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Dare County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#25 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
51.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 85Property Tax 83.1

County Report Card

About Dare County, North Carolina

Surpassing the National Benchmark

Dare County scores a 51.3, edging out the national median composite score of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is slightly above the typical American experience.

Leading Above State Averages

The county outpaces the North Carolina average score of 44.7 by several points. It ranks as one of the state's more desirable locations, buoyed by its unique coastal economy.

Superior Water and Economic Vitality

The county excels in water quality with a score of 86.0 and income with a score of 85.0. Residents enjoy a high median household income of $81,214 and a very favorable tax score of 83.1.

Housing Costs and Environmental Risk

Natural risk is a major concern with a score of 10.4, and housing affordability is low at 11.6. Median home values hit $425,400, creating a high barrier to entry for the average worker.

Ideal for Wealthy Coastal Seekers

Dare County is perfect for those who want a high-income environment with excellent health and water quality. It suits residents who have the capital to manage high home prices and the desire for a scenic shoreline lifestyle.

2040608010083.111.63072.167.68510.48675.8Tax83.1Cost11.6Safety30Health72.1Schools67.6Income85Risk10.4Water86Weather75.851.3/100
This county
National avg
6 above average3 below average

Dare County DNA

Foverall

How Dare County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Dare County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Income (85/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
83.1+31.099999999999994
Cost
11.6-36.4
Safety
30-25
Health
72.1+22.099999999999994
Schools
67.6+13.599999999999994
Income
85+34
Risk
10.4-36.6
Water
86+28
Weather
75.8+19.799999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$425,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,307/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$425,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$52,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $81,214/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

32.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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Nearby counties

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55
Hyde County
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Currituck County
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Perquimans County
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Deep Dives

Dare County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Dare County

via TaxByCounty

Dare County's taxes nearly match national median

Dare County's effective tax rate of 0.528% sits below the national median of 0.92%, yet homeowners pay $2,245 annually—approaching the national median tax bill of $2,690. This apparent contradiction reflects Dare's notably high median home value of $425,400, among the highest in North Carolina and nationally.

Dare's moderate rate masks high absolute taxes

Dare County's 0.528% effective rate ranks below North Carolina's 0.701% state average, yet its median tax of $2,245 far exceeds the state median of $1,433. The discrepancy reveals Dare's distinctive market: affluent coastal communities where high-value properties generate substantial tax revenue despite moderate rates.

Dare taxes more than neighbors despite lower rate

Though Dare's 0.528% rate sits between Currituck (0.456%) and Craven (0.665%), its median tax bill of $2,245 is the highest in the region—a direct result of premium coastal property values averaging $425,400. Homebuyers choosing Dare should expect significantly higher tax obligations than neighboring counties despite the favorable rate.

What your home costs in property taxes

On Dare's median home value of $425,400, the 0.528% rate produces approximately $2,245 in annual property taxes, making it one of the state's highest total bills. Interestingly, Dare shows minimal variation between mortgaged ($2,244) and non-mortgaged ($2,245) properties, suggesting stable assessment practices.

High-value homes warrant careful assessment review

With such substantial tax bills, even a small percentage correction in an overvalued assessment can save hundreds annually in Dare County. Waterfront and oceanfront properties especially warrant professional appraisal review before accepting the county's valuation—the savings justify the effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dare County

via CostByCounty

Dare's beach premium near national norms

Dare County renters pay 19.3% of their income toward housing, just slightly above the national average of 18%, despite commanding the highest rents in this sample at $1,307 monthly. Residents earning $81,214—above the national median—sustain these coastal rents relatively comfortably.

Premium coastal pricing in North Carolina

Dare's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% exceeds North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, and its $1,307 median rent is the highest among these eight counties by a significant margin. The Outer Banks location commands a distinct housing premium across the region.

Coastal premium over nearby counties

Dare's $1,307 rent substantially exceeds Currituck County's $1,126 despite similar coastal settings, and dwarfs inland alternatives like Davidson ($863) and Duplin ($815). Only Durham County's $1,415 rents exceed Dare's, reflecting the state's urban and coastal demand hotspots.

Ownership costs rival rents here

Dare residents face high costs across both tenure types: renters pay $1,307 while homeowners pay $1,392 on a median income of $81,214. The median home value of $425,400 reflects barrier island scarcity, making both renting and buying expensive relative to inland alternatives.

