Murphy, NC
Population 1,356 · North Carolina
About Murphy, NC
Murphy is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,356 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,989 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Murphy features a median home value of $221,100, which is 10% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Murphy in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $354, 70% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 866 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (319 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (381 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Murphy shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 20.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Murphy have an average one-way commute time of 12 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.6% of Murphy 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 4.0% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Murphy With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Murphy
What is the population of Murphy, NC?
The population of Murphy, NC is 1,356 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 Murphy?
The median household income in Murphy, NC is $36,989 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Murphy?
The median home value in Murphy, NC is $221,100, which is 10% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Murphy?
The median monthly rent in Murphy, NC is $354, which is 70% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Murphy?
The unemployment rate in Murphy, NC is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Murphy, NC a good place to live?
Murphy offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,356 and a median age of 37.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Murphy, NC?
24.6% of residents in Murphy 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 Murphy?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Murphy, NC: median home value is $221,100 (10% below national), median rent is $354/month, and median household income is $36,989. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Murphy?
The poverty rate in Murphy, NC is 20.6%, 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 Murphy, NC?
Murphy's population is 4.0% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 5.8% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.