Hillsborough, NC
Population 9,656 · North Carolina
About Hillsborough, NC
Hillsborough is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 9,656 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $98,467 per year, which is 31% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hillsborough features a median home value of $430,100, which is 76% above the national median of $244,900. This places Hillsborough in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,349, 16% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,461 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (2,646 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (1,511 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hillsborough shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Hillsborough have an average one-way commute time of 21.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
61.8% of Hillsborough 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 4.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, and 4.1% Asian residents, with 8.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Hillsborough Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Hillsborough, NC
Compared to national averages, Hillsborough has a median household income of $98,467 (31% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $430,100, which is 76% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,349 is 16% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Hillsborough's income is 53% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 88% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Hillsborough, NC?
Hillsborough offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $98,467, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 61.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.7%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $430,100. However, Hillsborough’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hillsborough has a population of 9,656 with a median age of 43.6 years. Compare Hillsborough with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Hillsborough
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morehead City | 9,696 | $53,718 | $330,900 | Compare |
| Washington | 9,754 | $41,723 | $193,800 | Compare |
| St. Stephens | 9,409 | $57,882 | $187,500 | Compare |
| Lake Norman of Catawba | 9,308 | $106,836 | $522,300 | Compare |
| Gibsonville | 9,289 | $105,981 | $262,400 | Compare |
| Hampstead | 9,129 | $90,184 | $395,900 | Compare |
| Rolesville | 10,200 | $148,250 | $467,400 | Compare |
| Rockingham | 9,094 | $36,695 | $133,900 | 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 Hillsborough With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hillsborough
What is the population of Hillsborough, NC?
The population of Hillsborough, NC is 9,656 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Hillsborough?
The median household income in Hillsborough, NC is $98,467 per year, which is 31% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hillsborough?
The median home value in Hillsborough, NC is $430,100, which is 76% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hillsborough?
The median monthly rent in Hillsborough, NC is $1,349, which is 16% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hillsborough?
The unemployment rate in Hillsborough, NC is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hillsborough, NC a good place to live?
Hillsborough offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,656 and a median age of 43.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hillsborough, NC?
61.8% of residents in Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hillsborough, NC: median home value is $430,100 (76% above national), median rent is $1,349/month, and median household income is $98,467. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Hillsborough?
The poverty rate in Hillsborough, NC is 8.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Hillsborough, NC?
Hillsborough's population is 4.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, 4.1% Asian, and 9.1% two or more races. 8.5% of residents are foreign-born.