Durham City Demographics

Durham, NC, has a 2023 population of approximately 285,527. The median age is around 34.5 years. Females make up about 52%, and males 48% of residents. Racially, Durham is 47% White, 36% Black or African American, 5% Asian, and around 14% Hispanic or Latino (of any race). The city’s diversity is reflected in its growing multicultural communities.

Durham City Housing

Durham, NC boasts a homeownership rate of around 53%, with median home values at approximately $375,000 in 2024. Average rent is about $1,600/month. The housing market has seen a 5% year-over-year price increase, driven by strong demand, especially in neighborhoods like Trinity Park and Woodcroft. Housing types range from historic bungalows to modern townhomes. Property taxes are 1.22% of assessed value. Popular rental areas include Downtown and Ninth Street, appealing to students and professionals.

Education in Durham City

Durham, NC, boasts over 50 public schools, including 13 high schools, with Durham Public Schools district serving 33,000+ students. The city’s high school graduation rate is around 86%. Durham is home to top universities like Duke University and North Carolina Central University, with over 45% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety initiatives include campus resource officers and Safe Routes to School programs. Educational programs emphasize STEM, arts, and bilingual education. Adult education is supported by Durham Technical Community College, enrolling more than 16,000 learners annually.

Transportation in Durham City

Durham, NC features diverse transportation options, with 76% of residents commuting by car, 7% by carpool, 4% using public transit, and 2% biking or walking (U.S. Census, 2022). The average commute time is 23 minutes. GoDurham provides 21 bus routes, while the city invests in greenways and bike lanes. About 92% of households own at least one vehicle. Key employment hubs include Duke University & Health System, Research Triangle Park, and local government. Recent infrastructure projects focus on improving road capacity and expanding transit to support Durham’s growing population and workforce.

Durham City Healthcare

Durham, NC, home to Duke University Hospital—a top-ranked academic center with 957 beds—also offers care via UNC Health clinics, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and numerous Federally Qualified Health Centers. Approximately 90% of city residents are insured. The diverse population (42% White, 37% Black, 14% Hispanic) experiences common health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Healthcare access is strong, with over 3,300 physicians in Durham County and multiple urgent care centers. About 11% of adults report poor health, and efforts focus on reducing disparities in chronic illness and improving preventive care utilization.

Other Cities in North Carolina