Living in Durham, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Durham · Census data 2020–2024
Durham has 291,467 residents with a median age of 35.1. The median household income is $81,619 (13% higher than the North Carolina median), the median home value is $392,800, the median rent is $1,508/month.
Durham at a glance
- Population
- 291,467
- Median age
- 35.1State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $81,619State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $392,800State: $288,900
- Median rent
- $1,508/moState: $1,228
- Homeowners
- 52.3%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 57.3%
- Average commute
- 22 min
Is Durham a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 13% higher than the North Carolina median; an average commute of 22 minutes; unemployment of 3.8%; a poverty rate of 11.7%.
Cons: Home values 36% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in Durham
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Durham the median home value is $392,800, 18% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,508 per month, which is 29.4% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,831 a month in housing costs.
Durham median household income
The median household income in Durham is $81,619 and the income per person is $49,636. 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in Durham: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 136,837
- Owner-occupied
- 52.3%
- Renter-occupied
- 47.7%
- Vacant
- 7.5%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1995
- Average household size
- 2.21
Durham demographics
- Population
- 291,467
- Median age
- 35.1
- Under 18
- 20.1%
- 65 and older
- 13.5%
- Households
- 126,550
- Foreign-born
- 15.4%
- Veterans
- 4.9%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Durham ›
Education in Durham
57.3% of adults 25 and older in Durham have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 27.1% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Durham
- Unemployment rate
- 3.8%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 22 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 23.3%
- Drive alone
- 62.2%
- Public transit
- 1.9%
- Walk to work
- 2.2%
- Homes with broadband
- 93.7%
Durham vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durham | 291,467 | $81,619 | $392,800 | $1,508 |
| Gorman | 1,591 | $47,297 | — | $1,311 |
| Chapel Hill | 61,607 | $85,989 | $613,700 | $1,613 |
| Morrisville | 31,422 | $125,396 | $518,800 | $1,858 |
| Carolina Meadows | 555 | $126,007 | $443,800 | $3,501 |
| Carrboro | 21,204 | $85,743 | $539,400 | $1,470 |
| Governors Village | 2,295 | $125,857 | $602,100 | $1,779 |
| Governors Club | 1,787 | $235,625 | $889,500 | — |
| Hillsborough | 9,724 | $98,163 | $460,100 | $1,368 |
More for people moving to Durham
Durham ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Durham: FAQ
What is the median household income in Durham, NC?
The median household income in Durham is $81,619, 13% 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 Durham?
The median home value in Durham is $392,800, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
How much is rent in Durham?
The median gross rent in Durham is $1,508 per month, about 29.4% of household income.
Is Durham, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 13% higher than the North Carolina median; an average commute of 22 minutes; unemployment of 3.8%; a poverty rate of 11.7%. Minuses: home values 36% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in Durham?
The median age in Durham is 35.1 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in Durham?
The average commute to work in Durham is 22 minutes; 23.3% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Durham?
The unemployment rate in Durham is 3.8% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Durham?
57.3% of adults in Durham 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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