Dare County

Dare County, NC, has a population of approximately 37,000. The racial makeup is roughly 91% White, 3% African American, 1% Native American, 1% Asian, and 3% of other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race make up about 6% of the population. The median age is approximately 44 years. The median household income is around $54,000, and the poverty rate is about 10%. The population density is about 87 people per square mile.

As of 2023, Dare County, NC, features a median home price of approximately $429,000. The region has seen a year-over-year increase of around 12% in property values. Rent averages are about $1,800 per month for a standard two-bedroom apartment. Housing availability is diverse, spanning from affordable inland options to premium waterfront properties. The county's homeownership rate is roughly 65%, with a vacancy rate near 20%, influenced by seasonal rental demand.

Dare County, NC elections are managed by the Dare County Board of Elections. The 2022 General Election saw a voter turnout of 53.45%. In the county, 21,723 registered voters participated from a total of 40,648 registered voters. The elections included various local, state, and federal offices:

1. Board of Commissioners: Three seats were up for election. Candidates included Bob Woodard (R), Ervin Bateman (R), and Amanda Hooper Walters (D).
2. Board of Education: Four seats were contested. Candidates included Margaret Lawler, Carl Woody, Susan Bothwell, and Janet Rose.
3. Other positions included roles like Clerk of Superior Court and Sheriff. Sheriff Doug Doughtie (R) ran successfully for re-election.

Elections are typically held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, with early voting and absentee options available. Detailed election results and candidate lists can be accessed through the Dare County Board of Elections website.

As of the latest data, Dare County, NC has a relatively high level of educational attainment:

• High School Diploma or Higher: Approximately 92.9% of Dare County residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of about 88.0% and the North Carolina state average of around 87.4%.
• Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: Around 33.0% of residents in Dare County hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is above the national average of 32.1% and the state average of 31.9%.

These figures suggest that Dare County is somewhat more educated than both the national and state averages, reflecting a strong emphasis on educational attainment in the region.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (most recent available data).

As of the latest available data, Dare County, NC, has an unemployment rate of approximately 4.0%, which is slightly lower than the national average of around 4.8% and the state average of 4.1%. The county has a labor force participation rate of about 61%.

Top industries in Dare County include:

1. Tourism and Hospitality: Dominant due to the Outer Banks' popularity, significantly higher than both state and national levels.
2. Retail Trade: Reflects the county's tourism-driven economy, above national average.
3. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Matches state trends but slightly below national levels.
4. Construction: Higher than national average, driven by seasonal and tourism-related projects.
5. Education: Aligns with state but below national employment rate.

The emphasis on tourism and related industries marks a distinct difference from broader industrial patterns both statewide and nationally.

As of the latest available data, Dare County, North Carolina, has a median household income of approximately $59,000. In comparison, the median household income for the entire state of North Carolina is around $54,000, while the national median household income stands at about $68,700.

Dare County's median income is higher than the state average but lower than the national average. This might reflect the region's economic reliance on tourism and fishing industries, which can yield variable income levels.

As of recent data, Dare County, NC, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 2,100 incidents per 100,000 people annually. Here is a breakdown of different types of crimes in Dare County:

While Dare County has fewer violent crimes, property crimes are relatively more frequent. Law enforcement efforts focus on preventive measures and community engagement to maintain safety.