Dare County Map, North Carolina

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 05, 2026 | 06:10 ET

Map of Dare County - Dare County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Dare County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Dare County located in the map, major cities in Dare county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Map of Dare County, North Carolina

About Dare County, North Carolina

Dare County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It's county seat is Manteo. As per 2020 census, the population of Dare County is 37826 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,562 sq mi (4,046 km2). Dare County was established on 1870.

Dare County Facts

ContinentNorth America
CountryUnited States
StateNorth Carolina
County SeatManteo
Largest City/TownKill Devil Hills
Established1870
Total Area1,563 sq mi (4,048 sq km)
Land Area383 sq mi (992 sq km)
Water Area1,180 sq mi (3,056 sq km)
Population36,915 (Census 2020)
Population Density96 people per sq mi
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
Major HighwaysUS-64, US-158, NC-12
Major RiversRoanoke Sound, Pamlico Sound, Albemarle Sound
Neighboring CountiesCurrituck County, Hyde County, Tyrrell County, Washington County
Famous ForOuter Banks, Wright Brothers, beaches, tourism
Top AttractionsWright Brothers National Memorial, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Roanoke Island
Official WebsiteOfficial Website

About Dare County, North Carolina

Dare County is located in the northeastern part of North Carolina, in the state of the United States, and was established in 1870. The county seat is Manteo, while Kill Devil Hills is the largest town. The county spans much of the Outer Banks barrier islands and is known for its beaches, maritime history, and as the site of the Wright brothers’ first powered flight.

Cities and Towns in Dare County, North Carolina

City/TownPopulation (Census 2020)Latitude & Longitude
Manteo (county seat)1,59335.9082°N, 75.6757°W
Kill Devil Hills7,70836.0307°N, 75.6760°W
Nags Head3,02135.9574°N, 75.6249°W
Kitty Hawk3,70836.0646°N, 75.7057°W
Duck74636.1700°N, 75.7500°W
Southern Shores2,98636.1357°N, 75.7263°W
Avon (CDP)77635.3500°N, 75.5100°W
Buxton (CDP)1,27335.2700°N, 75.5400°W
Frisco (CDP)20035.2300°N, 75.6200°W
Hatteras (CDP)52535.2100°N, 75.7000°W
Rodanthe (CDP)26135.5800°N, 75.4700°W
Waves (CDP)20035.5600°N, 75.4700°W
Salvo (CDP)23035.5500°N, 75.4700°W

Golf Courses in Dare County, North Carolina

Golf CourseLocationLatitude & Longitude
Nags Head Golf LinksNags Head35.9500°N, 75.6200°W
The Pointe Golf ClubPowells Point (near county line)36.1000°N, 75.8200°W

Roads and Highways in Dare County, North Carolina

Dare County is connected by coastal highways that run along the Outer Banks.

  • US-64 – connects Manteo to the mainland and inland North Carolina
  • US-158 – major route linking the northern Outer Banks to the mainland
  • NC-12 – scenic highway running the length of the Outer Banks barrier islands

Neighboring Counties of Dare County

  • Currituck County (north)
  • Hyde County (south)
  • Tyrrell County (west)
  • Washington County (west)

Top Attractions in Dare County, North Carolina

The county is one of North Carolina’s most popular tourist destinations.

  • Wright Brothers National Memorial – site of the first powered flight in 1903
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore – miles of beaches, lighthouse, and natural beauty
  • Jockey’s Ridge State Park – tallest sand dunes on the East Coast
  • Roanoke Island – historic site of the first English settlement in America
  • Bodie Island Lighthouse – scenic lighthouse and wildlife area
  • Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge – birdwatching and coastal ecosystems

Distance from Dare County to Nearby Cities

  • Manteo to Norfolk, VA – 90 mi (145 km)
  • Manteo to Elizabeth City – 60 mi (97 km)
  • Manteo to Raleigh – 200 mi (322 km)
  • Manteo to Greenville – 120 mi (193 km)
  • Manteo to Virginia Beach, VA – 95 mi (153 km)

FAQs about Dare County

Where is Dare County located?

Dare County is located in northeastern North Carolina along the Outer Banks barrier islands.

What is the population of Dare County?

The population of Dare County is 36,915 according to the 2020 Census.

What is Dare County known for?

Dare County is known for the Outer Banks, beaches, and the Wright brothers’ first flight.

What are the major highways in Dare County?

Major highways include US-64, US-158, and NC-12.

Are there golf courses in Dare County?

Yes, Dare County has golf courses including Nags Head Golf Links and nearby options in the Outer Banks region.