Nags Head, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,160
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$91,264/yr
4.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,275
1.2% year-over-year change

Nags Head population

How many people live in Nags Head

Nags Head is home to 3,160 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Nags Head locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
3,160
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
1,569
Female
50.4%
1,591
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,569 49.6% -6.9%
Female 1,591 50.4% 7.7%
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 Nags Head is 58, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.2% are children under 15, then 8.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 15.4% of the population, while another 26% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 40% are 65 or older.

Median age
58.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.2%
15 to 24
8.4%
25 to 44
15.4%
45 to 64
26%
Over 65
40%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 322 10.2% -4.7%
15 to 24 264 8.4% -6.4%
25 to 44 488 15.4% 33.3%
45 to 64 822 26% -1.8%
Over 65 1,264 40% -5.7%
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 Nags Head, 96.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 94.3% of locals are Caucasian, 0.7% are African American and 1.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3%
Non-citizens
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,039 96.2% -0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 96 3% 17.1%
Non-citizens 25 0.8% 38.9%
Racial breakdown
White
94.3%
Black or African American
0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.1%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 2,979 94.3%
Black or African American 21 0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 17 0.5%
Asian 34 1.1%
Two or more races 97 3.1%
Other 12 0.4%

Households in Nags Head

A peek inside Nags Head households

Nags Head has 1,586 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.8% are families, while the remaining 43.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,586
-2.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
686
Family households
900
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 686 43.2% 4.4%
Family households 900 56.8% -7.1%
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 Nags Head

The housing landscape of Nags Head

Nags Head's housing consists of 5,275 units, with 80.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
5,275
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,245 80.5%
1 unit, attached 36 0.7%
2 units 240 4.6%
3 or 4 units 126 2.4%
5 to 9 units 384 7.3%
10 to 19 units 92 1.7%
20 to 49 units 152 2.9%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Nags Head

In Nags Head, the median construction year is 1987. About 3.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 190 3.6% 77.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 39 0.7% -9.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 86 1.6% -8.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 144 2.7% -14.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 878 16.6% -12.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,887 35.8% 8.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,133 21.5% -3.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 810 15.4% 7.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 108 2% -18.8%
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.

Nags Head occupancy rates

Out of the 1,586 occupied housing units in Nags Head, 82.8% are owner-occupied, while 17.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 69.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,586
-2.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
272
Owner occupied
1,314
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 272 17.2% -25.3%
Owner occupied 1,314 82.8% 4.1%
Unoccupied housing units
69.9%
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.

Nags Head housing costs

Housing costs in Nags Head come to a median of $1,516 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,005.

Median housing costs per month
$1,516/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 Nags Head
$1,005/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 Nags Head

Nags Head education at a glance

About 19.1% of the population in Nags Head went to high school, while 26% pursued college studies. Another 3.9% earned an associate degree and 36.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 27 1% 200.0%
High school diploma 534 19.1% -19.0%
College diploma 727 26% 41.2%
Associate degree 110 3.9% -37.9%
Bachelor's degree 1,014 36.2% 1.3%
Graduate degree 389 13.9% -8.2%
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 Nags Head

How much people earn in Nags Head

The average annual household income in Nags Head was $122,042 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $91,264, reflecting a +4.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Nags Head
$122,042/year
9.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Nags Head
$91,264/year
4.2% year-over-year change

Nags Head income by age

In Nags Head, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $96,782. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $117,000 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $48,078, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $87,296 in earnings. Overall, 97.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $48,078 5.9%
25 - 44 $96,782 -13.3%
45 - 64 $117,000 31.9%
Over 65 $87,296 -6.8%
Above poverty level
3,019
Below poverty level
75
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,019 97.6% 0.2%
Below poverty level 75 2.4% -6.2%

Average renter income in Nags Head

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Nags Head, their median household income was $43,220 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 27.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$43,220
Rent-to-income ratio
27.9%
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 Nags Head

Workforce and job types in Nags Head

The job market in Nags Head is powered by 1,592 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 20.2% run their own businesses, 65.3% are employed by private companies, and 9.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,592
6.3% year-over-year change
White collar
1,262
Blue collar
330
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,262 79.3% 1.9%
Blue collar 330 20.7% 26.9%
Employer type
Self employees
20.2%
Private companies
65.3%
Governmental workers
9.6%
Not for profit companies
4.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 322 20.2% 32.5%
Private companies 1,039 65.3% 4.6%
Governmental workers 153 9.6% -20.3%
Not for profit companies 78 4.9% 11.4%
Unemployment rate
1.0%
-46.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Nags Head stands at 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 Nags Head

How people get around in Nags Head

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,405 88.8% 12.8%
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 Nags Head by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27959 3,170 1,586 $91,264 $122,042

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FAQs about Nags Head demographics 

What is the total population of Nags Head?

Nags Head has a total population of 3,160 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 -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Nags Head?

The gender ratio in Nags Head is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (1,569 residents)
  • 50.4% females (1,591 residents)

What is the median age in Nags Head?

The median age in Nags Head is 58.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Nags Head?

The age distribution in Nags Head is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.2% (322 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.4% (264 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 15.4% (488 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26% (822 residents)
  • Over 65: 40% (1,264 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Nags Head?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Nags Head is as follows:
  • White: 94.3% (2,979 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.7% (21 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (17 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (34 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.1% (97 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (12 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.2% of the population in Nags Head.

How many housing units are there in Nags Head?

There are 5,275 housing units in Nags Head, reflecting a +1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Nags Head has a total of 1,586 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Nags Head?

Nags Head has a median household income of $91,264, representing a +4.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Nags Head?

The employment rate is 99% in Nags Head, with a workforce of 1,592 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.3% (1,262 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.7% (330 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 20.2% (322 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.3% (1,039 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.6% (153 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.9% (78 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