Durham, NC
Population 288,465 · North Carolina
About Durham, NC
Durham is a major city located in North Carolina with a population of 288,465 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $79,234 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.8 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 Durham features a median home value of $355,300, which is 45% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Durham in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,412, 21% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 132,864 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (63,883 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (59,435 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Durham shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Durham have an average one-way commute time of 22.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
55.7% of Durham 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 6.6% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 6.7% Asian residents, with 15.3% of the population being foreign-born.
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Durham?
The median household income in Durham, NC is $79,234 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Durham?
The median home value in Durham, NC is $355,300, which is 45% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Durham?
The median monthly rent in Durham, NC is $1,412, which is 21% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Durham?
The unemployment rate in Durham, NC is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Durham, NC a good place to live?
Durham offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 288,465 and a median age of 34.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Durham, NC?
55.7% of residents in Durham 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 Durham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Durham, NC: median home value is $355,300 (45% above national), median rent is $1,412/month, and median household income is $79,234. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Durham?
The poverty rate in Durham, NC is 12.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Durham, NC?
Durham's population is 6.6% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 6.7% Asian, and 34.2% two or more races. 15.3% of residents are foreign-born.