| City: | Ocracoke, North Carolina |
| Names to Avoid: | Portsmouth |
| County: | Hyde County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:41:20 PM |
| Population: | 797 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 252 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 35.1394, -75.8942 |
| Land Area: | 8.7 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Ocracoke Island sits at the southern end of North Carolina's Outer Banks, accessible only by ferry or private boat. With 797 year-round residents but 966 housing units, this barrier island is a classic seasonal community. Of those homes, 423 (44%) are used for seasonal, recreational, or occasional use. The island swells with visitors and second homeowners during summer months, then returns to its quiet fishing village character in winter.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across the island's 9.6 square miles. The Ocracoke post office maintains 700 PO Boxes for 390 local households, producing an adoption rate of 1.8x. That's because seasonal homeowners, vacation renters, and visitors from nearby Portsmouth Island all depend on Ocracoke's post office. Limited rural carrier routes serve a small number of properties, but PO Boxes remain the primary delivery method for most residents and seasonal visitors.
Street names tell the island's story. Lighthouse Rd leads to the historic Ocracoke Lighthouse, operational since 1823. British Cemetery Rd passes the gravesite of sailors from a torpedoed British trawler. Silver Lake Dr rings the harbor where the ferry docks. Ocean Rd, Back Rd, and Sound Rd describe the island's geography, while quirky names like Poker Players Rd and Lumpys Rd hint at the local character. The main artery, Irvin Garrish Hwy, honors a longtime island resident.
Median age of 52.1 years and home values of $472,200 indicate an older, established island community. Of 505 adults age 25 and over, 46% hold bachelor's degrees or higher. About 20% work from home. Major employment includes transportation (217 workers, likely ferry operations and tourism-related transport), government (52 workers, including National Park Service staff for Cape Hatteras National Seashore), and accommodation/food services (36 workers). The island maintains 78 business establishments employing 410 people, a ratio showing the seasonal economy.
Ocracoke has an unusual alias: Portsmouth. That name refers to Portsmouth Island, the abandoned village immediately south of Ocracoke, now part of Cape Lookout National Seashore. USPS recognizes Portsmouth in the system but marks it "not valid for mailing," acknowledging the historic connection while directing mail to Ocracoke's active post office.
Street names blend historic landmarks (Lighthouse Rd, British Cemetery Rd), island geography (Ocean Rd, Sound Rd, Back Rd), and colorful local character (Poker Players Rd, Lumpys Rd).
ZIP Code 27960 has 797 residents and 390 households (average 2.04 persons per household). The median age is 52.1 years, significantly older than the state (39.4) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.9% male and 49.1% female, which is slightly higher than the state male share (48.5%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (87.3%, much higher than the state average of 62.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (10.7%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 10.7%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 797Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 709Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 91.6 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 390Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $472,200Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.04Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.02Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 619 | 591 | 594 | 556 | 486 | 405 | 404 | 564 | 706 | 973 | 810 | 715 | 709 |
| Decennial Census | 948 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 797 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 52.1
Male Median Age: 47.9
Female Median Age: 54.1
| 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 | 20 | 28 | 26 | 28 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 20 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 36 | 37 | 41 | 38 | 17 | 4 | 4 |
| Female | 8 | 18 | 9 | 17 | 11 | 11 | 15 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 36 | 38 | 31 | 46 | 33 | 17 | 13 | 9 |
| Total | 28 | 46 | 35 | 45 | 24 | 26 | 29 | 47 | 49 | 48 | 56 | 74 | 68 | 87 | 71 | 34 | 17 | 13 |
| White: | 696 | 84.06% |
| Black: | 4 | 0.48% |
| Hispanic:* | 85 | 10.27% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 0 | 0% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 43 | 5.19% |
| Total: | 828 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 406 | 50.94% | 47.9 years |
| Females: | 391 | 49.06% | 54.1 years |
| Total: | 797 | 100% | 52.1 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 709 | 100.00% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 709 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 709 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $0, which is far less than the state median ($69,904), is down $41,890 (100.0%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Family households earn a median of $0 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $0). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $0, which is well under the state female median ($49,054), with a current gap of $0 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 53.7%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.7%, which is much lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (83.6%).
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 | $41,890 | $49,737 | $48,644 | $60,821 | $60,994 | $62,853 | $59,904 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $61,591 | $65,672 | $0 |
| Median Family Income | $41,269 | $60,117 | $44,063 | $64,018 | $64,063 | $0 | $61,042 | $60,577 | $58,630 | $59,205 | $65,493 | $66,231 | $0 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $45,845 | $49,638 | $49,282 | $49,719 | $49,775 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $21,066 | $22,083 | $24,591 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $34,155 | $40,365 | $40,250 | $40,660 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $12,036 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $41,742 | $42,143 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $21,964 | $22,326 | $23,750 | $21,634 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 269 | 53.27% |
| Unemployed: | 2 | 0.40% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 234 | 46.34% |
| Total: | 505 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 225 | 83.64% |
| Service: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Sales and Office: | 19 | 7.06% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 25 | 9.29% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 269 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $472,200, which is markedly greater than the state median ($259,400), is up $109,900 (30.33%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $27,900. The median gross rent is $1,412, which is much higher than the state median ($1,162), is up $485 (52.32%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $687. Of occupied housing, owners make up 67.18% (85.11% with a mortgage, 14.89% free-and-clear) and renters 32.82% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 45.83%, which is considerably 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 | $362,300 | $393,800 | $395,500 | $535,300 | $388,800 | $0 | $0 | $331,700 | $444,300 | $380,000 | $387,500 | $484,800 | $472,200 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 99 | 77.34% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 29 | 22.66% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 128 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $927 | $929 | $920 | $927 | $0 | $908 | $1,003 | $743 | $725 | $875 | $1,260 | $0 | $1,412 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 223 | 57.18% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 39 | 10.00% |
| Renter Occupied: | 128 | 32.82% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 390 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 390 | 54.17% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 330 | 45.83% |
| Total Housing Units: | 720 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 622 | 86.39% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 47 | 6.53% |
| Other Units: | 51 | 7.08% |
| Total Housing Units: | 720 | 100% |
In 2023, 46.30% 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 92.10%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 7.20%, which is on par with the state rate (10.40%). The share of people in poverty is 16.60%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 8.40 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 1.90 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 elementary (53.25%). College enrollment is 24.85%, 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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 39 | 7.93% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 132 | 26.83% |
| Some college, no degree: | 93 | 18.90% |
| Associate's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 163 | 33.13% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 65 | 13.21% |
| Total: | 492 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 453 | 92.07% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 228 | 46.34% |
| Private Insurance: | 423 | 52.68% |
| Public Insurance: | 329 | 40.97% |
| No Insurance: | 51 | 6.35% |
| Total: | 803 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 752 | 93.65% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 25.0% | 9.1% | 8.7% | 8.1% | 10.2% | 8.1% | 0.0% | 14.4% | 14.7% | 11.7% | 11.3% | 10.2% | 16.6% |
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): | 90 | 53.25% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 37 | 21.89% |
| College or graduate school: | 42 | 24.85% |
| Total: | 169 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 127 | 75.15% |
ZIP Code 27960 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 74 business establishments, employing about 364 people with an annual payroll of $17,583,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 963Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 74Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $2,745,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $17,583,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 364Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 27960 is located in Hyde County, North Carolina, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 27960. It covers 8.7 sq mi of land and a water area of 7.467 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Number: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 0Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 8.7 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 7.467 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: | 3748740Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Ocracoke CDP; North CarolinaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 27960 is in the Hyde County Schools, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 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 January 1, 2026.