Cities and Towns in Dare County, North Carolina

Founded in 1870, Dare County is one of 100 counties in the state of North Carolina. Historically, Dare County was formed from Currituck County, Hyde County, and Tyrrell County. The city of Manteo is the county seat. With FIPS code of 55, Dare County has a population of 37,826 and area of 1,562 square miles (4,046 km²).

List of all cities in Dare County, NC alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Avon, NC	27915	252
Buxton, NC	27920	252
Cape Hatteras National Seash, NC	27954	252
Cape Hatteras Naval Facility, NC	27920	252
Collington, NC	27949	252
Duck, NC	27949	252
East Lake, NC	27953	252
Fort Raleigh City, NC	27954	252
Fort Raleigh National Histor, NC	27954	252
Frisco, NC	27936	252
Hatteras, NC	27943	252
Kill Devil Hills, NC	27948	252
Kinnakeet, NC	27915	252
Kitty Hawk, NC	27949	252
Manns Harbor, NC	27953	252
Manteo, NC	27954	252
Nags Head, NC	27959	252
Rodanthe, NC	27968	252
Salvo, NC	27972	252
Southern Shores, NC	27949	252
Stumpy Point, NC	27978	252
Wanchese, NC	27981	252
Waves, NC	27982	252
Wright Brothers National Mem, NC	27954	252

Major Cities and Towns in Dare County, North Carolina

Manteo

Overview

• Area: Approximately 1.98 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,500 (2024 estimate)
• ZIP Code: 27954
• Latitude and Longitude: 35.9082° N, 75.6780° W

Location and History

Manteo, the county seat of Dare County, is situated on Roanoke Island, nestled between the mainland and the Outer Banks. The town holds significant historical importance as the site of the first English settlement in America, known as the “Lost Colony,” established in 1587. Named after Chief Manteo of the Croatan tribe, who befriended the English settlers, the town was incorporated in 1899. Over the years, Manteo has evolved into a charming community that celebrates its rich heritage while serving as a hub for tourism and local commerce.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Educational institutions in Manteo include Manteo High School, Manteo Middle School, and Manteo Elementary School, all part of the Dare County Schools system. Notable landmarks encompass the Roanoke Island Festival Park, which offers interactive exhibits and a replica of the Elizabeth II ship, and the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, preserving the location of the original English settlement. The town also features the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, providing educational programs and marine exhibits. The annual “Lost Colony” outdoor drama, performed during the summer months, reenacts the story of the vanished settlers, attracting visitors from around the country.

Kill Devil Hills

Overview

• Area: Approximately 5.5 square miles
• Population: Approximately 7,500 (2024 estimate)
• ZIP Code: 27948
• Latitude and Longitude: 36.0307° N, 75.6760° W

Location and History

Kill Devil Hills is centrally located on the Outer Banks, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Albemarle Sound to the west. The town is historically renowned as the site of the Wright brothers’ first powered flight in 1903. Incorporated in 1953, Kill Devil Hills has grown into a vibrant community that balances residential living with tourism. The origin of its unique name is subject to various legends, one suggesting it derived from barrels of rum strong enough to “kill the devil” that washed ashore from shipwrecks.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Kill Devil Hills is served by First Flight High School, First Flight Middle School, and First Flight Elementary School, all named in honor of the Wright brothers’ achievement. A prominent landmark is the Wright Brothers National Memorial, featuring a granite monument and visitor center commemorating the first flight. The town also offers numerous public beach accesses, recreational parks, and the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve, providing hiking trails through maritime forests. The Avalon Fishing Pier is a popular spot for anglers and visitors seeking ocean views.

Nags Head

Overview

• Area: Approximately 6.6 square miles
• Population: Approximately 3,000 (2024 estimate)
• ZIP Code: 27959
• Latitude and Longitude: 35.9570° N, 75.6249° W

Location and History

Nags Head is a town on the Outer Banks, known for its expansive beaches and sand dunes. Incorporated in 1961, it has a long history as a resort destination, with visitors flocking to its shores since the 19th century. The town’s name is believed to originate from a legend where pirates would hang lanterns on the necks of horses (nags) to lure ships onto the shoals, leading to shipwrecks that could be plundered. Today, Nags Head combines its rich folklore with modern amenities, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Nags Head Elementary School serves the town’s younger students, with older students attending nearby middle and high schools within the Dare County Schools system. A significant landmark is Jockey’s Ridge State Park, home to the tallest natural sand dune system in the eastern United States, popular for hang gliding and kite flying. The Bodie Island Lighthouse, located just south of Nags Head, offers tours and panoramic views of the surrounding area. The town also features a historic district with classic beach cottages and the Nags Head Fishing Pier, providing dining and fishing opportunities.

Kitty Hawk

Overview

• Area: Approximately 8.2 square miles
• Population: Approximately 3,500 (2024 estimate)
• ZIP Code: 27949
• Latitude and Longitude: 36.0646° N, 75.7052° W

Location and History

Kitty Hawk is located on the Outer Banks, north of Kill Devil Hills. The town gained international recognition due to its association with the Wright brothers’ first flight, although the actual flight took place in neighboring Kill Devil Hills. Incorporated in 1981, Kitty Hawk has developed into a residential community with a strong emphasis on preserving its natural environment. The town’s name is thought to derive from a Native American term, “Chickeawk,” meaning a place to hunt geese.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Kitty Hawk Elementary School serves the town’s educational needs, with older students attending schools in nearby towns within the Dare County Schools system. Notable landmarks include the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve, offering hiking and bird-watching opportunities in a protected maritime forest. The town’s beaches are popular for surfing and fishing, and the Kitty Hawk Pier provides scenic views and event spaces. The Monument to a Century of Flight commemorates aviation history with a series of wing-shaped pylons.