Nags Head, North Carolina

Early maps of the area show Nags Head as a promontory of land characterized by high sand dunes visible from miles at sea. The origin of the town's name is obscure but it is likely to have been named after any one of the places called Nag's Head on the English coast.{{cite web |title=The Beginning of New Hope Church, Nags Head Chapel |url=http://www.nhumc.info/images/churchlife_beginning.pdf |publisher=Northern Hills United Methodist Church}}

A folkloric explanation claims that mules or horses (nags) would have lights hung on their heads by nefarious wreckers in order to trick ships into running aground and then loot the ships of their valuables.{{cite book |last1=Renouf |first1=Norman |last2=Renouf |first2=Kathy |title=The Carolinas & the Georgia Coast |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZOguJgbXOQcC&pg=PT229 |year=1999 |publisher=Hunter Publishing, Inc |isbn=978-1-55650-854-7 |page=229 |quote=Legend has it that "wrecking" was a popular pastime and source of income for the early inhabitants. It seems that certain ne'r-do-wells would tie lanterns to their horses' necks [...]}} The town's emblem depicts one such equine accomplice from the tale.{{cite web |title=Town Brochure |url=http://www.nagsheadnc.gov/vertical/Sites/%7BB2CB0823-BC26-47E7-B6B6-37D19957B4E1%7D/uploads/Outside.jpg |access-date=September 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006095001/http://www.nagsheadnc.gov/vertical/Sites/%7BB2CB0823-BC26-47E7-B6B6-37D19957B4E1%7D/uploads/Outside.jpg |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |url-status=dead}}

Around 1830,{{cite web |url=http://www.nagsheadguide.com/history/ |title=Nags Head Guide |year=2011 |access-date=October 14, 2012}} Nags Head became known as a resort area. This direction was accelerated in 1855 when Dr. W. G. Pool bought 50 acres of oceanfront land which he separated into plots and sold to friends, increasing the number of homes in the area.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

Jockey's Ridge is the last vestige of the sand dunes seen by the first explorers, as the area is now highly developed. The town incorporated in 1961.{{cite web |url=http://www.outerbanks.org/outerbanks-nags-head/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402093115/http://www.outerbanks.org/outerbanks-nags-head/ |archive-date=April 2, 2013 |url-status=unfit |website=Outer Banks of North Carolina |title=Nags Head |access-date=April 5, 2013}}

In May 2021, Nags Head was one of 11 communities (along with nearby Ocracoke, North Carolina) chosen by the United States Department of Energy to participate in the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project, a program to provide federal aid for remote communities to modernize their electric infrastructure and resiliency through natural disasters and outages. Nags Head's grant is used to secure 48–72 hours of backup energy for emergency services due to the community's vulnerability to severe weather and rising sea levels and to investigate renewable and energy efficiency options.{{Cite web |title=DOE to Support 11 Remote and Island Communities Transitioning to Resilient Clean Energy Solutions |url=https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-support-11-remote-and-island-communities-transitioning-resilient-clean-energy |access-date=May 6, 2021 |website=Energy.gov |language=en}} According to Nag's Head's Director of Planning and Development Michael Zehner, the project will take 12–18 months to complete and the town will receive assistance from National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Sandia National Laboratories.{{Cite web |last=Jurkowitz |first=Mark |date=May 1, 2021 |title=Nags Head joins 10 other 'islanded communities' in project to keep the power on |url=https://www.outerbanksvoice.com/2021/05/01/nags-head-joins-10-other-islanded-communities-in-project-to-keep-the-power-on/ |access-date=August 24, 2022 |website=The Outer Banks Voice |language=en-US}}

Nags Head received a separate grant from the North Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects to receive technical assistance in developing better building design practices for energy and water efficiency, a project with an expected completion in early 2022.

