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ZIP Code · NC

ZIP 28594

Pop. 3,934·Carteret County·78th most expensive ZIP in North Carolina
Median rent (all units)
$1,690/mo
Year-over-Year
+1.8%
Month-over-Month
+1.8%
vs US Median
-$275
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 28594 · $1,690
More affordable than 54% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,280
1 BR
$1,290
2 BR
$1,690
3 BR
$2,170
4 BR+
$2,770
Research median
$1,690/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: April 19, 2026

Annual cost
$20,280/yr
At $1,690/mo median
Location
StateNC
CountyCarteret County
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (1.8% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+1.8% YoY, +1.8% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 28594 (Emerald Isle, NC) is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 57.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
3,934
Median income
$89,773
Median age
60.3
Renters
14.4%
Age distribution
18.4%
24.4%
36.8%
Under 1811.1%
18–349.2%
35–5418.4%
55–6424.4%
65+36.8%
Gender
47.4%
52.6%
Male47.4%
Female52.6%
Race & ethnicity
92.8%
White92.8%
Other6.5%
Education (25+)
14.4%
27.2%
57.1%
No HS diploma1.3%
HS diploma14.4%
Some college27.2%
Bachelor's+57.1%
Housing tenure
85.6%
14.4%
Owner85.6%
Renter14.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 28594 in Emerald Isle, NC has changed in 5 years

Income
$87,794 → $89,773
up 2.3%
Population
3,844 → 3,934
up 2.3%
Renter share
16.2% → 14.4%
-1.8 pts
Bachelor's+
49.8% → 57.1%
+7.3 pts
Median age
57.3 → 60.3
+3.0 yrs

Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $87,794 in 2021 to $89,773 more recently. The population has grown by 2.3% since 2021, moving from about 3,844 residents to roughly 3,934. Renters now make up 14.4% of households, compared with 16.2% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 57.1% of adults here, versus 49.8% in 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 28594

About renting in ZIP 28594

Last updated: April 19, 2026

ZIP code 28594 covers Emerald Isle, NC. The median rent here is $1,690/mo as of April 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,290/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,690/mo.

At 23% of local median household income ($89,773/yr), ZIP 28594 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 1.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 28594?

As of April 19, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 28594 (Emerald Isle, NC) is $1,690. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 28594 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 28594's median rent of $1,690/mo is $275 (14%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 28594 compare to other ZIPs in North Carolina?

ZIP 28594 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in North Carolina, ranking #78 out of 243 ZIPs tracked at $1,690/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 28594?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $68,000/year (~$33/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,690/mo in ZIP 28594. The local median household income is $89,773/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 28594?

Rent in ZIP 28594 has increased 1.8% over the past year as of April 19, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 28594 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 28594 is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,690/mo, rent takes approximately 23% of the local median household income ($89,773/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 28594 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 28594 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 14.4% of ZIP 28594 households are renters, while 85.6% are owner-occupied. ZIP 28594 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 28594 compare to the rest of Emerald Isle?

ZIP 28594 is more affordable than Emerald Isle overall. At $1,690/mo, it's $610 below the Emerald Isle citywide median of $2,300/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 28594 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 28594 reflects April 19, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
23%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,690/mo, rent takes ~23% of ZIP 28594's median household income ($89,773/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 28594 23%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
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Schools nearby

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