County Profile
Dare County
Total Population
37,009
Dare County
Unemployment Rate
4%
Dare County
Percent College Educated
34.7%
Dare County
Labor Force Participation Rate
64%
Dare County
EXPLORE DARE COUNTY
Dare County is located in northeastern North Carolina along the Atlantic Ocean and stretches along nearly 110 miles of shoreline that is known as the Outer Banks. The county seat at Manteo is situated approximately 200 miles east of Raleigh, the state capital, and 90 miles south of Norfolk, Virginia.
Dare County was established in 1870 and is named in honor of Virginia Dare, the first English child to be born in America. The county is home to much of what is known as North Carolina’s “Outer Banks” resort and vacation areas, and it contains approximately two-thirds of the North Carolina coastline.
Dare County is also the site of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the Elizabeth II State Historic Site, Roanoke Island Festival Park, the North Carolina Aquarium and the Nags Head Woods Nature Preserve.
Dare County has a permanent population of approximately 37,000; however, the county’s tourism industry results in a large seasonal population, with an average daily population from June through August estimated to be approximately 225,000 to 300,000.
Six municipalities are located within the county: Duck, Southern Shores, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Manteo and Nags Head. Dare County also stretches across all of Hatteras Island and contains the unincorporated communities of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village. The Dare County mainland consists of East Lake, Manns Harbor and Stumpy Point, and Roanoke Island is home to the famous fishing village of Wanchese. Additional unincorporated areas of Dare County include portions of Manteo outside the town limits as well as Martin’s Point and Colington.
Dare County government consists of a county manager and board of commissioners whose seven members serve staggered four-year terms.
Default Single Topic Component Pack: Population, Age and Gender – Total Population – CHART, 2015-2019, with all available pulldowns. COMPLETE OVERVIEW information for Dare County – AS
Town of Duck
The Town of Duck, North Carolina, is a thriving coastal community. We respect and value our delicate yet dynamic barrier island environment – clean waters and beaches, maritime forests, wetlands, and dunescapes. With an eclectic mix of independent businesses and the Duck Town Park and Boardwalk, Duck Village is a source of pride and the heart of Duck. Whether you are a resident, a first-time visitor, or someone who feels that Duck is your home away from home, we welcome you to explore the Town of Duck.
Town of Southern Shores
Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to Currituck Sound and Ginguite Creek, Southern Shores is a premiere residential community on the Outer Banks. Located along US158 and NC 12, Southern Shores is known for its great weather, beautiful homes and tremendous community pride.
Town of Kitty Hawk
Located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Town of Kitty Hawk offers year-round residents and visitors alike a unique and relaxing environment. The Town consists of a thriving village that has been around for generations, a newer beach community of residential cottages, and a maritime forest called Kitty Hawk Woods, featuring a wide variety of plant and animal life.
The Town of Kitty Hawk also prides itself on providing a public beach for the enjoyment of full time residents as well as seasonal visitors. There are many public beach accesses with parking available.
Town of Kill Devil Hills
At one time, the Outer Banks were one of North Carolina’s best kept secrets. Over the years, many people from all over the United States and abroad have discovered the unspoiled beaches, rich history, quaint surroundings, and down home attitude of the area’s inhabitants. A number of these visitors have decided to make Kill Devil Hills, the hub of the northern beaches, their home. This influx of people has led to a diversified group of citizens whose favorite question is “How did you get here?” Mingled with this “newcomers” are a treasured group of “natives” who can entertain endlessly with spinning tales – some about the one that got away and some with fascinating historical references.
Town of Nags Head
At one time, the Outer Banks were one of North Carolina’s best kept secrets. Over the years, many people from all over the United States and abroad have discovered the unspoiled beaches, rich history, quaint surroundings, and down home attitude of the area’s inhabitants. A number of these visitors have decided to make Kill Devil Hills, the hub of the northern beaches, their home. This influx of people has led to a diversified group of citizens whose favorite question is “How did you get here?” Mingled with this “newcomers” are a treasured group of “natives” who can entertain endlessly with spinning tales – some about the one that got away and some with fascinating historical references.
Town of Manteo
It is the one of the oldest towns in North Carolina, full of history, rich in culture and simply love at first sight. This beautiful, coastal community is located on Roanoke Island, part of the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina.