Elm City, NC
Population 1,173 · North Carolina
About Elm City, NC
Elm City is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,173 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,698 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.6 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 Elm City features a median home value of $106,600, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Elm City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $829, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 596 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (342 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (181 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elm City shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elm City have an average one-way commute time of 28.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.9% of Elm City 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 5.6% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Elm City, NC
Compared to national averages, Elm City has a median household income of $44,698 (41% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $106,600, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $829 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Elm City's income is 31% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 53% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Elm City, NC?
Elm City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $106,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $829/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,698) that falls below the national average. However, Elm City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elm City has a population of 1,173 with a median age of 49.6 years. Compare Elm City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Elm City
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus | 1,166 | $56,083 | $210,100 | Compare |
| Mount Gilead | 1,166 | $58,281 | $141,700 | Compare |
| Kenansville | 1,157 | $62,917 | $144,800 | Compare |
| New Hope | 1,200 | $55,324 | $156,500 | Compare |
| Flat Rock | 1,141 | $52,188 | $111,700 | Compare |
| McAdenville | 1,139 | $117,411 | $350,900 | Compare |
| Stoneville | 1,213 | $52,865 | $151,300 | Compare |
| Balfour | 1,132 | $69,545 | $294,200 | 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 Elm City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elm City
What is the population of Elm City, NC?
The population of Elm City, NC is 1,173 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 Elm City?
The median household income in Elm City, NC is $44,698 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elm City?
The median home value in Elm City, NC is $106,600, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elm City?
The median monthly rent in Elm City, NC is $829, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elm City?
The unemployment rate in Elm City, NC is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Elm City, NC a good place to live?
Elm City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,173 and a median age of 49.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Elm City, NC?
14.9% of residents in Elm City 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 Elm City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elm City, NC: median home value is $106,600 (56% below national), median rent is $829/month, and median household income is $44,698. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Elm City?
The poverty rate in Elm City, NC is 18.4%, 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 Elm City, NC?
Elm City's population is 5.6% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 65.4% two or more races. 2.9% of residents are foreign-born.