Hyde County Public RecordsNorth Carolina

Hyde County, NC, had 3,730 registered voters in 2022. The county conducts elections for federal, state, and local offices, with major parties being Democratic and Republican. In the 2020 presidential election, 58% supported the Republican candidate, 41% the Democrat. Polling locations include the Hyde County Public Safety Center and O.A. Peay School Gymnasium. Key issues include rural broadband and hurricane recovery. Voter registration and elections are administered by the Hyde County Board of Elections. Hyde’s small population and geographic isolation contribute to low turnout and unique logistical challenges during elections.

As of 2022, Hyde County, NC, had an estimated population of 4,943. The median age is 46.4 years. The gender split is nearly even, with about 51% male and 49% female. Regarding race and ethnicity, approximately 62% identify as White, 32% as Black or African American, 1.6% as Native American, and about 8% as Hispanic or Latino (of any race). The county remains one of North Carolina’s least populated areas.

Hyde County, NC, has one public high school—Mattamuskeet Early College High—serving around 150 students, with a graduation rate of approximately 86%. Only 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Hyde County Schools score below state averages, with a district performance grade of D (2022). School safety is prioritized through controlled access and resource officers. Educational programs include career and early college options. Adult education opportunities are available via Beaufort County Community College partnerships.

Hyde County, NC, has an employment rate of approximately 58% (aged 16+). The leading industries are agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (about 18%), educational services, health care, and social assistance (22%), and public administration (11%). Major occupation types include management, business, science, and arts (26%) and service occupations (30%). Around 81% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 23 minutes. Most residents work within the county, but about 15% commute to neighboring counties like Beaufort and Washington.

Hyde County, NC, offers a rural housing market with a median home value of around $93,000 in 2023 and a homeownership rate near 72%. Rental options are limited, with a median rent of about $690 monthly. Housing types are predominantly single-family homes, many older, with some waterfront properties in areas like Ocracoke. Neighborhoods are sparsely populated, with Swan Quarter and Ocracoke being notable communities. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.61% of property value. The market has remained stable, with gradual appreciation of 2% annually over recent years.

Hyde County, NC, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. As of 2022, the county reported approximately 130 total crimes, with 15 violent crimes and 115 property crimes, resulting in a crime rate of around 19.2 per 1,000 residents. The sheriff's department actively encourages crime reporting and community engagement. While violent crime remains below the North Carolina average, residents are advised to remain vigilant, especially regarding property theft. Continued improvements in law enforcement and neighborhood watch programs have contributed to increased safety across Hyde County.