Living in Emma, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Emma · Census data 2020–2024
Emma has 2,657 residents with a median age of 29.7. The median household income is $43,907 (39% lower than the North Carolina median), the median home value is $92,300, the median rent is $1,064/month.
Emma at a glance
- Population
- 2,657
- Median age
- 29.7State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $43,907State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $92,300State: $288,900
- Median rent
- $1,064/moState: $1,228
- Homeowners
- 71.8%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 20.8%
- Average commute
- 20 min
Is Emma a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 68% lower than the state median; an average commute of 20 minutes; unemployment of 0%; a poverty rate of 11.3%.
Cons: Median household income 39% lower than the North Carolina median.
The weather is best in May–June and September–October.
Cost of living in Emma
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Emma the median home value is $92,300, 72% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,064 per month, which is 26.7% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $967 a month in housing costs.
Emma median household income
The median household income in Emma is $43,907 and the income per person is $18,704. 11.3% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in Emma: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 1,103
- Owner-occupied
- 71.8%
- Renter-occupied
- 28.2%
- Vacant
- 32.2%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1991
- Average household size
- 3.55
32.2% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Emma has many vacation and second homes.
Emma demographics
- Population
- 2,657
- Median age
- 29.7
- Under 18
- 29.5%
- 65 and older
- 19.8%
- Households
- 748
- Foreign-born
- 19%
- Veterans
- 0.4%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Emma ›
Education in Emma
20.8% of adults 25 and older in Emma have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 3.5% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Emma
- Unemployment rate
- 0%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 20 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 2.8%
- Drive alone
- 70.5%
- Public transit
- 12.6%
- Walk to work
- 0%
- Homes with broadband
- 75.4%
Emma vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emma | 2,657 | $43,907 | $92,300 | $1,064 |
| Woodfin | 8,048 | $71,384 | $366,700 | $1,546 |
| Asheville | 94,535 | $71,102 | $440,000 | $1,402 |
| Biltmore Forest | 1,587 | $169,167 | $1,333,300 | — |
| Bent Creek | 1,384 | $72,176 | $404,000 | — |
| Weaverville | 4,687 | $88,221 | $463,700 | $1,783 |
| Avery Creek | 2,887 | $113,261 | $412,900 | — |
| Royal Pines | 4,325 | $107,885 | $400,200 | $1,596 |
| Swannanoa | 6,901 | $69,760 | $287,500 | $788 |
More for people moving to Emma
Emma ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Emma: FAQ
What is the median household income in Emma, NC?
The median household income in Emma is $43,907, 39% lower 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 Emma?
The median home value in Emma is $92,300, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
How much is rent in Emma?
The median gross rent in Emma is $1,064 per month, about 26.7% of household income.
Is Emma, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 68% lower than the state median; an average commute of 20 minutes; unemployment of 0%; a poverty rate of 11.3%. Minuses: median household income 39% lower than the North Carolina median.
What is the median age in Emma?
The median age in Emma is 29.7 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in Emma?
The average commute to work in Emma is 20 minutes; 2.8% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Emma?
The unemployment rate in Emma is 0% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Emma?
20.8% of adults in Emma 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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