Emerald Isle prides itself on its "family beach", "small-town atmosphere", and the preservation of this atmosphere is the Town's highest priority. As noted in the table, Emerald Isle has developed in a low density manner, with an average of 2 housing units per acre in the Town.
Housing Density - Per Acre: North Carolina Oceanfront Towns
2009 to 2010
Source: 2010 US Census and NC State Demographer
| Rank | Municipality | Housing Units Per Acre |
|---|
| 1 | Kure Beach | 4.4 |
| 2 | Indian Beach | 4.1 |
| 3 | Carolina Beach | 3.4 |
| 4 | Atlantic Beach | 3.4 |
| 5 | Wrightsville Beach | 3.2 |
| 6 | Emerald Isle | 2.0 |
| 7 | Kill Devil Hills | 1.9 |
| 8 | Duck | 1.8 |
| 9 | Ocean Isle Beach | 1.4 |
| 10 | Sunset Beach | 1.3 |
| 11 | Pine Knoll Shores | 1.2 |
| 12 | Holden Beach | 1.2 |
| 13 | Nags Head | 1.2 |
| 14 | Southern Shores | 0.9 |
| 15 | Oak Island | 0.9 |
| 16 | Surf City | 0.8 |
| 17 | North Topsail Beach | 0.6 |
| 18 | Kitty Hawk | 0.6 |
| 19 | Topsail Beach | 0.5 |
| 20 | Bald Head Island | 0.4 |
| 21 | Caswell Beach | 0.3 |