Emerald Isle, NC
Population 3,915 · North Carolina
About Emerald Isle, NC
Emerald Isle is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 3,915 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $89,432 per year, which is 19% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 58.7 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 Emerald Isle features a median home value of $563,600, which is 130% above the national median of $244,900. This places Emerald Isle in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,688, 45% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,802 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (1,511 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (308 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Emerald Isle shows an unemployment rate of 1.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Emerald Isle have an average one-way commute time of 26.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
52.0% of Emerald Isle residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Emerald Isle Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Emerald Isle, NC
Compared to national averages, Emerald Isle has a median household income of $89,432 (19% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $563,600, which is 130% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,688 is 45% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Emerald Isle's income is 39% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 146% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Emerald Isle, NC?
Emerald Isle offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $89,432, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%, and a well-educated community where 52.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $563,600. However, Emerald Isle’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Emerald Isle has a population of 3,915 with a median age of 58.7 years. Compare Emerald Isle with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Emerald Isle
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethlehem | 3,928 | $78,963 | $290,600 | Compare |
| Swansboro | 3,887 | $112,382 | $356,900 | Compare |
| Skippers Corner | 3,834 | $67,469 | $249,200 | Compare |
| Dana | 3,824 | $55,801 | $223,400 | Compare |
| Stanley | 4,014 | $71,333 | $229,000 | Compare |
| Troutman | 3,813 | $76,389 | $349,100 | Compare |
| Rockfish | 3,807 | $63,046 | $191,000 | Compare |
| Elkin | 4,025 | $60,434 | $187,200 | 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 Emerald Isle With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Emerald Isle
What is the population of Emerald Isle, NC?
The population of Emerald Isle, NC is 3,915 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 Emerald Isle?
The median household income in Emerald Isle, NC is $89,432 per year, which is 19% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Emerald Isle?
The median home value in Emerald Isle, NC is $563,600, which is 130% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Emerald Isle?
The median monthly rent in Emerald Isle, NC is $1,688, which is 45% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Emerald Isle?
The unemployment rate in Emerald Isle, NC is 1.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Emerald Isle, NC a good place to live?
Emerald Isle offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,915 and a median age of 58.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Emerald Isle, NC?
52.0% of residents in Emerald Isle aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Emerald Isle?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Emerald Isle, NC: median home value is $563,600 (130% above national), median rent is $1,688/month, and median household income is $89,432. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Emerald Isle?
The poverty rate in Emerald Isle, NC is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Emerald Isle, NC?
Emerald Isle's population is 0.0% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.