RANK #851 / 996 · POP 325,101 · NC
PROJECTED GROWTH: -1.1%
Durham County, North Carolina, is often recognized first for Duke University, a prominent institution that significantly shapes the area's intellectual and cultural landscape. Located in the Piedmont region of central North Carolina, Durham County is part of the larger Research Triangle area, which includes Raleigh and Chapel Hill. Commuting within the county and to nearby cities is facilitated by various options, including bus services, carpooling, vanpooling, and microtransit programs. The community offers access to green spaces like Eno River State Park and Sarah P. Duke Gardens, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Life in Durham County blends urban amenities with natural beauty, attracting a diverse population including families, professionals, and retirees. The economy, historically rooted in tobacco, has transitioned to a focus on medicine, research, and high technology. Major investments are evident across various sectors, including commercial and residential developments, data centers, and infrastructure improvements. The presence of institutions like Duke University and North Carolina Central University contributes to a skilled workforce and a dynamic economic environment.
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 2.3x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Greater Triangle Commuter Rail Line
GoTriangle
|
$3,000M | Proposed |
|
Biogen Manufacturing Expansion
Biogen
|
$2,000M | Planned |
|
Hub RTP Development (Phase I)
Research Triangle Foundation
|
$1,000M | Under Construction |
|
CyrusOne DUR1 Data Center Expansion
CyrusOne
|
$750M | Operating |
|
Merck Treyburn Facility Expansion
Merck
|
$200M | Under Construction |
|
2024 Connect Durham Bond Projects (Streets & Parks)
City of Durham
|
$200M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Durham County has a Boom Town Index score of 15/100, ranking #851 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.5% and a median household income of $74,927, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Durham County is $311,300 with median rent at $1,301/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2407, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.6% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.5%. Home values changed -2.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.17% of Durham County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.