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).
Elizabeth City city, NC Climate
Elizabeth City city, NC has an average annual temperature of 15.9°C (61°F) and receives about 1227 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.9°C
Avg Temp
1227
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 42° | 107 mm |
| February | 6° / 43° | 89 mm |
| March | 10° / 51° | 103 mm |
| April | 15° / 59° | 81 mm |
| May | 19° / 67° | 105 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 108 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 142 mm |
| August | 25° / 78° | 138 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 111 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 87 mm |
| November | 12° / 54° | 75 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 81 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Elizabeth City city, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Elizabeth City city, NC are typically May, September and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
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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.