Murphy, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Murphy, North Carolina had a total population of 1,604, the 381st largest town in North Carolina, with a median household income of $37,263, which is 49% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 17.5%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 49% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Murphy Quick Facts
How Murphy Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,356 | 1,604 | +18.3% |
| Median household income | $36,989 | $37,263 | +0.7% |
| Median home value | $221,100 | $250,000 | +13.1% |
How Murphy Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 58 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Murphy Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Other Cities in Cherokee County
Cities Similar to Murphy
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coats | 1,664 | $37,009 | $125,200 | 19.1% | 21.6% |
| Hertford | 1,618 | $40,250 | $176,500 | 12.2% | 24.7% |
| Belhaven | 1,577 | $32,644 | $103,000 | 12.6% | 40.3% |
| Dobson | 1,652 | $43,750 | $173,900 | 24.3% | 22.4% |
| Princeville | 1,619 | $46,406 | $106,000 | 8.1% | 36.2% |
Population Overview
Murphy is a small community located in North Carolina, within Cherokee County. The total population is 1,604. It ranks as the 381st most populous out of 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Murphy is 34.5 years. This is 12% lower than the state median of 39.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Murphy is $37,263. This is 49% lower than the state median of $72,388. It is also 54% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 17.5%. This is 34% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.0%. The unemployment rate is 5.6%. This is 19% higher than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $250,000. Housing costs are 13% lower than the state median of $288,900. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.7x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 46.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 31% lower than the state average of 66.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Murphy is White (non-Hispanic), making up 78.2% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 12.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (4.1%) is well below the state average of 11.3%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 3.3%.
Education
26.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 25% lower than the state rate of 35.6%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Murphy, North Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against North Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Murphy, North Carolina?
Murphy, North Carolina has a population of 1,604 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Murphy, NC?
The median household income in Murphy is $37,263, which is 54% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Murphy, NC?
The poverty rate in Murphy is 17.5%. This means approximately 262 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Murphy, North Carolina?
Murphy's population is 78.2% White, 12.2% Black, 4.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Murphy, NC?
The median home value in Murphy is $250,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.7x.
How educated is Murphy, North Carolina?
26.8% of adults (25+) in Murphy hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.