Wanchese ZIP Code List — Dare County, NC

There is one unique ZIP code in Wanchese, North Carolina and it is 27981. Area code: 252.

ZIP codes

9.11

sq mi land

3.33

sq mi water

252

area code

Wanchese, NC ZIP code map

About Wanchese, NC

Wanchese, North Carolina, is a charming fishing village located on Roanoke Island. This picturesque town is part of Dare County and is known for its rich maritime heritage and beautiful coastal scenery. Wanchese is a tight-knit community that embraces its history while catering to visitors seeking adventure and relaxation.

Location & geography

Wanchese is situated on the southernmost part of Roanoke Island, directly adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. It is approximately 11 miles south of Nags Head and about 9 miles north of Hatteras, making it a quaint retreat with easy access to popular Outer Banks destinations. With a land area of 9.11 square miles and a water area of 3.33 square miles, the town features both beautiful sandy shores and lush landscapes.

Community & economy

The character of Wanchese is defined by its fishing industry, which plays a significant role in the local economy and lifestyle. Residents enjoy a laid-back atmosphere with access to various outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and exploring nearby wildlife refuges. The community often centers around local events, seafood festivals, and a strong appreciation for its maritime heritage.

Transportation

Wanchese is accessible via North Carolina Highway 345, which connects it to the larger road networks of the Outer Banks. The nearest major airport is the Dare County Regional Airport, located approximately 10 miles north in Manteo. Public transportation options are limited, as the town primarily relies on personal vehicles for transit.

History

Wanchese was named after a Native American chief and has its roots as a fishing village that dates back centuries. The town has been historically significant in the commercial fishing industry and remains a hub for seafood production today. Over time, it has evolved into a destination for tourists seeking to experience North Carolina's coastal charm.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Wanchese is that it is home to one of the oldest continuously operating commercial fisheries in the state. Additionally, the town’s scenic vistas and rich biodiversity make it a favorite spot for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts.

ZIP codes for Wanchese, NC (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
27981	Wanchese	Dare	View map

Demographics & statistics

2,009

Population

37.6

Median age

$71,484

Median household income

$33,992

Per capita income

$249,700

Median home value

$1,010

Median monthly rent

76.9%

Home ownership

5.0%

Poverty rate

0.8%

Unemployment

625

Housing units

29.6%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

113

10–14

116

15–19

20–24

123

25–34

126

155

35–44

159

45–54

55–59

60–64

124

65–74

126

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	578	28.8%
18 and over	1,431	71.2%
65 and over	342	17.0%
Median age	37.6 years

Race & ethnicity

White 94.4%

Hispanic or Latino 2%

Other race 2%

Two or more races 1.6%

Group	Count	%
White	1,935	94.4%
Hispanic or Latino	41	2%
Other race	41	2%
Two or more races	32	1.6%

Household income

$15k–$25k 5.7%

$25k–$35k 15.1%

$35k–$50k 11.3%

$50k–$75k 18.8%

$75k–$100k 20.6%

$100k–$150k 17.8%

$150k–$200k 2.2%

$200k+ 8.4%

Range	% of households
$15k–$25k	5.7%
$25k–$35k	15.1%
$35k–$50k	11.3%
$50k–$75k	18.8%
$75k–$100k	20.6%
$100k–$150k	17.8%
$150k–$200k	2.2%
$200k+	8.4%
Median income	$71,484

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 6.1%

$50k–$100k 1.4%

$100k–$150k 1.4%

$150k–$200k 9.4%

$200k–$300k 44.1%

$300k–$500k 32.4%

$500k–$1M 5.2%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$249,700
Median rent / month	$1,010
Owner occupied	76.9%
Renter occupied	23.1%
Vacant	8.7%
Single-family detached	68.3%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	31.7%
Median rooms	5.3
Avg household size (owned)	2.52

