Raleigh

Raleigh, North Carolina Overview

With a composite score of 56.3/100 and a B grade, Raleigh ranks #6 of 20 cities in North Carolina. Its strongest showing is in Affordability (70/100), while Outdoor Access (14/100) represents its largest gap.

Income & Employment in Raleigh

Raleigh’s median household income of $86,309 is 29% above the North Carolina median of $66,880, and its 3.2% unemployment rate undercuts the state’s 3.5%. That economic strength is drawing residents — the population grew 1.8% recently.

Safety in Raleigh

With a violent crime rate of 532.9 per 100,000, Raleigh exceeds the North Carolina average of 380. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 2622.2 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Raleigh

Raleigh has a cost of living index of 98 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $377,800. Median monthly rent is $1,468. Renters spend 20.4% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Raleigh

The adult obesity rate in Raleigh is 30.9% (CDC PLACES). The diabetes prevalence rate is 9.1%. Residents report an average of 16.6 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. North Carolina ranks #32 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Raleigh

Raleigh has a high school graduation rate of 91%. The student-teacher ratio is 14.3:1. Per-pupil spending is $11,651. The city has 93 public schools serving 64,998 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Raleigh

Raleigh enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 56.5°F. Summers average 74.7°F. Winters average 39.8°F. Annual precipitation is 43.9 inches. 20.1% of workers in Raleigh work from home, well above the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions