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.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Durham and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Durham before you move.

Moving Help for Your Durham, NC Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Durham move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Durham, NC Piano Movers Durham, NC Cheap Movers Durham, NC Small Movers Durham, NC Apartment Movers Durham, NC Long Distance Movers Durham, NC

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Durham, NC

Considering a move to Durham, NC? This welcoming community of 283,506 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $385,000 and average rents near $1,520. 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 (61% 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 283,506 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 43% White, 40% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 16% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
283,506
Density
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age
35.9
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
15.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
42.5%
Black
39.5%
Asian
5.8%
Others
12.2%

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 96.8. Median home values are around $385,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,520. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$385,000
Gross Rent
$1,520
Monthly Electricity Charges
$142
Auto Insurance
$1,760
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$710
State Taxes
Low: 4.75%| High: 4.75%
Cost Of Living Index
96.8
Grocery
97.5
Housing
94.2
Utilities
101.3
Transportation
94.8
Health Care
98.1
Miscellaneous
98.7

Crime

Is Durham, NC a safe place to live?

Durham is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 790 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 27. 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
790
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,650
Crime Index
4,440
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 127
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 27

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 33°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 61% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
33°F
Max
54°F

Summer

Min
70°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
49°F
Max
74°F

Fall

Min
49°F
Max
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches
46.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
61%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $69,900 and a low poverty rate of 15.3%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 54% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 5% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$43,500
Household Income
$69,900
Family Income
$89,500
Per Capita Income
$38,800
Income Male
$49,500
Income Female
$42,000
Poverty Rate
15.3%
Non English Speakers
17.4%
Rent
$1,520
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Public Transport Usage
5.4%
Commute Time
22.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.1%
Bachelors or More
53.8%

Education

How are the schools in Durham, NC?

Durham offers quality education options, with public schools like Durham School of the Arts and Jordan High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Duke University, North Carolina Central University, and Durham Technical Community College. 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
919-560-3925
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
16.0
Name
Jordan High School
Street
6806 Garrett Rd
Phone
919-560-3965
Students
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio
17.8

Private Schools

Name
Durham Academy
Street
3501 Ridge Rd
Phone
919-489-9045
Students
1,240
Name
Voyager Academy
Street
4302 Ben Franklin Blvd
Phone
919-433-3301
Students
950

Colleges

Name
Duke University
City
Durham
State
NC
Distance
0 miles
Students
16,700
Name
North Carolina Central University
City
Durham
State
NC
Distance
3 miles
Students
8,000
Name
Durham Technical Community College
City
Durham
State
NC
Distance
4 miles
Students
6,500

Healthcare

Durham residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Duke University Hospital, Durham VA Health Care System, and Duke Regional Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people and 92.6% 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
Academic Medical Center
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Durham VA Health Care System
Address
508 Fulton St, Durham, NC 27705
Phone
(919) 286-0411
Type
Veterans Hospital
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
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
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage
92.6%
Health Care Index
77.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Durham, NC?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $385,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.8%. Durham offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$385,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,520
Owner Occupied Rate
51.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

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
1-919-715-7000

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 283,506, median home value $385,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,520, commute time 22.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 61%.

Ready to Move to Durham, NC?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes