North CarolinaPop. 291,467Big cities
Is Durham a Good Place to Live? Durham, North Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Durham ranks #537 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #15 of 53 big cities and #10 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.6%, #1 of 53) and low unemployment (3.4%, #9 of 53), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
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 97.6, 2% below the US level of 100 and #568 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,508/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $389,634, 16% above the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
| Measure | Durham | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 97.6#568 of 1,308 | 94.3 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $389,634#602 of 1,187 | $334,773 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,659/mo#469 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $392,800#773 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,508/mo#726 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4.8x#802 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 22.2%#698 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro.
North Carolina housing market →Is Durham safe?
Durham recorded 507 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 55% above the US rate of 328 and 53% above North Carolina's 330. That ranks #853 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #28 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Durham Police Department. Property crime runs 3,599 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Durham | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 507#853 of 1,085 | 330 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 3,599#1018 of 1,085 | 1,780 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Durham?
The median household in Durham earns $81,619, 2% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% above North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Durham | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $81,619#588 of 1,312 | $73,958 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 3.4%#212 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 11.7%#631 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.6%#138 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 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Durham?
The median resident of Durham is 35.1 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 57.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #168 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Durham | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 35.1 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 57.3%#168 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 52.3% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Durham's schools and health?
Durham's 61 public schools graduate 84.1% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 14.2 students per teacher and $14,761 spent per pupil. 36.8% of adults are obese and 10.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Durham | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 84.1%#744 of 1,063 | 86.4% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 14.2#323 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $14,761#615 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 36.8%#929 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 10.2%#440 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 16.2%#457 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.7%#741 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 37,167 students are enrolled in Durham's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Durham?
The average commute in Durham is 22.3 minutes (North Carolina 25.7); 1.9% of workers take transit and 23.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Durham scores 11.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #574 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 | Durham | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 22.3 min#528 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.3%#446 of 1,312 | 6.9% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 62.2% | 71.6% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.9% | 0.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 2.2% | 1.6% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.6% | 0.2% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 23.3% | 15.4% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 11.1#574 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | Durham | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 61.2°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 78.7°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 43.8°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 46.1 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Durham?
Durham County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 72% 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 Durham County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 70% of US counties.
| Measure | Durham | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| 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 0.14% | 0.12%#434 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Durham County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Durham County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.011% | 76% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.086% | 56% of counties |
| Hail | 0.002% | 49% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0026% | 48% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0062% | 41% 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 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #15 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 291,467.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durham, NCPop. 291,467 | #537 | 57.4 | $81,619 | $1,508/mo | 507 | 22.3 min |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #364 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 | 22.7 min |
| Lincoln, NEPop. 294,856 | #390 | 60.2 | $71,867 | $1,086/mo | 427 | 18.4 min |
| Jersey City, NJPop. 294,078 | #369 | 60.5 | $97,710 | $2,007/mo | 487 | 36.8 min |
| Plano, TXPop. 290,594 | #261 | 62.9 | $112,253 | $1,841/mo | 147 | 25.4 min |
| Anchorage, AKPop. 288,976 | #888 | 51.9 | $103,284 | $1,489/mo | 1,027 | 18.8 min |
| St. Louis, MOPop. 288,512 | #1200 | 45.0 | $56,160 | $997/mo | 1,230 | 22.1 min |
| Gilbert, AZPop. 280,262 | #224 | 63.8 | $122,551 | $2,110/mo | 117 | 25.9 min |
| North Las Vegas, NVPop. 278,595 | #1042 | 49.1 | $79,542 | $1,705/mo | 362 | 26.7 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 Durham compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Durham ranks #10 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 57.4 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 10% above the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 53% above the statewide rate. Homes are 16% 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 Durham's score calculated?
Durham scores 57.4 out of 100, #537 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Durham. Similar-size median 53.8.
59.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Durham's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
48.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Durham. Similar-size median 54.8.
54.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Durham's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
58.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Durham's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
64.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Durham. Similar-size median 47.2.
54.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Durham. Similar-size median 42.4.
59.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Durham. Similar-size median 53.7.
64.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Durham's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
53.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
63.0 - 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 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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, NC a good place to live?
Durham ranks #537 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #15 of 53 big cities and #10 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.6%, #1 of 53) and low unemployment (3.4%, #9 of 53), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Durham?
Durham'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 $1,508/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $389,634, 16% above the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
What is the crime rate in Durham?
Durham recorded 507 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 55% above the US rate of 328 and 53% above North Carolina's 330. That ranks #853 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #28 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Durham Police Department. Property crime runs 3,599 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Durham?
The median household in Durham earns $81,619, 2% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% above North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Durham?
Median rent in Durham is $1,508/mo (Census), #726 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,659/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Durham?
The typical home value in Durham is $389,634, down 3.4% in a year, against $334,773 for North Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $392,800.
How are the public schools in Durham?
Durham's 61 public schools graduate 84.1% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 14.2 students per teacher and $14,761 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Durham?
The average commute is 22.3 minutes, #528 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across North Carolina. 4.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Durham?
Durham 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 Durham walkable?
Durham scores 11.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #574 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 Durham County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 70% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Durham?
Durham County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Durham?
Durham has 291,467 residents. The median resident of Durham is 35.1 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 57.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #168 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Durham compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Durham ranks #10 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 57.4 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 10% above the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 53% above the statewide rate. Homes are 16% above the typical North Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Durham?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Durham's population of 291,467 are Pittsburgh, PA (#364 overall), Lincoln, NE (#390 overall), Jersey City, NJ (#369 overall), Plano, TX (#261 overall), and Anchorage, AK (#888 overall). Durham is #537.