Wanchese, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,956
9.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$88,750/yr
20.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
777
0.7% year-over-year change

Wanchese population

How many people live in Wanchese

Wanchese is home to 1,956 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.1% of Wanchese locals are male, and 47.9% are female.

Total population
1,956
9.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.1%
1,019
Female
47.9%
937
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,019 52.1% 14.8%
Female 937 47.9% 3.5%
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 Wanchese is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 26.4% are children under 15, then 7.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.3% of the population, while another 21.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
26.4%
15 to 24
7.5%
25 to 44
30.3%
45 to 64
21.2%
Over 65
14.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 517 26.4% 20.5%
15 to 24 146 7.5% 35.2%
25 to 44 593 30.3% 18.4%
45 to 64 414 21.2% -5.5%
Over 65 286 14.6% -9.8%
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 Wanchese, 98.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.1%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,923 98.3% 8.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 21 1.1% 110.0%
Non-citizens 12 0.6% -20.0%
Racial breakdown
White
91.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.6%
Other
4.6%
Value Percent
White 1,795 91.8%
Two or more races 70 3.6%
Other 91 4.6%

Households in Wanchese

A peek inside Wanchese households

Wanchese has 726 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 75.1% are families, while the remaining 24.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
726
3.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
181
Family households
545
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 181 24.9% -3.2%
Family households 545 75.1% 5.6%
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 Wanchese

The housing landscape of Wanchese

Wanchese's housing consists of 777 units, with 74.3% 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 23.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
777
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 577 74.3%
2 units 17 2.2%
Mobile home 183 23.6%
Homes built since 2020
4
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wanchese

In Wanchese, the median construction year is 1987. About 17.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 137 17.6% 5.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 18 2.3% -35.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 16 2.1% -11.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 49 6.3% 75.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 52 6.7% -39.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 159 20.5% -19.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 180 23.2% 24.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 82 10.6% 7.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 80 10.3% 25.0%
Built in 2020 or later 4 0.5% 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.

Wanchese occupancy rates

Out of the 726 occupied housing units in Wanchese, 69.4% are owner-occupied, while 30.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
726
3.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
222
Owner occupied
504
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 222 30.6% 18.1%
Owner occupied 504 69.4% -2.1%
Unoccupied housing units
6.6%
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.

Wanchese housing costs

Housing costs in Wanchese come to a median of $1,108 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,073.

Median housing costs per month
$1,108/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 Wanchese
$1,073/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 Wanchese

Wanchese education at a glance

About 47.6% of the population in Wanchese went to high school, while 14.4% pursued college studies. Another 9.6% earned an associate degree and 23.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 9 0.7% -10.0%
High school diploma 641 47.6% 4.6%
College diploma 194 14.4% -8.9%
Associate degree 130 9.6% 16.1%
Bachelor's degree 322 23.9% 6.3%
Graduate degree 52 3.9% -18.8%
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 Wanchese

How much people earn in Wanchese

The average annual household income in Wanchese was $107,841 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +14.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $88,750, reflecting a +20.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wanchese
$107,841/year
14.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wanchese
$88,750/year
20.7% year-over-year change

Wanchese income by age

In Wanchese, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $103,186. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $94,922 overall. Overall, 93.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $103,186 26.0%
45 - 64 $94,922 57.0%
Over 65 $63,056 -4.2%
Above poverty level
1,815
Below poverty level
124
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,815 93.6% 7.8%
Below poverty level 124 6.4% 39.3%

Average renter income in Wanchese

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Wanchese, their median household income was $77,520 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 16.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$77,520
Rent-to-income ratio
16.6%
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 Wanchese

Workforce and job types in Wanchese

The job market in Wanchese is powered by 1,099 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 18.7% run their own businesses, 53.1% are employed by private companies, and 21% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,099
13.2% year-over-year change
White collar
816
Blue collar
283
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 816 74.2% 22.2%
Blue collar 283 25.8% -6.6%
Employer type
Self employees
18.7%
Private companies
53.1%
Governmental workers
21%
Not for profit companies
7.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 206 18.7% -12.0%
Private companies 584 53.1% 20.7%
Governmental workers 231 21% 42.6%
Not for profit companies 78 7.1% -14.3%
Unemployment rate
1.9%
10.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wanchese stands at 1.9%, 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 Wanchese

How people get around in Wanchese

Commuting methods vary: 94.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% 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 1,031 94.8% 16.6%
Walk 18 1.6% 260.0%
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 Wanchese by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27981 1,969 726 $88,750 $107,841

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FAQs about Wanchese demographics 

What is the total population of Wanchese?

Wanchese has a total population of 1,956 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 +9.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wanchese?

The gender ratio in Wanchese is as follows:
  • 52.1% males (1,019 residents)
  • 47.9% females (937 residents)

What is the median age in Wanchese?

The median age in Wanchese is 36.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wanchese?

The age distribution in Wanchese is as follows:
  • Under 15: 26.4% (517 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.5% (146 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.3% (593 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.2% (414 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.6% (286 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wanchese?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wanchese is as follows:
  • White: 91.8% (1,795 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 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: 3.6% (70 residents)
  • Other: 4.6% (91 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.3% of the population in Wanchese.

How many housing units are there in Wanchese?

There are 777 housing units in Wanchese, reflecting a +0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wanchese has a total of 726 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wanchese?

Wanchese has a median household income of $88,750, representing a +20.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.1% in Wanchese, with a workforce of 1,099 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.2% (816 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.8% (283 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 18.7% (206 residents)
  • Private companies: 53.1% (584 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21% (231 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.1% (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