Living in Murphy, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Murphy · Census data 2020–2024
Murphy has 1,604 residents with a median age of 34.5. The median household income is $37,263 (49% lower than the North Carolina median), the median home value is $250,000, the median rent is $422/month.
Murphy at a glance
- Population
- 1,604
- Median age
- 34.5State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $37,263State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $250,000State: $288,900
- Median rent
- $422/moState: $1,228
- Homeowners
- 46%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 26.8%
- Average commute
- 14 min
Is Murphy a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 13% lower than the state median; an average commute of 14 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 49% lower than the North Carolina median; unemployment of 5.6%; a poverty rate of 17.5%.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in Murphy
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Murphy the median home value is $250,000, 25% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $422 per month, which is 19.2% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,490 a month in housing costs.
Murphy median household income
The median household income in Murphy is $37,263 and the income per person is $31,278. 17.5% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in Murphy: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 955
- Owner-occupied
- 46%
- Renter-occupied
- 54%
- Vacant
- 17.1%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1974
- Average household size
- 1.89
Murphy demographics
- Population
- 1,604
- Median age
- 34.5
- Under 18
- 20.7%
- 65 and older
- 21.3%
- Households
- 792
- Foreign-born
- 1.5%
- Veterans
- 10.3%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Murphy ›
Education in Murphy
26.8% of adults 25 and older in Murphy have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 8.3% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Murphy
- Unemployment rate
- 5.6%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 14 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 2.7%
- Drive alone
- 67.9%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 18.5%
- Homes with broadband
- 61.1%
Murphy vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murphy | 1,604 | $37,263 | $250,000 | $422 |
| Marble | 472 | $71,836 | $193,800 | $946 |
| Hayesville | 1,208 | $55,625 | $254,700 | $499 |
| Andrews | 1,998 | $37,061 | $98,600 | $712 |
| Young Harris | 1,252 | $31,316 | $295,200 | $767 |
| Blairsville | 902 | $30,357 | $212,500 | $788 |
| Farner | 197 | $29,464 | $117,200 | — |
| Hiawassee | 1,293 | $45,000 | $411,100 | $1,072 |
| Morganton | 241 | $70,625 | $263,800 | $725 |
More for people moving to Murphy
Murphy ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Murphy: FAQ
What is the median household income in Murphy, NC?
The median household income in Murphy is $37,263, 49% 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 Murphy?
The median home value in Murphy is $250,000, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
How much is rent in Murphy?
The median gross rent in Murphy is $422 per month, about 19.2% of household income.
Is Murphy, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 13% lower than the state median; an average commute of 14 minutes. Minuses: median household income 49% lower than the North Carolina median; unemployment of 5.6%; a poverty rate of 17.5%.
What is the median age in Murphy?
The median age in Murphy is 34.5 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in Murphy?
The average commute to work in Murphy is 14 minutes; 2.7% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Murphy?
The unemployment rate in Murphy is 5.6% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Murphy?
26.8% of adults in Murphy 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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