Living in Nags Head, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Nags Head · Census data 2020–2024
Nags Head has 3,160 residents with a median age of 58.4. The median household income is $91,264 (26% higher than the North Carolina median), the median home value is $490,800, the median rent is $1,005/month.
Nags Head at a glance
- Population
- 3,160
- Median age
- 58.4State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $91,264State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $490,800State: $288,900
- Median rent
- $1,005/moState: $1,228
- Homeowners
- 82.8%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 50.9%
- Average commute
- 23 min
Is Nags Head a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 26% higher than the North Carolina median; an average commute of 23 minutes; unemployment of 1%; a poverty rate of 2.4%.
Cons: Home values 70% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in May–June and September–October.
Cost of living in Nags Head
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Nags Head the median home value is $490,800, 48% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,005 per month, which is 36.9% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,851 a month in housing costs.
Nags Head median household income
The median household income in Nags Head is $91,264 and the income per person is $60,017. 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in Nags Head: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 5,275
- Owner-occupied
- 82.8%
- Renter-occupied
- 17.2%
- Vacant
- 69.9%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1987
- Average household size
- 1.95
69.9% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Nags Head has many vacation and second homes.
Nags Head demographics
- Population
- 3,160
- Median age
- 58.4
- Under 18
- 11.4%
- 65 and older
- 40%
- Households
- 1,586
- Foreign-born
- 2.4%
- Veterans
- 10.4%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Nags Head ›
Education in Nags Head
50.9% of adults 25 and older in Nags Head have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 15.1% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Nags Head
- Unemployment rate
- 1%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 23 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 10.9%
- Drive alone
- 84.3%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 0%
- Homes with broadband
- 94.2%
Nags Head vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nags Head | 3,160 | $91,264 | $490,800 | $1,005 |
| Manteo | 2,020 | $83,777 | $444,400 | $1,204 |
| Kill Devil Hills | 7,761 | $89,773 | $442,200 | $1,626 |
| Wanchese | 1,956 | $88,750 | $311,800 | $1,073 |
| Manns Harbor | 926 | $51,800 | $253,000 | $1,294 |
| Kitty Hawk | 3,724 | $94,450 | $535,000 | $1,309 |
| Southern Shores | 3,139 | $131,429 | $712,300 | — |
| Duck | 669 | $136,250 | $767,500 | $1,500 |
| Grandy | 2,245 | $62,847 | $306,000 | $1,122 |
More for people moving to Nags Head
Nags Head ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Nags Head: FAQ
What is the median household income in Nags Head, NC?
The median household income in Nags Head is $91,264, 26% higher than the North Carolina median of $72,388 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Nags Head?
The median home value in Nags Head is $490,800, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
How much is rent in Nags Head?
The median gross rent in Nags Head is $1,005 per month, about 36.9% of household income.
Is Nags Head, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 26% higher than the North Carolina median; an average commute of 23 minutes; unemployment of 1%; a poverty rate of 2.4%. Minuses: home values 70% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in Nags Head?
The median age in Nags Head is 58.4 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in Nags Head?
The average commute to work in Nags Head is 23 minutes; 10.9% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Nags Head?
The unemployment rate in Nags Head is 1% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Nags Head?
50.9% of adults in Nags Head have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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