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Durham County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#87 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
34.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 83.3Health 72.9Water Quality 71.5

County Report Card

About Durham County, North Carolina

Well Below the National Median

Durham County receives a composite score of 34.1, which is notably lower than the national median of 50.0. Despite its high-tech reputation, several key metrics drag down its national standing.

Trailing the State Average

Durham sits roughly 10 points below the North Carolina state average of 44.7. This surprise result stems from extreme variations between its high-performing and low-performing dimensions.

High Earnings and Health Access

The county excels with an income score of 83.3 and a health score of 72.9. Residents earn a robust $79,501 median income and benefit from some of the best medical infrastructure in the state.

Critical Safety and Cost Issues

The safety score is remarkably low at 0.6, while the cost score of 9.3 reflects high prices. Renters face a median gross rent of $1,415, making it one of the most expensive counties in the region.

Best for High-Income Professionals

Durham County is ideal for high-earning workers who want access to top-tier healthcare and career opportunities. It is a choice for those who prioritize urban amenities and income potential over safety and housing affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax49.8Cost9.3Safety0.6Health72.9Schools33.3Income83.3Risk10.4Water71.5Weather65.3
🏛49.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠9.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼83.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡0.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤72.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡10.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧71.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨22.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Durham County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Durham County

via CrimeByCounty

Durham County Faces Significant Safety Hurdles

Durham County reports a total crime rate of 8661.0 per 100K, which is more than triple the national average. This high volume of incidents results in a safety score of 86.3.

Well Below the North Carolina Safety Average

With a safety score of 86.3, Durham falls far short of the state average of 96.8. The county's total crime rate is over four times the state average of 2050.0.

High Crime Density Compared to Neighbors

Durham's crime rates are substantially higher than any other county in this report, including urban centers like Cumberland. The concentration of incidents across nine agencies highlights a major regional safety challenge.

Violent and Property Crimes Are Elevated

Violent crime is nearly four times the national average at 1422.9 per 100K. Property crime is even more frequent at 7238.1, indicating a high risk of theft and burglary for residents.

Maximum Security for Durham Residents

Given the high crime rates, residents should employ comprehensive security measures, including professionally monitored alarms and cameras. Active participation in neighborhood safety initiatives is critical in this high-activity area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Durham County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Dense and Diverse Urban School Market

Durham County features 72 public schools and 17 districts serving a total of 44,718 students. The system is composed of 39 elementary, 11 middle, and 14 high schools, along with eight specialized campuses. This complex landscape offers a wide variety of educational pathways for residents.

High Investment Amidst Academic Challenges

The graduation rate in Durham is 80.2%, falling below the state average of 88.0%. However, the county invests $7,673 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the North Carolina average of $6,969. With a school score of 49.8, the county is actively using its higher funding levels to address performance gaps.

A Major Hub for Charter School Choice

Durham Public Schools manages 31,531 students, while 16 charter schools serve a massive 22.2% of the local student population. Large virtual options like NC Virtual Academy and NC Cyber Academy collectively serve over 5,000 students. This high concentration of charters makes Durham one of the most choice-heavy markets in the state.

City Classrooms and Massive High Schools

The educational experience is overwhelmingly urban, with 59 schools located in city settings. C E Jordan High and Riverside High are major anchors with nearly 2,000 students each. While the average school size is 639 students, the presence of large virtual and magnet schools provides a modern, fast-paced educational feel.

Unmatched Options in the Bull City

Durham is the ideal location for families who want a multitude of public, magnet, and charter options within a short drive. The high per-pupil spending reflects a community committed to resourcing its schools. Explore homes in the city center or near the Jordan High district to be in the heart of Durham's educational scene.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Durham County

via WeatherByCounty

A Standard Piedmont National Profile

Durham's 58.3°F average temperature sits just below the state average but remains above the national median. The climate is characterized by humid summers and relatively mild winters.

Just Below the North Carolina Average

Durham’s annual temperature of 58.3°F is exactly one degree cooler than the North Carolina state average. It represents the typical climate of the central Piedmont region.

Higher Rainfall Than Central Neighbors

The county's 48.6 inches of rain is higher than Davidson’s 45.5 inches. While local snowfall data is limited, its 40 extreme heat days are identical to Edgecombe's count.

Cool Winters and Humid Summer Peaks

Januarys average a cool 38.4°F, while July brings an average of 77.9°F. Summer humidity is a major factor during the 40 days that top 90°F.

Maintain Cooling and Rain Prep

Focus on air conditioning maintenance to survive the 40 days of extreme summer heat. Residents should also plan for a wet climate given the 48.6 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Durham County

via SoilByCounty

Moderate acidity in the Research Triangle

Durham County soil has a pH of 5.36, which is actually less acidic than the state average of 5.14. It still trends more acidic than the national 6.5 median, but it is relatively balanced for North Carolina.

Dense silt and clay components

With 49.4% sand and a high 32.4% silt content, Durham’s soil has a finer texture than its coastal neighbors. The 16.3% clay helps with nutrient retention, though it can make the ground feel heavy when wet.

Top-tier water capacity for dry spells

The organic matter is low at 1.35%, but the available water capacity is excellent at 0.144 in/in. This high water storage helps local gardens remain resilient even when the state average is lower at 0.134.

Heavier soils require careful management

Classification data is limited, but the nearly 50% combined silt and clay suggests slower drainage than the coast. Avoid working the soil when it is saturated to prevent compaction and maintain healthy root zones.

Resilient gardening in Zone 8a

Zone 8a is perfect for perennial herbs and robust vegetables like kale and peppers. Focus on adding organic amendments to loosen the silty texture and your Durham garden will reward you.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Durham County

via LawnByCounty

Average Difficulty in the Bull City

Durham County offers a lawn difficulty score of 49.9, placing it exactly at the national average. It is considerably more user-friendly than the North Carolina state average of 40.8. Homeowners in this Zone 8a county can achieve a great lawn with standard Piedmont maintenance practices.

Predictable Weather for Piedmont Turf

Durham receives 48.6 inches of precipitation annually, which sits comfortably within the ideal range for grass. The county faces 40 extreme heat days, slightly higher than the state average but manageable with consistent care. The 4,272 growing degree days provide a robust but not overwhelming window for turf development.

Building on Silt and Clay

With 16.3% clay and 49.4% sand, Durham's soil provides a more balanced structure than the coastal regions. The pH of 5.36 is acidic but can be corrected to the 6.0-7.0 ideal with less effort than more eastern counties. This soil type holds onto water and fertilizer well, making your lawn care routine more efficient.

Navigating Flash Drought Events

Despite only 20 weeks of drought over the past year—the lowest in this group—the entire county is currently facing severe drought. This sudden shift highlights the need for a lawn that can handle intermittent stress. Encouraging deep root growth through proper aeration and irrigation will help your grass survive these intense dry spells.

Mixed Options for Durham Lawns

The Bull City's climate supports both Tall Fescue and Zoysia, depending on your shade levels. Aim to seed your lawn after the last frost on April 2, or target the fall for Fescue to avoid the summer heat stress. With a solid soil foundation and moderate climate, your efforts here are likely to result in a lush, green yard.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Durham County's county score?
Durham County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 34.1 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Durham County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Durham County ranks #87 among all counties in North Carolina on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Durham County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Durham County is $2,951, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns Durham County a tax score of 49.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Durham County?
The median household income in Durham County, North Carolina is $79,501 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Durham County earns an income score of 83.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Durham County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Durham County scores 34.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #87 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Durham County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Durham County with other counties side by side.

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