New HampshirePop. 10,681Towns
Is Durham a Good Place to Live? Durham, New Hampshire: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Durham ranks #42 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #8 of 234 towns and #3 of 20 in New Hampshire. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (98%, #1 of 153) and high household income ($112,070, #28 of 234), and trails on high living costs (108.3, #215 of 230) and expensive homes ($498,000, #205 of 231).
Durham by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Durham's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Durham?
Durham's cost of living index is 108.3, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1046 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,302/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $705,991, 37% above the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
| Measure | Durham | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 108.3#1046 of 1,308 | 104.2 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $705,991#1014 of 1,187 | $516,306 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $3,798/mo#1096 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $498,000#983 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,302/mo#528 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.4x#690 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 13.9%#30 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Durham housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Durham is in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro.
New Hampshire housing market →Is Durham safe?
Durham recorded 92 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 72% below the US rate of 328 and 22% below New Hampshire's 118. That ranks #111 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #24 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Durham Police Department. Property crime runs 204 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Durham | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 92#111 of 1,085 | 118 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 204#1 of 1,085 | 818 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Durham?
The median household in Durham earns $112,070, 35% above the US figure of $83,163 and 12% above New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Durham | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $112,070#215 of 1,312 | $99,782 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 12.4%#679 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Durham?
The median resident of Durham is 20.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 75.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #18 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Durham | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 20.1 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 75.4%#18 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 53.6% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Durham's schools and health?
Durham's 3 public schools graduate 98% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 11.8 students per teacher and $22,976 spent per pupil. 28.1% of adults are obese and 3.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Durham | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 98%#2 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 11.8#68 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $22,976#90 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 28.1%#274 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 3.7%#4 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 26%#1309 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 8.1%#389 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 1,482 students are enrolled in Durham's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Durham?
The average commute in Durham is 17.2 minutes (New Hampshire 27.5); 1.1% of workers take transit and 15.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Durham scores 6.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #1283 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.5°F and winters 26.4°F, with 45.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Durham | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 17.2 min#149 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 4%#391 of 1,312 | 10% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 43.2% | 72.3% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.1% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 34.1% | 2.4% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.9% | 0.2% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 15.6% | 16% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 6.3#1283 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32.9 | 14.4 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 36.1 | 16.2 | 3 |
| Mar | 44.6 | 24 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 57.8 | 33.9 | 4.1 |
| May | 68.4 | 43.9 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 77.1 | 53.4 | 4 |
| Jul | 82.5 | 59.2 | 4 |
| Aug | 81.1 | 57.4 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 73.3 | 50.4 | 4 |
| Oct | 60.6 | 39.1 | 4.7 |
| Nov | 48.3 | 30.1 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 37.7 | 21 | 4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Durham.
| Measure | Durham | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 47.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 68.5°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 26.4°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 45.4 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Durham.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Durham?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Durham's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Strafford County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 69% of US counties.
| Measure | Durham | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#445 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Strafford County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Strafford County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.004% | 85% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.006% | 70% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0061% | 68% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.092% | 62% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0019% | 22% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Durham compare with similar-size cities?
Durham is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #8 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 10,681.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durham, NHPop. 10,681 | #42 | 71.2 | $112,070 | $1,302/mo | 92 | 17.2 min |
| Orono, MEPop. 11,151 | #526 | 57.7 | $59,784 | $1,280/mo | part year | 15.2 min |
| Newport East, RIPop. 11,069 | #465 | 58.7 | $89,028 | $1,876/mo | no data | 20.5 min |
| Brandon, SDPop. 10,996 | #60 | 70.0 | $110,806 | $976/mo | 46 | 18.4 min |
| Essex Junction, VTPop. 10,803 | #49 | 70.9 | $89,257 | $1,544/mo | no data | 19.2 min |
| Jackson, WYPop. 10,756 | #50 | 70.9 | $118,991 | $2,100/mo | 178 | 12.4 min |
| Chalco, NEPop. 10,595 | #622 | 56.4 | $85,672 | $1,195/mo | no data | 20.1 min |
| St. Albans, WVPop. 10,522 | #1140 | 47.0 | $53,972 | $931/mo | 118 | 20.8 min |
| North Lakes, AKPop. 10,223 | #734 | 54.4 | $101,679 | $1,441/mo | no data | 30.3 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Durham compare with the rest of New Hampshire?
