Median Income
$34,066
55% lower than US avg
Home Value
$431,300
53% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
364/100K
4% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
68.8%
104% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
5.2%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Rodanthe Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population306
Median Age52.4 yrs
Density319/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$34,066
Per Capita$31,488
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,087M
Housing
F
Home Value$431,300
Ownership66.2%
Zillow$607,101
Housing Units550
Rent Burden31.8%
Crime
F
Violent364/100K
Property2,986/100K
Health
Obesity31.0%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking13.1%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain61.6 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation4 ft (1 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+68.8%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+16.0%
School Score6.28
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Broadband73.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Rodanthe a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rodanthe receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Rodanthe has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rodanthe is $34,066, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rodanthe is $431,300, making it a premium housing market at 53% above the U.S. median of $281,900. With a home price-to-income ratio of 12.7x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Rodanthe 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
Rodanthe is a highly educated community / 68.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Rodanthe enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 47°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 61.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Rodanthe has a population of 306 with a density of 319 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 52.4 years, 35% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.2% female and 43.8% male. The city is predominantly White (94.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 83.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.4yrs
Median Age
35% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Rodanthe is $34,066, which is 55% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,488 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $894, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above 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. 38.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $34,066 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,488 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $894 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,788 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above 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) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 45.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 38.5% |
The median home value in Rodanthe is $431,300, 53% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $607,101, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.8% 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. 66.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 550 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1994. The average annual property tax is $4,288 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 12.7x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $431,300 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $607,101 |
| Median List Price | $615,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $615,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $377 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.8% |
| Price Drops | 15.4% |
| Inventory | 26 |
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 | 66.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.8% |
| Housing Units | 550 |
| Median Year Built | 1994 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,288 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.99% |
In Rodanthe, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 13.1% are current smokers. 19.3% report binge drinking. 18.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% 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: Rodanthe vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.6% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 26.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,719 |
| Dentists | 1:1,518 |
| Mental Health | 1:465 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 73.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,307/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Rodanthe 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, Rodanthe receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rodanthe 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 |
Rodanthe enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 47°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 61.6 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 4 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.5°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4 ft (1 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 319/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.5925°N, 75.4664°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Dare County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dare County Regional (MEO)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
61.6"
62% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
6.14"
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 |
132 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
110 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
24 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Dorian (2019, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
45 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
201 km |
| 2017 |
Maria |
Category 1 |
239 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
79 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
23 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
74 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
154 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
100 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
41 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
101 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
121 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
91 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
156 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
45 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
272 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
205 km |
| 1995 |
Felix |
Category 1 |
232 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
212 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
51 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
52 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
95 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 31 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 17, 1952 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2011 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1999 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1990 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 1988 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 1987 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1986 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1982 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1978 |
EF2 |
52 km |
1 |
| May 27, 1960 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1952 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2018 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2017 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2014 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 2011 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2011 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF1 |
68 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 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
PAINS BAY |
40,218 |
34 km |
| 2016 |
WHIPPING CREEK ROAD |
12,512 |
40 km |
| 2023 |
LAST RESORT |
4,974 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
2-2-1 ROANOKE MARSHES |
4,953 |
39 km |
| 2006 |
BELL ISLAND CENTRAL UNIT 2 1 2 |
3,307 |
84 km |
| 2017 |
NCALR FY17 RX A 2.2 |
3,303 |
37 km |
| 2003 |
ROANOKE MARSH 2 2 5 A |
3,156 |
37 km |
| 2006 |
ROANOKE MARSHES - 2.2.5 |
3,139 |
37 km |
| 1999 |
NORTH RIVER |
3,055 |
96 km |
| 1999 |
LSR 2 5 6 |
2,629 |
30 km |
| 2009 |
SW MASHOES |
2,499 |
52 km |
| 2005 |
LONG SHOAL RIVER 2.5.2-5 |
2,333 |
32 km |
| 2003 |
FIRST FIRE-CODE 1 |
2,319 |
33 km |
| 2009 |
2-1-3 BELL ISLAND SOUTH |
2,297 |
85 km |
| 2000 |
QUAD 2 1 2 |
2,068 |
43 km |
| 2022 |
FEREBEE ROAD |
1,954 |
87 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,877 |
36 km |
| 2002 |
BELL SLOP |
1,818 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| April |
58°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
6.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
50°F (10°C) |
4.0 in |
|
Rodanthe has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 45°F in February to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 54.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (6.1") and April the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Rodanthe. 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 Rodanthe
What is the population of Rodanthe?
Rodanthe has a population of 306 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 319 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.2% female and 43.8% male.
Is Rodanthe expensive to live in?
Rodanthe 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 $34,066, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $431,300 (53% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 12.7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Rodanthe safe?
Rodanthe 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, Rodanthe receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rodanthe?
Rodanthe enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 47°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 61.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Rodanthe?
The unemployment rate in Rodanthe is 5.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $894. There are 2,329 business establishments in the area, including 351 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Rodanthe?
The median home value in Rodanthe is $431,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $607,101. The homeownership rate is 66.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,288.
How are the schools in Rodanthe?
Schools in Rodanthe score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 68.8% of adults in Rodanthe hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 16.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rodanthe?
The obesity rate in Rodanthe is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.1% of adults are smokers. 18.6% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,719.
What are the demographics of Rodanthe?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rodanthe is 94.8% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.3% of residents have a disability. 83.2% have health insurance coverage.
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