North Carolina / Durham County

Moving to Durham, NC

Thinking of making a move to Durham, NC? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Durham, NC

Considering a move to Durham, NC? This welcoming community of 285,527 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $355,000 and average rents near $1,380. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (62% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Durham's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Durham, NC

Durham has a population of 285,527 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 35 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 49% White, 37% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 14% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Durham is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 102.2. Median home values are around $355,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,380. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

Durham is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 584 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 34. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in North Carolina.

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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 89°F and cold winters dipping to 30°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 62% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
30°F
Max
51°F

Summer

Min
68°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
74°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches
46.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
62%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $67,000 and a low poverty rate of 13.5%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 52% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Durham School of the Arts and Riverside High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Duke University and North Carolina Central University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Duke University Hospital and UNC Health Duke Regional Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.5 per 1,000 people and 90.7% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $355,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 50%. The market has seen a 6.7% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.5%. Durham offers a mix of stability and opportunity 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

Residents of Durham handle vehicle services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Raleigh. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
North Carolina
Department
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
Phone
919-715-7000

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.

FAQs About Moving to Durham, NC

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Durham, review the core fields on this page: population 285,527, median home value $355,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,380, commute time 23.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 62%.

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