Durham County, North Carolina

Income Data

+30% vs. North Carolina average
$79,501
Median Household Income
$46,931
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$79,501
+30% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$46,931
+19% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
22.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#12 / 100
by median household income

How Durham County Compares

Durham County$79,501
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$79,501
Median Household Income
$46,931
Per Capita Income
$351,700
Median Home Value
22.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Durham County, North Carolina

Durham Exceeds National Income Median

Durham County's median household income of $79,501 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 6.4%. The county ranks in the top 40% of U.S. counties for household income.

Strong Performer in North Carolina

Durham's $79,501 median household income exceeds North Carolina's state average of $61,072 by 30%. The county ranks among the state's top earners, reflecting the Research Triangle's professional employment base.

Hub of Regional Prosperity

Durham households earn $14,866 more than Craven County and $27,621 more than Cumberland County. Only Currituck ($91,548) and Dare ($81,214) exceed Durham, positioning it as the Piedmont's income leader.

Housing Costs Stretch Resources

At 21.4%, Durham's rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds the 21% affordability threshold, reflecting the Research Triangle's real estate demand. Median home values of $351,700 require household incomes above $120,000 for comfortable ownership.

Diversify Beyond Primary Residence

Durham's strong income supports wealth diversification through stock investments, secondary real estate, and retirement accounts. Maximize 401(k) contributions and consider real estate investment trusts to capitalize on the region's continued growth trajectory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Durham County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Durham County, North Carolina is $79,501, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Durham County?
The per capita income in Durham County is $46,931, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $79,501.
How does Durham County compare to the North Carolina average?
Durham County's median household income of $79,501 is higher than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $46,931, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Durham County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Durham County, North Carolina is $46,931, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Durham County income higher than the North Carolina average?
Durham County's median household income of $79,501 is higher than the North Carolina average of $61,072. This difference of $18,429 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Durham County rank for income in North Carolina?
Durham County ranks #12 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $79,501 and per capita income of $46,931, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Durham County

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Your income is above the Durham County median

County median: $79,501 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+30%

vs. National Median

+6%

vs. Durham County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average30% above
vs. National Median6% above

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($6,625) vs. median rent ($1,415/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.