The official web site of the Town of Emerald isle NC, containing lots of information relative to the operation of the town. Emerald Isle North Carolina (Gem of the Crystal Coast) is a family beach. It has approximately 3, 600 full time residents, and aboyt 30, 000 residents and visitors at the peak of the summer. Emerald Isle is located on the lower Outer Banks, near Swansboro, Morehead City, and ...