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Is Apex a Good Place to Live? Apex, North Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Apex ranks #12 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #6 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (2.2%, #1 of 524) and fast population growth (+6.1%, #4 of 468), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Apex by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Apex'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 Apex?
Apex's cost of living index is 98.2, 2% below the US level of 100 and #593 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,902/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $592,991, 77% above the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
| Measure | Apex | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 98.2#593 of 1,308 | 94.3 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $592,991#934 of 1,187 | $334,773 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,981/mo#700 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $576,100#1055 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,902/mo#1041 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4x#577 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 15.8%#88 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina 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.
Apex 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. Apex is in the Raleigh-Cary, NC metro.
North Carolina housing market →Is Apex safe?
Apex recorded 53 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 84% below the US rate of 328 and 84% below North Carolina's 330. That ranks #33 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #13 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Apex Police Department. Property crime runs 801 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Apex | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 53#33 of 1,085 | 330 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 801#139 of 1,085 | 1,780 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina 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 Apex?
The median household in Apex earns $144,135, 73% above the US figure of $83,163 and 95% above North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 6.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Apex | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $144,135#52 of 1,312 | $73,958 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3%#98 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 2.2%#9 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +6.1%#11 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Apex?
The median resident of Apex is 36.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 69.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #53 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 76.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Apex | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 69.5%#53 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 76.5% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Apex's schools and health?
Apex's 15 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 16.9 students per teacher and $11,535 spent per pupil. 26.6% of adults are obese and 7.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Apex | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 86.4% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16.9#722 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $11,535#1018 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 26.6%#205 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 7.5%#71 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 13.9%#130 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6%#145 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 16,256 students are enrolled in Apex's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Apex?
The average commute in Apex is 25.2 minutes (North Carolina 25.7); 0.1% of workers take transit and 36% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Apex scores 9 of 20 (below average walkable), #835 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.4°F and winters 42.8°F, with 48.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Apex | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25.2 min#793 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.3%#614 of 1,312 | 6.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 55.1% | 71.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2% | 1.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 36% | 15.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9#835 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina 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 | 50.9 | 30.9 | 3.7 |
| Feb | 54.4 | 32.6 | 3 |
| Mar | 61.9 | 39.1 | 4.1 |
| Apr | 71.6 | 47.6 | 3.6 |
| May | 78.7 | 56.7 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 85.7 | 65.2 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 89 | 69.4 | 5.1 |
| Aug | 87.4 | 67.7 | 4.6 |
| Sep | 81.5 | 61.7 | 5.3 |
| Oct | 71.8 | 49.5 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 62.2 | 39.5 | 3.5 |
| Dec | 53.9 | 34.1 | 3.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Apex.
| Measure | Apex | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 60.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 77.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 42.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 48.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Apex.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Apex?
Wake County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Wake County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, hurricane, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 72% of US counties.
| Measure | Apex | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.12%#406 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Wake County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Wake County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0052% | 71% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0045% | 65% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.091% | 61% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0018% | 39% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0041% | 34% 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 Apex compare with similar-size cities?
Apex is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #6 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 70,630.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex, NCPop. 70,630 | #12 | 74.9 | $144,135 | $1,902/mo | 53 | 25.2 min |
| Lafayette, INPop. 71,159 | #524 | 57.7 | $53,716 | $1,079/mo | 396 | 16.4 min |
| West Des Moines, IAPop. 71,083 | #151 | 66.1 | $86,594 | $1,237/mo | 147 | 18.3 min |
| Dale City, VAPop. 71,016 | #555 | 57.2 | $111,994 | $1,876/mo | no data | 37.4 min |
| North Richland Hills, TXPop. 70,780 | #540 | 57.4 | $97,305 | $1,704/mo | 151 | 27.4 min |
| Eastvale, CAPop. 70,633 | #371 | 60.5 | $160,069 | $3,252/mo | 52 | 37.1 min |
| St. Cloud, MNPop. 70,629 | #925 | 51.3 | $61,374 | $1,003/mo | 361 | 19.8 min |
| Eau Claire, WIPop. 70,322 | #357 | 60.8 | $67,395 | $1,045/mo | 168 | 16.7 min |
| East Orange, NJPop. 70,090 | #1022 | 49.7 | $60,830 | $1,441/mo | 426 | 35.4 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 Apex compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Apex ranks #1 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 74.9 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 95% above the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 84% below the statewide rate. Homes are 77% above the typical North Carolina home.
