| City: | Frisco, North Carolina |
| County: | Dare County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 7:55:49 PM |
| Population: | 994 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 252 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 35.2415, -75.6176 |
| Land Area: | 5.211 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Of the 1,088 housing units counted in 2020, only 493 are occupied year-round. The remaining 522 units sit vacant seasonally—a 48% vacancy rate that ranks among the highest in North Carolina. These aren't abandoned homes. Median values reach $430,100, and the properties belong to families from Charlotte, Raleigh, and Virginia who spend summers on the beach. Each needs a PO Box because there's no street delivery infrastructure for scattered vacation rentals.
The post office serves just three streets with carrier delivery: NC Highway 12 (the only through-road), Buccaneer Drive, and Sunset Strip. That's it. Everything else gets directed to PO Boxes, which isn't a hardship here. Residents and property owners adopted the system decades ago, long before vacation rentals became an industry. The 1.26 adoption rate means the post office maintains more boxes than local households, serving both full-time islanders and seasonal property owners who need reliable mail pickup.
The median age of 55 reflects Frisco's character as a retirement and vacation destination rather than a working village. Only 135 people commute to jobs, and 42 of them work from home—writers, realtors, and remote professionals who can handle their work from a barrier island. The economy runs on tourism infrastructure: vacation rentals, surf shops, and the 59 businesses that operate from this small stretch of sand.
The street names capture Frisco's identity as a beach destination. Buccaneer Drive evokes the Outer Banks' pirate history, while Sunset Strip references the island's evening views. NC Highway 12 is the lifeline connecting all Hatteras Island communities—the only road in and out.
ZIP Code 27936 has 994 residents and 493 households (average 2.02 persons per household). The median age is 55.0 years, significantly older than the state (39.4) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 47.2% male and 52.8% female, which is slightly lower than the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (94.6%, much higher than the state average of 62.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (4.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 4.0%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 994Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 664Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 190.8 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $43,846Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 493Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $439,600Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.02Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.24Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 712 | 1,046 | 1,073 | 1,013 | 1,163 | 1,223 | 976 | 994 | 953 | 795 | 692 | 659 | 613 | 664 |
| Decennial Census | 1,091 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 994 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 55
Male Median Age: 53.4
Female Median Age: 56.6
| 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 | 17 | 15 | 8 | 28 | 17 | 20 | 40 | 15 | 36 | 20 | 38 | 25 | 51 | 65 | 28 | 17 | 19 | 10 |
| Female | 15 | 21 | 15 | 20 | 11 | 20 | 17 | 46 | 12 | 42 | 24 | 48 | 63 | 65 | 24 | 34 | 33 | 15 |
| Total | 32 | 36 | 23 | 48 | 28 | 40 | 57 | 61 | 48 | 62 | 62 | 73 | 114 | 130 | 52 | 51 | 52 | 25 |
| White: | 940 | 93.81% |
| Black: | 2 | 0.20% |
| Hispanic:* | 40 | 3.99% |
| Asian: | 4 | 0.40% |
| American Indian: | 5 | 0.50% |
| Hawaiian: | 1 | 0.10% |
| Other: | 10 | 1.00% |
| Total: | 1,002 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 469 | 47.18% | 53.4 years |
| Females: | 525 | 52.82% | 56.6 years |
| Total: | 994 | 100% | 55.0 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 580 | 87.35% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 60 | 9.04% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 24 | 3.61% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 3.61% |
| Total Population: | 664 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 640 | 96.39% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 24 | 3.61% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $43,846, which is considerably lower than the national median ($80,734), is up $11,525 (35.7%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $8,590. Family households earn a median of $183,293 versus $41,613 for nonfamily households (a difference of $141,680). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $24,063, which is well under the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $24,063 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 73.7%, which is far greater than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (35.1%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $32,321 | $44,744 | $57,679 | $50,521 | $46,250 | $57,813 | $37,813 | $37,917 | $35,256 | $35,916 | $36,406 | $65,368 | $43,162 | $43,846 |
| Median Family Income | $48,819 | $63,381 | $63,500 | $58,625 | $55,694 | $60,000 | $49,097 | $60,231 | $0 | $62,989 | $0 | $125,192 | $177,895 | $183,293 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $15,785 | $18,472 | $44,083 | $22,350 | $0 | $0 | $13,705 | $22,500 | $28,313 | $35,659 | $37,031 | $40,857 | $41,034 | $41,613 |
| Median Male Income | $0 | $39,107 | $41,597 | $60,893 | $0 | $60,114 | $42,361 | $46,210 | $44,250 | $32,206 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $40,391 | $43,365 | $43,194 | $44,403 | $0 | $49,219 | $37,222 | $43,889 | $43,796 | $44,900 | $46,759 | $52,176 | $0 | $24,063 |
| Employed: | 445 | 73.68% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 159 | 26.32% |
| Total: | 604 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 156 | 35.06% |
| Service: | 75 | 16.85% |
| Sales and Office: | 112 | 25.17% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 102 | 22.92% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 445 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $439,600, which is far above the national median ($332,700), is up $192,400 (77.83%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $217,900. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), is down $721 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $796. Of occupied housing, owners make up 100.00% (27.08% with a mortgage, 72.92% free-and-clear) and renters 0.00% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 51.39%, which is much higher than the national rate (10.12%).
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 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $247,200 | $269,900 | $288,500 | $250,800 | $249,600 | $227,600 | $197,600 | $200,000 | $221,700 | $315,300 | $319,400 | $367,800 | $430,100 | $439,600 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 0 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $721 | $1,014 | $1,195 | $1,315 | $1,280 | $1,173 | $793 | $785 | $796 | $850 | $876 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 104 | 27.08% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 280 | 72.92% |
| Renter Occupied: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 384 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 384 | 48.61% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 406 | 51.39% |
| Total Housing Units: | 790 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 761 | 96.33% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 29 | 3.67% |
| Total Housing Units: | 790 | 100% |
In 2024, 41.70% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 89.10%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 7.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 2.80%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.80%), up 1.00 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 5.60 percentage points. This points to rising hardship - a weaker consumer base, greater strain on public services, and job-market headwinds. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (60.61%). College enrollment is 39.39%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 61 | 10.87% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 118 | 21.03% |
| Some college, no degree: | 86 | 15.33% |
| Associate's degree: | 62 | 11.05% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 139 | 24.78% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 95 | 16.93% |
| Total: | 561 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 500 | 89.13% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 234 | 41.71% |
| Private Insurance: | 491 | 61.76% |
| Public Insurance: | 255 | 32.08% |
| No Insurance: | 49 | 6.16% |
| Total: | 795 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 746 | 93.84% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 9.4% | 12.7% | 16.7% | 15.4% | 11.4% | 11.1% | 3.4% | 0.0% | 4.8% | 8.7% | 8.9% | 7.9% | 10.4% | 2.8% |
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): | 40 | 60.61% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 0 | 0.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 26 | 39.39% |
| Total: | 66 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 40 | 60.61% |
ZIP Code 27936 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 35 business establishments, employing about 146 people with an annual payroll of $6,063,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 679Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 35Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $966,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $6,063,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 146Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 27936 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 33,920 people, about 2.93% of whom live in ZIP Code 27936. It covers 5.211 sq mi of land and a water area of 1.813 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Kill Devil Hills, NCSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 28620Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 33,920Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 5.211 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 1.813 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: | 3725020Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Frisco CDP; North CarolinaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 27936 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. 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.