Median Income
$48,980
35% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
364/100K
4% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
49.6%
47% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.2%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Hatteras Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population381
Median Age33.1 yrs
Density241/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$48,980
Per Capita$21,347
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,087M
Commute21 min
Housing
Ownership55.4%
Zillow$508,980
Housing Units523
Rent Burden41.3%
Crime
F
Violent364/100K
Property2,986/100K
Health
Obesity31.2%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking12.9%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain61.2 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation2 ft (1 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+49.6%
High School+99.2%
Graduate+16.9%
School Score6.28
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute21 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Hatteras a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hatteras receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Hatteras offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hatteras is $48,980, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hatteras is below the national average at 364 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,986 per 100,000, 52% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 49.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 99.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Hatteras enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 61.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Hatteras has a population of 381 with a density of 241 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 33.1 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57% female and 43% male. The city is predominantly White (91.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.4% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.1yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.4%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.6%
73% below US avg
The median household income in Hatteras is $48,980, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,347 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $894, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,329 business establishments, including 351 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 17.6% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,980 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,347 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $894 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,788 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,329 |
| County GDP | $3,087M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 351 |
| Healthcare | 106 |
| Retail | 436 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,288 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 36.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.6% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $508,980. Homes sell for 93.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 55.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 523 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $4,288 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 41.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Home Values
| |
| Zillow ZHVI | $508,980 |
| Median List Price | $437,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $437,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $433 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.9% |
| Price Drops | 9.4% |
| Inventory | 32 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.6% |
| Housing Units | 523 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,288 |
| 23% above US avg |
In Hatteras, 31.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 18.1% report binge drinking. 19.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,719. The dentist ratio is 1:1,518. 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hatteras vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.2% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.2% |
| Depression | 27.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 28.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,719 |
| Dentists | 1:1,518 |
| Mental Health | 1:465 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Dental Visits | 67.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,307/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Hatteras has a violent crime rate of 364 per 100,000 residents, 4% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,986 per 100,000, 52% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hatteras receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hatteras vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 364.2/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,986.2/100K |
| 52% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hatteras enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 302 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 61.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 2 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.8°F |
| 20% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2 ft (1 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 241/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.2199°N, 75.6879°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Dare County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dare County Regional (MEO) 48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
61.2"
61% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
6.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 89.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 11, 2014.
| Aug 6, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Bayboro, North Carolina |
M3.6 |
101 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
86 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
25 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Isaias (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
296 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
8 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 3 |
155 km |
| 2017 |
Maria |
Category 1 |
254 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
50 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
30 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
64 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
158 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
58 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
45 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
59 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
114 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
65 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
131 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
67 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
239 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
176 km |
| 1995 |
Felix |
Category 1 |
253 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
169 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
54 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
125 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 43 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 17, 1952 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2011 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2002 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1999 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1990 |
EF2 |
5 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1990 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1989 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 1988 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 1987 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1986 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1982 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1978 |
EF2 |
90 km |
1 |
| May 27, 1974 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1973 |
EF2 |
96 km |
1 |
| May 27, 1960 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1952 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 2024 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2020 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLAN ROAD (110,696 ac, 1985).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1985 |
ALLAN ROAD |
110,696 |
74 km |
| 2008 |
EVANS ROAD |
41,560 |
80 km |
| 2011 |
PAINS BAY |
40,218 |
52 km |
| 2016 |
WHIPPING CREEK ROAD |
12,512 |
49 km |
| 2023 |
LAST RESORT |
4,974 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
2-2-1 ROANOKE MARSHES |
4,953 |
70 km |
| 2005 |
WEST MARSH UNIT 3.3.1 |
4,867 |
68 km |
| 2015 |
NCCDR FY15 RX WEST MARSH |
4,751 |
67 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
4,031 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
TRAINING FIRE |
3,843 |
79 km |
| 2007 |
3 4 1 RUMLEYS MARSH FY 07 |
3,556 |
64 km |
| 2024 |
HIGHWAY 12 |
3,502 |
73 km |
| 2006 |
BELL ISLAND CENTRAL UNIT 2 1 2 |
3,307 |
66 km |
| 2017 |
NCALR FY17 RX A 2.2 |
3,303 |
68 km |
| 2003 |
ROANOKE MARSH 2 2 5 A |
3,156 |
68 km |
| 2006 |
ROANOKE MARSHES - 2.2.5 |
3,139 |
69 km |
| 2022 |
NCCDR-FY22-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
3,113 |
67 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,042 |
76 km |
| 1999 |
LSR 2 5 6 |
2,629 |
42 km |
| 2009 |
SW MASHOES |
2,499 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
5.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
49°F (10°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
6.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| November |
60°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
53°F (12°C) |
4.2 in |
|
Hatteras has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 48°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 56.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (6.5") and April the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Hatteras. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$236 ($141–$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189–$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94–$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754–$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141–$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377–$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94–$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141–$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772–$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377–$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187–$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472–$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715–$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886–$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754–$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189–$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943–$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83–$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36–$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36–$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83–$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77–$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132–$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566–$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472–$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189–$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377–$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715–$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94–$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $997 |
| Toddler | $885 |
| Preschool | $767 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $831 |
| Toddler | $701 |
| Preschool | $706 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hatteras
What is the population of Hatteras?
Hatteras has a population of 381 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 241 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57% female and 43% male.
Is Hatteras expensive to live in?
Hatteras is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $48,980, 35% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Hatteras safe?
Hatteras is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 364 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,986 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hatteras receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hatteras?
Hatteras enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 61.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Hatteras?
The job market in Hatteras is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $894. There are 2,329 business establishments in the area, including 351 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 17.6% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Hatteras?
Schools in Hatteras score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 49.6% of adults in Hatteras hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.2% have completed high school. 16.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hatteras?
The obesity rate in Hatteras is 31.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 19.2% are physically inactive. 27.0% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,719.
What is transportation like in Hatteras?
The average commute in Hatteras is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 36.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hatteras?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hatteras is 91.3% White. 96.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.6% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 20.9% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.