County · North Carolina
Dare County, North Carolina
Dare County, North Carolina. Dare County had 38,245 residents in 2025 by the Census Bureau's estimate, up 3.6% since 2020, slower than North Carolina (+7.2%). It holds 15 places (6 cities, villages and boroughs and 9 census-designated) and 12 census tracts. GEOID 37055.
Dare County is the county of the Kill Devil Hills, NC micropolitan statistical area (the Census Bureau's July 2023 delineation).
Residents, July 2025 estimate
38,245
Census Bureau estimate (no margin published)
2020 Census count: 36,915 · ACS 2020-2024: 37,875
Median household income
$88,994
±$5,211 (90% margin)
North Carolina: $72,388
Median home value
$460,400
±$16,420 (90% margin)
North Carolina: $288,900
Median gross rent
$1,345
±$85 (90% margin)
North Carolina: $1,228
How many people live in Dare County, and is it growing?
The 2020 Census counted 36,915 residents in Dare County. The Census Bureau estimates 38,245 for July 1, 2025, up 3.6% since 2020, slower than North Carolina (+7.2%). The 2020-2024 American Community Survey puts the population at 37,875 over 383 square miles of land.
| Measure | Dare County | North Carolina | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 37,875 | 10,730,404 | +1,653 |
| Households | 16,836±642 | 4,282,345 | +1,307 |
| Average household size | 2.24±0.09 | 2.44 | no clear change |
| Housing units | 35,278±74 | 4,895,668 | +533 |
Dare County's population since 2000
From 29,967 in 2000 to 38,245 in 2025: up 27.6%. The 2000, 2010 and 2020 figures are census counts. The 2005 figure is the Census Bureau's intercensal estimate, revised to fit the 2000 and 2010 counts and drawn on 2010 boundaries; 2015 and 2025 are July 1 estimates made from the census before them.
Source: The 2000, 2010 and 2020 Census counts and the Census Bureau's population estimates (intercensal 2000-2010, Vintage 2020, Vintage 2025) · Census population estimates
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026); PEP Vintage 2025 (CO-EST2025); 2020 Census · Check it at data.census.gov
What cities and towns are in Dare County?
Dare County holds 15 places: 6 cities, villages and boroughs (incorporated places) and 9 census-designated places. The largest is Kill Devil Hills with 7,731 residents (2025 estimate). Places that cross a county line are listed with the share of their 2020 residents who live in this county.
| Kill Devil Hills | 7,656 | $89,773 |
|---|---|---|
| Kitty Hawk | 3,689 | $94,450 |
| Nags Head | 3,168 | $91,264 |
| Southern Shores | 3,090 | $131,429 |
| Manteo | 1,600 | $83,777 |
| Wanchese | 1,522 | $88,750 |
| BuxtonGEOID 3709400 | 1,181 | not published |
| FriscoGEOID 3725020 | 994 | $43,846 |
| AvonGEOID 3702780 | 832 | $35,365 |
| Manns HarborGEOID 3740980 | 790 | $51,800 |
| Duck | 742 | $136,250 |
| HatterasGEOID 3730100 | 577 | $57,188 |
| SalvoGEOID 3758940 | 303 | not published |
| RodantheGEOID 3757580 | 213 | not published |
| WavesGEOID 3771440 | 172 | not published |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026); 2020 place-by-county parts · Check it at data.census.gov
Who lives in Dare County?
The median resident of Dare County is 49.0 years old; 17.9% are under 18 and 25.2% are 65 or older. The largest group is non-Hispanic white residents at 85.4%, then Hispanic or Latino residents (of any race) at 7.4%. 4.7% of residents were born outside the United States.
| Measure | Dare County | North Carolina | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 49.0±0.4 | 39.1 | +2.5 |
| Under 18 years | 17.9% | 21.8% | – |
| 65 years and over | 25.2%±0.2 pts | 17.2% | – |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 7.4% | 11.3% | −0.1 pts |
| White alone, not Hispanic | 85.4%±0.9 pts | 60.0% | −1.9 pts |
| Black or African American alone, not Hispanic | 2.5%±0.6 pts | 20.0% | no clear change |
| Asian alone, not Hispanic | 0.4%±0.2 pts | 3.3% | −0.4 pts |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone, not Hispanic | 0.0%±0.1 pts | 0.8% | – |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, not Hispanic | 0.0%±0.1 pts | 0.1% | – |
| Two or more races, not Hispanic | 3.3%±0.7 pts | 4.1% | – |
| Some other race alone, not Hispanic | 1.0%±0.8 pts | 0.5% | – |
| Born outside the United States | 4.7%±0.9 pts | 9.1% | no clear change |
| Speak a language other than English at home (age 5+) | 8.6%±1.7 pts | 13.5% | – |
| Civilian veterans (age 18+) | 8.1%±1.0 pts | 7.4% | – |
| With a disability | 10.8%±1.1 pts | 13.6% | – |
| No health insurance coverage | 8.6%±1.2 pts | 9.9% | −4.6 pts |
| High school graduate or higher (age 25+) | 94.7%±1.1 pts | 90.1% | – |
| Bachelor's degree or higher (age 25+) | 43.2%±2.6 pts | 35.7% | +8.5 pts |
| Graduate or professional degree (age 25+) | 13.2%±1.5 pts | 13.5% | – |
| Moved from another state in the past year | 4.9%±1.1 pts | 3.0% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profiles DP02, DP05) · Check it at data.census.gov
What do households in Dare County earn?
