Chapel Hill, NC Census Data
The 17th largest city in North Carolina by population · 22 cities ranked
Chapel Hill is the 17th largest city in North Carolina by population and ranks 6th of 22 for median household income. With 59,889 residents, its poverty rate of 19.6% ranks among the higher rates in North Carolina. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
59,889
47.0% male · 53.0% female
Median Age
25.8
12.9 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$85,825
$7,287 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
77.2%
42.2% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 96.2%
Poverty Rate
19.6%
7.2% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 5.0%
Broadband Access
99.0%
9.3% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$576,500
Median rent: $1,483 · 49% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
Labor force participation: 54.9%
Per Capita Income
$31,529
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
3.2%
Disability rate: 7.5%
How Chapel Hill Compares to Other North Carolina Cities
Rankings among all 22 North Carolina cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 17th of 22 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 6th of 22 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 20th of 22 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 1st of 22 | Top 10% |
| Highest Home Value | 1st of 22 | Top 10% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Chapel Hill, NC Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Chapel Hill, NC?
The population of Chapel Hill, NC is 59,889 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 25.8 years.
What is the median household income in Chapel Hill?
The median household income in Chapel Hill, NC is $85,825, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $31,529.
What is the poverty rate in Chapel Hill?
The poverty rate in Chapel Hill, NC is 19.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 5.0% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Chapel Hill residents have a college degree?
77.2% of adults (25+) in Chapel Hill hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 96.2% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Chapel Hill?
The median home value in Chapel Hill, NC is $576,500. Median rent is $1,483 per month, with 49% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Chapel Hill?
Chapel Hill's population is 66.7% White, 10.9% Black, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 13.2% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Chapel Hill rank among North Carolina cities?
Chapel Hill is the 17th largest city in North Carolina by population, the 6th highest for median household income, the 20th lowest for poverty rate, the 1st highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 22 ranked North Carolina cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Chapel Hill?
The unemployment rate in Chapel Hill, NC is 4.6%, with a labor force participation rate of 54.9%. Per capita income is $31,529.
Cities Similar to Chapel Hill
Other North Carolina cities with comparable population and income levels.