Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Emerald Isle, NC
Considering a move to Emerald Isle, NC? This charming coastal town of 3,797 residents offers relaxed living with a median home price of $651,000 and average rents around $1,420. The community boasts low violent crime (96 per 100k), a short average commute of 23 minutes, and 62% sunny days each year. With high educational attainment, top-rated local schools, and beautiful beaches, Emerald Isle is a standout destination for those seeking a safe, scenic lifestyle on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.
Demographics - Emerald Isle, NC
Demographics - Emerald Isle, NC
Emerald Isle is a small, close-knit community of about 3,800 residents, with a median age of 58. Most residents are White, and the town features a nearly balanced gender ratio. The area is known for its peaceful, mature atmosphere and low percentage of non-English speakers, making it an inviting place for retirees and families alike.
Population:
3,797
Density:
470 per sq mi
Median Age:
58.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.6%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
2.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Emerald Isle, NC?
Living in Emerald Isle comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $651,000 and an overall index of 116. Housing costs are notably above the national average, but everyday expenses like groceries and utilities remain moderate. State income tax is a flat 4.75%, offering some predictability for new residents.
Median House Value:
$651,000
Gross Rent:
$1,420
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$725
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
4.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
116
Grocery:
101
Housing:
138
Utilities:
104
Transportation:
98
Health Care:
105
Miscellaneous:
99
Crime
Is Emerald Isle, NC a safe place to live?
Emerald Isle is a very safe community with a low violent crime rate of 96 incidents per 100,000 people, and a 1 in 1,042 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is somewhat more common, with a 1 in 100 chance, but overall the area maintains a secure, family-friendly environment. Residents appreciate the peace of mind that comes with living in this coastal town.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
96
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,000
Crime Index:
1,096
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,042
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 100
Weather
What is the weather like in Emerald Isle, NC year-round?
Emerald Isle enjoys a mild coastal climate, with winter lows averaging 38°F and summer highs reaching 87°F. The town experiences about 56.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny weather 62% of the year, perfect for outdoor and beach activities. Seasonal changes are gentle, making it a comfortable destination year-round.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
56°F
Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The neighborhood is characterized by a mix of established families and retirees, with a median household income of $89,300 and a low poverty rate of 6.1%. Most residents are highly educated, with over 98% holding a high school diploma and nearly half having a bachelor's degree or higher. The community enjoys low unemployment and a short average commute of under 24 minutes.
Median Income:
$38,200
Household Income:
$89,300
Family Income:
$104,200
Per Capita Income:
$51,700
Income Male:
$56,000
Income Female:
$45,400
Poverty Rate:
6.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$1,420
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
23.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.3%
Bachelors or More:
46.7%
Education
How are the schools in Emerald Isle, NC?
Families in Emerald Isle benefit from strong educational options, including local public schools like White Oak and Bogue Sound Elementary, both with favorable student-teacher ratios around 16:1. The area also offers private education and is within driving distance of Carteret and Coastal Carolina Community Colleges. High academic attainment is common among residents, supporting a well-educated community.
Public Schools
Name:
White Oak Elementary School
Street:
555 W B McLean Dr
Phone:
252-393-3990
Students:
690
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Name:
Bogue Sound Elementary School
Street:
3323 Hwy 24
Phone:
252-393-1279
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Private Schools
Name:
Gramercy Christian School
Street:
8170 Hwy 24, Newport
Phone:
252-223-5194
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
Carteret Community College
City:
Morehead City
State:
NC
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
1,800
Name:
Coastal Carolina Community College
City:
Jacksonville
State:
NC
Distance:
40 miles
Students:
4,500
Healthcare
Emerald Isle residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Carteret Health Care and Onslow Memorial Hospital nearby. The area boasts 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high health insurance coverage rate of over 90%. Emergency services and general care are readily available, ensuring peace of mind for families and retirees.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Carteret Health Care
Address:
3500 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557
Phone:
(252) 499-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Onslow Memorial Hospital
Address:
317 Western Blvd, Jacksonville, NC 28546
Phone:
(910) 577-2345
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.6%
Health Care Index:
78.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Emerald Isle, NC?
Emerald Isle's housing market is robust, with a median home price of $651,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,420. Owner occupancy is high at 85%, and homes have appreciated by 8.2% in the past year, making it attractive for both buyers and investors. The market remains stable, with low foreclosure and vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$651,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,420
Owner Occupied Rate:
85.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
8.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Emerald Isle residents are served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, located in Raleigh, providing all standard licensing and registration services. The DMV offers online resources and customer support, making it easy to manage vehicle and driver needs. For more information, visit the North Carolina DMV website or call their main office.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
Phone:
919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.