Dare County, North Carolina

Income Data

+33% vs. North Carolina average
$81,214
Median Household Income
$46,784
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$81,214
+33% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$46,784
+19% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
19.1%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#10 / 100
by median household income

How Dare County Compares

Dare County$81,214
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$81,214
Median Household Income
$46,784
Per Capita Income
$425,400
Median Home Value
19.1%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

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

What is the median household income in Dare County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Dare County, North Carolina is $81,214, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Dare County?
The per capita income in Dare County is $46,784, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $81,214.
How does Dare County compare to the North Carolina average?
Dare County's median household income of $81,214 is higher than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $46,784, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Dare County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Dare County, North Carolina is $46,784, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Dare County income higher than the North Carolina average?
Dare County's median household income of $81,214 is higher than the North Carolina average of $61,072. This difference of $20,142 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Dare County rank for income in North Carolina?
Dare County ranks #10 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $81,214 and per capita income of $46,784, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Dare County

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Your income is above the Dare County median

County median: $81,214 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

+33%

vs. National Median

+9%

vs. Dare County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average33% above
vs. National Median9% above

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.2x

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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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.