Nags Head is located at {{Coord|35|55|55|N|75|36|54|W|type:city}} (35.932004, -75.615085).{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=April 23, 2011 |date=February 12, 2011 |title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of {{convert|17.2|sqkm|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|17.0|sqkm|order=flip}} is land and {{convert|0.2|km2|order=flip|1}}, or 1.15%, is water.{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US3745880 |title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Nags Head town, North Carolina |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder |access-date=November 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213070313/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US3745880 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |url-status=dead}}

According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, Nags Head, North Carolina would have a dominant vegetation type of Live oak/Sea Oats Uniola paniculata (90) with a dominant vegetation form of Coastal Prairie (20).{{cite web |url=https://databasin.org/datasets/1c7a301c8e6843f2b4fe63fdb3a9fe39 |access-date=August 6, 2019 |title=U.S. Potential Natural Vegetation, Original Kuchler Types, v2.0 (Spatially Adjusted to Correct Geometric Distortions)}}

According to the Trewartha climate classification system, Nags Head, North Carolina has a humid subtropical climate with hot and humid summers, cool winters and year-around precipitation (Cfak). Cfak climates are characterized by all months having an average mean temperature > 32.0 °F (> 0.0 °C), at least eight months with an average mean temperature ≥ 50.0 °F (≥ 10.0 °C), at least one month with an average mean temperature ≥ 71.6 °F (≥ 22.0 °C) and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. During the summer months in Nags Head, a cooling afternoon sea breeze is present on most days, but episodes of extreme heat and humidity can occur with heat index values ≥ 100 °F (≥ 38 °C). Nags Head is prone to hurricane strikes, particularly during the Atlantic hurricane season which extends from June 1 through November 30, sharply peaking from late August through September. During the winter months, episodes of cold and wind can occur with wind chill values < 10 °F (< −12 °C). The plant hardiness zone in Nags Head is 8b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of 16.9 °F (−8.4 °C).{{cite web |url=https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/InteractiveMap.aspx |publisher=United States Department of Agriculture |access-date=August 6, 2019 |title=USDA Interactive Plant Hardiness Map}} The average seasonal (Dec-Mar) snowfall total is < 2 inches (< 5 cm), and the average annual peak in nor'easter activity is in February.

{{Weather box

| width = auto

| single line = Y

| location = Nags Head, NC (1981–2010 averages)

| Jan high F = 51.3

| Feb high F = 53.1

| Mar high F = 58.6

| Apr high F = 66.9

| May high F = 74.3

| Jun high F = 81.8

| Jul high F = 85.5

| Aug high F = 84.4

| Sep high F = 79.9

| Oct high F = 71.6

| Nov high F = 63.5

| Dec high F = 55.3

| year high F = 68.9

| Jan mean F = 44.3

| Feb mean F = 46.0

| Mar mean F = 51.1

| Apr mean F = 59.3

| May mean F = 67.2

| Jun mean F = 75.6

| Jul mean F = 79.7

| Aug mean F = 78.8

| Sep mean F = 74.4

| Oct mean F = 65.5

| Nov mean F = 56.7

| Dec mean F = 48.3

| year mean F = 62.3

| Jan low F = 37.3

| Feb low F = 38.8

| Mar low F = 43.5

| Apr low F = 51.7

| May low F = 60.1

| Jun low F = 69.4

| Jul low F = 73.9

| Aug low F = 73.2

| Sep low F = 69.0

| Oct low F = 59.3

| Nov low F = 49.8

| Dec low F = 41.4

| year low F = 55.7

| precipitation colour = green

| Jan precipitation inch = 4.35

| Feb precipitation inch = 3.74

| Mar precipitation inch = 3.73

| Apr precipitation inch = 3.37

| May precipitation inch = 3.68

| Jun precipitation inch = 4.28

| Jul precipitation inch = 5.12

| Aug precipitation inch = 6.09

| Sep precipitation inch = 5.63

| Oct precipitation inch = 3.94

| Nov precipitation inch = 3.83

| Dec precipitation inch = 3.88

| year precipitation inch = 51.64

| humidity colour = green

| Jan humidity = 69.6

| Feb humidity = 69.5

| Mar humidity = 67.2

| Apr humidity = 67.4

| May humidity = 70.3

| Jun humidity = 73.4

| Jul humidity = 75.3

| Aug humidity = 74.7

| Sep humidity = 73.8

| Oct humidity = 70.9

| Nov humidity = 72.1

| Dec humidity = 71.2

| year humidity = 71.3

| Jan dew point F = 35.0

| Feb dew point F = 36.6

| Mar dew point F = 40.6

| Apr dew point F = 48.5

| May dew point F = 57.2

| Jun dew point F = 66.5

| Jul dew point F = 71.2

| Aug dew point F = 70.1

| Sep dew point F = 65.5

| Oct dew point F = 55.8

| Nov dew point F = 47.8

| Dec dew point F = 39.4

| year dew point F = 52.9

|source 1 = PRISM{{cite web |url=http://prism.oregonstate.edu/explorer/ |title=PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University |access-date=August 6, 2019}}}}

