Raleigh, NC
Population 470,763 · North Carolina
About Raleigh, NC
Raleigh is a major city located in North Carolina with a population of 470,763 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $82,424 per year, which is 10% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.7 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 Raleigh features a median home value of $377,800, which is 54% above the national median of $244,900. This places Raleigh in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,468, 26% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 218,200 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (100,895 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (96,029 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Raleigh shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Raleigh have an average one-way commute time of 23.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
52.9% of Raleigh 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 5.0% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 5.9% Asian residents, with 13.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Raleigh Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Raleigh, NC
Compared to national averages, Raleigh has a median household income of $82,424 (10% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $377,800, which is 54% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,468 is 26% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Raleigh's income is 28% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 65% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Raleigh, NC?
Raleigh offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $82,424, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 52.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $377,800. However, as a major city, Raleigh provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Raleigh has a population of 470,763 with a median age of 34.7 years. Compare Raleigh with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Raleigh
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greensboro | 298,564 | $58,884 | $221,300 | Compare |
| Durham | 288,465 | $79,234 | $355,300 | 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 |
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 Raleigh With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Raleigh
What is the population of Raleigh, NC?
The population of Raleigh, NC is 470,763 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 Raleigh?
The median household income in Raleigh, NC is $82,424 per year, which is 10% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Raleigh?
The median home value in Raleigh, NC is $377,800, which is 54% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Raleigh?
The median monthly rent in Raleigh, NC is $1,468, which is 26% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Raleigh?
The unemployment rate in Raleigh, NC is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Raleigh, NC a good place to live?
Raleigh offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 470,763 and a median age of 34.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Raleigh, NC?
52.9% of residents in Raleigh 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 Raleigh?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Raleigh, NC: median home value is $377,800 (54% above national), median rent is $1,468/month, and median household income is $82,424. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Raleigh?
The poverty rate in Raleigh, NC is 11.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Raleigh, NC?
Raleigh's population is 5.0% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 5.9% Asian, and 27.0% two or more races. 13.6% of residents are foreign-born.