| ZIP Code | 27981 |
|---|---|
| City | Wanchese |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Dare County |
| Area Code | 252 |
| Elevation | 6 ft |
| Latitude | 35.852855 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -75.637424 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37055 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 37.6 yrs ↓ 13% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.55 |
| Below Poverty | 5.4% ▼ 46% below avg |
| College Grads | 39.4% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 1.9% ▼ 61% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 7 (0.6%) |
| HS Graduate | 382 (32.6%) |
| Some College | 238 (20.3%) |
| Associates | 84 (7.2%) |
| Bachelors | 102 (8.7%) |
| Graduate Degree | 360 (30.7%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $73,542 ≈ Avg ↑ 32% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $257,100 ▼ 8% below avg ↑ 18% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.5x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,031/mo ↓ 6% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 772 |
| Vacant Units | 69 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.55 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 772 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 69 |
| Owner Occupied | 73.3% |
| Renter Occupied | 26.7% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.55 |
ZIP code 27981 is located in Wanchese, North Carolina, within Dare County. With a population of 1,802, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 37.6 years. Economically, 27981 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $73,542 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 27981 represents a mid-range housing market. The median home value of $257,100 is near the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,031 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 73.3% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 18% since 2019.
The population of 27981 is primarily White (97.50%). Residents are moderately educated — 39.4% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 5.4%. Household income has grown by 32% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 27981 stands at 1.9%, which is well below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 75%.
Overall, ZIP code 27981 in Wanchese, NC is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a relatively young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 1,802 residents, a median household income of $73,542, and a median home value of $257,100, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.