Ocracoke, NC
Population 709 · North Carolina
About Ocracoke, NC
Ocracoke is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 709 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ocracoke features a median home value of $472,200, which is 93% above the national median of $244,900. This places Ocracoke in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,412, 21% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 720 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (262 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (128 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ocracoke shows an unemployment rate of 0.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ocracoke have an average one-way commute time of 20 minutes.
Education & Demographics
46.3% of Ocracoke 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ocracoke Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Ocracoke, NC
Compared to national averages, Ocracoke has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $472,200, which is 93% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,412 is 21% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Ocracoke's income is 100% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 106% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Ocracoke, NC?
Ocracoke offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.7%, and a well-educated community where 46.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 20 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $472,200. However, Ocracoke’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ocracoke has a population of 709 with a median age of 46.8 years. Compare Ocracoke with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Ocracoke
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dobbins Heights | 711 | $21,389 | $50,800 | Compare |
| Hightsville | 707 | $16,289 | $0 | Compare |
| Kelly | 706 | $51,155 | $125,200 | Compare |
| Bakersville | 718 | $39,091 | $229,000 | Compare |
| North Topsail Beach | 699 | $106,818 | $453,500 | Compare |
| Grantsboro | 698 | $62,292 | $150,000 | Compare |
| Iron Station | 722 | $74,597 | $0 | Compare |
| Elk Park | 694 | $44,350 | $145,000 | 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 Ocracoke With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ocracoke
What is the population of Ocracoke, NC?
The population of Ocracoke, NC is 709 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Ocracoke?
The median household income in Ocracoke, NC is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ocracoke?
The median home value in Ocracoke, NC is $472,200, which is 93% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ocracoke?
The median monthly rent in Ocracoke, NC is $1,412, which is 21% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ocracoke?
The unemployment rate in Ocracoke, NC is 0.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ocracoke, NC a good place to live?
Ocracoke offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 709 and a median age of 46.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ocracoke, NC?
46.3% of residents in Ocracoke 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 Ocracoke?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ocracoke, NC: median home value is $472,200 (93% above national), median rent is $1,412/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Ocracoke?
The poverty rate in Ocracoke, NC is 16.8%, 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 Ocracoke, NC?
Ocracoke's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.