Wanchese, NC
Population 1,793 · North Carolina
About Wanchese, NC
Wanchese is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,793 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,542 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wanchese features a median home value of $257,100, which is 5% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Wanchese in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,031, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 772 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (515 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (188 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wanchese shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wanchese have an average one-way commute time of 20.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
29.2% of Wanchese residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wanchese, NC
Compared to national averages, Wanchese has a median household income of $73,542 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $257,100, which is 5% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,031 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Wanchese's income is 14% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 12% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Wanchese, NC?
Wanchese offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,031/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%, and a low poverty rate of 5.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,542) that falls below the national average. However, Wanchese’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wanchese has a population of 1,793 with a median age of 37.6 years. Compare Wanchese with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Wanchese
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governors Club | 1,772 | $214,643 | $908,500 | Compare |
| Pumpkin Center | 1,753 | $62,684 | $170,300 | Compare |
| Jefferson | 1,852 | $35,938 | $186,300 | Compare |
| Manteo | 1,853 | $78,594 | $384,100 | Compare |
| Bent Creek | 1,854 | $52,485 | $377,500 | Compare |
| Sea Breeze | 1,731 | $57,379 | $398,800 | Compare |
| Foxfire | 1,730 | $75,163 | $352,300 | Compare |
| Hildebran | 1,860 | $53,125 | $194,900 | 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 Wanchese With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wanchese
What is the population of Wanchese, NC?
The population of Wanchese, NC is 1,793 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 Wanchese?
The median household income in Wanchese, NC is $73,542 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wanchese?
The median home value in Wanchese, NC is $257,100, which is 5% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wanchese?
The median monthly rent in Wanchese, NC is $1,031, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wanchese?
The unemployment rate in Wanchese, NC is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Wanchese, NC a good place to live?
Wanchese offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,793 and a median age of 37.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wanchese, NC?
29.2% of residents in Wanchese aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Wanchese?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wanchese, NC: median home value is $257,100 (5% above national), median rent is $1,031/month, and median household income is $73,542. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wanchese?
The poverty rate in Wanchese, NC is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wanchese, NC?
Wanchese's population is 0.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.