Murphy, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,604
18.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$37,263/yr
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
955
10.3% year-over-year change

Murphy population

How many people live in Murphy

Murphy is home to 1,604 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 56.5% of Murphy locals are male, and 43.5% are female.

Total population
1,604
18.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
56.5%
906
Female
43.5%
698
Value Percent YoY change
Male 906 56.5% 26.5%
Female 698 43.5% 9.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Murphy is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.3% are children under 15, then 10.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 34.8% of the population, while another 16% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.3%
15 to 24
10.5%
25 to 44
34.8%
45 to 64
16%
Over 65
21.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 277 17.3% 62.9%
15 to 24 169 10.5% 7.0%
25 to 44 559 34.8% 24.5%
45 to 64 257 16% 20.7%
Over 65 342 21.3% -6.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Murphy, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 79.4% of locals are Caucasian, 12.2% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,579 98.4% 18.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 21 1.3% 10.5%
Non-citizens 4 0.2% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
79.4%
Black or African American
12.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.9%
Other
0.7%
Value Percent
White 1,273 79.4%
Black or African American 195 12.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0.4%
Asian 8 0.5%
Two or more races 111 6.9%
Other 11 0.7%

Households in Murphy

A peek inside Murphy households

Murphy has 792 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 37.6% are families, while the remaining 62.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
792
13.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
494
Family households
298
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 494 62.4% 10.8%
Family households 298 37.6% 17.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Murphy

The housing landscape of Murphy

Murphy's housing consists of 955 units, with 57.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 6.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
955
10.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 549 57.5%
2 units 222 23.2%
3 or 4 units 58 6.1%
5 to 9 units 30 3.1%
10 to 19 units 1 0.1%
20 to 49 units 30 3.1%
Mobile home 65 6.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
-100.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Murphy

In Murphy, the median construction year is 1974. About 20.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 200 20.9% 3.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 70 7.3% 27.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 95 10% 3.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 83 8.7% -17.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 74 7.8% -7.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 245 25.6% 11.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 98 10.3% 92.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 63 6.6% 75.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 27 2.8% 8.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Murphy occupancy rates

Out of the 792 occupied housing units in Murphy, 46% are owner-occupied, while 54% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
792
13.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
428
Owner occupied
364
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 428 54% 12.3%
Owner occupied 364 46% 14.1%
Unoccupied housing units
17.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Murphy housing costs

Housing costs in Murphy come to a median of $518 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $422.

Median housing costs per month
$518/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Murphy
$422/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Murphy

Murphy education at a glance

About 45.8% of the population in Murphy went to high school, while 20.9% pursued college studies. Another 5.2% earned an associate degree and 16.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 42 3.3% -12.5%
High school diploma 583 45.8% 8.4%
College diploma 266 20.9% 7.7%
Associate degree 66 5.2% 6.5%
Bachelor's degree 214 16.8% 18.2%
Graduate degree 101 7.9% 29.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Murphy

How much people earn in Murphy

The average annual household income in Murphy was $61,192 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $37,263, reflecting a +0.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Murphy
$61,192/year
6.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Murphy
$37,263/year
0.7% year-over-year change

Murphy income by age

In Murphy, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $36,646. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $52,321 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $102,946, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $43,409 in earnings. Overall, 82.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $102,946 2.4%
25 - 44 $36,646 -0.2%
45 - 64 $52,321 46.5%
Over 65 $43,409 4.2%
Above poverty level
1,227
Below poverty level
262
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,227 82.4% 25.3%
Below poverty level 262 17.6% 3.1%

Average renter income in Murphy

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Murphy, their median household income was $31,563 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 16%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,563
Rent-to-income ratio
16%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Murphy

Workforce and job types in Murphy

The job market in Murphy is powered by 674 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.9% run their own businesses, 72% are employed by private companies, and 15.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
674
32.2% year-over-year change
White collar
592
Blue collar
82
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 592 87.8% 24.4%
Blue collar 82 12.2% 141.2%
Employer type
Self employees
8.9%
Private companies
72%
Governmental workers
15.9%
Not for profit companies
3.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 60 8.9% -4.8%
Private companies 485 72% 29.7%
Governmental workers 107 15.9% 94.5%
Not for profit companies 22 3.3% 22.2%
Unemployment rate
5.6%
37.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Murphy stands at 5.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Murphy

How people get around in Murphy

Commuting methods vary: 77% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 18.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 516 77% 46.6%
Walk 124 18.5% 0.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Murphy by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28906 20,526 9,195 $55,759 $70,285

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FAQs about Murphy demographics 

What is the total population of Murphy?

Murphy has a total population of 1,604 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +18.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Murphy?

The gender ratio in Murphy is as follows:
  • 56.5% males (906 residents)
  • 43.5% females (698 residents)

What is the median age in Murphy?

The median age in Murphy is 34.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Murphy?

The age distribution in Murphy is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.3% (277 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.5% (169 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 34.8% (559 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16% (257 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.3% (342 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Murphy?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Murphy is as follows:
  • White: 79.4% (1,273 residents)
  • Black or African American: 12.2% (195 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (8 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.9% (111 residents)
  • Other: 0.7% (11 residents)

What percentage of the population in Murphy are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in Murphy.

How many housing units are there in Murphy?

There are 955 housing units in Murphy, reflecting a +10.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Murphy and what is the average household size?

Murphy has a total of 792 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Murphy?

Murphy has a median household income of $37,263, representing a +0.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Murphy?

The employment rate is 94.4% in Murphy, with a workforce of 674 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.8% (592 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.2% (82 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.9% (60 residents)
  • Private companies: 72% (485 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.9% (107 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.3% (22 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025