Living in Emerald Isle, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Emerald Isle · Census data 2020–2024
Emerald Isle has 3,934 residents with a median age of 60.3. The median household income is $89,773 (24% higher than the North Carolina median), the median home value is $603,700, the median rent is $1,704/month.
Emerald Isle at a glance
- Population
- 3,934
- Median age
- 60.3State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $89,773State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $603,700State: $288,900
- Median rent
- $1,704/moState: $1,228
- Homeowners
- 85.6%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 57.1%
- Average commute
- 29 min
Is Emerald Isle a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 24% higher than the North Carolina median; unemployment of 1.2%; a poverty rate of 4.9%.
Cons: Home values 109% higher than the state median; an average commute of 29 minutes.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in Emerald Isle
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Emerald Isle the median home value is $603,700, 81% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,704 per month, which is 28% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,399 a month in housing costs.
Emerald Isle median household income
The median household income in Emerald Isle is $89,773 and the income per person is $70,224. 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in Emerald Isle: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 6,896
- Owner-occupied
- 85.6%
- Renter-occupied
- 14.4%
- Vacant
- 71.9%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1989
- Average household size
- 2.03
71.9% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Emerald Isle has many vacation and second homes.
Emerald Isle demographics
- Population
- 3,934
- Median age
- 60.3
- Under 18
- 11.1%
- 65 and older
- 36.8%
- Households
- 1,940
- Foreign-born
- 3%
- Veterans
- 12.5%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Emerald Isle ›
Education in Emerald Isle
57.1% of adults 25 and older in Emerald Isle have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 24.1% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Emerald Isle
- Unemployment rate
- 1.2%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 29 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 27.2%
- Drive alone
- 65.4%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 4%
- Homes with broadband
- 97.4%
Emerald Isle vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Isle | 3,934 | $89,773 | $603,700 | $1,704 |
| Bogue | 756 | $93,516 | $291,100 | $1,188 |
| Cape Carteret | 2,703 | $86,136 | $375,700 | $1,745 |
| Cedar Point | 1,917 | $98,750 | $423,700 | $1,438 |
| Peletier | 1,009 | $55,893 | $208,500 | $1,196 |
| Swansboro | 3,997 | $114,425 | $378,700 | $1,106 |
| Indian Beach | 211 | $103,000 | $534,100 | — |
| Broad Creek | 1,836 | $57,500 | $244,200 | $908 |
| Newport | 4,441 | $56,351 | $233,600 | $896 |
More for people moving to Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Emerald Isle: FAQ
What is the median household income in Emerald Isle, NC?
The median household income in Emerald Isle is $89,773, 24% higher than the North Carolina median of $72,388 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Emerald Isle?
The median home value in Emerald Isle is $603,700, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
How much is rent in Emerald Isle?
The median gross rent in Emerald Isle is $1,704 per month, about 28% of household income.
Is Emerald Isle, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 24% higher than the North Carolina median; unemployment of 1.2%; a poverty rate of 4.9%. Minuses: home values 109% higher than the state median; an average commute of 29 minutes.
What is the median age in Emerald Isle?
The median age in Emerald Isle is 60.3 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in Emerald Isle?
The average commute to work in Emerald Isle is 29 minutes; 27.2% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Emerald Isle?
The unemployment rate in Emerald Isle is 1.2% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Emerald Isle?
57.1% of adults in Emerald Isle have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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