Ocracoke, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
723
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$77,583/yr
% year-over-year change
Housing units
711
-1.2% year-over-year change

Ocracoke population

How many people live in Ocracoke

Ocracoke is home to 723 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 59.1% of Ocracoke locals are male, and 40.9% are female.

Total population
723
2.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
59.1%
427
Female
40.9%
296
Value Percent YoY change
Male 427 59.1% -2.5%
Female 296 40.9% 9.2%
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 Ocracoke is 50, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.7% are children under 15, then 6.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 12.2% of the population, while another 46.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13% are 65 or older.

Median age
49.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.7%
15 to 24
6.9%
25 to 44
12.2%
45 to 64
46.2%
Over 65
13%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 157 21.7% -23.0%
15 to 24 50 6.9% 284.6%
25 to 44 88 12.2% -26.7%
45 to 64 334 46.2% 39.8%
Over 65 94 13% -29.3%
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

There’s also a share of 14.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 723 100% 2.0%
Racial breakdown
White
84.6%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.9%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 612 84.6%
Black or African American 3 0.4%
Two or more races 108 14.9%

Households in Ocracoke

A peek inside Ocracoke households

Ocracoke has 387 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.3% are families, while the remaining 36.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
387
-0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
142
Family households
245
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 142 36.7% -17.9%
Family households 245 63.3% 12.9%
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 Ocracoke

The housing landscape of Ocracoke

Ocracoke's housing consists of 711 units, with 86.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 6.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
711
-1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 614 86.4%
5 to 9 units 53 7.4%
Mobile home 44 6.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ocracoke

In Ocracoke, the median construction year is 1978. About 12.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13.8% 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 90 12.7% 18.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 98 13.8% 1.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 23 3.2% -59.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 192 27% 51.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 137 19.3% -17.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 73 10.3% -23.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 75 10.6% -2.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 23 3.2% -11.5%
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.

Ocracoke occupancy rates

Out of the 387 occupied housing units in Ocracoke, 76.7% are owner-occupied, while 23.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 45.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
387
-0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
90
Owner occupied
297
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 90 23.3% -29.7%
Owner occupied 297 76.7% 13.4%
Unoccupied housing units
45.6%
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.

Ocracoke housing costs

Housing costs in Ocracoke come to a median of $1,371 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,408.

Median housing costs per month
$1,371/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 Ocracoke
$1,408/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 Ocracoke

Ocracoke education at a glance

About 23.5% of the population in Ocracoke went to high school, while 32.1% pursued college studies. Another earned an associate degree and 24.6% 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 31 5.8% N/A
High school diploma 125 23.5% -26.9%
College diploma 171 32.1% 61.3%
Bachelor's degree 131 24.6% -19.6%
Graduate degree 74 13.9% 13.8%
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 Ocracoke

How much people earn in Ocracoke

The average annual household income in Ocracoke was $60,184 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +22.2% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Ocracoke
$60,184/year
22.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ocracoke
$77,583/year
% year-over-year change

Ocracoke income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $65,565 overall. Overall, 83.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $65,565 N/A
Above poverty level
602
Below poverty level
121
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 602 83.3% 2.0%
Below poverty level 121 16.7% 1.7%

Employment in Ocracoke

Workforce and job types in Ocracoke

The job market in Ocracoke is powered by 331 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 94.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 37.2% run their own businesses, 52.9% are employed by private companies, and 10% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
331
23.1% year-over-year change
White collar
312
Blue collar
19
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 312 94.3% 27.9%
Blue collar 19 5.7% -24.0%
Employer type
Self employees
37.2%
Private companies
52.9%
Governmental workers
10%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 123 37.2% 8.8%
Private companies 175 52.9% 68.3%
Governmental workers 33 10% -36.5%
Unemployment rate
0.9%
50.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ocracoke stands at 0.9%, 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 Ocracoke

How people get around in Ocracoke

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 317 95.8% 29.9%
Bicycle 14 4.2% N/A
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 Ocracoke by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27960 723 387 $77,583 $60,184

Explore more communities

FAQs about Ocracoke demographics 

What is the total population of Ocracoke?

Ocracoke has a total population of 723 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 +2.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ocracoke?

The gender ratio in Ocracoke is as follows:
  • 59.1% males (427 residents)
  • 40.9% females (296 residents)

What is the median age in Ocracoke?

The median age in Ocracoke is 49.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ocracoke?

The age distribution in Ocracoke is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.7% (157 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.9% (50 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 12.2% (88 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 46.2% (334 residents)
  • Over 65: 13% (94 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ocracoke?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ocracoke is as follows:
  • White: 84.6% (612 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (3 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.9% (108 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Ocracoke.

How many housing units are there in Ocracoke?

There are 711 housing units in Ocracoke, 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 Ocracoke and what is the average household size?

Ocracoke has a total of 387 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ocracoke?

Ocracoke has a median household income of $77,583, representing a % shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 99.1% in Ocracoke, with a workforce of 331 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.3% (312 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.7% (19 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 37.2% (123 residents)
  • Private companies: 52.9% (175 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10% (33 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% (0 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