| City: | Buxton, North Carolina |
| Names to Avoid: | Cape Hatteras Naval Facility |
| County: | Dare County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:40:12 PM |
| Population: | 1,181 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 252 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 35.2552, -75.5523 |
| Land Area: | 7.843 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Buxton sits on Hatteras Island, North Carolina, just south of Cape Hatteras and its famous lighthouse. This small barrier island village combines permanent residents with seasonal homeowners, creating a year-round population of 1,181 people in 548 occupied homes. Another 294 housing units (31% of all homes) are used seasonally, transforming the community's character between summer and winter.
The Buxton post office maintains 968 PO Boxes for a community with 548 occupied homes. That's 1.77 boxes per household. This isn't because locals prefer boxes over mailboxes. It's because Buxton is a PO Box Only Zone across the entire 13.3 square mile area. There's no street delivery option. Seasonal homeowners keep boxes year-round for mail forwarding, and the post office also serves visitors, rental property managers, and people from surrounding areas of Hatteras Island.
Street names tell the story of a coastal community shaped by maritime history. Cape Hatteras Lane, Lighthouse Road, and Old Lighthouse Road reference the iconic 1870 Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Ocean Drive, Diamond Shoals Drive, and Surf or Sound Drive describe the island's position between the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound. Buccaneer Drive, Blackbeards Court, and Freebooter Court honor the pirate history of the Outer Banks. An old alias, "Cape Hatteras Naval Facility," points to a former military presence that's no longer active.
With a median age of 53.7 years and median home values of $385,400, Buxton attracts retirees and second-home buyers drawn to the Outer Banks lifestyle. The village has 132 distinct streets despite its small size, spread across wooded maritime forest and beachfront lots. Highway 12, the main north-south route through the Outer Banks, accounts for 81 delivery records and serves as the community's primary corridor.
Mail delivery works differently here than in most places. Because this is a PO Box Only Zone, everyone picks up mail at the post office on Highway 12. The ZIP+4 database shows minimal street delivery infrastructure (just 2 distinct carrier routes covering 315 rural route records), but the reality is that physical mail goes to boxes, not homes. For packages too large for boxes, residents get a slip and pick them up at the counter.
Buxton's economy leans toward tourism and seasonal services. Of the working population, 16% work from home, which is higher than typical for a small coastal village. This likely includes remote workers, vacation rental managers, and seasonal business owners. The community has 88 business establishments employing 348 people, mostly serving the steady flow of visitors to Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
When addressing mail to Buxton, use the PO Box format exclusively. Street addresses won't work for delivery in this ZIP code. The post office has been here since before October 2004 (the earliest tracking date), serving generations of island families, seasonal residents, and the steady stream of people who've chosen to make this narrow strip of sand their home.
Street names honor the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, maritime geography (Ocean Dr, Diamond Shoals), and pirate history (Buccaneer, Blackbeards Court).
ZIP Code 27920 has 1,181 residents and 548 households (average 2.16 persons per household). The median age is 53.7 years, significantly older than the state (39.4) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 51.5% male and 48.5% female, which is slightly higher than the state male share (48.5%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (89.1%, much higher than the state average of 62.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (7.3%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 7.3%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 1,181Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,451Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 150.6 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $67,054Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 548Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $385,400Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.16Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.94Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 990 | 882 | 1,339 | 1,272 | 1,258 | 1,192 | 1,443 | 1,327 | 1,527 | 1,558 | 1,551 | 1,477 | 1,451 |
| Decennial Census | 1,326 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1,181 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 53.7
Male Median Age: 54.2
Female Median Age: 53.3
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 18 | 40 | 31 | 17 | 19 | 27 | 22 | 30 | 28 | 49 | 28 | 77 | 63 | 53 | 51 | 36 | 7 | 12 |
| Female | 22 | 23 | 37 | 20 | 13 | 33 | 33 | 14 | 37 | 25 | 57 | 56 | 66 | 62 | 36 | 24 | 5 | 10 |
| Total | 40 | 63 | 68 | 37 | 32 | 60 | 55 | 44 | 65 | 74 | 85 | 133 | 129 | 115 | 87 | 60 | 12 | 22 |
| White: | 1,052 | 87.59% |
| Black: | 11 | 0.92% |
| Hispanic:* | 86 | 7.16% |
| Asian: | 5 | 0.42% |
| American Indian: | 14 | 1.17% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 33 | 2.75% |
| Total: | 1,201 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 608 | 51.48% | 54.2 years |
| Females: | 573 | 48.52% | 53.3 years |
| Total: | 1,181 | 100% | 53.7 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 1,324 | 91.25% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 122 | 8.41% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 5 | 0.34% |
| Total Population: | 1,451 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 1,446 | 99.66% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 5 | 0.34% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $67,054, which is much lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $14,186 (26.8%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $10,881. Family households earn a median of $106,607 versus $32,917 for nonfamily households (a difference of $73,690). By gender, male median income is $63,607 and female is $0, which is well under the state female median ($49,054), with a current gap of $63,607 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 66.6%, which is well above the state rate (62.7%). The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (32.0%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $52,868 | $56,538 | $36,964 | $39,567 | $33,854 | $38,807 | $31,914 | $48,796 | $56,173 | $59,359 | $66,472 | $87,344 | $67,054 |
