Living in Raleigh, NC
Raleigh is the 39th-largest city in the US, home to about 506,000 people in 2025 and the capital of North Carolina. It is growing fast: up 8.2% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (98.2 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 506,306+8.2% since 2020
- Median home value
- $415,8004.9 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,572/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $85,395median, per year
- Price level
- 98.2US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 52° / 91°lows 32° / 70°
- Average commute
- 23 min26% work from home
- State income tax
- 3.99%top rate, flat
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County: Wake County, Durham County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 315 ft
Metro area: Raleigh-Cary, NC
Cost of living in Raleigh
The median home in Raleigh is worth $415,800 and the median household earns $85,395 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.9 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,572 a month, about 22% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Raleigh-Cary, NC metro area at 98.2, with housing at 103.5 and goods at 96.6 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $73,600 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 Raleigh?
Raleigh 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 Raleigh
People and work
The median resident is 34.7 years old, and 54% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 51% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 23 minutes; 26% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 34.7164th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 54%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 51%of households
- People per sq mile
- 3,354150.9 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%2% walk, 0.4% bike
- Unemployment
- 4.4%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 11.9%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1997median year
Who moves to Raleigh, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), Wilmington (New Hanover County) and Reston (Fairfax County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), Wilmington (New Hanover County) and Brunswick County, NC. 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 High
FEMA rating for Wake County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: tornado, inland flooding, heat wave, hail.
Home prices
+1.1% in a year
Up 45% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Raleigh-Cary, NC area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
66% good days
0 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Raleigh, 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 Raleigh
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 22 miles
- North Carolina Central University 20 miles
- Durham Technical Community College 19 miles
- Johnston Community College 26 miles
- Campbell University 28 miles
- Meredith College 4 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Raleigh
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Durham International Airport RDU | 11 mi | 7,584,394 |
| Fayetteville Regional Airport FAY | 58 mi | 168,117 |
| Piedmont Triad International Airport GSO | 76 mi | 985,563 |
| Albert J. Ellis Airport OAJ | 88 mi | 145,901 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Raleigh
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | 3 mi | 27,371 | $16,486 | 85% |
| Duke University | 22 mi | 6,442 | $23,706 | 96% |
| North Carolina Central University | 20 mi | 6,081 | $16,708 | 47% |
| Durham Technical Community College | 19 mi | 3,890 | $3,152 | 31% |
| Meredith College | 4 mi | 1,188 | $22,801 | 72% |
| Shaw University | 2 mi | 875 | $24,242 | 20% |
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 Raleigh
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 Raleigh.
Wildfire smoke in Raleigh
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Raleigh on about 125 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 Raleigh
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 203,443 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Raleigh
Downtown Raleigh 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wake County Schools | Pre-K to 13 | 163,325 | 198 | 15.3 |
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Raleigh's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Raleigh's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Nashville, TN90% matchCompare
- Atlanta, GA80% matchCompare
- Roswell, GA80% matchCompare
- Murfreesboro, TN79% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Raleigh
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Raleigh
- Wintergreen Resort 148 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Raleigh
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 The city is growing fast (+8.2% since 2020), a sign of jobs and new housing.
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Raleigh report card from locals
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Raleigh through locals' eyes
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Cities near Raleigh
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cary, NC | 9 mi | 183,582 | $580,200 | 98.2 | Compare |
| Apex, NC | 13 mi | 80,419 | $576,100 | 98.2 | Compare |
| Durham, NC | 22 mi | 305,561 | $392,800 | 97.6 | Compare |
| Fayetteville, NC | 54 mi | 209,120 | $188,000 | 92.0 | Compare |
| Greensboro, NC | 68 mi | 308,667 | $244,800 | 92.9 | Compare |
| Greenville, NC | 71 mi | 96,443 | $233,500 | 88.4 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Looking at the suburbs? Rolesville, Apex and Holly Springs lead our ranking of the best suburbs of Raleigh.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Raleigh with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show a growing population. Compare Raleigh side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Raleigh?
The Census Bureau estimates Raleigh had 506,306 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 468,102 in April 2020 (+8.2%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Raleigh?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $73,600 in the Raleigh area. The median household here earns $85,395.
When is the best time to visit Raleigh?
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 Raleigh in?
Most of Raleigh (99% of its land) is in Wake County. Smaller parts lie in Durham County. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Raleigh in?
Raleigh is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Raleigh?
About 315 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 Raleigh. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Raleigh-Cary, NC metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Raleigh Durham Intl. Airport, NC station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.