Market Snapshot
Report generated March 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 37,534 ↑ 1.7% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $81,214 9% above national median |
| Median Home Value | $425,400 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.8% |
| Median Age | 48.5 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 52.7% |
| Total Land Sales (Past 12 Months) | 163 transactions |
| Active Listings | 142 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 210 days |
Rural Land Sales (1+ Acres) (Sep 2025 – Jan 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $108,234 |
| Recent Sales | 18 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 220 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 5.50 acres |
| Active Listings | 25 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | 1.17 | $168,000 | $143,590 | Hatteras |
| Dec 2025 | 32.40 | $41,000 | $1,265 | Columbia |
| Dec 2025 | 4.84 | $550,000 | $113,637 | Kill Devil Hills |
| Nov 2025 | 1.06 | $109,000 | $102,830 | Manns Harbor |
| Oct 2025 | 3.74 | $119,000 | $31,818 | Avon |
| Sep 2025 | 9.50 | $250,000 | $26,319 | Manns Harbor |
| Sep 2025 | 1.78 | $550,000 | $308,989 | Kitty Hawk |
| Sep 2025 | 17.27 | $340,000 | $19,687 | Manteo |
| Sep 2025 | 2.00 | $325,000 | $162,500 | Hatteras |
| Sep 2025 | 1.25 | $49,900 | $39,920 | East Lake |
Suburban/Urban Land Sales (Under 1 Acre) (Feb 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Lot Price | $178,500 |
| Recent Sales | 145 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 209 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.40 acres |
| Active Listings | 117 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 0.46 | $210,000 | Nags Head |
| Mar 2026 | 0.14 | $199,000 | Kill Devil Hills |
| Mar 2026 | 0.38 | $162,500 | Salvo |
| Feb 2026 | 0.17 | $92,000 | Manteo |
| Feb 2026 | 0.23 | $450,000 | Waves |
| Feb 2026 | 0.18 | $190,000 | Frisco |
| Feb 2026 | 0.53 | $125,000 | Manteo |
| Feb 2026 | 0.13 | $86,000 | Kill Devil Hills |
| Feb 2026 | 0.34 | $285,000 | Kitty Hawk |
| Feb 2026 | 0.46 | $249,900 | Nags Head |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 37,534 |
| Population (2020) | 36,915 |
| Population Growth | 1.68% |
| Median Household Income | $81,214 |
| Median Home Value | $425,400 |
| Total Housing Units | 34,839 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 18,356 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 52.7% |
| Median Age | 48.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 8,376 (22.3%) |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.8% |
Market Overview
Dare County, North Carolina has a population of 37,534, which has grown 1.68% since 2020. The median household income is $81,214, above the national median of $74,580 by 8.9%. The housing vacancy rate of 52.7% suggests soft market conditions. The county's location in North Carolina makes it accessible for investors and developers seeking rural land. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $108,234 per acre, with properties averaging 5.50 acres. There are currently 142 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Dare County, North Carolina?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Dare County has a population of 37,534. The county has grown 1.68% since the 2020 Census, indicating a growing community.
What is the median household income in Dare County?
The median household income in Dare County is $81,214, which is 8.9% above the national median of $74,580.
Is Dare County growing or shrinking?
Dare County is growing. The population has increased 1.68% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Dare County?
The median home value in Dare County is $425,400. The housing vacancy rate is 52.7%, which suggests soft market conditions. The unemployment rate is 5.8%, reflecting the local economic conditions. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $108,234 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median lot price of $178,500.
Does Reelvest buy land in Dare County, North Carolina?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout North Carolina, including Dare County. We make cash offers within 24-48 hours, close in 14-30 days, and pay all closing costs. Get your free cash offer today.
Data Sources: Market data reflects recent vacant land transactions in the county. Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Updated monthly.