According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Emerald Isle has the 4th largest permanent population among the 21 oceanfront municipalities. It is important to note that these are full-time residents only, and each town has many more seasonal residents and visitors.
Permanent Population: North Carolina Oceanfront Towns
2010 Census
Source: 2010 U.S. Census
| Rank | Municipality | Permanent Population |
|---|
| 1 | Oak Island | 6,783 |
| 2 | Kill Devil Hills | 6,683 |
| 3 | Carolina Beach | 5,706 |
| 4 | Emerald Isle | 3,655 |
| 5 | Sunset Beach | 3,572 |
| 6 | Kitty Hawk | 3,272 |
| 7 | Nags Head | 2,757 |
| 8 | Southern Shores | 2,714 |
| 9 | Wrightsville Beach | 2,477 |
| 10 | Kure Beach | 2,012 |
| 11 | Surf City | 1,853 |
| 12 | Atlantic Beach | 1,495 |
| 13 | Pine Knoll Shores | 1,339 |
| 14 | North Topsail Beach | 743 |
| 15 | Holden Beach | 575 |
| 16 | Ocean Isle Beach | 550 |
| 17 | Caswell Beach | 398 |
| 18 | Duck | 369 |
| 19 | Topsail Beach | 368 |
| 20 | Bald Head Island | 158 |
| 21 | Indian Beach | 112 |