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	10.0%
2000–2009	7.8%
1990–1999	18.4%
1980–1989	28.7%
1970–1979	13.4%
1960–1969	2.1%
1950–1959	2.1%
1940–1949	4.4%
1939 or earlier	13.0%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	0.9%
2 bedrooms	17.3%
3 bedrooms	70.1%
4 bedrooms	9.2%
5+ bedrooms	2.5%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	7.2%
1 vehicle	37.1%
2 vehicles	33.6%
3 or more	22.1%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	0.8%
Electricity	88.2%
Propane / LP gas	9.8%
Fuel oil	0.7%
No fuel used	0.4%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	337	46.6%
Cohabiting couple	111	15.4%
Male householder, no spouse	55	7.6%
Female householder, no spouse	220	30.4%
Households with children under 18	248	34.3%
Households with seniors (65+)	267	36.9%
Average household size	2.77

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	34.3%	19.8%
Married	53.9%	46.0%
Separated	2.0%	0.0%
Widowed	3.8%	12.2%
Divorced	6.0%	22.0%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.4%

Some HS, no diploma 6.5%

HS graduate 37.6%

Some college, no degree 17.8%

Associate's degree 6.0%

Bachelor's degree 24.5%

Graduate / professional 5.1%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	91.0%
Bachelor's or higher	29.6%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	106	18.6%
Kindergarten	6	1.1%
Elementary school	143	25.1%
High school	193	33.9%
College / grad school	121	21.3%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 16.3%

Arts, food & hospitality 13.5%

Retail trade 12.0%

Other services 11.9%

Agriculture & mining 10.7%

Manufacturing 7.4%

Construction 7.3%

Professional & management 5.5%

Finance & real estate 5.3%

Wholesale trade 3.3%

Public administration 3.1%

Transportation & utilities 2.0%

Information 1.6%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	32.6%
Service	17.5%
Sales & office	20.8%
Natural resources & construction	20.2%
Production & transportation	8.9%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	66.4%
Government	17.7%
Self-employed	15.9%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	74.8%
Carpool	18.5%
Public transit	0.5%
Walk	0.5%
Other means	1.3%
Avg commute (minutes)	20.2

Poverty

All people 5.0%

Under 18 years 1.6%

18 and over 6.4%

Married-couple families 0.0%

Female-led households 16.7%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	35.7%
Retirement income	18.9%
Supplemental Security	0.8%
Cash public assistance	2.4%
Food stamps / SNAP	13.7%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	32.5%
High cholesterol	34.9%
Heart disease	6.4%
Stroke	2.8%
Asthma	8.5%
Arthritis	24.9%
Kidney disease	2.7%
Pulmonary disease	6.4%
Cancer	7.0%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	17.2%
No physical activity	20.7%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	28.9%
Fair or poor health	11.5%
Poor mental health	13.8%
Poor physical health	9.7%
No health insurance	15.6%
Visited doctor (checkup)	76.2%
Visited dentist	69.8%
Cholesterol screening	90.3%
Teeth loss	12.3%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	84	5.9%

Disability	%
Any disability	11.3%
Under 18	3.3%
18–64 years	12.5%
65 and over	21.1%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	73.8%
Public insurance	26.5%
Uninsured under 19	3.6%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,875	93.3%
Spanish	72	3.8%
Other Indo-European	55	2.9%
Asian & Pacific Islander	17	0.9%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	1,940	96.6%
Born in same state	1,913	95.2%
Born in different state	1,306	65.0%
Foreign born	27	1.3%
Naturalized citizen	69	3.4%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	546	27.2%
Arab	277	13.8%
Italian	210	10.5%

Ancestry	Count	%
German	24	1.2%
English	19	0.9%
Polish	5	0.2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	36.0%
Internet access	90.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Wanchese, NC?

Wanchese, NC has one ZIP code: 27981.

What is the main ZIP code for Wanchese, NC?

The primary ZIP code for Wanchese, NC is 27981. The city uses area code 252 for phone service.

What county is Wanchese, NC in?

Wanchese is located in Dare County, North Carolina.

How many ZIP codes are in Wanchese, NC?

Wanchese, NC has 1 ZIP code.

What ZIP code covers the Wanchese waterfront and fishing harbor area?

The Wanchese waterfront and commercial fishing harbor are located in ZIP code 27981, which serves as the primary ZIP code for this historic maritime community in Dare County.

What is the ZIP code for the downtown area of Wanchese where local businesses and services are concentrated?

Downtown Wanchese and its local business district are served by ZIP code 27981, the sole ZIP code for this small coastal town in North Carolina.