Dare demands higher income for beach life

Beach access in Dare County costs a premium—your $1,307 rent could pay $400+ less in nearby Currituck or Craven counties. If Outer Banks living is non-negotiable, confirm your income comfortably covers 19% housing costs and explore home-sharing or off-season rentals to stretch your budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dare County

via IncomeByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dare County

via CrimeByCounty

Dare County Reports Exceptional Safety Scores

Dare County earns a high safety score of 97.4, with a total crime rate of 1665.8 per 100K residents. This is significantly lower than the national average total crime rate of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in North Carolina

The county's safety score exceeds the state average of 96.8, and its violent crime rate is remarkably low. Eight reporting agencies work together to keep Dare County safer than many of its mainland neighbors.

Safer Streets Than Inland Neighbors

Dare County maintains a much lower violent crime rate than Craven or Cumberland counties. It serves as a relatively safe coastal corridor compared to the more urbanized areas of the state.

Property Crimes Outnumber Violent Incidents

Violent crime is rare here, at only 134.6 per 100K compared to the national 369.8. Property crime sits at 1531.2, making it the primary focus for local law enforcement efforts.

Focus on Property Protection

Residents should focus on preventing opportunistic property crimes, which make up the vast majority of local incidents. Motion-sensor lighting and locked entry points are effective deterrents in this coastal community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Dare County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Specialized Coastal School System

Dare County operates 11 public schools, providing education for 5,181 students through a single district. The system is distributed across five elementary, two middle, and four high schools. This infrastructure is specifically designed to serve the unique geography of the Outer Banks.

Leading the State in Student Success

The county reports an outstanding 95.0% graduation rate and a school score of 56.9, both significantly higher than state averages. Dare County invests $7,349 per pupil, outspending the North Carolina average of $6,969. This higher investment translates directly into some of the best academic results in the region.

Unified Under Dare County Schools

Dare County Schools is the sole provider of public education here, with no charter schools operating in the area. This unified approach manages all 5,181 students across 11 diverse campuses. The district's focus on consistency helps maintain its high-ranking status among North Carolina counties.

Community Schools with a Town Focus

Eight of the county's 11 schools are located in town settings, reflecting the clustered population centers along the coast. First Flight High School is the largest campus with 956 students, while the average school size across the county is 471 students. Most schools offer a mid-sized, accessible feel where teachers and students know each other well.

Invest in a Community with Top Schools

Dare County's combination of high graduation rates and above-average spending makes it a premier choice for families. Homebuyers often target properties near First Flight or Manteo to secure access to these high-performing campuses. Enjoy the coastal lifestyle without compromising on the quality of your children's education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dare County

via RiskByCounty

Dare ranks among America's highest-risk counties

Dare County's composite score of 89.60 far exceeds the national average of 50, reflecting its status as one of the nation's most disaster-exposed regions. The "Relatively Moderate" rating undersells the intensity of individual hazards—particularly the 97.71 hurricane risk that approaches worst-case national levels.

Second-highest risk in North Carolina

Dare's 89.60 score ranks it second among North Carolina counties in overall disaster risk, trailing only Craven County's 93.58. The county sits more than 20 points above the state average of 66.72.

Dare rivals Craven as region's riskiest county

Dare (89.60) nearly matches Craven County (93.58) in overall risk, while dramatically exceeding Currituck County (18.07) to the north. Both Dare and Craven share the state's most intense hurricane exposure; Craven's tornado risk gives it a slightly higher overall score.

Hurricanes dominate; flooding is secondary concern

Hurricane risk at 97.71 is Dare's defining threat—among the highest in the nation—while flood risk at 86.80 compounds coastal vulnerability. Wildfire risk (82.67) adds a often-overlooked third dimension, particularly in barrier island communities during dry seasons.

Hurricane insurance and flood coverage essential

Dare residents must secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program and verify hurricane/wind coverage well before storm season. Hurricane-resistant construction standards (roof bracing, impact-resistant windows) and a well-practiced evacuation plan are non-negotiable in this high-risk coastal setting.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Dare County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Grade for Dare County

Dare County achieves an A grade with zero health violations recorded over the past five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents is a gold standard compared to the state average of 31.7. This perfect record reflects exceptional management of local drinking water systems.

Clean Water Standards Fully Met

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 100% of assessed water bodies in Dare County achieved attainment of federal standards. There are currently no impaired water bodies listed under Clean Water Act §303(d). The county maintains a healthy environment for both residents and local wildlife.

Extensive Coastal Water Quality Network

Fifty-two monitoring sites have captured 6,661 measurements in the last five years. Data collection focuses heavily on microbiological, physical, and nutrient characteristics. This high density of sites ensures comprehensive oversight of the county's complex coastal ecosystem.

