Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Graham, NC
Considering a move to Graham, NC? With a population of 17,289, Graham offers an affordable lifestyle with median home prices around $234,000 and average rents near $1,050. Residents enjoy short commute times averaging 23 minutes, a mild climate with 62% sunny days, and access to reputable local schools and healthcare. While property crime rates are higher than average, Graham’s small-town charm, reasonable cost of living, and proximity to higher education make it a practical choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Graham, NC
Demographics - Graham, NC
Graham, NC is home to about 17,289 residents with a median age of 39.2, reflecting a balanced mix of families and working professionals. The city has a diverse community, where over 11% speak a language other than English at home and the population is predominantly White and Black. Its moderate population density creates a small-town feel while still offering urban amenities.
Population:
17,289
Density:
1,420 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
63.5%
Black:
21.1%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
13.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Graham, NC?
Graham offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $234,000 and average rent at $1,050, both well below national averages. The overall cost of living index is 85.7, meaning residents typically enjoy lower prices on housing, groceries, and utilities. State tax rates are relatively modest, making Graham an attractive option for budget-conscious families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$234,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,040
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,310
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$405
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.7
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
68.5
Utilities:
95.4
Transportation:
87.1
Health Care:
98.2
Miscellaneous:
92.5
Crime
Is Graham, NC a safe place to live?
Crime in Graham is higher than the national average, particularly in property-related offenses, with a property crime rate of 2,050 per 100,000 residents. The chance of experiencing violent crime is relatively low at 1 in 408, but property crime occurs more frequently, at about 1 in 49. Residents can expect a generally safe environment with the usual precautions recommended for small cities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
245
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,050
Crime Index:
2,295
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 408
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Graham, NC year-round?
Graham enjoys a mild climate with warm summers, cool winters, and plenty of sunshine—about 62% of days are sunny each year. Residents experience comfortable seasonal changes, with summer highs nearing 89°F and winter lows averaging around 30°F, along with 44 inches of annual rainfall. This pleasant weather makes outdoor activities accessible year-round.
Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
49°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The median household income in Graham is $54,300, with a family income of $63,700, and about 18% of residents live below the poverty line. Most adults have completed high school, and over 22% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Residents benefit from short average commutes of around 23 minutes and a low unemployment rate of 4.2%.
Median Income:
$32,700
Household Income:
$54,300
Family Income:
$63,700
Per Capita Income:
$27,050
Income Male:
$38,900
Income Female:
$30,700
Poverty Rate:
18.2%
Non English Speakers:
11.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
23.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.6%
Bachelors or More:
22.5%
Education
How are the schools in Graham, NC?
Graham provides families with access to several public and private schools, including Southern Alamance High School and South Graham Elementary. Higher education options are readily available, with Alamance Community College in town and Elon University just six miles away. The city supports quality education from early learning through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Southern Alamance High School
Street:
631 Southern High School Rd
Phone:
336-570-6400
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
South Graham Elementary School
Street:
320 Ivey Rd
Phone:
336-570-6520
Students:
485
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9
Private Schools
Name:
Burlington Christian Academy
Street:
621 E Sixth St, Burlington
Phone:
336-227-0288
Students:
470
Colleges
Name:
Elon University
City:
Elon
State:
NC
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
7,100
Name:
Alamance Community College
City:
Graham
State:
NC
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
4,200
Healthcare
Graham residents have access to quality healthcare, including Cone Health Alamance Regional Medical Center located nearby in Burlington. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people and over 90% of the population covered by health insurance, medical services are widely available. Healthcare costs remain reasonable, supporting the city’s overall affordability.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Cone Health Alamance Regional Medical Center
Address:
1240 Huffman Mill Rd, Burlington, NC 27215
Phone:
(336) 538-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.7%
Health Care Index:
64.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Graham, NC?
The local housing market remains accessible, with a median home price of $234,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,050. Homeownership is common, with over half of residents owning their homes, and the market has shown steady appreciation at 6.1% over the past year. Rental vacancies remain moderate, providing options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$234,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Graham residents can access DMV services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Burlington at 2223 N Church St. The DMV offers a full range of licensing, registration, and vehicle services both in person and online. This convenient location ensures residents can easily manage their driving and vehicle needs.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2223 N Church St, Burlington, NC 27217
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.