Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ocracoke, NC
Considering a move to Ocracoke, NC? This charming island village has a close-knit population of just under 1,000 and a median home price around $390,000. With a low violent crime rate (80 per 100k), short average commutes, and mild, sunny weather, Ocracoke offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle. The local K-12 school features small class sizes, and cost of living is slightly above the national average. Perfect for those who value tight community, outdoor activities, and serene waterfront living.
Demographics - Ocracoke, NC
Demographics - Ocracoke, NC
Ocracoke is a small, close-knit community of 948 residents with a median age of 51, reflecting its appeal to both retirees and families seeking a laid-back lifestyle. The population is predominantly White, and about 12% speak a language other than English at home, contributing to a modestly diverse atmosphere.
Population:
948
Density:
200 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.2
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
82.0%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
15.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ocracoke, NC?
The cost of living in Ocracoke is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $390,000 and typical rent around $1,300 per month. Residents benefit from moderate utility and insurance costs, and state income tax is a flat 5.25%.
Median House Value:
$390,000
Gross Rent:
$1,300
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.0
Grocery:
104.0
Housing:
112.0
Utilities:
108.0
Transportation:
107.0
Health Care:
104.0
Miscellaneous:
102.0
Crime
Is Ocracoke, NC a safe place to live?
Ocracoke boasts a very low violent crime rate of 80 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate that is below national averages, making it a safe choice for families and retirees. The chance of being a victim of a violent crime is just 1 in 1,250.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
80
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,200
Crime Index:
1,280
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,250
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Ocracoke, NC year-round?
Ocracoke enjoys mild, coastal weather with summer highs reaching 86°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 39°F. The island receives about 57 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine 62% of the year, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
55°F

Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
72°F

Summer
Min:
73°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
57 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Ocracoke's residents have a median household income of $60,200, with most households enjoying short 11.5-minute commutes and a poverty rate below the national average. The community is well-educated, with nearly 90% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$41,500
Household Income:
$60,200
Family Income:
$68,000
Per Capita Income:
$35,800
Income Male:
$39,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
12.8%
Non English Speakers:
12.0%
Rent:
$1,300
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.8%
Commute Time:
11.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.2%
Bachelors or More:
29.5%
Education
How are the schools in Ocracoke, NC?
Education in Ocracoke centers around a single public K-12 school known for its small class sizes, with just 185 students and a student-teacher ratio of 7:1. The nearest community college is about 60 miles away, offering opportunities for higher education within a reasonable drive.

Public Schools
Name:
Ocracoke School
Street:
120 School Road
Phone:
252-928-3251
Students:
185
Student Teacher Ratio:
7.2

Colleges
Name:
Beaufort County Community College
City:
Washington
State:
NC
Distance:
60 miles
Students:
1,900
Healthcare
Healthcare in Ocracoke is anchored by a local primary care clinic and access to a full-service hospital in nearby Nags Head, with about 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents. Over 90% of residents have health insurance, ensuring good access to medical services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Ocracoke Health Center
Address:
305 Back Rd, Ocracoke, NC 27960
Phone:
(252) 928-1511
Type:
Primary Care Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
The Outer Banks Hospital
Address:
4800 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959
Phone:
(252) 449-4500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.2%
Health Care Index:
74.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ocracoke, NC?
The housing market in Ocracoke features a median home price of $390,000, with two-bedroom rentals averaging $1,300 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 67%. Home values have appreciated by nearly 7% over the past year, reflecting growing interest in island living.
Median Home Price:
$390,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,300
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.8%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Ocracoke residents are served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Raleigh and comprehensive information available online. Standard state services such as licensing and registration are accessible to local drivers.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
Phone:
919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.