Median Income
$73,542
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$257,100
9% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
364/100K
4% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.2%
13% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,031
11% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.5%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.3%
65% lower than US avg
How Wanchese Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,793
Median Age37.6 yrs
Density384/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$73,542
Per Capita$37,035
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty4.3%
County GDP$3,087M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$257,100
Rent$1,031
Ownership73.3%
Zillow$358,253
Housing Units792
Rent Burden25.5%
Crime
F
Violent364/100K
Property2,986/100K
Health
Obesity33.5%
Uninsured10.3%
Smoking15.4%
Depression27.4%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (16°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain46.6 in/yr
Sunny Days310/yr
Elevation7 ft (2 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.2%
High School+92.6%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score6.28
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute21 min
Broadband87.9%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Wanchese a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wanchese receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Wanchese offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wanchese is $73,542, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wanchese is $257,100, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,031 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wanchese 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
29.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Wanchese enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 310 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Wanchese has a population of 1,793 with a density of 384 people per square mile, spread across 5.5 square miles. The median age is 37.6 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (97.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.3% of residents, while 5.7% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 86.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.6yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.3%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.7%
57% below US avg
The median household income in Wanchese is $73,542, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,035. The average weekly wage is $894, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.3% 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). 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,542 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,035 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $894 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,788 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.3% |
| 65% 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 | 1.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Wanchese is $257,100, 9% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $358,253, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,031 (11% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 792 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). 25.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $257,100 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $358,253 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,031 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.7% |
| Housing Units | 792 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,288 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.67% |
In Wanchese, 33.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 17.4% report binge drinking. 22.8% are physically inactive. 27.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 10.3% 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: Wanchese vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.8% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 30.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.6% |
| Uninsured | 10.3% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,719 |
| Dentists | 1:1,518 |
| Mental Health | 1:465 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.6% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,307/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Wanchese 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, Wanchese receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wanchese 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 |
Wanchese enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (16°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 310 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 46.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 7 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 61.6°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 310 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 7 ft (2 m) |
| Area | 5.5 sq mi (14.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 384/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.8402°N, 75.6417°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Dare County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dare County Regional (MEO)
6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.6"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
5.83"
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 |
108 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 |
69 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
219 km |
| 2017 |
Maria |
Category 1 |
262 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
109 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
14 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
43 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
177 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
127 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
72 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
107 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
106 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
122 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
188 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
22 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
270 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
201 km |
| 1995 |
Felix |
Category 1 |
249 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
238 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
72 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
77 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
140 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 47 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 17, 1952 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2011 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2002 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1999 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1990 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 1988 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Nov 5, 1988 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 1987 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1986 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF2 |
88 km |
1 |
| May 16, 1983 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1982 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1978 |
EF2 |
21 km |
1 |
| Sep 14, 1973 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1973 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1967 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1963 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1960 |
EF2 |
64 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 |
58 km |
| 2008 |
EVANS ROAD |
41,560 |
66 km |
| 2011 |
PAINS BAY |
40,218 |
25 km |
| 2016 |
WHIPPING CREEK ROAD |
12,512 |
34 km |
| 2023 |
LAST RESORT |
4,974 |
66 km |
| 2009 |
2-2-1 ROANOKE MARSHES |
4,953 |
11 km |
| 2006 |
BELL ISLAND CENTRAL UNIT 2 1 2 |
3,307 |
81 km |
| 2017 |
NCALR FY17 RX A 2.2 |
3,303 |
11 km |
| 2003 |
ROANOKE MARSH 2 2 5 A |
3,156 |
9 km |
| 2006 |
ROANOKE MARSHES - 2.2.5 |
3,139 |
10 km |
| 1999 |
NORTH RIVER |
3,055 |
64 km |
| 1999 |
LSR 2 5 6 |
2,629 |
31 km |
| 2009 |
SW MASHOES |
2,499 |
22 km |
| 2005 |
LONG SHOAL RIVER 2.5.2-5 |
2,333 |
32 km |
| 2003 |
FIRST FIRE-CODE 1 |
2,319 |
23 km |
| 2009 |
2-1-3 BELL ISLAND SOUTH |
2,297 |
83 km |
| 2008 |
MCPHERSON ROAD |
2,087 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
QUAD 2 1 2 |
2,068 |
16 km |
| 2022 |
FEREBEE ROAD |
1,954 |
73 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,877 |
10 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
4.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
44°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| March |
51°F (10°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
5.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
5.8 in |
Wettest |
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| November |
56°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Wanchese has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 43°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (5.8") and April the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Wanchese. 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 Wanchese
What is the population of Wanchese?
Wanchese has a population of 1,793 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 384 people per square mile, spread across 5.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.6 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Wanchese expensive to live in?
Wanchese 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 $73,542, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $257,100 (9% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,031 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wanchese safe?
Wanchese 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, Wanchese receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wanchese?
Wanchese enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 310 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.6 inches, with 1.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Wanchese?
The job market in Wanchese is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / 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 21 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wanchese?
The median home value in Wanchese is $257,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $358,253. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,031. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,288.
How are the schools in Wanchese?
Schools in Wanchese score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.2% of adults in Wanchese hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wanchese?
The obesity rate in Wanchese is 33.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 22.8% are physically inactive. 27.4% of residents report depression. 10.3% 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 Wanchese?
The average commute in Wanchese is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wanchese?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wanchese is 97.8% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 94.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.7% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 86.6% have health insurance coverage.
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