Durham, NC Census Data
The 4th largest city in North Carolina by population · 22 cities ranked
Durham is the 4th largest city in North Carolina by population and ranks 9th of 22 for median household income. With 288,465 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 13 other North Carolina cities. 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
288,465
47.3% male · 52.7% female
Median Age
34.8
3.9 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$79,234
$696 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
55.7%
20.7% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 91.4%
Poverty Rate
12.2%
0.2% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 11.6%
Broadband Access
96.9%
7.2% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$355,300
Median rent: $1,412 · 52% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
Labor force participation: 66.2%
Per Capita Income
$48,636
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
4.9%
Disability rate: 9.9%
How Durham Compares to Other North Carolina Cities
Rankings among all 22 North Carolina cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 4th of 22 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 9th of 22 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 9th of 22 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 6th of 22 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 8th of 22 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Durham, NC Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Durham, NC?
The population of Durham, NC is 288,465 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 34.8 years.
What is the median household income in Durham?
The median household income in Durham, NC is $79,234, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $48,636.
What is the poverty rate in Durham?
The poverty rate in Durham, NC is 12.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 11.6% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Durham residents have a college degree?
55.7% of adults (25+) in Durham hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 91.4% 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 Durham?
The median home value in Durham, NC is $355,300. Median rent is $1,412 per month, with 52% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Durham?
Durham's population is 43.9% White, 34.4% Black, 14.7% Hispanic or Latino, and 5.6% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Durham rank among North Carolina cities?
Durham is the 4th largest city in North Carolina by population, the 9th highest for median household income, the 9th lowest for poverty rate, the 6th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 22 ranked North Carolina cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Durham?
The unemployment rate in Durham, NC is 4.2%, with a labor force participation rate of 66.2%. Per capita income is $48,636.
Cities Similar to Durham
Other North Carolina cities with comparable population and income levels.