Durham ranks #3 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 71.2 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 12% above the New Hampshire median. Violent crime is 22% below the statewide rate. Homes are 37% above the typical New Hampshire home.
| City | Rank in NH | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanover, NHPop. 8,479 | #1 | 80.8 | $153,281 | $2,254/mo | 17 |
| Lebanon, NHPop. 14,999 | #2 | 72.2 | $98,147 | $1,744/mo | 134 |
| Durham, NHPop. 10,681 | #3 | 71.2 | $112,070 | $1,302/mo | 92 |
| Portsmouth, NHPop. 22,545 | #4 | 68.9 | $106,219 | $1,869/mo | 203 |
| Dover, NHPop. 33,364 | #5 | 67.6 | $94,829 | $1,607/mo | 64 |
| Londonderry, NHPop. 12,225 | #6 | 66.7 | $119,571 | $1,952/mo | county/metro |
| Exeter, NHPop. 9,964 | #7 | 65.9 | $87,346 | $1,711/mo | county/metro |
| Concord, NHPop. 44,375 | #8 | 64.4 | $84,902 | $1,441/mo | 181 |
| Keene, NHPop. 22,939 | #9 | 63.7 | $78,445 | $1,342/mo | 143 |
| Hampton, NHPop. 10,101 | #10 | 63.5 | $97,163 | $1,654/mo | county/metro |
| Nashua, NHPop. 91,294 | #11 | 63.2 | $96,326 | $1,737/mo | 110 |
| Milford, NHPop. 8,956 | #12 | 61.1 | $78,684 | $1,557/mo | county/metro |
| Somersworth, NHPop. 12,111 | #13 | 60.8 | $74,504 | $1,477/mo | 114 |
| Derry, NHPop. 21,339 | #14 | 60.4 | $91,673 | $1,549/mo | county/metro |
| Rochester, NHPop. 33,144 | #15 | 60.2 | $80,836 | $1,369/mo | 106 |
| Laconia, NHPop. 17,085 | #16 | 60.0 | $73,218 | $1,224/mo | 184 |
| Franklin, NHPop. 8,799 | #17 | 57.6 | $71,648 | $1,110/mo | 113 |
| Manchester, NHPop. 115,643 | #18 | 57.3 | $81,007 | $1,564/mo | 323 |
| Claremont, NHPop. 13,078 | #19 | 57.2 | $59,096 | $1,146/mo | 183 |
| Berlin, NHPop. 9,383 | #20 | 53.3 | $45,180 | $815/mo | 337 |
All 20 New Hampshire cities we track, by overall score. New Hampshire statewide: median income $99,782, violent crime 117.6 per 100,000.
How is Durham's score calculated?
Durham scores 71.2 out of 100, #42 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; growth and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with New Hampshire's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 17% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Durham. Similar-size median 41.9.
70.0 - SafetyCity data · 14% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Durham's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
97.3 - HealthCity data · 14% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Durham. Similar-size median 56.5.
59.2 - EducationCity data · 14% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Durham's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
91.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Durham's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
56.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Durham. Similar-size median 50.8.
66.1 - TransportationCity data · 8% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Durham. Similar-size median 48.3.
86.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 8% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Durham's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
27.9 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
69.2 - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Durham.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Durham's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Durham has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Durham
Is Durham, NH a good place to live?
Durham ranks #42 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #8 of 234 towns and #3 of 20 in New Hampshire. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (98%, #1 of 153) and high household income ($112,070, #28 of 234), and trails on high living costs (108.3, #215 of 230) and expensive homes ($498,000, #205 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Durham?
Durham's cost of living index is 108.3, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1046 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,302/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $705,991, 37% above the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
What is the crime rate in Durham?
Durham recorded 92 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 72% below the US rate of 328 and 22% below New Hampshire's 118. That ranks #111 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #24 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Durham Police Department. Property crime runs 204 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Durham?
The median household in Durham earns $112,070, 35% above the US figure of $83,163 and 12% above New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Durham?
Median rent in Durham is $1,302/mo (Census), #528 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,798/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 13.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Durham?
The typical home value in Durham is $705,991, up 0% in a year, against $516,306 for New Hampshire and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $498,000.
How are the public schools in Durham?
Durham's 3 public schools graduate 98% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 11.8 students per teacher and $22,976 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Durham?
The average commute is 17.2 minutes, #149 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across New Hampshire. 4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Durham?
Durham averages 47.6°F over the year, 68.5°F in summer and 26.4°F in winter, with 45.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Durham walkable?
Durham scores 6.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1283 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Durham at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Strafford County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 69% of US counties.
Who lives in Durham?
Durham has 10,681 residents. The median resident of Durham is 20.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 75.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #18 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Durham compare with the rest of New Hampshire?
Durham ranks #3 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 71.2 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 12% above the New Hampshire median. Violent crime is 22% below the statewide rate. Homes are 37% above the typical New Hampshire home.
What cities are similar in size to Durham?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Durham's population of 10,681 are Orono, ME (#526 overall), Newport East, RI (#465 overall), Brandon, SD (#60 overall), Essex Junction, VT (#49 overall), and Jackson, WY (#50 overall). Durham is #42.