Living in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Chapel Hill · Census data 2020–2024
Chapel Hill has 61,607 residents with a median age of 25.8. The median household income is $85,989 (19% higher than the North Carolina median), the median home value is $613,700, the median rent is $1,613/month.
Chapel Hill at a glance
- Population
- 61,607
- Median age
- 25.8State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $85,989State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $613,700State: $288,900
- Median rent
- $1,613/moState: $1,228
- Homeowners
- 47.4%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 76.6%
- Average commute
- 20 min
Is Chapel Hill a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 19% higher than the North Carolina median; an average commute of 20 minutes; unemployment of 4.5%.
Cons: Home values 112% higher than the state median; a poverty rate of 18.6%.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in Chapel Hill
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Chapel Hill the median home value is $613,700, 84% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,613 per month, which is 36% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,912 a month in housing costs.
Chapel Hill median household income
The median household income in Chapel Hill is $85,989 and the income per person is $51,406. 18.6% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in Chapel Hill: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 23,581
- Owner-occupied
- 47.4%
- Renter-occupied
- 52.6%
- Vacant
- 10.1%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1988
- Average household size
- 2.38
Chapel Hill demographics
- Population
- 61,607
- Median age
- 25.8
- Under 18
- 14.9%
- 65 and older
- 12.6%
- Households
- 21,189
- Foreign-born
- 15.3%
- Veterans
- 2.8%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Chapel Hill ›
Education in Chapel Hill
76.6% of adults 25 and older in Chapel Hill have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 45.2% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Chapel Hill
- Unemployment rate
- 4.5%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 20 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 28.1%
- Drive alone
- 47.1%
- Public transit
- 7%
- Walk to work
- 8%
- Homes with broadband
- 93.3%
Chapel Hill vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chapel Hill | 61,607 | $85,989 | $613,700 | $1,613 |
| Carrboro | 21,204 | $85,743 | $539,400 | $1,470 |
| Carolina Meadows | 555 | $126,007 | $443,800 | $3,501 |
| Governors Village | 2,295 | $125,857 | $602,100 | $1,779 |
| Governors Club | 1,787 | $235,625 | $889,500 | — |
| Briar Chapel | 6,049 | $166,063 | $570,300 | $3,177 |
| Durham | 291,467 | $81,619 | $392,800 | $1,508 |
| Fearrington Village | 2,356 | $86,116 | $472,600 | $3,501 |
| Hillsborough | 9,724 | $98,163 | $460,100 | $1,368 |
More for people moving to Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Chapel Hill: FAQ
What is the median household income in Chapel Hill, NC?
The median household income in Chapel Hill is $85,989, 19% higher than the North Carolina median of $72,388 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Chapel Hill?
The median home value in Chapel Hill is $613,700, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
How much is rent in Chapel Hill?
The median gross rent in Chapel Hill is $1,613 per month, about 36% of household income.
Is Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 19% higher than the North Carolina median; an average commute of 20 minutes; unemployment of 4.5%. Minuses: home values 112% higher than the state median; a poverty rate of 18.6%.
What is the median age in Chapel Hill?
The median age in Chapel Hill is 25.8 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in Chapel Hill?
The average commute to work in Chapel Hill is 20 minutes; 28.1% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Chapel Hill?
The unemployment rate in Chapel Hill is 4.5% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Chapel Hill?
76.6% of adults in Chapel Hill have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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