North CarolinaPop. 179,306Mid-size cities
Is Cary a Good Place to Live? Cary, North Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Cary ranks #41 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #5 of 256 mid-size cities and #2 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (75 per 100,000, #6 of 235) and low unemployment (3.1%, #12 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Cary by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Cary'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 Cary?
Cary'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 $1,738/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $619,636, 85% above the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
| Measure | Cary | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 98.2#593 of 1,308 | 94.3 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $619,636#954 of 1,187 | $334,773 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,774/mo#567 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $580,200#1058 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,738/mo#907 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.3x#667 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 15.5%#74 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Cary 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. Cary is in the Raleigh-Cary, NC metro.
North Carolina housing market →Is Cary safe?
Cary recorded 75 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 77% below the US rate of 328 and 77% below North Carolina's 330. That ranks #81 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #6 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cary Police Department. Property crime runs 966 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Cary | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 75#81 of 1,085 | 330 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 966#202 of 1,085 | 1,780 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Cary?
The median household in Cary earns $134,905, 62% above the US figure of $83,163 and 82% above North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Cary | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $134,905#88 of 1,312 | $73,958 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.1%#131 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 5.7%#152 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Cary?
The median resident of Cary is 40.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 70.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #46 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Cary | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 40.2 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 70.5%#46 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 66.6% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Cary's schools and health?
Cary's 30 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 16.6 students per teacher and $11,564 spent per pupil. 25.3% of adults are obese and 8.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Cary | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 86.4% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 16.6#694 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $11,564#1013 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 25.3%#152 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.6%#159 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 12.8%#48 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 6.2%#167 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 28,797 students are enrolled in Cary's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Cary?
The average commute in Cary is 22.5 minutes (North Carolina 25.7); 0.3% of workers take transit and 36.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Cary scores 10.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #624 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.7°F and winters 43.8°F, with 46.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Cary | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 22.5 min#544 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.4%#276 of 1,312 | 6.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 56.3% | 71.6% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.3% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 36.5% | 15.4% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 10.7#624 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 51.9 | 31.8 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 55.8 | 34.2 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 63.3 | 40.3 | 4.1 |
| Apr | 72.7 | 48.9 | 3.5 |
| May | 80 | 57.7 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 87.4 | 66 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 90.8 | 70.2 | 5 |
| Aug | 88.7 | 68.9 | 4.7 |
| Sep | 82.5 | 62.7 | 5.2 |
| Oct | 73 | 50.3 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 63 | 40 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 54.7 | 34.4 | 3.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Raleigh Airport.
| Measure | Cary | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 61.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 78.7°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 43.8°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 46.1 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Raleigh Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Cary?
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 | Cary | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.12%#406 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Cary compare with similar-size cities?
Cary is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #5 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 179,306.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #41 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 | 22.5 min |
| Paradise, NVPop. 185,913 | #1205 | 44.7 | $59,190 | $1,372/mo | no data | 23.2 min |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLPop. 185,604 | #931 | 51.2 | $83,130 | $1,854/mo | 673 | 26.1 min |
| Newport News, VAPop. 184,216 | #880 | 52.0 | $69,634 | $1,339/mo | 794 | 23.1 min |
| Shreveport, LAPop. 180,982 | #1273 | 40.2 | $48,699 | $987/mo | 1,163 | 18.8 min |
| Aurora, ILPop. 179,898 | #376 | 60.4 | $93,633 | $1,596/mo | 220 | 27.2 min |
| Eugene, ORPop. 179,591 | #889 | 51.9 | $66,562 | $1,402/mo | 347 | 18.4 min |
| Elk Grove, CAPop. 179,155 | #244 | 63.3 | $125,924 | $2,262/mo | 161 | 30.8 min |
| Clarksville, TNPop. 176,456 | #791 | 53.4 | $69,303 | $1,307/mo | 366 | 27 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 Cary compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Cary ranks #2 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 71.2 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 82% above the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 77% below the statewide rate. Homes are 85% 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 Cary's score calculated?
Cary scores 71.2 out of 100, #41 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 Cary. Similar-size median 52.9.
84.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Cary's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
95.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Cary. Similar-size median 53.8.
80.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Cary's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
54.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Cary's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
53.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Cary. Similar-size median 51.2.
88.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Cary. Similar-size median 42.1.
52.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Cary. Similar-size median 50.1.
65.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Cary's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
51.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
62.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Cary's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Cary 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 Cary
Is Cary, NC a good place to live?
Cary ranks #41 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #5 of 256 mid-size cities and #2 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (75 per 100,000, #6 of 235) and low unemployment (3.1%, #12 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Cary?
Cary'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 $1,738/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $619,636, 85% above the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
What is the crime rate in Cary?
Cary recorded 75 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 77% below the US rate of 328 and 77% below North Carolina's 330. That ranks #81 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #6 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cary Police Department. Property crime runs 966 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Cary?
The median household in Cary earns $134,905, 62% above the US figure of $83,163 and 82% above North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Cary?
Median rent in Cary is $1,738/mo (Census), #907 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,774/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 15.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Cary?
The typical home value in Cary is $619,636, down 1.4% in a year, against $334,773 for North Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $580,200.
How are the public schools in Cary?
Cary's 30 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 16.6 students per teacher and $11,564 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Cary?
The average commute is 22.5 minutes, #544 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across North Carolina. 3.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Cary?
Cary averages 61.2°F over the year, 78.7°F in summer and 43.8°F in winter, with 46.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Cary walkable?
Cary scores 10.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #624 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 Cary 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 Cary?
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 Cary?
Cary has 179,306 residents. The median resident of Cary is 40.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 70.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #46 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Cary compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Cary ranks #2 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 71.2 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 82% above the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 77% below the statewide rate. Homes are 85% above the typical North Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Cary?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Cary's population of 179,306 are Paradise, NV (#1205 overall), Fort Lauderdale, FL (#931 overall), Newport News, VA (#880 overall), Shreveport, LA (#1273 overall), and Aurora, IL (#376 overall). Cary is #41.