CountyScore

Durham County

North Carolina · NC

#97 in North Carolina
62.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Durham County, North Carolina

Durham Exceeds National Median

Durham County's composite score of 64.3 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 28th percentile. Despite being the lowest among these eight counties, Durham demonstrates above-average livability by nationwide standards.

Below North Carolina Average

At 64.3, Durham County trails the state average of 72.7 by more than 8 points, ranking it in the lower half of North Carolina's counties. The county's fiscal constraints and housing costs create this performance gap.

Strong Incomes in Research Triangle

Durham's income score of 35.3 reflects the Research Triangle's economic strength, with median household income at $79,501. The tax score of 78.7 provides reasonable fiscal efficiency within the university and tech hub ecosystem.

High Housing Costs Dominate

The cost score of 60.7 is Durham's major constraint, with median home values at $351,700 and median rent at $1,415 monthly—the state's most expensive. Limited data on schools, safety, and health prevent a fuller livability assessment.

For High-Income Tech Professionals

Durham County suits affluent professionals working in research, tech, or higher education who can afford premium housing costs. Those with substantial incomes and careers tied to the Research Triangle will find opportunity, though affordability is limited.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax78.7Cost60.7SafetyComing SoonHealth74.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome35.3Risk10.4WaterComing Soon
🏛78.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡10.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Durham County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lake County
California
62.4
Median income: $58,738
Jefferson County
Colorado
62.4
Median income: $107,800
Charlotte County
Florida
62.4
Median income: $66,154
Pasco County
Florida
62.4
Median income: $67,384
St. Johns County
Florida
62.4
Median income: $106,169

Deep Dives

Durham County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Durham County

via TaxByCounty

Durham's property taxes rank notably above national average

Durham County's effective tax rate of 0.839% exceeds the national median of 0.92%—matching or exceeding the typical American county's tax burden. The median annual tax of $2,951 on homes valued at $351,700 sits comfortably above the national median property tax of $2,690, positioning Durham County homeowners among the nation's higher tax-paying communities.

Durham taxes higher than the North Carolina average

At 0.839%, Durham County's effective tax rate substantially exceeds North Carolina's 0.701% state average, ranking it in the upper tier of the state's 100 counties. The median tax bill of $2,951 is by far the highest among the eight counties examined, nearly double the state median of $1,433.

Durham's taxes are the region's highest by far

Durham's combined rate and property values create the heaviest tax burden among all counties in this analysis: 0.839% applied to $351,700 homes generates $2,951 in median taxes. Only Dare County ($2,245) approaches Durham's absolute tax bill, though Dare achieves this with lower rates and higher home values.

What your home costs in property taxes

On Durham's median home value of $351,700, the 0.839% rate produces approximately $2,951 in annual property taxes—the highest median bill of any county examined. Interestingly, homeowners show near-identical tax burdens whether mortgaged ($2,939) or not ($2,992), suggesting Durham's stable and consistent assessment methodology.

High taxes make assessment accuracy essential

With Durham's substantial tax bills, even a 5% overvaluation could cost you hundreds annually—making a thorough assessment review and potential appeal highly worthwhile. Durham's booming real estate market means valuations can quickly become outdated; comparing your assessed value to current comparable sales is one of your best budget-protection tools.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Durham County

via CostByCounty

Durham rents strain incomes despite growth

Durham County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% significantly exceeds the national average of 18%, marking it as the second-most-strained housing market in this sample. Residents earning $79,501 pay $1,415 monthly—the highest rent in this county group—driven by Research Triangle economic vitality.

Urban pressure above state norms

Durham's 21.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks it above North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, second only to Cumberland County in affordability pressure. The $1,415 median rent reflects Durham's role as a tech and biotech hub, creating demand that drives prices upward across the region.

Urban premium over surrounding counties

Durham's $1,415 rent far exceeds rural and coastal alternatives: it's $552 more than Davidson, $530 more than Duplin, and $108 more than coastal Dare County. Only the coastal premium of Dare County approaches Durham's pricing, despite Durham's inland location within the Research Triangle.

Renters and owners both pay steep costs

Renters pay $1,415 while owners pay $1,430 monthly on a $79,501 income, making Durham the most expensive county overall in both tenure categories. These costs consume roughly 21.4% of gross income for renters and 21.6% for owners—among the highest burdens in this comparison.

Durham demands premium income for opportunity

Moving to Durham for Research Triangle jobs means budgeting roughly 21% of income for housing—significantly more than state and national averages. Compare Durham's $1,415 rents against smaller piedmont alternatives like Davie ($889) to assess whether the career opportunity justifies the housing cost premium you'll pay.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Durham County

via IncomeByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Durham County

via HealthByCounty

Durham leads the nation in health outcomes

At 79.2 years, Durham County's life expectancy surpasses the U.S. average of 79.1 years, making it among the nation's healthiest. Just 14.2% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 17.5%.

Durham dominates North Carolina's health rankings

Durham's 79.2-year life expectancy towers 4.8 years above North Carolina's state average of 74.4 years, making it the state's clear health leader. The uninsured rate of 10.6% is better than the state's 12.5%, reflecting a well-educated, economically stable population.

Durham far outpaces all regional peers

Durham's 79.2 years dramatically exceeds even Dare County (78.2) and Currituck (77.1), the state's next-best performers. The gap widens further versus inland counties: Durham's life expectancy is roughly 6 years higher than Davidson (73.3) or Duplin (73.8), reflecting stark regional inequities.

Robust healthcare infrastructure supports health

Durham has 120 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—nearly double the national average of 65—and 772 mental health providers per 100,000, the highest by far. This dense provider network, combined with a 10.6% uninsured rate, ensures residents access world-class care.

Keep Durham's health excellence thriving

Durham's 10.6% uninsured rate represents opportunity: visiting healthcare.gov can bring nearly everyone into the strong healthcare system that makes Durham one of America's healthiest places. Coverage ensures equitable access to the excellent care that keeps residents thriving.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Durham County

via RiskByCounty

Durham ranks among highest-risk U.S. counties

Durham County's composite score of 89.63 far exceeds the national average of 50, reflecting intense exposure to multiple simultaneous hazards. The "Relatively Moderate" rating belies the county's extreme vulnerability to tornadoes and flooding—individual hazards that rival the worst in the nation.

Third-highest overall risk in North Carolina

Durham's 89.63 score ranks it among the state's most disaster-exposed counties, trailing only Craven (93.58) and Dare (89.60) among North Carolina's 100. The county sits more than 20 points above the state average of 66.72.

Durham's risk rivals state's highest-risk counties

Durham (89.63) closely matches Dare County (89.60) and nearly equals Craven County (93.58) in composite score, while far exceeding lower-risk Piedmont counties like Davie (41.67). The county's Piedmont location gives it higher tornado exposure than coastal peers, offsetting their hurricane advantage.

Tornadoes and floods dominate Durham's threats

Tornado risk at 93.48—among the highest in the nation—makes Durham one of America's most tornado-prone urban areas, while flood risk at 92.43 reflects the county's river systems and intense rainfall vulnerability. Earthquake risk at 81.87 adds a regional seismic component that elevates Durham above most Piedmont counties.

Storm shelter and flood insurance non-negotiable

Durham residents must prioritize a designated storm shelter—whether a basement safe room or reinforced interior space—to protect against extreme tornado exposure. Flood insurance is essential for properties in or near identified flood zones; all residents should maintain robust homeowners coverage and a practiced evacuation plan.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.