What to know before you move: cost, market timing, who it fits.
If you're considering a move to Durham, NC, the most important variables are the local housing market, the cost structure (taxes, insurance, utilities), and how well the city fits your day-to-day life. This page summarizes the housing market read; pair it with the cost of living page for the full picture.
Durham is a city in Durham County, North Carolina, with an estimated population of 301,870. It anchors the Durham-Chapel Hill metro area. The population grew 1.6% annually from 2020 to 2024, a moderate gain. The median home value in Durham is $399,509 as of 2026-04, down 2.7% over the last 12 months. Over the last five years, home values have averaged +5.5% annual growth (-3.2% from the 5-year peak). Rents in Durham average $1,729 per month, roughly flat year-over-year (+1.5%). The composite momentum score is 62 of 100 (Rising). The market is healthy with prices supported by underlying demand.
Quiet strength: prices near or at all-time highs (-3.2% from 5-year peak). Solid market for owner-occupiers; investors should underwrite conservatively given the elevated entry point.
Reasons people move here
- Healthy 5-year run: +5.5% annualized over 5 years, outpacing US inflation.
- Net positive migration: population up 1.6% per year — demand fundamentals are intact.
Things to know first
- Cooling: -2.7% over the trailing year — momentum has stalled.
- Local nuance: city-level data smooths over neighborhood differences. School zones, HOA rules, and street-level character matter — visit before deciding.
More about Durham
Sources: Zillow ZHVI (home values), Zillow ZORI (rents), US Census ACS + place population. Updated when source agencies publish revisions.