{{Weather box

| width = auto

| single line = Y

| location = Duck, NC, ocean water temperature (21 NW Nags Head)

| Jan mean F = 45

| Feb mean F = 44

| Mar mean F = 46

| Apr mean F = 59

| May mean F = 67

| Jun mean F = 74

| Jul mean F = 71

| Aug mean F = 74

| Sep mean F = 75

| Oct mean F = 69

| Nov mean F = 59

| Dec mean F = 52

| year mean F = 61

|source 1 = NOAA{{cite web |url=https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/all_meanT.html |title=Water Temperature Table of All Coastal Regions |access-date=August 6, 2019}}}}

{{US Census population

|1970= 414

|1980= 1020

|1990= 1838

|2000= 2700

|2010= 2757

|2020= 3146

|estyear=2021

|estimate=3182

|estref=

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|accessdate=June 4, 2016}}

}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:right" |+Nags Head racial composition{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US3745880&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |website=data.census.gov}} ! scope="col"| Race ! scope="col"| Number ! scope="col"| Percentage
scope="row"| White (non-Hispanic) | 2,891 | 91.26%
scope="row"| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 23 | 0.73%
scope="row"| Native American | 5 | 0.16%
scope="row"| Asian | 25 | 0.79%
scope="row"| Other/Mixed | 108 | 3.41%
scope="row"| Hispanic or Latino | 116 | 3.66%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,168 people, 1,302 households, and 861 families residing in the town.

As of the census of 2010, there were 2,757 people, 1,223 households, and 741 families residing in the town. The population density was {{convert|413.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 4,884 housing units at an average density of {{convert|634.9|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the town was 94.6% White, 1.6% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 1.4% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.44% of the population.

There were 1,223 households, out of which 23.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.2% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.4% were non-families. 29.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.65.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 19.2% under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 30.7% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $53,095, and the median income for a family was $61,302. Males had a median income of $33,289 versus $30,139 for females. The per capita income for the town was $30,157. About 4.4% of families and 6.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.9% of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65 or over.

File:Nags Head, North Carolina beach houses.jpg

Located in Nags Head is the largest sand dune on the East Coast at Jockey's Ridge State Park.[https://www.ncparks.gov/jockeys-ridge-state-park Jockey's Ridge State Park] The sand dune has migrated over the years from the energy of coastal winds and has buried a miniature golf course along the way. Jockey's Ridge has been popular with hang-gliders since the advent of the sport, and is home to the world's largest hang gliding school. Kite flyers are also frequent visitors. The park's visitor center includes an informative museum with exhibits on sand, weather, and local fauna. The diversity of wildlife may change with seasonal migrations and includes bird species, foxes, mice, squirrels, occasional deer and rabbits.

One of the most exciting features of the Ridge is its capriciousness. Annual visitors find that ephemeral pools can spring up, and the sand can shift, making for a fresh experience every time. From the top of the Ridge, the ocean as well as the sound can be seen. Jockey's Ridge has a sound beach on the Roanoke Sound side where visitors may swim.

The Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve is {{convert|1092|acre|km2}} and lies North of Jockey's Ridge and east of Roanoke Sound. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974.{{cite web |url=http://www.nature.nps.gov/nnl/Registry/USA_Map/States/NorthCarolina/NNL/NH/index.cfm |title=NPS: Explore Nature " National Natural Landmarks |publisher=National Park Service |date=June 25, 2009 |access-date=October 4, 2009}}

As in any other beach town, the ocean and shoreline are the major attractions, providing beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water sports. A series of historic cottages overlook the beach in sections. There are three piers popular for fishing: Nags Head Pier, Jennette's Pier (severely damaged by Hurricane Isabel in 2003, bought and renovated by the North Carolina Aquariums, reopened in May 2011), and Outer Banks Pier. The town also features miniature golf courses and small amusement centers with go-karts and bumper cars for family entertainment.

