Living in Durham, NC
Durham is the 70th-largest city in the US, home to about 306,000 people in 2025. It has grown 7.6% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (97.6 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 305,561+7.6% since 2020
- Median home value
- $392,8004.8 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,508/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $81,619median, per year
- Price level
- 97.6US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 52° / 91°lows 32° / 70°
- Average commute
- 22 min23% work from home
- State income tax
- 3.99%top rate, flat
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County: Durham County, Orange County, Wake County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 404 ft
Metro area: Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Cost of living in Durham
The median home in Durham is worth $392,800 and the median household earns $81,619 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.8 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,508 a month, about 22% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro area at 97.6, with housing at 98.9 and goods at 96.6 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $73,200 here. North Carolina taxes wages at a top rate of 3.99% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in North Carolina is 7.1%.
What would my salary be worth in Durham?
Durham weather
Average highs run from 52°F in January to 91°F in July, and January nights average 32°F. It gets 46 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 5 inches of snow. Expect about 52 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 65 times a year. The most comfortable months are April to May and October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Durham
People and work
The median resident is 35.1 years old, and 57% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 52% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 22 minutes; 23% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 35.1191st youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 57%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 52%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,571118.8 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 2%2% walk, 0.6% bike
- Unemployment
- 3.8%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 11.7%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1995median year
Who moves to Durham, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), New York County, NY and Los Angeles (Los Angeles County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), New York County, NY and Wilmington (New Hanover County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Durham County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: tornado, strong wind, lightning, ice storm.
Home prices
+1.8% in a year
Up 48% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
72% good days
0 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Durham
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Duke University 4 miles
- Meredith College 20 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Durham
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Durham International Airport RDU | 12 mi | 7,584,394 |
| Piedmont Triad International Airport GSO | 59 mi | 985,563 |
| Fayetteville Regional Airport FAY | 72 mi | 168,117 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Durham
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | 21 mi | 27,371 | $16,486 | 85% |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 13 mi | 20,752 | $11,305 | 91% |
| Duke University | 4 mi | 6,442 | $23,706 | 96% |
| North Carolina Central University | 5 mi | 6,081 | $16,708 | 47% |
| Durham Technical Community College | 4 mi | 3,890 | $3,152 | 31% |
| Meredith College | 20 mi | 1,188 | $22,801 | 72% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Durham
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before March 31, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 27 and the first frost comes around November 4.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Raleigh Durham Intl. Airport, NC, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Durham.
Wildfire smoke in Durham
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Durham on about 124 days a year, including about 17 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Durham
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 126,550 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Durham
Downtown Durham is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durham Public Schools | Pre-K to 13 | 31,865 | 57 | 15.0 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Wake County Schools (163,325 students), Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools (11,353 students), Orange County Schools (6,982 students), Granville County Schools (6,402 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Durham's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Durham's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Nashville, TN89% matchCompare
- Murfreesboro, TN81% matchCompare
- Atlanta, GA77% matchCompare
- Roswell, GA77% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Durham
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Durham
- Wintergreen Resort 131 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Durham
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data A highly educated city: 57% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Durham report card from locals
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Durham through locals' eyes
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Cities near Durham
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cary, NC | 17 mi | 183,582 | $580,200 | 98.2 | Compare |
| Raleigh, NC | 22 mi | 506,306 | $415,800 | 98.2 | Compare |
| Apex, NC | 22 mi | 80,419 | $576,100 | 98.2 | Compare |
| Greensboro, NC | 51 mi | 308,667 | $244,800 | 92.9 | Compare |
| High Point, NC | 63 mi | 120,571 | $235,800 | 92.9 | Compare |
| Fayetteville, NC | 68 mi | 209,120 | $188,000 | 92.0 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Durham with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Durham a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show a growing population, short commutes. Compare Durham side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Durham?
The Census Bureau estimates Durham had 305,561 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 283,881 in April 2020 (+7.6%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Durham?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $73,200 in the Durham area. The median household here earns $81,619.
When is the best time to visit Durham?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April to May and October are the most comfortable months. July averages 91°F and January 52°F for daytime highs.
What county is Durham in?
Most of Durham (88% of its land) is in Durham County. Smaller parts lie in Orange County and Wake County. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Durham in?
Durham is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Durham?
About 404 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does North Carolina have a state income tax?
Yes. North Carolina has a flat income tax with a top rate of 3.99% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Durham. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Raleigh Durham Intl. Airport, NC station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.