North CarolinaPop. 61,607Smaller cities
Is Chapel Hill a Good Place to Live? Chapel Hill, North Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Chapel Hill ranks #177 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #87 of 524 smaller cities and #5 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (86 per 100,000, #41 of 444) and short commutes (19.5 min, #86 of 524), and trails on high poverty (18.6%, #444 of 524) and expensive homes ($613,700, #410 of 524).
Chapel Hill by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Chapel Hill'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 Chapel Hill?
Chapel Hill's cost of living index is 97.6, 2% below the US level of 100 and #568 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,613/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $631,034, 88% above the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
| Measure | Chapel Hill | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 97.6#568 of 1,308 | 94.3 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $631,034#962 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 | $1,690/mo#492 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $613,700#1085 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,613/mo#799 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 7.1x#1158 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22.5%#727 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.
Chapel Hill 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. Chapel Hill is in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro.
North Carolina housing market →Is Chapel Hill safe?
Chapel Hill recorded 86 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 74% below the US rate of 328 and 74% below North Carolina's 330. That ranks #100 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #41 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Chapel Hill Police Department. Property crime runs 1,779 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Chapel Hill | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 86#100 of 1,085 | 330 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,779#614 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 Chapel Hill?
The median household in Chapel Hill earns $85,989, 3% above the US figure of $83,163 and 16% above North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 18.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Chapel Hill | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $85,989#521 of 1,312 | $73,958 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 18.6%#1064 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 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 Chapel Hill?
The median resident of Chapel Hill is 25.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 76.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #17 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Chapel Hill | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 25.8 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 76.6%#17 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 47.4% | 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 Chapel Hill's schools and health?
Chapel Hill's 13 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 13.4 students per teacher and $16,963 spent per pupil. 26.8% of adults are obese and 7.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Chapel Hill | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 93%#172 of 1,063 | 86.4% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 13.4#206 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $16,963#414 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 26.8%#216 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 7.2%#55 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.2%#899 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8.3%#414 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. 8,359 students are enrolled in Chapel Hill's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Chapel Hill?
The average commute in Chapel Hill is 19.5 minutes (North Carolina 25.7); 7% of workers take transit and 28.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Chapel Hill scores 13.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #209 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.7°F and winters 43.4°F, with 43.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Chapel Hill | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 19.5 min#304 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.4%#276 of 1,312 | 6.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 47.1% | 71.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 7% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 8% | 1.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 2.6% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 28.1% | 15.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.7#209 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 | 51.2 | 31.7 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 54.8 | 33.8 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 62.7 | 40.1 | 3.9 |
| Apr | 72.2 | 48.1 | 3.6 |
| May | 79.1 | 57 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 86.3 | 65.3 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 89.6 | 69.3 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 87.8 | 67.9 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 81.9 | 62.2 | 4.4 |
| Oct | 72.3 | 49.6 | 3.2 |
| Nov | 62.4 | 39.5 | 3.2 |
| Dec | 54.2 | 34.5 | 3.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Chapel Hill Williams Airport.
| Measure | Chapel Hill | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 60.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 77.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 43.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 43.6 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 Chapel Hill Williams Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Chapel Hill?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Chapel Hill's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Orange County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 52% of US counties.
| Measure | Chapel Hill | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.15%#656 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 Orange County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Orange County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.11% | 76% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.009% | 74% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0022% | 51% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0071% | 44% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0018% | 39% 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 Chapel Hill compare with similar-size cities?
Chapel Hill is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #87 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 61,607.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chapel Hill, NCPop. 61,607 | #177 | 65.1 | $85,989 | $1,613/mo | 86 | 19.5 min |
| Parker, COPop. 61,783 | #246 | 63.3 | $133,369 | $2,096/mo | 192 | 26.1 min |
| Dearborn Heights, MIPop. 61,771 | #955 | 50.8 | $60,391 | $1,331/mo | 387 | 23.9 min |
| Santa Cruz, CAPop. 61,607 | #669 | 55.6 | $115,475 | $2,452/mo | 533 | 22.8 min |
| Palm Harbor, FLPop. 61,512 | #843 | 52.6 | $78,935 | $1,806/mo | no data | 26.7 min |
| Springfield, ORPop. 61,499 | #964 | 50.7 | $68,761 | $1,258/mo | 285 | 19.4 min |
| Bristol, CTPop. 61,462 | #272 | 62.7 | $79,076 | $1,338/mo | 53 | 23.7 min |
| Shoreline, WAPop. 61,431 | #182 | 64.9 | $112,751 | $1,985/mo | 138 | 27.2 min |
| Vineland, NJPop. 61,006 | #965 | 50.7 | $67,860 | $1,233/mo | 408 | 23.7 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 Chapel Hill compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Chapel Hill ranks #5 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 65.1 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 16% above the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 74% below the statewide rate. Homes are 88% 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 Chapel Hill's score calculated?
Chapel Hill scores 65.1 out of 100, #177 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 Chapel Hill. Similar-size median 55.5.
59.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Chapel Hill's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
88.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Chapel Hill. Similar-size median 58.9.
70.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Chapel Hill's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
72.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Chapel Hill's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
53.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Chapel Hill. Similar-size median 56.1.
43.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Chapel Hill. Similar-size median 42.4.
45.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Chapel Hill. Similar-size median 50.0.
82.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Chapel Hill's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
66.8 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
52.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Chapel Hill'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 Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill
Is Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live?
Chapel Hill ranks #177 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #87 of 524 smaller cities and #5 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (86 per 100,000, #41 of 444) and short commutes (19.5 min, #86 of 524), and trails on high poverty (18.6%, #444 of 524) and expensive homes ($613,700, #410 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Chapel Hill?
Chapel Hill's cost of living index is 97.6, 2% below the US level of 100 and #568 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,613/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $631,034, 88% above the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
What is the crime rate in Chapel Hill?
Chapel Hill recorded 86 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 74% below the US rate of 328 and 74% below North Carolina's 330. That ranks #100 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #41 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Chapel Hill Police Department. Property crime runs 1,779 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Chapel Hill?
The median household in Chapel Hill earns $85,989, 3% above the US figure of $83,163 and 16% above North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 18.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Chapel Hill?
Median rent in Chapel Hill is $1,613/mo (Census), #799 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,690/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Chapel Hill?
The typical home value in Chapel Hill is $631,034, down 0.7% in a year, against $334,773 for North Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $613,700.
How are the public schools in Chapel Hill?
Chapel Hill's 13 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 13.4 students per teacher and $16,963 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Chapel Hill?
The average commute is 19.5 minutes, #304 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 Chapel Hill?
Chapel Hill averages 60.6°F over the year, 77.7°F in summer and 43.4°F in winter, with 43.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Chapel Hill walkable?
Chapel Hill scores 13.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #209 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 Chapel Hill at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Orange County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 52% of US counties.
Who lives in Chapel Hill?
Chapel Hill has 61,607 residents. The median resident of Chapel Hill is 25.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 76.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #17 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Chapel Hill compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Chapel Hill ranks #5 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 65.1 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 16% above the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 74% below the statewide rate. Homes are 88% above the typical North Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Chapel Hill?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Chapel Hill's population of 61,607 are Parker, CO (#246 overall), Dearborn Heights, MI (#955 overall), Santa Cruz, CA (#669 overall), Palm Harbor, FL (#843 overall), and Springfield, OR (#964 overall). Chapel Hill is #177.