The Outer Banks and other coastal regions of North Carolina face significant economic and housing challenges. The poverty rate in North Carolina was 12.5% in 2024, with over 1.3 million residents struggling to afford housing and basic necessities¹. Coastal development and increasing real estate prices have pushed many middle- and low-income families into aging mobile homes or overcrowded residences vulnerable to severe weather and economic shifts². The region’s economy is heavily reliant on seasonal tourism, which causes income and job security to be unstable, particularly during the off-season¹.
While the Outer Banks seems prosperous during the summer months, the off-season exposes deeper community needs. Food insecurity rises as seasonal jobs diminish, and affordable housing shortages worsen³. Year-round residents—including elderly individuals, families with children, and people with disabilities—often face barriers to accessing home repairs and safe living conditions due to costs and limited availability of services²,³. These challenges emphasize the necessity for programs addressing housing repair and food assistance to support resilience in the community.
HXP Builders’ project to build ramps at homes directly addresses these accessibility issues by enhancing mobility for individuals with disabilities and elderly residents, helping to ensure safer, more independent living¹,³. This targeted intervention complements ongoing community efforts to mitigate housing vulnerabilities and improve quality of life, particularly during the off-season when resources are scarce. By improving home accessibility, the project contributes to long-term stability and well-being for vulnerable populations in the Outer Banks region.
Sources:
¹ NC Budget & Tax Center, “New census data: 12.5 percent of North Carolinians live in poverty,” September 10, 2025,
² Outer Banks Voice, “New County Snapshots reveal mixed results for Dare,” March 20, 2025,
³ NC Budget & Tax Center, “2025 Economic County Snapshots for North Carolina,” March 19, 2025,