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 a county in North Carolina with a population of 37,534. It ranks #64 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 48.5, older than the national median. The population is 49.1% male and 50.9% female.
The median household income in Dare County is $81,214, above the US median of $74,580. 4.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $425,400, with monthly rent averaging $1,307. The homeownership rate of 77.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Dare County reflects 42.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 14.3% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.0 minutes each way.
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.
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Full rankings of North Carolina counties
Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.