| City | Rank in NC | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex, NCPop. 70,630 | #1 | 74.9 | $144,135 | $1,902/mo | 53 |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #2 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 |
| Wake Forest, NCPop. 52,844 | #3 | 69.2 | $123,802 | $1,596/mo | 85 |
| Huntersville, NCPop. 63,969 | #4 | 68.0 | $120,516 | $1,834/mo | 115 |
| Chapel Hill, NCPop. 61,607 | #5 | 65.1 | $85,989 | $1,613/mo | 86 |
| Raleigh, NCPop. 481,031 | #6 | 61.2 | $85,395 | $1,572/mo | 395 |
| Concord, NCPop. 108,719 | #7 | 60.8 | $86,921 | $1,451/mo | 117 |
| Mooresville, NCPop. 52,381 | #8 | 60.5 | $89,647 | $1,626/mo | 247 |
| Kannapolis, NCPop. 57,890 | #9 | 57.9 | $73,836 | $1,319/mo | 170 |
| Durham, NCPop. 291,467 | #10 | 57.4 | $81,619 | $1,508/mo | 507 |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #11 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 |
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #12 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 |
| Jacksonville, NCPop. 71,279 | #13 | 53.4 | $57,697 | $1,321/mo | 228 |
| High Point, NCPop. 116,245 | #14 | 53.3 | $64,561 | $1,116/mo | 521 |
| Asheville, NCPop. 94,535 | #15 | 51.7 | $71,102 | $1,402/mo | 753 |
| Greensboro, NCPop. 301,198 | #16 | 49.7 | $61,515 | $1,172/mo | 702 |
| Greenville, NCPop. 92,857 | #17 | 49.6 | $49,748 | $1,007/mo | 449 |
| Burlington, NCPop. 59,610 | #18 | 48.1 | $56,880 | $1,051/mo | 640 |
| Winston-Salem, NCPop. 252,037 | #19 | 47.8 | $59,268 | $1,087/mo | 744 |
| Gastonia, NCPop. 82,884 | #20 | 47.3 | $64,059 | $1,204/mo | 889 |
| Fayetteville, NCPop. 210,815 | #21 | 46.8 | $58,407 | $1,250/mo | 614 |
| Rocky Mount, NCPop. 54,297 | #22 | 44.4 | $55,534 | $957/mo | 672 |
All 22 North Carolina cities we track, by overall score. North Carolina statewide: median income $73,958, violent crime 330.3 per 100,000.
How is Apex's score calculated?
Apex scores 74.9 out of 100, #12 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with North Carolina'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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Apex. Similar-size median 55.5.
88.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Apex's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
97.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Apex. Similar-size median 58.9.
78.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Apex's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Apex's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
51.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Apex. Similar-size median 56.1.
97.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Apex. Similar-size median 42.4.
94.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Apex. Similar-size median 50.0.
64.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Apex's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
42.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
62.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Apex's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Apex 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 Apex
Is Apex, NC a good place to live?
Apex ranks #12 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #6 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (2.2%, #1 of 524) and fast population growth (+6.1%, #4 of 468), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Apex?
Apex's cost of living index is 98.2, 2% below the US level of 100 and #593 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,902/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $592,991, 77% above the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
What is the crime rate in Apex?
Apex recorded 53 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 84% below the US rate of 328 and 84% below North Carolina's 330. That ranks #33 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #13 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Apex Police Department. Property crime runs 801 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Apex?
The median household in Apex earns $144,135, 73% above the US figure of $83,163 and 95% above North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 6.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Apex?
Median rent in Apex is $1,902/mo (Census), #1041 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,981/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 15.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Apex?
The typical home value in Apex is $592,991, down 1.7% in a year, against $334,773 for North Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $576,100.
How are the public schools in Apex?
Apex's 15 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 16.9 students per teacher and $11,535 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Apex?
The average commute is 25.2 minutes, #793 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across North Carolina. 5.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Apex?
Apex averages 60.1°F over the year, 77.4°F in summer and 42.8°F in winter, with 48.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Apex walkable?
Apex scores 9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #835 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 Apex at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Wake County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, hurricane, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 72% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Apex?
Wake County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Apex?
Apex has 70,630 residents. The median resident of Apex is 36.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 69.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #53 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 76.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Apex compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Apex ranks #1 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 74.9 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 95% above the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 84% below the statewide rate. Homes are 77% above the typical North Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Apex?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Apex's population of 70,630 are Lafayette, IN (#524 overall), West Des Moines, IA (#151 overall), Dale City, VA (#555 overall), North Richland Hills, TX (#540 overall), and Eastvale, CA (#371 overall). Apex is #12.