Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 48.5 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 2.29 |
| Below Poverty | 7.5% ▼ 25% below avg |
| College Grads | 52.4% ▲ 35% above avg |
| Unemployment | 5.8% ▲ 19% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 42 (0.2%) |
| HS Graduate | 5,919 (21.6%) |
| Some College | 2,702 (9.9%) |
| Associates | 4,285 (15.7%) |
| Bachelors | 2,506 (9.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 11,916 (43.5%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $84,670 ▲ 11% above avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $428,228 ▲ 54% above avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 5.1x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,358/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 34,839 |
| Vacant Units | 18,356 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Dare County is located in North Carolina and encompasses 14 ZIP codes spanning 14 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 37,534 residents. With a median age of 48.54, it is a mature county.
Dare County has a middle-income economic profile. The median household income of $84,670 is near the national average. Unemployment stands at 5.8%, above the national average. The poverty rate of 7.5% is well below the national average.
Housing in Dare County is a premium housing market, with a median home value of $428,228 — significantly above the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $1,358. Homeownership rates are high at 77.8%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.
The residents of Dare County are primarily White (86.04%). Educational attainment is well-educated — 52.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average.
Dare County, NC is a middle-income area in North Carolina. The 14 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.
| ZIP | City | Population | Median Income | Median Home | Median Rent | Unemp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27920 | Buxton | 1,451 | $67,054 | $385,400 | $1,295 | 3.5% | 37.1% |
| 27936 | Frisco | 613 | $43,162 | $430,100 | — | 0.0% | 60.2% |
| 27943 | Hatteras | 381 | $48,980 | — | — | 0.0% | 50.0% |
| 27948 | Kill Devil Hills | 12,628 | $85,319 | $398,100 | $1,539 | 6.4% | 55.3% |
| 27949 | Kitty Hawk | 8,094 | $109,443 | $600,700 | $1,364 | 9.3% | 59.0% |
| 27953 | Manns Harbor | 1,056 | $27,489 | $202,800 | $1,158 | 5.3% | 22.5% |
| 27954 | Manteo | 7,080 | $78,291 | $374,200 | $1,313 | 4.5% | 49.2% |
| 27959 | Nags Head | 3,172 | $87,619 | $451,100 | $1,005 | 2.0% | 58.7% |
| 27968 | Rodanthe | 306 | $34,066 | $431,300 | — | 5.2% | 73.5% |
| 27972 | Salvo | 228 | $64,405 | $366,700 | — | 0.0% | 43.7% |
| 27978 | Stumpy Point | 221 | $49,625 | $267,200 | — | 6.5% | 15.7% |
| 27981 | Wanchese | 1,802 | $73,542 | $257,100 | $1,031 | 1.9% | 39.4% |