Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Durham, NC
Thinking of moving to Durham, NC? With a vibrant population of over 285,000, Durham offers affordable living with a median home price around $355,000 and average rents near $1,380. Residents enjoy a short 23-minute average commute, a mild climate with 62% sunny days, and top-notch healthcare anchored by Duke University Hospital. While property crime rates are above the national average, the city stands out for its educated community—over half of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher—and excellent higher education options. Explore housing, schools, and more to see if Durham is your next home!
Demographics - Durham, NC
Demographics - Durham, NC
Durham is a diverse city of 285,527 residents, featuring a median age of 34.8 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is nearly evenly split between White (48.5%) and Black (37.2%) residents, with a growing Asian community and 14.3% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a blend of urban vibrancy and neighborly feel.
Population:
285,527
Density:
2,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.8
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
48.5%
Black:
37.2%
Asian:
5.5%
Others:
8.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Durham, NC?
Durham’s cost of living is just slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $355,000 and average rent around $1,380. Utilities and transportation costs remain close to national norms, while state income taxes are a flat 4.75%. This makes Durham an accessible option for both homeowners and renters seeking affordability and value.
Median House Value:
$355,000
Gross Rent:
$1,380
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
4.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
102.2
Grocery:
99.8
Housing:
104.5
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
100.2
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
101.0
Crime
Is Durham, NC a safe place to live?
While Durham’s violent and property crime rates are higher than average, with a 1 in 171 chance of being affected by violent crime, many neighborhoods remain safe and vibrant. Residents benefit from active community policing and city initiatives aimed at improving safety. Awareness and local engagement help contribute to a secure living environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
584
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,900
Crime Index:
3,484
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 171
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 34
Weather
What is the weather like in Durham, NC year-round?
Durham enjoys a mild climate with four distinct seasons, featuring warm summers that average highs near 89°F and winters with lows around 30°F. The city receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 62% sunny days, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation throughout the year. Spring and fall are especially pleasant, making it easy to enjoy local parks and trails.
Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
51°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Durham’s households have a median income of $67,000, with 51.9% of adults holding at least a bachelor’s degree. The area’s 13.5% poverty rate is offset by a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.7% and a typical commute of just over 23 minutes. The community is diverse and engaged, contributing to a welcoming and dynamic atmosphere.
Median Income:
$41,000
Household Income:
$67,000
Family Income:
$82,000
Per Capita Income:
$36,100
Income Male:
$47,500
Income Female:
$41,100
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
14.3%
Rent:
$1,380
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
3.4%
Commute Time:
23.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.9%
Bachelors or More:
51.9%
Education
How are the schools in Durham, NC?
Durham is a hub for quality education, offering strong public and private school options and world-class universities like Duke University and North Carolina Central University. Local schools provide favorable student-teacher ratios and diverse programs, while higher education institutions attract students from across the globe. This focus on learning helps foster a well-educated and vibrant community.
Public Schools
Name:
Durham School of the Arts
Street:
400 N Duke St
Phone:
919-560-3926
Students:
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Riverside High School
Street:
3218 Rose of Sharon Rd
Phone:
919-560-3965
Students:
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2
Private Schools
Name:
Durham Academy
Street:
3601 Ridge Rd
Phone:
919-493-5787
Students:
1,240
Colleges
Name:
Duke University
City:
Durham
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
16,000
Name:
North Carolina Central University
City:
Durham
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,800
Healthcare
Durham is recognized for its outstanding healthcare resources, anchored by Duke University Hospital and Duke Regional Hospital. With 3.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 90% health insurance coverage, locals benefit from easy access to quality care and a strong healthcare network. The city’s healthcare index reflects an above-average standard of medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Duke University Hospital
Address:
2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27710
Phone:
(919) 684-8111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UNC Health Duke Regional Hospital
Address:
3643 N Roxboro St, Durham, NC 27704
Phone:
(919) 470-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.7%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Durham, NC?
Durham’s housing market is competitive yet accessible, boasting a median home price of $355,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,380. About half of the city’s homes are owner-occupied, and a 6.7% annual home appreciation rate signals steady growth. New construction and healthy vacancy rates provide options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$355,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,380
Owner Occupied Rate:
50.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Durham residents are served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in nearby Raleigh. The DMV offers comprehensive services such as licensing, vehicle registration, and title transfers. For more information or to schedule appointments, residents can visit the state’s official DMV website.
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.