Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Raleigh, NC
Considering a move to Raleigh, NC? With a population approaching 480,000, Raleigh offers a vibrant, youthful community, affordable living, and a strong job market. Median home prices are around $420,000 and average rents are $1,480, making housing relatively accessible. Residents enjoy mild winters, 60% sunny days each year, and a short average commute of just 25 minutes. The city features well-rated schools, major universities, excellent healthcare, and a highly educated population—making Raleigh a top choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Raleigh, NC
Demographics - Raleigh, NC
Raleigh is home to nearly 480,000 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 34 and a diverse community with significant White, Black, and Asian populations. The city has a balanced gender ratio and nearly 15% of residents speak a language other than English, reflecting its growing multicultural appeal.
Population:
479,332
Density:
3,360 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.1
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
56.4%
Black:
28.0%
Asian:
5.1%
Others:
10.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Raleigh, NC?
Raleigh's cost of living is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $420,000 and average rent at $1,480 per month. Utility and transportation costs are generally affordable, and the state maintains a flat income tax rate of 4.75%, making the area attractive for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$420,000
Gross Rent:
$1,480
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
4.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.2
Grocery:
99.1
Housing:
107.5
Utilities:
96.3
Transportation:
98.6
Health Care:
103.2
Miscellaneous:
101.4
Crime
Is Raleigh, NC a safe place to live?
Raleigh offers a relatively safe environment, with a violent crime rate of 313 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,012 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 319, which is lower than many major cities, making it a reassuring choice for families.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
313
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,012
Crime Index:
2,325
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 319
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 50
Weather
What is the weather like in Raleigh, NC year-round?
Raleigh enjoys a mild climate with warm summers reaching highs near 89°F and winters rarely dipping below 31°F. The city receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny weather 60% of the year, supporting an active outdoor lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
31°F
Max:
51°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
53°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Raleigh neighborhoods feature a median household income of $74,900 and a low unemployment rate of 3.2%, indicating economic stability. Nearly 93% of adults have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute time is a manageable 25 minutes, contributing to a high quality of life.
Median Income:
$39,500
Household Income:
$74,900
Family Income:
$92,700
Per Capita Income:
$39,500
Income Male:
$51,000
Income Female:
$44,000
Poverty Rate:
11.1%
Non English Speakers:
14.8%
Rent:
$1,480
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
2.5%
Commute Time:
25.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.8%
Bachelors or More:
54.5%
Education
How are the schools in Raleigh, NC?
Raleigh boasts a strong educational infrastructure with well-regarded public and private schools, such as Broughton Magnet High and Ravenscroft School. The city is also home to major higher education institutions, including North Carolina State University, which enrolls over 36,000 students, making it a hub for academic excellence.
Public Schools
Name:
Broughton Magnet High School
Street:
723 St Marys St
Phone:
919-856-7810
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.4
Name:
Daniels Magnet Middle School
Street:
2816 Oberlin Rd
Phone:
919-881-4860
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Private Schools
Name:
Ravenscroft School
Street:
7409 Falls of Neuse Rd
Phone:
919-847-0900
Students:
1,200
Colleges
Name:
North Carolina State University
City:
Raleigh
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
36,000
Name:
Meredith College
City:
Raleigh
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,900
Healthcare
The city is served by top hospitals like UNC Rex Hospital and WakeMed Raleigh Campus, ensuring comprehensive healthcare access. With about 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, Raleigh provides reliable medical services for its community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UNC Rex Hospital
Address:
4420 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone:
(919) 784-3100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
WakeMed Raleigh Campus
Address:
3000 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27610
Phone:
(919) 350-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Raleigh, NC?
Raleigh's housing market is robust, with a median home price of $420,000 and an owner-occupancy rate just over 52%. Moderate rent levels, a 4.1% annual home appreciation rate, and low foreclosure rates make it an appealing market for both buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$420,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,480
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Raleigh's vehicle services are managed by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on New Bern Ave. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services both in-person and online through the DMV's official 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.