Other attractions include various National Register of Historic Places in or near Nags Head, such as the following:

class="wikitable sortable" style="width:98%" ! {{NRHP color}}| Landmark name{{NRISref|2008b}} ! class="unsortable" {{NRHP color}}| Image ! {{NRHP color}}|Date listed ! {{NRHP color}}|Location ! class="unsortable" {{NRHP color}}| Notes

- | Bodie Island Lifesaving and Coast Guard Station | File:Bodie Island Lifesaving Station, Off Highway 12, Nags Head vicinity (Dare County, North Carolina).jpg | {{dts|1979|2|9}} | S of Nags Head on NC 12 {{coord|35|50|11|N|75|33|33|W|name=Bodie Island Lifesaving/Coast Guard Station}} |

- | Bodie Island Light Station | File:Bodie Island Lighthouse 2008.JPG | {{dts|2003|7|4}} | Off NC 12 {{coord|35|49|12|N|75|33|49|W|name=Bodie Island Light Station}} |

- | First Colony Inn | File:Old Colony Inn 4770.jpg | {{dts|1993|1|21}} | 6720 S. Virginia Dare Trail {{coord|35|55|6|N|75|36|13|W|name=First Colony Inn}} |

- | Markham-Albertson-Stinson Cottage | File:Markham-Albertson-Stinson Cottage.jpg | {{dts|2006|1|13}} | 4300 W. Soundside Rd. {{coord|35|56|45.51|N|75|37|45.93|W|name=Markham--Albertson--Stinson Cottage}} | Destroyed by Hurricane Irene{{Cite web |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/08/hurricane-irene/100138/ |title=Hurricane Irene - the Atlantic}}

- | Mattie Midgett Store and House | File:Midgett Store.jpg | {{dts|2004|12|23}} | 4008 S. Virginia Dare Trail {{coord|35|57|23|N|75|37|28|W|name=Midgett, Mattie, Store and House}} |

- | Nags Head Beach Cottages Historic District | File:Old Nags Head Cottage Row.jpg | {{dts|1977|8|19}} | U.S. 158 {{coord|35|57|50|N|75|35|49|W|name=Nags Head Beach Cottages Historic District}} |

- | Sea Foam Motel | 100px | {{dts|2004|12|23}} | 7111 S. Virginia Dare Trail {{coord|35|54|37|N|75|35|47|W|name=Sea Foam Motel}} |

- | {{USS|Huron|1875}} | | {{dts|1991|11|15}} | Address restricted | wrecked in the area, 1877

Residents are in Dare County Schools. Zoned schools include Nags Head Elementary School, Manteo Middle School, and Manteo High School.{{cite web |url=https://www.daretolearn.org/resources/curriculum-and-instruction/register-for-school/attendance-zone-information |title=Attendance Zone Information |publisher=Dare County Schools |accessdate=April 12, 2021}}

Nags Head Elementary opened in August 2005.{{cite web |last=Freeman |first=Darren |url=http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=76346&ran=207354 |title=Boundary lines for Nags Head Elementary set for next year |newspaper=The Virginian-Pilot |date=October 3, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041015160152/http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=76346&ran=207354 |accessdate=April 14, 2021 |archive-date=October 15, 2004}}

Previously First Flight Elementary School in Kill Devil Hills served elementary levels while First Flight Middle School, also in Kill Devil Hills, served middle school.{{cite web |url=http://www.dare.k12.nc.us/news/zones.html |title=Attendance Zones |publisher=Dare County Schools |date=February 19, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020219183444/http://www.dare.k12.nc.us/news/zones.html |accessdate=April 14, 2021 |archive-date=February 19, 2002}} - [https://web.archive.org/web/20031219154720/http://www.dare.k12.nc.us/news/zones.html Same in 2003]

{{Wikivoyage|Nags Head}}

• {{official website|https://www.nagsheadnc.gov/}}

{{Dare County, North Carolina}}

{{Outer Banks}}

{{authority control}}

Category:Beaches of North Carolina

Category:Landforms of Dare County, North Carolina

Category:Outer Banks

Category:Towns in Dare County, North Carolina

Category:Towns in North Carolina

Category:Skimboarding locations in North Carolina