Manteo, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,020
9.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,777/yr
6.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,534
5.2% year-over-year change

Manteo population

How many people live in Manteo

Manteo is home to 2,020 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.2% of Manteo locals are male, and 54.8% are female.

Total population
2,020
9.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.2%
914
Female
54.8%
1,106
Value Percent YoY change
Male 914 45.2% 12.3%
Female 1,106 54.8% 6.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Manteo is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.1% are children under 15, then 10.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.7% of the population, while another 20.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 29.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.1%
15 to 24
10.5%
25 to 44
21.7%
45 to 64
20.4%
Over 65
29.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 366 18.1% 9.9%
15 to 24 213 10.5% -1.4%
25 to 44 438 21.7% -1.6%
45 to 64 411 20.4% 6.8%
Over 65 592 29.3% 24.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Manteo, 89.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.9% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.6%
Non-citizens
6.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,809 89.6% 12.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 72 3.6% 4.3%
Non-citizens 139 6.9% -21.9%
Racial breakdown
White
78.4%
Black or African American
7.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.5%
Two or more races
3.3%
Other
10.4%
Value Percent
White 1,584 78.4%
Black or African American 149 7.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 10 0.5%
Two or more races 66 3.3%
Other 211 10.4%

Households in Manteo

A peek inside Manteo households

Manteo has 960 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.2% are families, while the remaining 45.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
960
13.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
440
Family households
520
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 440 45.8% 22.6%
Family households 520 54.2% 6.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Manteo

The housing landscape of Manteo

Manteo's housing consists of 1,534 units, with 46% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,534
5.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 705 46%
1 unit, attached 84 5.5%
2 units 36 2.4%
3 or 4 units 186 12.1%
5 to 9 units 189 12.3%
10 to 19 units 222 14.5%
20 to 49 units 98 6.4%
50 or more units 6 0.4%
Mobile home 8 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
5
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Manteo

In Manteo, the median construction year is 1992. About 9.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 25.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 148 9.6% 24.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 61 4% 103.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 50 3.3% 56.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 17 1.1% -57.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 67 4.4% -11.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 366 23.9% -1.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 314 20.5% -2.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 396 25.8% 3.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 110 7.2% 25.0%
Built in 2020 or later 5 0.3% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Manteo occupancy rates

Out of the 960 occupied housing units in Manteo, 63.3% are owner-occupied, while 36.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 37.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
960
13.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
352
Owner occupied
608
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 352 36.7% 7.7%
Owner occupied 608 63.3% 16.5%
Unoccupied housing units
37.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Manteo housing costs

Housing costs in Manteo come to a median of $1,572 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,204.

Median housing costs per month
$1,572/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Manteo
$1,204/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Manteo

Manteo education at a glance

About 24.9% of the population in Manteo went to high school, while 22.5% pursued college studies. Another 6.6% earned an associate degree and 26.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 46 3.1% -6.1%
High school diploma 374 24.9% -6.5%
College diploma 338 22.5% 18.2%
Associate degree 99 6.6% 25.3%
Bachelor's degree 396 26.4% 21.5%
Graduate degree 247 16.5% 0.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Manteo

How much people earn in Manteo

The average annual household income in Manteo was $104,888 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,777, reflecting a +6.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Manteo
$104,888/year
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Manteo
$83,777/year
6.6% year-over-year change

Manteo income by age

In Manteo, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $84,211. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $92,188 overall. Overall, 80.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $84,211 N/A
45 - 64 $92,188 -9.3%
Over 65 $67,232 5.8%
Above poverty level
1,626
Below poverty level
388
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,626 80.7% 14.7%
Below poverty level 388 19.3% -9.8%

Average renter income in Manteo

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Manteo, their median household income was $38,906 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$38,906
Rent-to-income ratio
37.1%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Manteo

Workforce and job types in Manteo

The job market in Manteo is powered by 928 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.2% run their own businesses, 58.6% are employed by private companies, and 19.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
928
10.7% year-over-year change
White collar
765
Blue collar
163
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 765 82.4% 10.4%
Blue collar 163 17.6% 12.4%
Employer type
Self employees
14.2%
Private companies
58.6%
Governmental workers
19.6%
Not for profit companies
7.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 132 14.2% -0.8%
Private companies 544 58.6% 8.8%
Governmental workers 182 19.6% 12.3%
Not for profit companies 70 7.5% 62.8%
Unemployment rate
6.1%
-1.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Manteo stands at 6.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Manteo

How people get around in Manteo

Commuting methods vary: 79.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 741 79.7% 12.3%
Bicycle 13 1.4% 18.2%
Walk 49 5.3% 0.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Manteo by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27954 7,237 2,983 $80,587 $113,568

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FAQs about Manteo demographics 

What is the total population of Manteo?

Manteo has a total population of 2,020 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +9.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Manteo?

The gender ratio in Manteo is as follows:
  • 45.2% males (914 residents)
  • 54.8% females (1,106 residents)

What is the median age in Manteo?

The median age in Manteo is 43.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Manteo?

The age distribution in Manteo is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.1% (366 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.5% (213 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.7% (438 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.4% (411 residents)
  • Over 65: 29.3% (592 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Manteo?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Manteo is as follows:
  • White: 78.4% (1,584 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.4% (149 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.5% (10 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.3% (66 residents)
  • Other: 10.4% (211 residents)

What percentage of the population in Manteo are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.6% of the population in Manteo.

How many housing units are there in Manteo?

There are 1,534 housing units in Manteo, reflecting a +5.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Manteo and what is the average household size?

Manteo has a total of 960 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Manteo?

Manteo has a median household income of $83,777, representing a +6.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Manteo?

The employment rate is 93.9% in Manteo, with a workforce of 928 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.4% (765 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.6% (163 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.2% (132 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.6% (544 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.6% (182 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.5% (70 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025