Elroy, NC
Population 3,507 · North Carolina
About Elroy, NC
Elroy is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 3,507 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,375 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Elroy features a median home value of $120,500, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Elroy one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $920, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,528 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (1,033 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (382 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elroy shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elroy have an average one-way commute time of 19.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
12.8% of Elroy 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 8.9% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 5.8% Asian residents, with 9.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Elroy, NC
Compared to national averages, Elroy has a median household income of $54,375 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $120,500, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $920 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Elroy's income is 16% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 47% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Elroy, NC?
Elroy offers affordable housing with a median home value of $120,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $920/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,375) that falls below the national average. However, Elroy’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elroy has a population of 3,507 with a median age of 41.7 years. Compare Elroy with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Elroy
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Home | 3,518 | $68,750 | $353,200 | Compare |
| River Road | 3,518 | $47,978 | $187,700 | Compare |
| Fairview | 3,549 | $89,417 | $349,700 | Compare |
| Wallace | 3,438 | $49,358 | $192,800 | Compare |
| Brices Creek | 3,592 | $107,800 | $323,400 | Compare |
| Rural Hall | 3,421 | $50,665 | $183,800 | Compare |
| Windsor | 3,417 | $38,631 | $111,400 | Compare |
| Buies Creek | 3,613 | $52,458 | $370,500 | 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 Elroy With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elroy
What is the population of Elroy, NC?
The population of Elroy, NC is 3,507 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 Elroy?
The median household income in Elroy, NC is $54,375 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elroy?
The median home value in Elroy, NC is $120,500, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elroy?
The median monthly rent in Elroy, NC is $920, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elroy?
The unemployment rate in Elroy, NC is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Elroy, NC a good place to live?
Elroy offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,507 and a median age of 41.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Elroy, NC?
12.8% of residents in Elroy 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 Elroy?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elroy, NC: median home value is $120,500 (51% below national), median rent is $920/month, and median household income is $54,375. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Elroy?
The poverty rate in Elroy, NC is 15.8%, 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 Elroy, NC?
Elroy's population is 8.9% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 5.8% Asian, and 28.1% two or more races. 9.7% of residents are foreign-born.