Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina scores 59.9/100 (B+ grade), ranking #4 of 20 cities in North Carolina. Median income: $85,825. Crime rate: 181.4/100K.
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Chapel Hill, North Carolina Overview
With a composite score of 59.9/100 and a B+ grade, Chapel Hill ranks #4 of 20 cities in North Carolina. Its strongest showing is in Transportation (85/100), while Outdoor Access (14/100) represents its largest gap.
Income & Employment in Chapel Hill
Households in Chapel Hill earn a median of $85,825 — 28% above the state median — but the 3.6% unemployment rate sits above the statewide 3.5%, suggesting the job market doesn’t match the income figures.
Safety in Chapel Hill
At 181.4 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, Chapel Hill sits meaningfully below the North Carolina average of 380 — a 109% lower gap. The property crime rate is 2591.2 per 100,000.
Cost of Living in Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill has a cost of living index of 96.6 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $576,500. Median monthly rent is $1,483. Renters spend 20.7% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline. The price-to-income ratio of 6.7x suggests home buyers face a stretched market.
Health & Wellness in Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill’s adult obesity rate of 26.8% is below the national average, contributing to stronger health outcomes. The diabetes prevalence rate is 7.2%. Residents report an average of 18.2 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. North Carolina ranks #32 nationally for overall health.
Education & Schools in Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill has a high school graduation rate of 90.7%. The student-teacher ratio of 13.1:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Local districts invest $16,315 per student, well above the national median. The city has 21 public schools serving 12,397 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.
Climate & Commute in Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 56.4°F. Summers average 74.7°F. Winters average 39.7°F. Annual precipitation is 43.6 inches. 24.9% of workers in Chapel Hill work from home, well above the national average. The average commute of 14.7 minutes is notably short.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall score for Chapel Hill, North Carolina?
Chapel Hill has an overall score of 59.9 out of 100, earning a B+ grade and ranking #4 among 20 cities in North Carolina.
What is the median income in Chapel Hill?
The median household income in Chapel Hill is $85,825, based on Census ACS data.
Is Chapel Hill safe?
Chapel Hill has a violent crime rate of 181.4 per 100,000 residents.
What is the cost of living in Chapel Hill?
Chapel Hill has a cost of living index of 96.6 (100 = national average). It is more affordable than the national average.
How are the public schools in Chapel Hill?
Chapel Hill has 21 public schools with a 90.7% graduation rate. The student-teacher ratio is 13.1:1.