Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hillsborough, NC
Thinking about a move to Hillsborough, NC? This welcoming small town has a population of about 9,800 and features a median home price of $389,000, with average rents around $1,390—making it an affordable option in the Triangle region. Residents enjoy a moderate cost of living, low violent crime rates (183 per 100K), and an easy 25-minute average commute. Hillsborough boasts strong local schools, proximity to major universities, and a pleasant climate with 61% sunny days each year. Discover a blend of historic charm and modern amenities in this thriving North Carolina community.
Demographics - Hillsborough, NC
Demographics - Hillsborough, NC
Hillsborough is a small town of about 9,800 residents, with a median age of 43.2, reflecting a mature and family-friendly community. The population is predominantly White (68.5%), with Black (18.3%) and other ethnic groups contributing to the town’s diversity. Nearly 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home, adding to the area’s cultural richness.
Population:
9,800
Density:
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
68.5%
Black:
18.3%
Asian:
2.4%
Others:
10.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hillsborough, NC?
The cost of living in Hillsborough sits just above the national average, with a median home value of $389,000 and typical rents around $1,390 for a two-bedroom. Monthly utilities and insurance costs are moderate, and state income tax is a flat 5.25%. Residents find that groceries, transportation, and healthcare expenses are in line with or slightly lower than many other North Carolina towns.
Median House Value:
$389,000
Gross Rent:
$1,390
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
101.4
Grocery:
99.2
Housing:
106.0
Utilities:
100.1
Transportation:
97.5
Health Care:
102.3
Miscellaneous:
99.8
Crime
Is Hillsborough, NC a safe place to live?
Hillsborough experiences relatively low violent crime, with just 183 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,410 per 100,000, which is manageable for a town of its size. The overall chance of being a victim of a violent crime is about 1 in 547.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
183
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,410
Crime Index:
1,593
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 547
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 71
Weather
What is the weather like in Hillsborough, NC year-round?
Hillsborough enjoys a mild climate, with winter lows averaging 29°F and summer highs reaching 88°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunshine on 61% of days, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities year-round. Spring and fall are particularly comfortable, making the town ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
50°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
71°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Residents of Hillsborough benefit from a median household income of $67,800 and a family income of $88,300, with a relatively low poverty rate of 10.1%. The area is well-educated, as nearly 93% of adults have at least a high school diploma and almost half hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times average around 25 minutes, and public transportation usage is low, reflecting the town’s suburban feel.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$67,800
Family Income:
$88,300
Per Capita Income:
$34,900
Income Male:
$45,200
Income Female:
$38,700
Poverty Rate:
10.1%
Non English Speakers:
9.7%
Rent:
$1,390
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
25.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.8%
Bachelors or More:
46.8%
Education
How are the schools in Hillsborough, NC?
Hillsborough offers quality educational options, including well-regarded public schools like Orange High School and Hillsborough Elementary, with favorable student-teacher ratios. The town is also home to Durham Technical Community College’s Orange County Campus and is just 10 miles from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This proximity to higher education, along with strong local schools, supports a vibrant and educated community.
Public Schools
Name:
Orange High School
Street:
500 Orange High Rd
Phone:
919-732-6133
Students:
1,270
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Hillsborough Elementary School
Street:
402 N Nash St
Phone:
919-732-6137
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Private Schools
Name:
Cedar Ridge Academy
Street:
601 Highgrove Dr
Phone:
919-732-6100
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
Durham Technical Community College – Orange County Campus
City:
Hillsborough
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,000
Name:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
City:
Chapel Hill
State:
NC
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
31,000
Healthcare
Hillsborough is served by UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus, offering comprehensive general and emergency care. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% of locals covered by health insurance, the town provides strong healthcare access. The healthcare index indicates good overall quality and availability of services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus
Address:
430 Waterstone Dr, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone:
(984) 974-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hillsborough, NC?
The housing market in Hillsborough features a median home price of $389,000 and an average rent of $1,390 for a two-bedroom, with about two-thirds of homes being owner-occupied. Home values have appreciated by 4.7% over the past year, indicating a healthy, growing market. Rental vacancy rates remain low, and new construction is steady, making it an attractive area for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$389,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,390
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles serves Hillsborough at its local office on US-70, providing convenient access for licensing, registration, and other vehicle services. Residents can contact the DMV by phone or visit their website for additional information. The process is streamlined to meet the needs of both new arrivals and long-term residents.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1201 US-70, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone:
919-732-2427
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.