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
Educational attainment is the headline number in Durham County: 53.5% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 329,405 residents, Durham County is a county in North Carolina. It is the #6-largest of all counties in North Carolina nationally.
Households take in a median $79,501, comfortably near the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.1%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $351,700, with typical rent around $1,415.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US counties — 53.5% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. An unusually large 20.2% of workers are remote, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Durham County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
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.