Etowah, NC
Population 7,765 · North Carolina
About Etowah, NC
Etowah is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 7,765 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,000 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.2 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 Etowah features a median home value of $313,500, which is 28% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Etowah in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,442, 24% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,678 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (2,637 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (521 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Etowah shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Etowah have an average one-way commute time of 27 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.5% of Etowah residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.8% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 4.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Etowah, NC
Compared to national averages, Etowah has a median household income of $73,000 (3% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $313,500, which is 28% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,442 is 24% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Etowah's income is 13% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 37% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Etowah, NC?
Etowah offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, and a well-educated community where 35.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,000) that falls below the national average. However, Etowah’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Etowah has a population of 7,765 with a median age of 46.2 years. Compare Etowah with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Etowah
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half Moon | 7,780 | $61,848 | $170,900 | Compare |
| Brevard | 7,795 | $44,356 | $411,000 | Compare |
| Kill Devil Hills | 7,727 | $85,747 | $401,700 | Compare |
| Oak Ridge | 7,660 | $140,583 | $523,500 | Compare |
| Siler City | 7,905 | $51,751 | $154,900 | Compare |
| Marion | 7,594 | $44,472 | $131,100 | Compare |
| Woodfin | 7,957 | $62,759 | $326,600 | Compare |
| Zebulon | 7,961 | $58,940 | $275,400 | 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 Etowah With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Etowah
What is the population of Etowah, NC?
The population of Etowah, NC is 7,765 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 Etowah?
The median household income in Etowah, NC is $73,000 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Etowah?
The median home value in Etowah, NC is $313,500, which is 28% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Etowah?
The median monthly rent in Etowah, NC is $1,442, which is 24% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Etowah?
The unemployment rate in Etowah, NC is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Etowah, NC a good place to live?
Etowah offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 7,765 and a median age of 46.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Etowah, NC?
35.5% of residents in Etowah 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 Etowah?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Etowah, NC: median home value is $313,500 (28% above national), median rent is $1,442/month, and median household income is $73,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Etowah?
The poverty rate in Etowah, NC is 12.8%, 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 Etowah, NC?
Etowah's population is 2.8% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 4.5% of residents are foreign-born.