Elizabeth City, NC
Population 18,740 · North Carolina
About Elizabeth City, NC
Elizabeth City is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a population of 18,740 residents. The median household income is $50,947 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Elizabeth City is 36.1 years.
Housing in Elizabeth City has a median home value of $202,100 and median monthly rent of $1,111. Of the 8,680 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 3,017 owner-occupied and 4,350 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Elizabeth City is 7.7% and the poverty rate is 15.0%. 28.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 22.1 minutes.
Cost of Living in Elizabeth City, NC
Compared to national averages, Elizabeth City has a median household income of $50,947 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $202,100, which is 17% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,111 is 4% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Elizabeth City's income is 21% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 12% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Elizabeth City, NC?
Elizabeth City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $202,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,111/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,947) that falls below the national average. However, Elizabeth City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elizabeth City has a population of 18,740 with a median age of 36.1 years. Compare Elizabeth City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Elizabeth City
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mebane | 18,899 | $84,312 | $295,600 | Compare |
| Lenoir | 18,282 | $48,889 | $165,200 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 19,203 | $143,393 | $431,900 | Compare |
| Lumberton | 19,220 | $43,114 | $140,100 | Compare |
| Pinehurst | 17,992 | $104,955 | $423,300 | Compare |
| Knightdale | 19,532 | $91,638 | $331,900 | Compare |
| Boone | 19,534 | $28,633 | $373,600 | Compare |
| Mount Holly | 17,928 | $75,928 | $286,400 | Compare |
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Elizabeth City
What is the population of Elizabeth City, NC?
The population of Elizabeth City, NC is 18,740 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Elizabeth City?
The median household income in Elizabeth City, NC is $50,947 per year.
What is the median home value in Elizabeth City?
The median home value in Elizabeth City, NC is $202,100.
What is the average rent in Elizabeth City?
The median monthly rent in Elizabeth City, NC is $1,111.
What is the unemployment rate in Elizabeth City?
The unemployment rate in Elizabeth City, NC is 7.7%.