Dare County Public RecordsNorth Carolina

Dare County, NC has about 32,000 residents with approximately 29,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include federal, state, county, and municipal, with around 17 polling locations, plus options for early and absentee voting. In 2020, 59% voted Republican, 39% Democrat. The Dare County Board of Elections administers fair and secure processes. Key local issues include coastal erosion and tourism impacts. The Republican and Democratic parties are primary, with unaffiliated voters making up over 30% of registered voters. Voter turnout in recent general elections has averaged 70%.

As of 2023, Dare County, NC, has a population of approximately 37,400. About 84% are White, 5% Black or African American, 2% Asian, and 6% Hispanic or Latino. The median age is around 47, with 19% under 18 and 25% aged 65 or older. Gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.2% female and 49.8% male.

Dare County, NC, hosts 11 public schools, including 3 high schools, serving about 5,000 students. The high school graduation rate is approximately 91%, and around 32% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety scores generally exceed the state average, and many schools offer AP, dual enrollment, and career-technical programs. Adult education is available through the College of The Albemarle. Schools in Dare County score an average of 7/10 on state assessments, reflecting strong academic performance and robust educational opportunities.

As of 2023, Dare County, NC, reports an employment rate of about 63.5%. Key industries include Accommodation & Food Services (23%), Retail Trade (13%), and Construction (11%). The largest occupational groups are Service (35%) and Sales (22%). Approximately 84% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 20 minutes; over 70% work within Dare County. Tourism-driven employment spikes in summer months, reflecting the county's Outer Banks location.

Dare County, NC, features a homeownership rate of around 70% and a median home value near $440,000 in 2024, reflecting a 6% year-over-year increase. Rental rates average $1,650 monthly. Housing varies from oceanfront cottages to modern condos, with popular neighborhoods including Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head. Property tax rates are approximately $0.40 per $100 assessed value. The real estate market remains competitive, driven by vacation demand and limited inventory, supporting steady property value growth.

Dare County, NC, generally experiences lower crime rates compared to national averages. In 2023, the reported violent crime rate was 1.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime stood at 13.4 per 1,000. The Sheriff's Office emphasizes community policing and public reporting, enabling prompt response to incidents. Year-over-year data shows a 7% decrease in property crimes and stable violent crime figures. Residents are encouraged to utilize online reporting tools, helping maintain safety in the area.