No Primary USGS Streamgage Present

Dare County does not have a primary USGS streamgage recording discharge data at this time. However, the county’s perfect drinking water compliance record provides a high level of confidence in the local supply. Monitoring across 52 sites continues to safeguard the region's aquatic health.

Protecting a High-Performing System

With zero violations and zero impaired waterways, Dare County has some of the cleanest water in the state. Residents can help maintain this by following local nutrient management guidelines to prevent runoff. The focus on microbiological monitoring at 52 sites is your first line of defense.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dare County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Maritime Climate on the Coast

Dare County's annual average temperature of 63.2°F is significantly warmer than the national median. This coastal environment maintains a temperate feel due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

Among the Warmest in North Carolina

With a 63.2°F average, Dare sits nearly four degrees above the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. It ranks as one of the state's most consistently warm coastal regions.

Warmer and Wetter Than Inland Neighbors

While Duplin County averages 60.6°F, Dare's ocean position pushes its average temperature higher. Its 53.9 inches of annual rainfall also exceeds neighbors like Edgecombe.

Mild Winters and Balmy Coastal Summers

July averages 80.4°F, while winters remain gentle with a January average of 45.5°F. Residents see only 1.1 inches of snow but endure 14 days of extreme heat annually.

Planning for Humidity and Heavy Rain

Invest in high-efficiency cooling systems to manage the humid 78.8°F summer average. Salt-resistant building materials and drainage for 53.9 inches of rain are essential for property owners.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dare County

via SoilByCounty

Extreme acidity on the Outer Banks

Dare County soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.11, roughly standard for North Carolina but well below the 6.5 national median. The unique coastal environment dictates the soil's chemical personality.

Dominant sands and minimal clay

This is a very sandy profile at 77.6% sand, featuring the lowest clay content in the group at just 4.0%. This mix ensures water disappears rapidly from the surface, preventing puddling but increasing the risk of drought stress.

A powerhouse of organic matter

Organic matter is incredible here at 14.61%, nearly triple the North Carolina average of 5.12%. This high carbon content provides excellent natural nutrition despite the sandy texture.

High permeability for coastal living

While official drainage classes are unlisted, the 77.6% sand content suggests very high permeability. This helps manage heavy rainfall from coastal storms, though it makes retaining soil moisture for gardens a challenge.

Warmest winters in Zone 9a

As one of the few Zone 9a areas in the state, Dare County supports citrus and other tender perennials. Take advantage of your 41.7 soil score and the mild winters to start a unique coastal garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dare County

via LawnByCounty

Temperate Maritime Lawn Care

Dare County is the most lawn-friendly coastal county in this group with a score of 39.7, nearly matching the state average. Its unique Hardiness Zone 9a classification is rare for North Carolina, reflecting its mild maritime climate. While easier than inland neighbors, the sandy soil still requires specialized attention.

Mild Summers and High Humidity

With only 14 extreme heat days per year, Dare County avoids the scorching temperatures that stress lawns in central North Carolina. The 53.9 inches of annual rain is plentiful, though it often comes in heavy bursts that drain rapidly through the sand. A long growing season supported by 5,411 degree days keeps the grass active for most of the year.

The Challenge of Pure Sand

Lawns here grow in soil that is 77.6% sand and only 4.0% clay, creating an extremely porous environment. The pH of 5.11 is acidic enough to limit growth for many common turf types without regular soil testing and correction. Nutrient management is the primary hurdle since fertilizer can easily wash away through the sandy profile.

Stable Moisture Despite Coastal Wind

The county has experienced 22 weeks of drought over the past year, which is lower than many of its inland counterparts. Currently, no part of the county is in severe drought, providing a relatively stable environment for turf. However, salt-laden winds can desiccate grass even when the soil feels moist to the touch.

Warm-Season Success in Zone 9a

St. Augustine grass is the gold standard for this region because of its high salt tolerance and preference for the mild 9a climate. Plant after the early last frost on March 15 to give your lawn a massive head start on the long season ending in late December. Using slow-release fertilizers will help keep nutrients in the sandy soil longer.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dare County's county score?
Dare County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 51.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Dare County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Dare County ranks #25 among all counties in North Carolina on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Dare County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Dare County is $2,245, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Dare County a tax score of 83.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dare County?
The median household income in Dare County, North Carolina is $81,214 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dare County earns an income score of 85/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dare County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Dare County scores 51.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Dare County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Dare County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.