Home Value
$472,200
68% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
190/100K
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
46.3%
37% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,412
21% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.0%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.6%
34% higher than US avg
How Ocracoke Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population709
Median Age46.8 yrs
Density82/mi²
Male / Female62% / 38%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$26,649
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty16.6%
County GDP$3,087M
Commute20 min
Housing
Home Value$472,200
Rent$1,412
Ownership67.2%
Zillow$518,337
Housing Units638
Rent Burden39.8%
Crime
F
Violent190/100K
Property3,440/100K
Health
Obesity39.0%
Uninsured14.5%
Smoking20.4%
Depression29.2%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain58.3 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Education
A+
Bachelor's+46.3%
High School+92.1%
Graduate+6.3%
School Score6.28
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute20 min
Broadband90.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Ocracoke a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ocracoke receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Ocracoke has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. The poverty rate of 16.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ocracoke is $472,200, making it a premium housing market at 68% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,412 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ocracoke is below the national average at 190 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,440 per 100,000, 76% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 46.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 92.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ocracoke enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 58.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Ocracoke has a population of 709 with a density of 82 people per square mile, spread across 9.6 square miles. The median age is 46.8 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 38.2% female and 61.8% male. The city is predominantly White (83.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.5% of residents, while 11.5% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 3.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.8yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.5%
13% above US avg
Spanish
11.5%
14% below US avg
Per capita income is $26,649 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $894, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher 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 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $26,649 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $894 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,788 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.6% |
| 34% above 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) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Ocracoke is $472,200, 68% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $518,337. Monthly rent averages $1,412 (21% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 638 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $4,288 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 39.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $472,200 |
| 68% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $518,337 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,412 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 39.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.8% |
| Housing Units | 638 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,288 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.91% |
In Ocracoke, 39.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 36.1% have high blood pressure. 20.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.0% report binge drinking. 29.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 14.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 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: Ocracoke vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.1% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 9.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.4% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.6% |
| Depression | 29.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.8% |
| Uninsured | 14.5% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,719 |
| Dentists | 1:1,518 |
| Mental Health | 1:465 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 50.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,307/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Ocracoke has a violent crime rate of 190 per 100,000 residents, 50% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,440 per 100,000, 76% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ocracoke receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ocracoke vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 189.8/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,440.1/100K |
| 76% 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 |
Ocracoke enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 301 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 58.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.0°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Area | 9.6 sq mi (24.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 82/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.0732°N, 75.9985°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Dare County County |
| Nearest Airport | Coastal Carolina Regional (EWN)
59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
58.3"
53% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
6.50"
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 |
72 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
62 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 |
264 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
27 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 3 |
128 km |
| 2017 |
Maria |
Category 1 |
282 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
42 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
25 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
46 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
176 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
45 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
35 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
285 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
27 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
79 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
101 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
122 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
81 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
208 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
146 km |
| 1995 |
Felix |
Category 1 |
283 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
155 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
191 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 49 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 24, 2018 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 2013 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2011 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2002 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1999 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1999 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Oct 8, 1996 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1990 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1990 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1989 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 1988 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 1987 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1986 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1974 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1973 |
EF2 |
78 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1969 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1968 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1968 |
EF2 |
81 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 |
73 km |
| 2008 |
EVANS ROAD |
41,560 |
76 km |
| 2011 |
PAINS BAY |
40,218 |
68 km |
| 1994 |
FISH DAY |
21,772 |
95 km |
| 2016 |
WHIPPING CREEK ROAD |
12,512 |
62 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
5,807 |
96 km |
| 2023 |
LAST RESORT |
4,974 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
2-2-1 ROANOKE MARSHES |
4,953 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
WEST MARSH UNIT 3.3.1 |
4,867 |
35 km |
| 2015 |
NCCDR FY15 RX WEST MARSH |
4,751 |
35 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
4,031 |
40 km |
| 2007 |
TRAINING FIRE |
3,843 |
46 km |
| 2007 |
3 4 1 RUMLEYS MARSH FY 07 |
3,556 |
32 km |
| 2024 |
HIGHWAY 12 |
3,502 |
41 km |
| 2006 |
BELL ISLAND CENTRAL UNIT 2 1 2 |
3,307 |
51 km |
| 2017 |
NCALR FY17 RX A 2.2 |
3,303 |
86 km |
| 2003 |
ROANOKE MARSH 2 2 5 A |
3,156 |
87 km |
| 2006 |
ROANOKE MARSHES - 2.2.5 |
3,139 |
88 km |
| 2022 |
NCCDR-FY22-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
3,113 |
35 km |
| 2009 |
CAROLINA BAY |
3,056 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
5.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
5.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
6.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| October |
67°F (19°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
Ocracoke has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 46°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 56.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (6.5") and April the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Ocracoke. 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 Ocracoke
What is the population of Ocracoke?
Ocracoke has a population of 709 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 82 people per square mile, spread across 9.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 38.2% female and 61.8% male.
Is Ocracoke expensive to live in?
Ocracoke is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $472,200 (68% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,412 per month, above the national average of $1,163.
Is Ocracoke safe?
Ocracoke is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 190 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,440 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ocracoke receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ocracoke?
Ocracoke enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 58.3 inches, with 1.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Ocracoke?
The job market in Ocracoke is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / 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 20 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ocracoke?
The median home value in Ocracoke is $472,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $518,337. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,412. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,288.
How are the schools in Ocracoke?
Schools in Ocracoke score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 46.3% of adults in Ocracoke hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. 6.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ocracoke?
The obesity rate in Ocracoke is 39.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.4% of adults are smokers. 29.6% are physically inactive. 29.2% of residents report depression. 14.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,719.
What is transportation like in Ocracoke?
The average commute in Ocracoke is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ocracoke?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ocracoke is 83.8% White. 88.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 11.5% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 3.5% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
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