Special Interest
Housing in Dare County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Dare County averages $1,345/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the North Carolina median of $1,228 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 23% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Dare County FMR Area are $1,191 for a studio, $1,388 for 1‑bedroom, $1,521 for 2‑bedroom, $1,937 for 3‑bedroom, and $2,014 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $176 increase for a 2-bedroom in Dare County shows a 13% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Dare County was 4.1% in 2024, compared to North Carolina at 3.6% and the national rate of 4.0%.
