Dare County, North Carolina
Income Data
U.S. Census Bureau ACSAt a Glance
Economic Indicators
How Dare County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Income Advisory: Dare County
Income Verdict
Dare County has a median household income of $81,214 and per capita income of $46,784 — a gap of $34,430, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.
Housing Affordability
With median gross rent at $1,307/month and a median household income of $81,214, rent consumes approximately 19.3% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.
Economic Context
A median household income of $81,214 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $46,784 reflects a relatively affluent population with substantial individual earning capacity.
Neighbor Context
Dare County earns approximately 33% above the North Carolina state median household income of $61,072, positioning it favorably within the state.
Data Story
About Household Income in Dare County, North Carolina
Dare Outearns Most U.S. Counties
Dare County's median household income of $81,214 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 8.6%. The county ranks in the top 35% of U.S. counties by household income.
Top-Tier Earner in North Carolina
Dare's $81,214 median household income towers 33% above North Carolina's state average of $61,072. The county ranks among the state's highest-earning jurisdictions, reflecting tourism, real estate, and professional employment.
Regional Income Leader
Dare households earn $16,579 more than Craven County and $22,434 more than Cumberland County. Only Currituck County ($91,548) surpasses Dare in the region, making Dare the second-tier prosperity hub.
High Home Values Offset High Income
At 19.3%, Dare's rent-to-income ratio remains affordable, but median home values of $425,400 require incomes well above the county median. Buyers need household incomes exceeding $120,000 to comfortably afford median-priced homes.
Invest Aggressively for Future Growth
Dare's high income supports aggressive wealth-building through stock market investments, secondary properties, and entrepreneurial ventures. Consider contributing to Roth IRAs, HSAs, and taxable investment accounts to build generational wealth beyond primary residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
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Your income is above the Dare County median
County median: $81,214 per year
vs. County Median
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vs. State Average
+33%
vs. National Median
+9%
Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($6,768) vs. median rent ($1,307/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.