North CarolinaPop. 481,031Big cities
Is Raleigh a Good Place to Live? Raleigh, North Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Raleigh ranks #335 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #6 of 53 big cities and #6 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.5%, #2 of 53) and low unemployment (3.3%, #7 of 53), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Raleigh by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Raleigh'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 Raleigh?
Raleigh'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 $1,572/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $428,671, 28% above the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
| Measure | Raleigh | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 98.2#593 of 1,308 | 94.3 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $428,671#690 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 | $1,577/mo#399 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $415,800#825 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,572/mo#767 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4.9x#823 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 22.1%#689 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.
Raleigh 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. Raleigh is in the Raleigh-Cary, NC metro.
North Carolina housing market →Is Raleigh safe?
Raleigh recorded 395 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 20% above the US rate of 328 and 19% above North Carolina's 330. That ranks #706 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #19 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Raleigh Police Department. Property crime runs 2,305 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Raleigh | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 395#706 of 1,085 | 330 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 2,305#799 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 Raleigh?
The median household in Raleigh earns $85,395, 3% above the US figure of $83,163 and 15% above North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Raleigh | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $85,395#533 of 1,312 | $73,958 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 3.3%#186 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 11.9%#645 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.5%#153 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 Raleigh?
The median resident of Raleigh is 34.7 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 54% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #199 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Raleigh | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 34.7 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 54%#199 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 50.7% | 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 Raleigh's schools and health?
Raleigh's 85 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 14.4 students per teacher and $11,648 spent per pupil. 30.9% of adults are obese and 9.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Raleigh | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 86.4% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 14.4#362 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $11,648#1000 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 30.9%#449 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 9.1%#231 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 16.6%#541 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.7%#622 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. 60,195 students are enrolled in Raleigh's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Raleigh?
The average commute in Raleigh is 23 minutes (North Carolina 25.7); 1.4% of workers take transit and 25.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Raleigh scores 11.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #521 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 | Raleigh | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 23 min#599 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.8%#342 of 1,312 | 6.9% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 62.3% | 71.6% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.4% | 0.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 1.6% | 1.6% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.2% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 25.8% | 15.4% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 11.6#521 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 | Raleigh | 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 Raleigh?
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 | Raleigh | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 43#494 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%#406 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 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 Raleigh compare with similar-size cities?
Raleigh is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #6 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 481,031.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NCPop. 481,031 | #335 | 61.2 | $85,395 | $1,572/mo | 395 | 23 min |
| Mesa, AZPop. 511,764 | #717 | 54.7 | $82,752 | $1,620/mo | 424 | 24.7 min |
| Kansas City, MOPop. 510,612 | #985 | 50.3 | $69,166 | $1,238/mo | 1,376 | 21.7 min |
| Atlanta, GAPop. 505,268 | #481 | 58.3 | $85,652 | $1,711/mo | 736 | 26.5 min |
| Omaha, NEPop. 488,837 | #588 | 56.8 | $73,201 | $1,187/mo | 350 | 19.6 min |
| Colorado Springs, COPop. 487,887 | #929 | 51.2 | $84,818 | $1,648/mo | 690 | 22.7 min |
| Miami, FLPop. 459,745 | #681 | 55.3 | $62,462 | $1,758/mo | 358 | 27.3 min |
| Virginia Beach, VAPop. 456,349 | #254 | 63.1 | $92,968 | $1,714/mo | 100 | 23.4 min |
| Long Beach, CAPop. 455,548 | #1175 | 45.8 | $87,430 | $1,871/mo | 621 | 29.9 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 Raleigh compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Raleigh ranks #6 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 61.2 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 15% above the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 19% above the statewide rate. Homes are 28% 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 Raleigh's score calculated?
Raleigh scores 61.2 out of 100, #335 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 Raleigh. Similar-size median 53.8.
61.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Raleigh's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
65.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Raleigh. Similar-size median 54.8.
64.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Raleigh's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
59.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Raleigh's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
62.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Raleigh. Similar-size median 47.2.
55.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Raleigh. Similar-size median 42.4.
58.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Raleigh. Similar-size median 53.7.
64.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Raleigh's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
55.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
62.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Raleigh'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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh
Is Raleigh, NC a good place to live?
Raleigh ranks #335 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #6 of 53 big cities and #6 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.5%, #2 of 53) and low unemployment (3.3%, #7 of 53), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Raleigh?
Raleigh'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 $1,572/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $428,671, 28% above the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
What is the crime rate in Raleigh?
Raleigh recorded 395 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 20% above the US rate of 328 and 19% above North Carolina's 330. That ranks #706 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #19 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Raleigh Police Department. Property crime runs 2,305 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Raleigh?
The median household in Raleigh earns $85,395, 3% above the US figure of $83,163 and 15% above North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Raleigh?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,572/mo (Census), #767 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,577/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Raleigh?
The typical home value in Raleigh is $428,671, down 1.7% in a year, against $334,773 for North Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $415,800.
How are the public schools in Raleigh?
Raleigh's 85 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 14.4 students per teacher and $11,648 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Raleigh?
The average commute is 23 minutes, #599 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across North Carolina. 3.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Raleigh?
Raleigh 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 Raleigh walkable?
Raleigh scores 11.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #521 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh?
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 Raleigh?
Raleigh has 481,031 residents. The median resident of Raleigh is 34.7 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 54% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #199 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Raleigh compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Raleigh ranks #6 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 61.2 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 15% above the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 19% above the statewide rate. Homes are 28% above the typical North Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Raleigh?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Raleigh's population of 481,031 are Mesa, AZ (#717 overall), Kansas City, MO (#985 overall), Atlanta, GA (#481 overall), Omaha, NE (#588 overall), and Colorado Springs, CO (#929 overall). Raleigh is #335.