Median Age
37 Years
Largest Age Group
20-29 Years
Approximately 14% of Residents
Under 20
26%
Over 65
19%
Elizabeth City, NC Area Guide
Avg Rent
$1,215
Population
19,892
Renter Mix
53% Rent
Savor small-town living in the historic Harbor of Hospitality
Welcoming
•
Riverside
•
Historic
Tucked along the Pasquotank River in northeastern North Carolina, Elizabeth City carries a quiet confidence that sets it apart from the coastal towns nearby. Known as the "Harbor of Hospitality," the city has earned that nickname honestly, with a walkable downtown waterfront where historic brick storefronts line the streets and the pace of life slows just enough to feel intentional. Elizabeth City State University anchors the community as both an educational and cultural cornerstone, drawing students and academic energy into the heart of the city. The broader economy is also shaped by the presence of the U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Training Center, one of the largest Coast Guard facilities in the country. Neighborhoods range from tree-lined streets with craftsman bungalows and Victorian-era homes near downtown to newer residential pockets on the city's outskirts. The rental landscape reflects that range, with options spanning charming older apartment communities tucked into established neighborhoods to more contemporary townhome and garden-style developments. Whether you're drawn to a place with genuine historical roots, a steady economic foundation, or the kind of small-city ease that's hard to find elsewhere, Elizabeth City delivers a grounded, livable experience along one of North Carolina's most scenic inland waterways.
Explore the City
Many of the historic homes of Sawyertown are showcased in style outside Downtown Elizabeth City.
Travel northbound and southbound is easy for Sawyertown residents via U.S. Highway 17.
Sawyertown locals are surrounded by the history and charm of Elizabeth City.
Mariner's Wharf park holds live music concerts throughout the summer each Tuesday night.
Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies offers courses for aspiring pilots.
Demographics
Median Household Income
$48,041
Average: $66,957
Education
4,492
Residents Have a Degree
Job Market
8,378
Workers Employed
Age Distribution
Get a sense of this area's population profile.
Housing Distribution
Elizabeth City has more renters than homeowners.
Renters
53%
Non-Renters
47%
Education Distribution
Review this city's overall education levels.
Bachelor's or Higher
19%
Other Education
81%
Rent Trends
As of July 2026, the average apartment rent in Elizabeth City, NC is $1,047 for a studio, $1,215 for one bedroom, $1,480 for two bedrooms, and $1,474 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Elizabeth City has decreased by -0.5% in the past year.
Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,215/month
477 Sq Ft
House
$1,949/month
730 Sq Ft
Learn More About Elizabeth City
Getting Around
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Elizabeth City, NC is for everyday living.
Not Walkable
Walkability
10
/ 100
Exceptionally Drivable
Drivability
90
/ 100
Somewhat Bikeable
Bikeability
30
/ 100
Scores provided by
Schools
Public
Grades K-5
216 Students
Public
Grades K-5
413 Students
Public
Grades K-5
368 Students
Public
Grades K-5
254 Students
Public
Grades K-5
481 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
515 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
463 Students
Elizabeth City Pasquotank Early College
Public
Grades 9-12
107 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
620 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
701 Students
School data provided by
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by
GreatSchools.org
© 2026. All rights reserved.
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by
GreatSchools.org
© 2026. All rights reserved.
Points of Interest
Top Apartments in Elizabeth City
Houses for Rent in Elizabeth City
Living in Elizabeth City
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Nearby City Rentals
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Methodology
† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in June 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.