| Median Family Income | $90,357 | $56,058 | $48,750 | $45,990 | $45,972 | $45,650 | $30,781 | $39,868 | $47,067 | $47,069 | $77,500 | $103,179 | $106,607 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $29,083 | $65,417 | $36,563 | $38,654 | $0 | $38,068 | $26,850 | $0 | $0 | $47,143 | $48,359 | $50,982 | $32,917 |
| Median Male Income | $31,719 | $34,643 | $31,940 | $32,712 | $0 | $32,957 | $33,292 | $39,405 | $39,020 | $54,833 | $42,857 | $59,904 | $63,607 |
| Median Female Income | $65,575 | $34,185 | $60,035 | $34,844 | $0 | $32,642 | $26,600 | $35,583 | $38,393 | $35,982 | $40,446 | $43,304 | $0 |
| Employed: | 837 | 64.34% |
| Unemployed: | 30 | 2.31% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 434 | 33.36% |
| Total: | 1,301 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 268 | 32.02% |
| Service: | 209 | 24.97% |
| Sales and Office: | 220 | 26.28% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 129 | 15.41% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 11 | 1.31% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 837 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $385,400, which is much higher than the state median ($259,400), is up $22,400 (6.17%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $120,000. The median gross rent is $1,295, which is notably higher than the state median ($1,162), is up $461 (55.28%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $360. Of occupied housing, owners make up 75.67% (52.90% with a mortgage, 47.10% free-and-clear) and renters 24.33% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 35.98%, which is much higher than the national rate (10.43%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $363,000 | $262,800 | $271,300 | $279,500 | $266,300 | $220,000 | $314,000 | $319,100 | $265,400 | $249,000 | $282,100 | $328,600 | $385,400 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 70 | 45.16% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 42 | 27.10% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 12 | 7.74% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 17 | 10.97% |
| $3,000 or more: | 14 | 9.03% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 155 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $834 | $823 | $867 | $917 | $860 | $889 | $891 | $940 | $935 | $890 | $2,023 | $1,346 | $1,295 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 255 | 40.03% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 227 | 35.64% |
| Renter Occupied: | 155 | 24.33% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 637 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 637 | 64.02% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 358 | 35.98% |
| Total Housing Units: | 995 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 686 | 68.94% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 139 | 13.97% |
| Other Units: | 170 | 17.09% |
| Total Housing Units: | 995 | 100% |
In 2023, 25.90% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 94.50%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 10.60%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). The share of people in poverty is 3.20%, which is markedly below the state rate (9.40%), down 19.40 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 27.70 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is high school (42.55%). College enrollment is 22.98%, which is on par with the state rate (27.10%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 43 | 4.07% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 15 | 1.42% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 349 | 33.02% |
| Some college, no degree: | 279 | 26.40% |
| Associate's degree: | 97 | 9.18% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 224 | 21.19% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 50 | 4.73% |
| Total: | 1,057 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 999 | 94.51% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 274 | 25.92% |
| Private Insurance: | 1,116 | 66.75% |
| Public Insurance: | 402 | 24.04% |
| No Insurance: | 154 | 9.21% |
| Total: | 1,672 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 1,518 | 90.79% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 22.6% | 10.0% | 6.1% | 7.0% | 3.9% | 13.1% | 22.6% | 37.0% | 30.9% | 28.2% | 11.6% | 2.9% | 3.2% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 81 | 34.47% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 100 | 42.55% |
| College or graduate school: | 54 | 22.98% |
| Total: | 235 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 181 | 77.02% |
ZIP Code 27920 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 89 business establishments, employing about 414 people with an annual payroll of $18,801,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,038Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 89Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $4,176,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $18,801,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 414Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 27920 is located in Dare County, North Carolina, within the Kill Devil Hills, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 28620) and North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 37,534 people, about 3.15% of whom live in ZIP Code 27920. It covers 7.843 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.953 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Kill Devil Hills, NCSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 28620Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 37,534Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 7.843 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.953 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 03Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 7810.08 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 3709400Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Buxton CDP; North CarolinaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 27920 is in the Dare County Schools, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 2 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on February 1, 2026.