Murphy, NC
Population 1,356 · North Carolina
About Murphy, NC
Murphy is a small community in North Carolina with a population of 1,356 residents. The median household income is $36,989 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Murphy is 37.8 years.
Housing in Murphy has a median home value of $221,100 and median monthly rent of $354. Of the 866 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 319 owner-occupied and 381 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Murphy is 5.4% and the poverty rate is 20.6%. 24.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 12 minutes.
How Murphy Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Murphy, NC
Compared to national averages, Murphy has a median household income of $36,989 (51% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $221,100, which is 10% below the national median. Monthly rent at $354 is 70% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Murphy's income is 43% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 3% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Murphy, NC?
Murphy offers affordable housing with a median home value of $221,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $354/month, and short commute times averaging just 12 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,989) that falls below the national average. However, Murphy’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Murphy has a population of 1,356 with a median age of 37.8 years. Compare Murphy with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Murphy
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hays | 1,355 | $54,063 | $158,900 | Compare |
| Alamance | 1,358 | $88,438 | $404,700 | Compare |
| Chadbourn | 1,347 | $19,853 | $100,300 | Compare |
| Bonnetsville | 1,368 | $41,217 | $89,300 | Compare |
| Cordova | 1,343 | $65,801 | $155,200 | Compare |
| West Canton | 1,369 | $35,583 | $190,200 | Compare |
| Banner Elk | 1,338 | $67,917 | $422,900 | Compare |
| Spring Hope | 1,334 | $35,577 | $142,400 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Murphy
What is the population of Murphy, NC?
The population of Murphy, NC is 1,356 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Murphy?
The median household income in Murphy, NC is $36,989 per year.
What is the median home value in Murphy?
The median home value in Murphy, NC is $221,100.
What is the average rent in Murphy?
The median monthly rent in Murphy, NC is $354.
What is the unemployment rate in Murphy?
The unemployment rate in Murphy, NC is 5.4%.