| City: | Hatteras, North Carolina |
| County: | Dare County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:40:56 PM |
| Population: | 577 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 252 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 35.2194, -75.6872 |
| Land Area: | 2.679 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
The post office maintains 487 PO Boxes for 252 occupied households, an adoption rate of 1.93 that signals something important: boxes serve more than just year-round residents. Second-home owners need a permanent mailing address even when they're not here. Seasonal rental properties require a place for property managers to receive mail. The handful of businesses operating through winter—60 establishments total—rely on consistent delivery that doesn't depend on whether someone's physically present to accept packages at a beach house.
Carrier delivery does exist here. Two city routes cover NC Highway 12 and Island Club Lane, the main arteries through this barrier island community. One rural route extends to more isolated properties. But the reality of second-home ownership makes PO Boxes practical regardless of delivery options. When you own property you visit a few weeks per year, having mail held at the post office beats finding it scattered by wind or soaked by rain.
At 55.1 years, the median age reflects a retirement destination more than a year-round fishing village. The median household income of $48,980 is modest, but it doesn't capture the wealth represented by those 376 seasonal homes. This is the southern terminus of the Outer Banks, where the ferry to Ocracoke departs and where Hurricane Island cut a new inlet in 2003. The post office anchors what permanent community exists, providing stability in a place defined by wind, water, and the rhythms of seasonal migration.
The street network is minimal by design. NC Highway 12 is the lifeline highway connecting the entire Outer Banks, and Island Club Lane represents one of the few residential developments. With only 2 named streets receiving carrier delivery, this is a community where the post office serves as the central mail hub more than any street route could.
ZIP Code 27943 has 577 residents and 252 households (average 2.16 persons per household). The median age is 55.1 years, significantly older than the state (39.4) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.6% male and 49.4% female, which is slightly higher than the state male share (48.5%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (94.3%, much higher than the state average of 62.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (2.1%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 2.1%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 577Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 381Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 215.4 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $48,980Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 252Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.16Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.72Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 345 | 543 | 264 | 388 | 466 | 481 | 395 | 511 | 460 | 373 | 552 | 458 | 381 |
| Decennial Census | 504 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 577 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 55.1
Male Median Age: 54.8
Female Median Age: 55.3
| 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 | 12 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 20 | 15 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 26 | 29 | 49 | 20 | 12 | 6 | 3 |
| Female | 7 | 17 | 13 | 20 | 9 | 13 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 18 | 28 | 42 | 32 | 27 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Total | 25 | 29 | 30 | 35 | 23 | 25 | 29 | 26 | 21 | 17 | 27 | 54 | 71 | 81 | 47 | 16 | 12 | 9 |
| White: | 544 | 95.77% |
| Black: | 2 | 0.35% |
| Hispanic:* | 12 | 2.11% |
| Asian: | 1 | 0.18% |
| American Indian: | 1 | 0.18% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 8 | 1.41% |
| Total: | 568 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 292 | 50.61% | 54.8 years |
| Females: | 285 | 49.39% | 55.3 years |
| Total: | 577 | 100% | 55.1 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 356 | 93.44% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 23 | 6.04% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 2 | 6.56% |
| Total Population: | 381 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 356 | 93.44% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 25 | 6.56% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $48,980, which is well under the national median ($78,538), is up $10,022 (25.7%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $25,447. Family households earn a median of $49,133 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $49,133). By gender, male median income is $39,353 and female is $33,250, which is well under the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $6,103 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 103.8%, which is far greater than the state rate (62.7%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is markedly below the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Sales (33.3%).
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 | $38,958 | $56,477 | $56,602 | $65,057 | $77,583 | $77,830 | $80,260 | $73,400 | $74,427 | $70,721 | $48,911 | $47,067 | $48,980 |
| Median Family Income | $63,271 | $62,762 | $66,250 | $66,477 | $78,056 | $78,443 | $82,240 | $82,670 | $83,529 | $75,833 | $53,929 | $47,115 | $49,133 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $31,467 | $31,902 | $0 | $39,271 | $39,886 | $66,379 | $66,341 | $46,116 | $67,863 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $31,324 | $43,381 | $43,516 | $43,632 | $0 | $45,439 | $0 | $0 | $42,159 | $41,705 | $42,805 | $45,213 | $39,353 |
| Median Female Income | $29,844 | $29,766 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $28,512 | $30,852 | $33,250 |
| Employed: | 156 | 75.00% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 52 | 25.00% |
| Total: | 208 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 48 | 30.77% |
| Service: | 25 | 16.03% |
| Sales and Office: | 52 | 33.33% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 31 | 19.87% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 156 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $0, which is considerably lower than the state median ($259,400), is down $265,600 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $370,000. The median gross rent is $0, which is far less than the state median ($1,162), and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $887. Of occupied housing, owners make up 55.42% (75.00% with a mortgage, 25.00% free-and-clear) and renters 44.58% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 70.30%, 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 | $265,600 | $520,800 | $640,900 | $562,500 | $472,400 | $398,600 | $393,800 | $381,100 | $370,000 | $388,900 | $465,200 | $470,900 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 25 | 33.78% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 49 | 66.22% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 74 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $1,081 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $887 | $0 | $1,568 | $1,563 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 69 | 41.57% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 23 | 13.86% |
| Renter Occupied: | 74 | 44.58% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 166 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 166 | 29.70% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 393 | 70.30% |
| Total Housing Units: | 559 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 408 | 72.99% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 151 | 27.01% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 559 | 100% |
In 2023, 49.60% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is on par with the state rate (34.70%). High school or higher is 99.20%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 0.60%, which is markedly below the state rate (10.40%). Private coverage is 87.20%, which is notably higher than the state rate (67.10%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is on par with the state rate (9.40%). Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is high school (100.00%). College enrollment is 0.00%, 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: | 2 | 0.83% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 37 | 15.29% |
| Some college, no degree: | 83 | 34.30% |
| Associate's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 71 | 29.34% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 49 | 20.25% |
| Total: | 242 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 240 | 99.17% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 120 | 49.59% |
| Private Insurance: | 280 | 75.07% |
| Public Insurance: | 91 | 24.40% |
| No Insurance: | 2 | 0.54% |
| Total: | 373 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 371 | 99.46% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
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): | 0 | 0.00% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 36 | 100.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 36 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 36 | 100.00% |
ZIP Code 27943 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 63 business establishments, employing about 209 people with an annual payroll of $11,592,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 546Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 63Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $1,701,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $11,592,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 209Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 27943 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 1.54% of whom live in ZIP Code 27943. It covers 2.679 sq mi of land and a water area of 1.983 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: | 2.679 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 1.983 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: | 3730100Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Hatteras CDP; North CarolinaSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 27943 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 January 1, 2026.