Duck is a town in Dare County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 746.^[4] During the peak vacation season, starting after Memorial Day, the population increases to over 20,000.^{[6][unreliable source?]} Duck is the northernmost incorporated town in Dare County and the Outer Banks' newest town, incorporated on May 1, 2002. Duck offers visitors outdoor recreational activities, summer events and concerts, watersports, fine dining, shopping, art galleries, and a nationally known jazz festival, as well as the 11-acre (4.5 ha) Town Park and soundside boardwalk.^[7]

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Quick Facts Country, State ...

Duck, North Carolina
Town
The boardwalk at Duck Town Park, in 2009
Flag Seal
Location in Dare County and the state of North Carolina.
Coordinates: 36°10′11″N 75°45′19″W[1]
Country	United States
State	North Carolina
County	Dare
Founded	1984
Incorporated	2002
Named for	The duck
Area [2]
• Total	3.72 sq mi (9.64 km2)
• Land	2.42 sq mi (6.26 km2)
• Water	1.30 sq mi (3.38 km2)
Elevation	7 ft (2 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	742
• Density	306.99/sq mi (118.54/km2)
Time zone	UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−04:00 (EDT)
ZIP Code	27949
Area code	252
FIPS code	37-18060[1][3]
GNIS feature ID (populated place)	1025292
GNIS feature ID (town)	2406400
Website	townofduck.com

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Duck is located along the northern Outer Banks, between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Currituck Sound to the west. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.7 square miles (9.6 km²), of which 2.4 square miles (6.3 km²) is land and 1.3 square miles (3.4 km²), or 35.02% is water. Originally part of Currituck County to the north, the stretch of the Outer Banks which includes Duck was transferred to Dare County in the early 20th century. The region was named for the many ducks and waterfowl in the area.

The town park is a recreational facility with trails through the maritime forest and willow swamp. It also has an amphitheater, playground, picnic shelter, and public kayak/canoeing launch. The town has built a boardwalk which can be accessed from the park and through the commercial village. The boardwalk extends 0.78 miles (1.26 km) along Currituck Sound. Duck's beach was named one of the "Top 15 Family-Friendly Beaches in America".

In October, Duck hosts its annual Jazz Festival. During the summer months, the town offers over 60 events and programs including Yoga on the Green, Movies on the Sound, a family magic show, live concerts and interactive theater. Programs are free and open to the public.^[9]

The town of Duck encourages people to play an active role in their government. There are regular scheduled town meetings with the Town Council, where the public can address them on any matter they feel needs to be discussed. The community can also get involved and express their thoughts and concerns through attending council meetings and participating in public hearings.^[10]

On March 28, 2001, Representative Bill Culpepper introduced the Duck Incorporation Bill in the House. On August 29, 2001, after clearing the Senate on August 28 and the House on August 29, the bill became law. On November 6, 2001, voters voted in favor of the incorporation of Duck. Duck was incorporated as the sixth town in Dare County on May 1, 2002.

The Caffeys Inlet Lifesaving Station was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in January 1978.^[11]

• Duck was ranked one of USA Today's "Best Coastal Small Towns" by USA Today and 10Best.^[12]

The town of Duck marks the northernmost extent of hardiness zone 8b along the east coast of the United States.^[13]

According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, Duck, 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).^[15]

Residents are zoned to Dare County Schools. Zoned schools are Kitty Hawk Elementary School, First Flight Middle School, and First Flight High School.^[16] Prior to 2004, First Flight High zoned students were zoned to Manteo High School.^[17]