Manteo, NC
Population 1,853 · North Carolina
About Manteo, NC
Manteo is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,853 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $78,594 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Manteo features a median home value of $384,100, which is 57% above the national median of $244,900. This places Manteo in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,261, 8% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,458 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (522 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (327 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Manteo shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Manteo have an average one-way commute time of 23.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
43.9% of Manteo residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.2% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, and 11.5% Asian residents, with 11.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Manteo, NC
Compared to national averages, Manteo has a median household income of $78,594 (5% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $384,100, which is 57% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,261 is 8% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Manteo's income is 22% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 68% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Manteo, NC?
Manteo offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $78,594, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 43.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 23.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $384,100. However, Manteo’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Manteo has a population of 1,853 with a median age of 40.5 years. Compare Manteo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Manteo
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bent Creek | 1,854 | $52,485 | $377,500 | Compare |
| Jefferson | 1,852 | $35,938 | $186,300 | Compare |
| Hildebran | 1,860 | $53,125 | $194,900 | Compare |
| Drexel | 1,862 | $58,824 | $204,600 | Compare |
| Mount Pleasant | 1,866 | $81,250 | $262,700 | Compare |
| Fairplains | 1,876 | $36,586 | $134,300 | Compare |
| Wanchese | 1,793 | $73,542 | $257,100 | Compare |
| Governors Club | 1,772 | $214,643 | $908,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Manteo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Manteo
What is the population of Manteo, NC?
The population of Manteo, NC is 1,853 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Manteo?
The median household income in Manteo, NC is $78,594 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Manteo?
The median home value in Manteo, NC is $384,100, which is 57% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Manteo?
The median monthly rent in Manteo, NC is $1,261, which is 8% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Manteo?
The unemployment rate in Manteo, NC is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Manteo, NC a good place to live?
Manteo offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,853 and a median age of 40.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Manteo, NC?
43.9% of residents in Manteo aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Manteo?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Manteo, NC: median home value is $384,100 (57% above national), median rent is $1,261/month, and median household income is $78,594. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Manteo?
The poverty rate in Manteo, NC is 23.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Manteo, NC?
Manteo's population is 1.2% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, 11.5% Asian, and 9.4% two or more races. 11.6% of residents are foreign-born.