Dare County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 64th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Dare County, North Carolina is 37,534 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 64th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $81,214, the median home value is $425,400, and the median age is 48.5.
The population of Dare County has grown 12.4% since 2010 (33,981 → 38,183), a +0.84% annualized rate.
37,534
Population
+0.84%
Annual growth
98
People / sq mi
$81,214
Median Income
$425,400
Median Home Value
Dare County covers 383 sq mi of land at 97.9 people per square mile.
About Dare County, NC
Dare County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 60.6% of the population. With 37,534 residents, Dare County is a county in North Carolina.
The typical household earns $81,214 a year, near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 4.8%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $425,400, with typical rent around $1,307.
Degree attainment is near the top of the range for US counties: 42.8% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s, above the 35.0% national rate. About 14.3% of workers primarily work from home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Dare County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Dare County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Dare County had a population of 33,981 in 2010 and 38,183 in 2024, a 12.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 38,183 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.84%.
38,183
Population (2024)
33,981
Population (2010)
38,183
Peak (2024)
0.84%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 33,981 |
| 2011 | 34,161 |
| 2012 | 34,389 |
| 2013 | 34,823 |
| 2014 | 34,914 |
| 2015 | 35,499 |
| 2016 | 35,905 |
| 2017 | 36,257 |
| 2018 | 36,710 |
| 2019 | 37,071 |
| 2020 | 37,038 |
| 2021 | 37,924 |
| 2022 | 38,047 |
| 2023 | 38,181 |
| 2024 | 38,183 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.3% |
| Black or African American | 2.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
48.5
Median Age
50.9%
Female
49.1%
Male
24.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.6% · Seniors (65+): 24.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $81,214+$11,310 vs state |
| Mean household income | $106,269 |
| Per-capita income | $46,784 |
| Poverty rate | 4.8%-4.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Dare County is professional & business services, accounting for 16.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.1%
Carpool
73.7%
Public transit
14.3%
Work from home
22.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$425,400+$166,000 vs state
Median home value
$1,307
Median rent
77.8%
Homeownership rate
34,839
Total housing units
47.3%
Occupied
52.7%
Vacant
22.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.1%
With health insurance
97.2%
With broadband internet
60.6%
Foreign-born
8.9%
Veterans (18+)
10.6%
With a disability
91.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.2%
High School+
42.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Dare County, North Carolina has a population of 37,534 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 64th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 98 people per square mile.
The population of Dare County has grown 12.4% since 2010 (33,981 → 38,183), a +0.84% annualized rate.
The median household income in Dare County, North Carolina is $81,214, with mean (average) household income of $106,269 and per-capita income of $46,784. 4.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Dare County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.3%), Black or African American (2.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Dare County, North Carolina is 48.5 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
The median home value in Dare County is $425,400 and median monthly rent is $1,307. 77.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 34,839 total housing units, 52.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Dare County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 16.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.7%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Dare County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Dare County, NC Climate
Dare County, NC has an average annual temperature of 16.4°C (62°F) and receives about 1358 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.4°C
Avg Temp
1358
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7° / 44° | 119 mm |
| February | 7° / 44° | 97 mm |
| March | 11° / 52° | 109 mm |
| April | 15° / 59° | 86 mm |
| May | 19° / 67° | 107 mm |
| June | 24° / 74° | 114 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 141 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 154 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 130 mm |
| October | 18° / 64° | 107 mm |
| November | 13° / 56° | 99 mm |
| December | 9° / 48° | 95 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Dare County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Dare County, NC are typically May, June and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near 2°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Dare County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.