Raleigh, NC
Population 470,763 · North Carolina
About Raleigh, NC
Raleigh is a major city in North Carolina with a population of 470,763 residents. The median household income is $82,424 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Raleigh is 34.7 years.
Housing in Raleigh has a median home value of $377,800 and median monthly rent of $1,468. Of the 218,200 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 100,895 owner-occupied and 96,029 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Raleigh is 4.5% and the poverty rate is 11.4%. 52.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 23.4 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Raleigh
What is the population of Raleigh, NC?
The population of Raleigh, NC is 470,763 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Raleigh?
The median household income in Raleigh, NC is $82,424 per year.
What is the median home value in Raleigh?
The median home value in Raleigh, NC is $377,800.
What is the average rent in Raleigh?
The median monthly rent in Raleigh, NC is $1,468.
What is the unemployment rate in Raleigh?
The unemployment rate in Raleigh, NC is 4.5%.