Half of Dare County's 16,836 households earn less than $88,994 a year (±$5,211), against $72,388 in North Carolina. In 2015-2019 the median was $73,080 in 2024 dollars, so it rose by $15,914 after inflation. 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Dare County | North Carolina | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $88,994±$5,211 | $72,388 | +$15,914 |
| Mean household income | $129,955±$12,309 | $101,208 | – |
| Per capita income | $56,589±$4,704 | $41,385 | +$14,034 |
| People below the poverty line | 6.6%±1.4 pts | 13.0% | −2.4 pts |
| Children under 18 below the poverty line | 8.6%±3.9 pts | 17.7% | no clear change |
| Households receiving SNAP | 5.1%±1.2 pts | 12.8% | – |
| Households with a broadband subscription | 91.7%±2.0 pts | 90.1% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP03) · Check it at data.census.gov
What does housing cost in Dare County?
Owners occupy 78.4% of Dare County's occupied homes and renters 21.6%. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $460,400 by its owner (±$16,420). The median renter pays $1,345 a month including utilities, and 39.8% of renters pay 35% or more of their income on rent.
| Measure | Dare County | North Carolina | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home value (owner-occupied) | $460,400±$16,420 | $288,900 | +$104,729 |
| Median gross rent | $1,345±$85 | $1,228 | no clear change |
| Renters paying 35% or more of income on rent | 39.8%±8.2 pts | 39.6% | no clear change |
| Median monthly owner costs, with a mortgage | $2,051±$118 | $1,631 | – |
| Owner-occupied homes | 78.4%±2.4 pts | 66.6% | +4.0 pts |
| Housing units | 35,278±74 | 4,895,668 | +533 |
| Homeowner vacancy rate | 0.2%±0.2 pts | 1.3% | – |
| Rental vacancy rate | 65.6%±3.5 pts | 7.1% | – |
| Single-family detached homes | 79.7%±1.7 pts | 65.3% | – |
| Mobile homes | 4.3%±1.0 pts | 11.0% | – |
| Built 2020 or later | 1.2%±0.6 pts | 3.0% | – |
| Built 1939 or earlier | 2.4%±0.7 pts | 4.9% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP04) · Check it at data.census.gov
How many new homes is Dare County building?
Builders took permits for 325 new housing units across Dare County in 2025 (325 single-family), 8.5 per 1,000 residents.
Source: Building Permits Survey, annual county files 2019-2025, U.S. Census Bureau · Census Building Permits Survey
How do people in Dare County get to work?
72.7% of Dare County's workers drive alone and 14.2% work from home. The average trip to work takes 22.4 minutes. The unemployment rate in 2020-2024 averaged 5.9%.
| Measure | Dare County | North Carolina | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the labor force (age 16+) | 64.0%±1.7 pts | 62.8% | – |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9%±1.5 pts | 4.7% | no clear change |
| Drove alone to work | 72.7%±2.9 pts | 71.5% | – |
| Carpooled | 8.5%±2.0 pts | 8.5% | – |
| Public transportation | 0.0%±0.2 pts | 0.7% | – |
| Walked | 2.9%±1.0 pts | 1.6% | – |
| Worked from home | 14.2%±2.0 pts | 16.3% | +5.9 pts |
| Mean travel time to work | 22.4 min±1.7 | 25.1 min | no clear change |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP03) · Check it at data.census.gov
What are Dare County's census tracts?
Dare County is divided into 12 census tracts. Among those with a reliable estimate, median household income runs from $53,375 (Tract 9705.01) to $149,114 (Tract 9701.01).
| Tract 9701.0137055970101 | 4,541±336 | $149,114 |
|---|---|---|
| Tract 9701.0237055970102 | 3,693±39 | $93,950 |
| Tract 970237055970200 | 5,299±432 | $98,571 |
| Tract 9703.0137055970301 | 4,378±568 | $82,917 |
| Tract 9703.0237055970302 | 2,776±451 | $72,031 |
| Tract 970437055970400 | 3,170±17 | $91,264 |
| Tract 9705.0137055970501 | 1,236±281 | $53,375 |
| Tract 9705.0237055970502 | 3,576±644 | $60,316 |
| Tract 9706.0137055970601 | 7,131±480 | $80,361 |
| Tract 9706.0237055970602 | 2,075±451 | $93,672 |
| Tract 990137055990100 | 0±14 | not published |
| Tract 990237055990200 | 0±14 | not published |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) · Check it at data.census.gov
How does Dare County compare with North Carolina's other counties?
| Measure | Rank |
|---|---|
| Population | 65th of 100 |
| Growth 2020-2025 | 55th of 100 |
| Residents per square mile | 59th of 100 |
| Median household income | 8th of 100 |
| Median home value | 2nd of 100 |
| Median gross rent | 10th of 100 |
| Poverty rate | 99th of 100 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9th of 100 |
| Median age | 15th of 100 |
Source: PlainCities ranks from the American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) and PEP Vintage 2025 · How ranks are computed
How these figures are made: methodology and release checks · reading a margin of error · every state · corrections
Not on this page: crime, weather and schools for Dare County are other agencies' records. Crime: the FBI's Crime Data Explorer · climate: NOAA's U.S. Climate Normals · schools: the National Center for Education Statistics' school search.