Durham County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 6th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Durham County, North Carolina is 329,405 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 6th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $79,501, the median home value is $351,700, and the median age is 35.8.
The population of Durham County has grown 26.6% since 2010 (271,366 → 343,628), a +1.70% annualized rate.
329,405
Population
+1.70%
Annual growth
1146
People / sq mi
$79,501
Median Income
$351,700
Median Home Value
Durham County covers 288 sq mi of land at 1145.6 people per square mile.
About Durham County, NC
Durham County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 329,405. It ranks #6 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 35.8, younger than the national median. The population is 48.0% male and 52.0% female.
The median household income in Durham County is $79,501, above the US median of $74,580. 8.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $351,700, with monthly rent averaging $1,415. The homeownership rate of 55.0% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Durham County reflects 53.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 20.2% of workers primarily work from home, noticeably above the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.9 minutes each way.
Durham County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Durham County had a population of 271,366 in 2010 and 343,628 in 2024, a 26.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 343,628 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.70%.
343,628
Population (2024)
271,366
Population (2010)
343,628
Peak (2024)
1.70%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 271,366 |
| 2011 | 276,609 |
| 2012 | 282,757 |
| 2013 | 288,856 |
| 2014 | 295,324 |
| 2015 | 301,014 |
| 2016 | 308,105 |
| 2017 | 312,466 |
| 2018 | 317,478 |
| 2019 | 322,969 |
| 2020 | 322,505 |
| 2021 | 326,826 |
| 2022 | 331,568 |
| 2023 | 337,238 |
| 2024 | 343,628 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 45.5% |
| Black or African American | 33.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
35.8
Median Age
52.0%
Female
48.0%
Male
14.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.9% · Seniors (65+): 14.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $79,501+$9,597 vs state |
| Mean household income | $109,585 |
| Per-capita income | $46,931 |
| Poverty rate | 8.1%-1.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Durham County is professional & business services, accounting for 33.7% of workers.
How residents commute
2.0%
Drive alone
2.1%
Carpool
65.8%
Public transit
20.2%
Work from home
22.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$351,700+$92,300 vs state
Median home value
$1,415
Median rent
55.0%
Homeownership rate
149,150
Total housing units
92.9%
Occupied
7.1%
Vacant
45.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.4%
With health insurance
96.8%
With broadband internet
37.5%
Foreign-born
5.3%
Veterans (18+)
9.9%
With a disability
79.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.7%
High School+
53.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Durham County, North Carolina has a population of 329,405 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 6th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 1146 people per square mile.
The population of Durham County has grown 26.6% since 2010 (271,366 → 343,628), a +1.70% annualized rate.
The median household income in Durham County, North Carolina is $79,501, with mean (average) household income of $109,585 and per-capita income of $46,931. 8.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Durham County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (45.5%), Black or African American (33.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Durham County, North Carolina is 35.8 years. Residents are 52.0% female and 48.0% male.
The median home value in Durham County is $351,700 and median monthly rent is $1,415. 55.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 149,150 total housing units, 7.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Durham County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 33.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Durham County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
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Full rankings of North Carolina counties
Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.