Emerald Isle is a town in Carteret County, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Crystal Coast and is located entirely on Bogue Banks. The population was 3,655 at the 2010 census, but as many as 50,000 tourists inhabit the area during the summer season, filling up vacant rental properties that do not count toward official census results.Today, the oceanfront is lined with both large and small homes and duplexes. While there is a large scattering of condominiums, there is only one oceanfront hotel, and Emerald Isle has maintained a family-oriented atmosphere.Recent beach renourishment projects in North Carolina, including Emerald Isle, have been both praised and questioned.