Elizabeth City, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Elizabeth City, North Carolina is 18,740 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 55th-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $50,947, the median home value is $202,100, and the median age is 36.1.
The population has grown 1.8% since 2010 (18,683 → 19,028).
18,740
Population
1589
People / sq mi
$50,947
Median Income
$202,100
Median Home Value
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Elizabeth City covers 11.8 sq mi of land at 1589 people per square mile.
About Elizabeth City, NC
Homeownership is the standout figure in Elizabeth City: 41.0% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. Elizabeth City is a city in North Carolina with a population of 18,740.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $50,947, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 11.5%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $202,100, with typical rent around $1,111.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 28.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 11.3% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Elizabeth City city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Elizabeth City city had a population of 18,683 in 2010 and 19,028 in 2024, a 1.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,028 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.15%.
19,028
Population (2024)
18,683
Population (2010)
19,028
Peak (2024)
0.15%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 18,683 |
| 2011 | 18,296 |
| 2012 | 18,390 |
| 2013 | 17,877 |
| 2014 | 17,730 |
| 2015 | 17,660 |
| 2016 | 17,513 |
| 2017 | 17,476 |
| 2018 | 17,674 |
| 2019 | 17,751 |
| 2020 | 18,644 |
| 2021 | 18,836 |
| 2022 | 18,846 |
| 2023 | 18,974 |
| 2024 | 19,028 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 38.5% |
| Black or African American | 50.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Economy & Income
$50,947
Median Household Income
$28,253
Per Capita Income
11.5%
Poverty Rate
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$202,100
Median Home Value
$1,111
Median Rent
41.0%
Owner-Occupied
Education
88.6%
High School+
28.0%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
73.5%
Public Transit
11.3%
Work From Home
22.1 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
41.1%
Foreign Born
94.6%
Non-English at Home
8.0%
Veterans
14.1%
With Disability
87.6%
Health Insurance
94.6%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 26.4% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 12.0% |
| Information | 11.0% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.2% |
| Public Administration | 8.1% |
| Construction | 7.2% |
| Manufacturing | 4.8% |
| Retail Trade | 4.1% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.5% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.9% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Elizabeth City, North Carolina has a population of 18,740 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 55th-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Elizabeth City, North Carolina is $50,947, with 11.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Elizabeth City, North Carolina is $202,100, with median monthly rent at $1,111 and a homeownership rate of 41.0%.
The median age in Elizabeth City, North Carolina is 36.1 years. The population is 43.9% male and 56.1% female.
The population has grown 1.8% since 2010 (18,683 → 19,028).
Where to stay in Elizabeth City
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Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.