Chapel Hill, NC
Population 59,889 · North Carolina
About Chapel Hill, NC
Chapel Hill is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a population of 59,889 residents. The median household income is $85,825 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Chapel Hill is 25.8 years.
Housing in Chapel Hill has a median home value of $576,500 and median monthly rent of $1,483. Of the 23,205 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 10,090 owner-occupied and 10,622 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Chapel Hill is 4.6% and the poverty rate is 19.6%. 77.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 19.6 minutes.
How Chapel Hill Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Chapel Hill, NC
Compared to national averages, Chapel Hill has a median household income of $85,825 (14% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $576,500, which is 135% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,483 is 28% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Chapel Hill's income is 33% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 152% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Chapel Hill, NC?
Chapel Hill offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $85,825, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 77.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $576,500. However, as a mid-sized city, Chapel Hill provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Chapel Hill has a population of 59,889 with a median age of 25.8 years. Compare Chapel Hill with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Chapel Hill
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | 58,599 | $54,941 | $188,700 | Compare |
| Huntersville | 62,458 | $119,951 | $439,300 | Compare |
| Kannapolis | 56,470 | $70,691 | $245,500 | Compare |
| Rocky Mount | 54,175 | $52,927 | $148,300 | Compare |
| Apex | 67,765 | $138,442 | $514,800 | Compare |
| Mooresville | 51,447 | $88,592 | $348,500 | Compare |
| Wake Forest | 51,199 | $120,777 | $435,000 | Compare |
| Wilson | 47,740 | $47,294 | $192,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Chapel Hill
What is the population of Chapel Hill, NC?
The population of Chapel Hill, NC is 59,889 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Chapel Hill?
The median household income in Chapel Hill, NC is $85,825 per year.
What is the median home value in Chapel Hill?
The median home value in Chapel Hill, NC is $576,500.
What is the average rent in Chapel Hill?
The median monthly rent in Chapel Hill, NC is $1,483.
What is the unemployment rate in Chapel Hill?
The unemployment rate in Chapel Hill, NC is 4.6%.