Chapel Hill, NC
Population 59,889 · North Carolina
About Chapel Hill, NC
Chapel Hill is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 59,889 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $85,825 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 25.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chapel Hill features a median home value of $576,500, which is 135% above the national median of $244,900. This places Chapel Hill in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,483, 28% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 23,205 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (10,090 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (10,622 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chapel Hill shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chapel Hill have an average one-way commute time of 19.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
77.2% of Chapel Hill residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.3% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 4.4% Asian residents, with 14.9% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Chapel Hill With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Chapel Hill?
The median household income in Chapel Hill, NC is $85,825 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chapel Hill?
The median home value in Chapel Hill, NC is $576,500, which is 135% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Chapel Hill?
The median monthly rent in Chapel Hill, NC is $1,483, which is 28% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chapel Hill?
The unemployment rate in Chapel Hill, NC is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live?
Chapel Hill offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 59,889 and a median age of 25.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Chapel Hill, NC?
77.2% of residents in Chapel Hill aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Chapel Hill?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chapel Hill, NC: median home value is $576,500 (135% above national), median rent is $1,483/month, and median household income is $85,825. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Chapel Hill?
The poverty rate in Chapel Hill, NC is 19.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Chapel Hill, NC?
Chapel Hill's population is 2.3% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 4.4% Asian, and 10.8% two or more races. 14.9% of residents are foreign-born.