Emma, NC
Population 2,757 · North Carolina
About Emma, NC
Emma is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,757 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,964 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.9 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 Emma features a median home value of $88,900, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Emma one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $981, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,021 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (540 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (230 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Emma shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Emma have an average one-way commute time of 19.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.6% of Emma 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 58.9% White, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 7.9% Asian residents, with 20.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Emma, NC
Compared to national averages, Emma has a median household income of $40,964 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $88,900, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $981 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Emma's income is 36% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 61% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Emma, NC?
Emma offers affordable housing with a median home value of $88,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $981/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,964) that falls below the national average. However, Emma’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Emma has a population of 2,757 with a median age of 28.9 years. Compare Emma with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Emma
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polkton | 2,759 | $45,625 | $134,100 | Compare |
| Mars Hill | 2,738 | $77,826 | $295,700 | Compare |
| Jonesville | 2,782 | $28,257 | $117,500 | Compare |
| Warsaw | 2,728 | $46,944 | $0 | Compare |
| Brogden | 2,712 | $28,885 | $96,100 | Compare |
| Mar-Mac | 2,802 | $53,125 | $139,800 | Compare |
| Murfreesboro | 2,814 | $43,504 | $153,100 | Compare |
| Edneyville | 2,698 | $59,349 | $283,900 | 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 Emma With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Emma
What is the population of Emma, NC?
The population of Emma, NC is 2,757 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 Emma?
The median household income in Emma, NC is $40,964 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Emma?
The median home value in Emma, NC is $88,900, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Emma?
The median monthly rent in Emma, NC is $981, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Emma?
The unemployment rate in Emma, NC is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Emma, NC a good place to live?
Emma offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,757 and a median age of 28.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Emma, NC?
13.6% of residents in Emma 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 Emma?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Emma, NC: median home value is $88,900 (64% below national), median rent is $981/month, and median household income is $40,964. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Emma?
The poverty rate in Emma, NC is 10.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Emma, NC?
Emma's population is 58.9% White, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 7.9% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 20.6% of residents are foreign-born.