The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 27968 sells for about $570,000, or $453 per square foot.
Prices are up +28% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 199 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,510 a month.
ZIP 27968 — Rodanthe
The Ocracoke housing market is characterized by high price volatility and limited inventory, driven by its status as a remote, tourism-dependent island. Recent data shows significant year-over-year price appreciation, though the market remains a buyer's market due to the seasonal nature of demand and high insurance costs. The lack of long-term rental inventory and the high vacancy rate reflect the prevalence of vacation-home ownership.
This ZIP is best suited for vacation-home buyers, retirees, and those seeking a remote coastal lifestyle, as the island's isolation and seasonal economy present challenges for traditional commuters.
Median prices moved up 28.0% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 199 days on market with 0.0 months of supply — a slower-moving market.
0% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 94% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 2.5% · poverty 2.3% — a stable, low-distress profile.
versus the prior ACS vintage
in-migration and out-migration balanced
ZCTA 27968, Hyde County NC
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
The area is served by Hyde County Schools, which maintains a small, rural district profile.
The area faces significant coastal flood and hurricane wind risks, which heavily influence property insurance availability and premiums.
The economy is primarily driven by seasonal tourism and local services, with limited large-scale industrial or corporate development.
Property taxes are assessed at the county level by Hyde County; specific district rates vary based on fire and emergency service coverage.
Commuting is primarily local or requires ferry transit to the mainland, as the ZIP is located on a remote barrier island.
The area is defined by its proximity to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, offering extensive beach access, boating, and fishing opportunities.
The rental market is heavily skewed toward seasonal and short-term vacation rentals, with very limited long-term housing inventory available.
The local economy is almost entirely dependent on tourism, hospitality, and commercial fishing.
Access is restricted to ferry services or private watercraft, with no direct highway connection to the mainland.
Development is strictly limited by the island's geography and its status within the National Seashore.
Hyde County manages assessments, which are periodically updated to reflect market value changes in the coastal real estate market.
Parcels are subject to Hyde County property taxes and local fire district levies.
Property insurance is difficult to obtain and expensive due to high exposure to hurricane and flood hazards.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov for ZCTA 27968.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Provides extensive protected beaches and natural areas surrounding the island.
A prominent historic site and major tourist attraction on the island.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.