Ellerbe, NC
Population 1,070 · North Carolina
About Ellerbe, NC
Ellerbe is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,070 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,404 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ellerbe features a median home value of $107,200, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ellerbe one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $547, 53% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 511 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (311 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (138 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ellerbe shows an unemployment rate of 19.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ellerbe have an average one-way commute time of 38.2 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
14.8% of Ellerbe 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 9.8% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 7.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 5.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ellerbe Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Ellerbe, NC
Compared to national averages, Ellerbe has a median household income of $48,404 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $107,200, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $547 is 53% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Ellerbe's income is 25% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 53% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Ellerbe, NC?
Ellerbe offers affordable housing with a median home value of $107,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $547/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,404) that falls below the national average. However, Ellerbe’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ellerbe has a population of 1,070 with a median age of 31.5 years. Compare Ellerbe with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Ellerbe
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maury | 1,069 | $18,362 | $83,800 | Compare |
| Camden | 1,072 | $81,583 | $360,200 | Compare |
| Toast | 1,066 | $33,914 | $93,900 | Compare |
| Efland | 1,064 | $72,396 | $192,900 | Compare |
| Stem | 1,064 | $85,385 | $207,600 | Compare |
| Rhodhiss | 1,062 | $48,125 | $113,400 | Compare |
| Harkers Island | 1,080 | $58,750 | $295,500 | Compare |
| Cleveland | 1,053 | $60,063 | $205,800 | 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.
Compare Ellerbe With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ellerbe
What is the population of Ellerbe, NC?
The population of Ellerbe, NC is 1,070 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Ellerbe?
The median household income in Ellerbe, NC is $48,404 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ellerbe?
The median home value in Ellerbe, NC is $107,200, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ellerbe?
The median monthly rent in Ellerbe, NC is $547, which is 53% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ellerbe?
The unemployment rate in Ellerbe, NC is 19.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ellerbe, NC a good place to live?
Ellerbe offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,070 and a median age of 31.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Ellerbe, NC?
14.8% of residents in Ellerbe 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 Ellerbe?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ellerbe, NC: median home value is $107,200 (56% below national), median rent is $547/month, and median household income is $48,404. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ellerbe?
The poverty rate in Ellerbe, NC is 16.0%, 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 Ellerbe, NC?
Ellerbe's population is 9.8% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 7.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 41.9% two or more races. 5.4% of residents are foreign-born.