Durham, NC
Population 288,465 · North Carolina
About Durham, NC
Durham is a major city in North Carolina with a population of 288,465 residents. The median household income is $79,234 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Durham is 34.8 years.
Housing in Durham has a median home value of $355,300 and median monthly rent of $1,412. Of the 132,864 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 63,883 owner-occupied and 59,435 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Durham is 4.2% and the poverty rate is 12.2%. 55.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 22.7 minutes.
How Durham Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Durham, NC
Compared to national averages, Durham has a median household income of $79,234 (5% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $355,300, which is 45% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,412 is 21% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Durham's income is 23% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 55% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Durham, NC?
Durham offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $79,234, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 55.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 12.2%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.7 minutes.
Durham has a population of 288,465 with a median age of 34.8 years. Compare Durham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Durham
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greensboro | 298,564 | $58,884 | $221,300 | Compare |
| Winston-Salem | 250,887 | $57,673 | $208,200 | Compare |
| Fayetteville | 209,692 | $56,395 | $171,900 | Compare |
| Cary | 176,686 | $129,399 | $525,200 | Compare |
| Wilmington | 118,578 | $63,900 | $350,300 | Compare |
| High Point | 115,263 | $61,228 | $212,400 | Compare |
| Concord | 106,518 | $84,752 | $327,600 | Compare |
| Raleigh | 470,763 | $82,424 | $377,800 | 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 Durham With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Durham
What is the population of Durham, NC?
The population of Durham, NC is 288,465 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Durham?
The median household income in Durham, NC is $79,234 per year.
What is the median home value in Durham?
The median home value in Durham, NC is $355,300.
What is the average rent in Durham?
The median monthly rent in Durham, NC is $1,412.
What is the unemployment rate in Durham?
The unemployment rate in Durham, NC is 4.2%.