Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chapel Hill, NC
Chapel Hill, NC is a vibrant college town of about 62,000, known for its top-rated schools and the prestigious University of North Carolina. With a median home price of $527,000 and average 2-bedroom rent at $1,670, the cost of living is above the national average but balanced by a highly educated population and a mild, sunny climate. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate of 104 per 100K, quick 22-minute commutes, and abundant healthcare options, making Chapel Hill an attractive spot for families, professionals, and students alike.
Demographics - Chapel Hill, NC
Demographics - Chapel Hill, NC
Chapel Hill has a youthful population of nearly 62,000, with a median age of 25, reflecting its status as a university town. The community is diverse, with significant White, Asian, and Black populations, and about 15% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate density and balanced gender ratio make it welcoming for newcomers.
Population:
61,960
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
25.0
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
67.1%
Black:
10.7%
Asian:
13.6%
Others:
8.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chapel Hill, NC?
The cost of living in Chapel Hill is notably higher than the national average, with a median home value of $527,000 and average rent around $1,670 for a two-bedroom apartment. Expenses for groceries, healthcare, and housing are above average, though utilities and transportation costs remain fairly typical for the region. State income tax is a flat 4.75%, making financial planning straightforward for residents.
Median House Value:
$527,000
Gross Rent:
$1,670
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,160
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$730
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
4.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
124.0
Grocery:
104.9
Housing:
139.8
Utilities:
98.6
Transportation:
101.2
Health Care:
105.2
Miscellaneous:
99.5
Crime
Is Chapel Hill, NC a safe place to live?
Chapel Hill offers a safe environment, boasting a low violent crime rate of just 104 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,710 per 100,000. Residents have a relatively low chance of experiencing violent crime, estimated at 1 in 960. This safety contributes to the city's appeal for families and students.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
104
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,710
Crime Index:
1,814
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 960
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 58
Weather
What is the weather like in Chapel Hill, NC year-round?
Chapel Hill enjoys a mild, four-season climate with warm summers reaching highs near 89°F and winters that rarely dip below 31°F. The area receives close to 47 inches of annual rainfall and averages 62% sunny days, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The comfortable weather is a draw for those seeking an active, year-round lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
31°F
Max:
51°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents of Chapel Hill are highly educated, with over 77% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and median household income stands at $81,500. Although the poverty rate is higher than average at 20.9%, unemployment is low at 3.2%, and average commute times are just over 22 minutes. The community values diversity and education, creating a vibrant and engaged local atmosphere.
Median Income:
$29,500
Household Income:
$81,500
Family Income:
$124,300
Per Capita Income:
$44,900
Income Male:
$54,400
Income Female:
$43,700
Poverty Rate:
20.9%
Non English Speakers:
15.4%
Rent:
$1,670
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
4.6%
Commute Time:
22.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.6%
Bachelors or More:
77.1%
Education
How are the schools in Chapel Hill, NC?
Home to the esteemed University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the city boasts strong public and private schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and high achievement rates. Local schools are recognized for academic excellence, and proximity to major universities like Duke enhances educational opportunities. This robust educational environment makes Chapel Hill especially appealing to families and students.
Public Schools
Name:
East Chapel Hill High School
Street:
500 Weaver Dairy Rd
Phone:
919-969-2482
Students:
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Name:
Phillips Middle School
Street:
606 Estes Dr
Phone:
919-929-2188
Students:
680
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Private Schools
Name:
Emerson Waldorf School
Street:
6211 New Jericho Rd
Phone:
919-967-1858
Students:
260
Colleges
Name:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
City:
Chapel Hill
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
30,100
Name:
Duke University
City:
Durham
State:
NC
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
17,000
Healthcare
Chapel Hill is well-served by quality healthcare, including the prominent UNC Hospitals and a high physician availability of 4.1 per 1,000 residents. Nearly 94% of residents have health insurance coverage, and the area is recognized for its comprehensive medical and emergency services. Access to top-tier hospitals and specialists ensures excellent care for all ages.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UNC Hospitals
Address:
101 Manning Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Phone:
(984) 974-1000
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UNC Medical Center
Address:
101 Manning Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Phone:
(984) 974-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
4.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.7%
Health Care Index:
78.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chapel Hill, NC?
The housing market in Chapel Hill is competitive, with a median home price of $527,000 and a 7.4% appreciation rate over the past year. About 48% of residents own their homes, while rental vacancies remain moderate at 6.1%. The market's stability and ongoing new construction make it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$527,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,670
Owner Occupied Rate:
48.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.4%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Chapel Hill residents handle vehicle licensing and registration through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Raleigh. The DMV offers comprehensive services and resources both in-person and online to meet local needs. Convenient access ensures a straightforward experience for new and existing drivers.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
Phone:
919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.