earl in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $937, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 237 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (125 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (29 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Earl shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Earl have an average one-way commute time of 18.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
4.7% of Earl residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 13.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Earl, NC
Compared to national averages, Earl has a median household income of $42,287 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $160,900, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $937 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Earl's income is 34% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 30% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Earl, NC?
Earl offers affordable housing with a median home value of $160,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $937/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,287) that falls below the national average. However, Earl’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Earl has a population of 367 with a median age of 56.3 years. Compare Earl with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Earl
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Earl With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Earl
What is the population of Earl, NC?
The population of Earl, NC is 367 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Earl?
The median household income in Earl, NC is $42,287 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Earl?
The median home value in Earl, NC is $160,900, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Earl?
The median monthly rent in Earl, NC is $937, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Earl?
The unemployment rate in Earl, NC is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Earl, NC a good place to live?
Earl offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 367 and a median age of 56.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Earl, NC?
4.7% of residents in Earl aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Earl?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Earl, NC: median home value is $160,900 (34% below national), median rent is $937/month, and median household income is $42,287. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Earl?
The poverty rate in Earl, NC is 15.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Earl, NC?
Earl's population is 13.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 9.8% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.