, August 12, 2025
News Summary
Dare County has launched a housing survey aimed at gathering insights from full-time workers in the Outer Banks. This initiative addresses the severe housing crisis exacerbated by rising home prices and a lack of affordable options for local employees. Previous surveys showed low response rates from the workforce, leading to concerns about housing availability. The survey is open until September 2023, focusing on local workers’ needs and encouraging community collaboration to tackle the ongoing challenges in housing stability.
Dare County, Outer Banks – A new housing survey has been launched to gather feedback from full-time workers residing in the Outer Banks, aiming to address the ongoing housing crisis exacerbated by rising concerns over availability. This initiative primarily responds to previous surveys that indicated an inadequate response rate from the local workforce, raising alarms about the worsening situation in Dare County.
The Undertone of urgency surrounding housing has been emphasized by long-term residents. Many entry-level service industry workers find themselves unable to afford either renting or purchasing homes in their communities. Personal experiences from residents illustrate the pervasive struggles with housing stability in the region. One resident conveyed how moving multiple times became a necessary response to these enduring housing challenges, indicating that numerous local workers can no longer find adequate housing options that align with their financial realities.
Research by academic sources, specifically from North Carolina State University, revealed that initial survey data predominantly came from secondary homeowners, a demographic typically opposed to initiatives aimed at expanding workforce housing. This disparity has prompted the creation of a more focused survey intended to engage directly with the individuals whose voices are crucial to understanding the housing dynamic in the Outer Banks. The survey will be available until the end of September 2023 and includes targeted outreach efforts, particularly aimed at both public sector employees and private sector employers.
The need for this survey is underscored by the fact that the housing market in the Outer Banks is suffering from a significant disconnect between available housing options and the needs of local workers. Current conditions display a worrying trend where around 20 homes in Rodanthe are at immediate risk of collapse due to coastal erosion, which complicates matters for residents. Community leaders are increasingly vocal about their belief that collaboration among employers and property owners is essential to address the crisis effectively.
Furthermore, the current housing situation is indicative of a wider issue affecting many communities, characterized by escalating costs and stagnant wage growth. These prevailing economic factors are making it increasingly difficult for locals to secure affordable housing, a situation that demands urgent attention and unified action from all stakeholders involved.
Local leaders are calling for increased efforts to understand the specific needs of the workforce when it comes to housing. The current survey aims to effectively bridge the gap between existing housing conditions and the requirements of those working to support the community.
Key Points of the Housing Survey
- New survey launched for full-time workers in Dare County.
- Past surveys showed low response rates from workers, indicating a disconnect in housing feedback.
- Focusing on issues faced by entry-level workers priced out of housing market.
- Survey open until September 2023 with targeted outreach to public and private sector employees.
- 20 homes in Rodanthe at risk due to coastal erosion, heightening local housing concerns.
- Community collaboration among employers and property owners urged for resolution.
Background Context
Housing availability in the Outer Banks is a pressing issue, which has long been compounded by rising home prices that are out of reach for many local residents. The community has seen significant growth in tourism, but this growth has not necessarily benefited long-term residents when it comes to housing security. The current economic climate, marked by increasing living costs and insufficient wage growth, continues to exacerbate the housing crisis in the region.
FAQ Section
What is the purpose of the new housing survey in the Outer Banks?
The survey aims to gather more feedback from full-time workers regarding housing availability and affordability in Dare County, addressing previous underrepresentation in survey responses.
Who is the survey targeting?
The survey specifically targets full-time workers, particularly those in the public and private sectors, to ensure their housing concerns are highlighted and addressed.
How long will the survey be open for responses?
The survey will remain open until the end of September 2023.
Why is there a housing crisis in the Outer Banks?
The crisis is attributed to soaring home prices, poor wage growth, and a significant number of secondary homeowners, which together create a challenging environment for local workforce housing.
Key Features of the Housing Survey
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Population | Full-time workers in Dare County, Outer Banks |
| Duration | Until the end of September 2023 |
| Focus Areas | Affordability, housing availability, workforce needs |
| Main Concerns | Disconnect between housing and workforce requirements, coastal erosion risks |
| Community Response | Call for collaboration among employers and property owners |
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Additional Resources
- Pilot Online: Shifting Sands
- ABC11: Outer Banks House Collapse
- WTKR: Outer Banks Survey on Housing
- Realtor.com: Celebrity Real Estate
- Triple Pundit: Employee Housing in Outer Banks
- Wikipedia: Housing in the United States
- Google Search: Outer Banks Housing crisis
- Google Scholar: Outer Banks housing issues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing Crisis
- Google News: Outer Banks housing survey
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
