Hatteras City Demographics

Hatteras, located in Dare County, NC, had an estimated population of 401 in 2020. The median age was about 51 years, indicating an older population. Gender distribution was nearly equal, with 50.6% male and 49.4% female. Racially, 92.5% of residents identified as White, 2% as African American, 0.5% as Native American, 1.5% as other races, and 3.5% as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals made up 5.5% of the population.

Hatteras City Housing

Hatteras, located in Dare County, NC, features a mix of single-family homes, cottages, and vacation rentals, with median home values around $410,000 as of 2024. About 60% of housing is owner-occupied, while 40% serves renters and seasonal visitors. Popular neighborhoods include Hatteras Village and Hatteras Harbor. The property market has seen a 6% annual increase since 2022, driven by tourism. Property tax rates average 0.61%, making taxes on a median home about $2,501 annually. Rental prices range between $1,300 and $2,500 per month, depending on proximity to the waterfront.

Education in Hatteras City

Hatteras, located in Dare County, NC, is served by Cape Hatteras Secondary School, combining both middle and high school (grades 6–12) with around 400 students and a graduation rate of approximately 88%. The area has a high school diploma attainment rate of 93% and a bachelor’s degree rate of 18%. School safety ratings are above state average, and educational programs include Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses. Adult education is offered through the College of The Albemarle nearby. The school’s overall GreatSchools rating is 6/10, reflecting solid academic performance and community support.

Transportation in Hatteras City

Hatteras, in Dare County, NC, is primarily car-dependent, with over 95% of commuters driving alone and vehicle ownership averaging 2 per household. Public transit options are extremely limited; almost no residents use buses or other mass transit. The average commute time is around 24 minutes, mainly via NC Highway 12, the community’s key transport artery. There is no rail service, and cycling infrastructure is minimal. Most employment is centered on local tourism, fishing, retail, and service industries, with many residents commuting to nearby communities such as Buxton or Avon for work.

Hatteras City Healthcare

Hatteras, a small village in Dare County, NC, lacks a local hospital but is served by the Outer Banks Family Medicine clinic, part of the Outer Banks Health system, located in nearby Avon (~17 miles away). Residents rely on The Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head (about 60 miles away) for hospital services. Dare County's population is about 37,000, with Hatteras itself hosting ~500 residents; 13% of Dare County residents are uninsured. Common health concerns include hypertension, diabetes, and seasonal respiratory illnesses. Healthcare access is limited by distance and provider shortages, with just 1.5 primary care physicians per 10,000 residents.

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