Nags Head, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Nags Head, North Carolina had a total population of 3,160, the 254th largest town in North Carolina, with a median household income of $91,264, which is 26% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 2.4%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 2.4% — among the lowest in North Carolina.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.0%.
Nags Head Quick Facts
How Nags Head Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,164 | 3,160 | -0.1% |
| Median household income | $87,619 | $91,264 | +4.2% |
| Median home value | $451,100 | $490,800 | +8.8% |
How Nags Head Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 58 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Nags Head Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Other Cities in Dare County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kill Devil Hills | 7,761 | $89,773 | 9.2% | $442,200 |
| Kitty Hawk | 3,724 | $94,450 | 4.7% | $535,000 |
| Southern Shores | 3,139 | $131,429 | 0.6% | $712,300 |
| Manteo | 2,020 | $83,777 | 19.2% | $444,400 |
| Wanchese | 1,956 | $88,750 | 6.3% | $311,800 |
| Buxton | 1,267 | N/A | 6.7% | $409,900 |
| Manns Harbor | 926 | $51,800 | 25.1% | $253,000 |
| Rodanthe | 781 | N/A | 2.3% | N/A |
| Duck | 669 | $136,250 | 10.8% | $767,500 |
| Frisco | 664 | $43,846 | 1.1% | $439,600 |
Cities Similar to Nags Head
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wallburg | 3,150 | $88,406 | $343,700 | 35.1% | 2.4% |
| Mineral Springs | 3,314 | $91,500 | $389,900 | 35.2% | 4.2% |
| Youngsville | 3,011 | $86,528 | $434,100 | 43.9% | 14.3% |
| Red Oak | 3,405 | $90,214 | $271,800 | 37.0% | 2.2% |
| Lake Royale | 3,168 | $107,806 | $280,400 | 22.1% | 7.3% |
Population Overview
Nags Head is a small community located in North Carolina, within Dare County. The total population is 3,160. It ranks as the 254th most populous out of 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Nags Head is 58.4 years. This is 49% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. Only 11.4% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 12.4% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Nags Head is $91,264. This is 26% higher than the state median of $72,388. It is also 13% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 2.4%. This is 81% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.0%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 1.0%. This is 79% lower than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $490,800. Housing costs are 70% higher than the state median of $288,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.4x. 82.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 24% higher than the state average of 66.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Nags Head has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.6% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.9%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (93.6% vs 60.0%). The Black or African American population (0.7%) is well below the state average of 20.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.9%) is well below the state average of 11.3%. The Asian population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 3.3%.
Education
50.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 43% higher than the state rate of 35.6%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.9%. Notably, 15.1% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Nags Head, North Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against North Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Nags Head, North Carolina?
Nags Head, North Carolina has a population of 3,160 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Nags Head, NC?
The median household income in Nags Head is $91,264, which is 13% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Nags Head, NC?
The poverty rate in Nags Head is 2.4%. This means approximately 75 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Nags Head, North Carolina?
Nags Head's population is 93.6% White, 0.7% Black, 2.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Nags Head, NC?
The median home value in Nags Head is $490,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.4x.
How educated is Nags Head, North Carolina?
50.9% of adults (25+) in Nags Head hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 15.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.